About AMCO | The Associated Male Choruses of Ontario

About AMCO

The Associated Male Choruses of Ontario (AMCO) is a network of Ontario male choruses founded in 1952 to promote participation and excellence in men's choral singing. Originally affiliated with the Associated Male Choruses of America (1924) for 51 years, AMCO hosted and attended "Big Sings" on both sides of the border until 2003, when it became fully independent to focus on strengthening a regional organization.

Today, guided by "Singing for Life!", AMCO supports healthy, inter-generational community singing through workshops and its annual "Ontario Sings" concerts, hosted in rotation by member choruses. AMCO also awards annual scholarships to encourage young singers and shares chorus "best practices" and resources for members.

Honorary Life membership may be granted by the AMCO Board for distinguished service to male chorus music in Ontario. Current Honorary Life members are Tom Rayner, Bill Bales, and Harry Learoyd.

AMCO Timeline

The growth of AMCO over time

May 15, 1952

AMCO is Founded

A group of Ontario male choirs forms the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario (AMCO) to promote men's choral singing in the province.

Sept. 1, 1952

Cross-Border Affiliation Begins

AMCO applies for and gains membership in the Associated Male Choruses of America (founded in 1924), launching a long-term partnership.

July 20, 1995

Big Sings

AMCO choruses begin regularly attending Big Sings in the United States and hosting Big Sings in Ontario, bringing choirs together from both organizations.

June 15, 2003

AMCO Becomes Independent

With member support, AMCO withdraws from the Associated Male Choruses of America to focus on strengthening a regional Ontario organization.

Oct. 1, 2004

Ontario Scholarship Program Launched

AMCO establishes an Ontario-based scholarship program to encourage and support young singers.

Apr. 10, 2006

Annual Workshops Expand

AMCO grows its workshop offerings to support performance improvement and increase singing enjoyment for members.

May 25, 2008

Ontario Sings

The Big Sing tradition continues in AMCO's annual "Ontario Sings" concerts, hosted in rotation by member choruses, combining massed and individual performances.

Nov. 2, 2024

Renewal & Best Practices Initiative

AMCO undertakes a renewal process forcused on strategy and sharing chorus "best practices," made available to members.

Feb. 1, 2025

Honorary Life Recognition

AMCO continues its tradition of awarding "Honorary Life" membership for distinguished service to male chorus music in Ontario (including Tom Rayner, Bill Bales, and Harry Learoyd).

Member Chorus Contacts

Contact details supplied by AMCO member choruses.

Brant Men of Song

Contact: Mike W.

Brantford, Ontario

Burlington Welsh Male Chorus

Contact: John B.

Burlington, Ontario

Cambridge Male Chorus

Contact: Nelson C.

Cambridge, Ontario

Guelph Male Choir

Contact: Randal W.

Guelph, Ontario

MenAloud! Chorus

Contact: John C.

Toronto, Ontario

Niagara Men's Chorus

Contact: Tony J.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

What's Happening

Each year, AMCO choruses take turns hosting an Ontario mass chorus and individual chorus festival. In addition, AMCO sponsors workshops and helps improving individual and chorus singing.

View Event Schedule

Get Involved

For individuals, usually no experience is necessary, just contact your closest AMCO chorus to find out how to join. If you are in a male chorus which is not in AMCO, and wish to know more about chorus membership in AMCO, please click on the button below.

Inquire to Join AMCO