Appalachian Men's Ensemble
The Appalachian Men’s Ensemble celebrates 10 years of singing and fellowship this year.
“When the Appalachian Men’s Ensemble was formed in 2013, the group was dedicated to providing a wide variety of singing opportunities to men from our region and conducted by long-time East Tennessee State University professor Tom Jenrette. So, we are happy to say that AMEn is turning 10 years old in 2023,” Noah DeLong, artistic director, says.
AMEn performs a variety of musical genres and styles, including secular and sacred songs from the late Middle Ages to the present. Concerts feature a cappella pieces, accompanied songs, pop arrangements and classical works in various languages.They also regularly feature guest instrumental or vocal soloists.
“On a musical level, the essential physical properties of scoring for a men’s ensemble creates a unique aesthetic experience that is unmatched by mixed choruses. More importantly, our ensemble welcomes men from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to work together toward a common goal - bringing excellence and musical artistry to our audiences. Along the way, we strive to be a place where men are encouraged to develop their vocal and musical skills and find a sense of belonging and community. Our singers find AMEn to be a rewarding outlet for both musical expression and fellowship with a friendly group of people. Also, I’ve been told that our rehearsals are fun.
“AMEn is committed to engaging audiences through musical precision, passion and commonality. With a dual sense of spirited fraternity and professional excellence, AMEn aims to bring a variety of choral music to our community, and to educate, inspire and entertain audiences through its activities,” DeLong says.
The group typically performs three concert cycles per year, with at least two performances in various locations throughout the Tri-Cities. Two special concerts celebrating their 10th anniversary are planned for Friday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, and Saturday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. at Gray United Methodist Church. (see separate story) These concerts feature two guest soloists, two world-premiere pieces written specifically for the Appalachian Men’s Ensemble, as well as favorite pieces from each of their previous seasons.
Open auditions are held twice a year, and individual auditions can also be made by emailingnoah@appmensensemble.org. Interested singers are asked to prepare a short solo in any style and will be taught a small number of vocal exercises to assess vocal range and musical ability.
DeLong, artistic director of the Appalachian Men’s Ensemble since 2018, is an active conductor, educator, tenor soloist and collaborative pianist.DeLong is a professor of music at Milligan University, where he oversees the choral program, conducts the Concert Choir and leads the select a cappella ensemble, Heritage. In addition, he serves as the choir director at Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City. A native of Indiana, he holds degrees from Taylor University, Ball State University and The University of Iowa.
“Even as we celebrate a decade of incredible music-making and community building, we are eagerly looking forward to the future of our organization. Supporters are invited to contribute to our vision of expanded community engagement and educational outreach by contributing to our 10th anniversary fundraising campaign,” DeLong says.
For more information about the group or to donate, visit www.appmensensemble.org.
