Mastersingers Inc. records

The Mastersingers was formed in Cookeville, Tennessee in 1978. It originated with community members who all had a desire to sing. Dr. David Urness served as the first choral director. It was Mr. and Mrs. Urness along with Alice Derryberry who formulated the idea of forming the group. The choral group started out small with just eighteen members but steadily grew, and would eventually incorporate as Mastersingers Inc.

As of 2016, the Mastersingers were based out of Tennessee Technological University. Member were historically associated with the university, but it was not a requirement. Students can and did join the Mastersingers, but many members were regular citizens of Cookeville and surrounding areas. It also provides a scholarship to two eligible Tennessee Tech Music students a year for performing with the ensemble. Since its creation, the Mastersingers had hundreds of choral members and performed before thousands of audience members. The ensemble has performed choral music in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, as well as at Carnegie Hall in 2018. The ensemble took a temporary hiatus in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 virus, but resumed normal rehersals in fall 2021. That semester also featured the first outdoor concert for the group.