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FunTimes Magazine

William Ramsey

William P. Ramsey is Founder/Director of Voices of Soul Concert Chorale of Philadelphia, PA, an intergenerational vocal ensemble dedicated to preserving the art and legacy of African-American music. He often uses the ensemble to compose original settings and conduct vocal arrangements. Ramsey serves as the music Director of the West Philadelphia Baptist Congress of Christian Education Youth Commission Mass Choir. The choir presents an annual musical tribute to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has curated the program over the past five years.

Ramsey is also a soloist for the award winning and internationally-acclaimed, Jeremy Winston Chorale. He has accompanied the Chorale throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe. He is also a teaching assistant at the Independence Charter School in Philadelphia, where he facilitates lessons of course work for elementary school-aged students. Strategizing and implementing effective academic and social practices are part of his responsibilities

How did you figure out what your passion is?

A great passion of mine is music. I am a solo vocalist, chorus member, and choir director. I began singing at an early age with the children and youth’s choirs of my church, Vine Memorial Baptist
Church in Philadelphia. As a young child attending church, I was captivated by the music, the interpretations of the vocalists and instrumentalists and the wonderful feelings the music impressed upon me.

As time progressed, my family involved me in various musical efforts within my church and the local community, which soon evolved to performing professionally at large concert venues alongside prominent performing vocalists, instrumentalists, and conductors.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

I have been blessed to sing throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe as a soloist and chorus member with both the Intermezzo Choir Ministry under the direction of the late Dr. Verolga Nix and the Jeremy Winston Chorale under the direction of Jeremy Winston. I consider those opportunities significant for I am serving the world as a cultural music ambassador: helping to bridge the gap across physical, spiritual, and social landscapes. Aside from music, the most rewarding aspect of my journey is the support of my family. 

What else would you like to accomplish?

As I grow closer to the age of 30, I’ve realized that I ought to pursue my goal of graduate studies in the field of education with the hope of becoming a certified school teacher. Since completing my undergraduate studies at Wilberforce University in 2012, I have been serving in schools throughout the city of Philadelphia as an academic practitioner despite my desire of becoming a teacher one day.

I have experience teaching in the traditional classroom setting by facilitating workshops and directing choirs. The time to begin this new chapter that has been “waiting in the wings” has finally arrived.

What advice would you give to other young people beginning their careers?

My advice to anyone, particularly young people beginning their careers is to create a timeline for goals they would like to accomplish. Whatever career interests you, choose to pursue, please seek out a support team of trusted individuals, preferably related to your interest. One of my favorite scriptures states, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4 (NIV). Lastly, please be receptive to constructive criticism (feedback to build you up while in pursuit of goals) and always possess a student’s mentality because professions constantly evolving, so should you.

What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?

Historically, Africans were born to royalty! We are descendants of Kings and Queens, so we ought to live our lives as the Kings and Queens we are. It is indeed, a goal of mine to first become more knowledgeable of the great legacy and culture of African-Americans, thus being able to see myself in the bigger picture of who I am and ultimately can become.

Nominated by Sandra Lawrence