Diverse Harmony

Last updated

Diverse Harmony is an American youth chorus based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2002, it is the first Gay-Straight Alliance youth chorus in the United States. [1] [2] [3] [4] Today, Diverse Harmony is an LGBTQ-Ally youth chorus, and their stated mission is "to create a safe, affirming environment where everyone is accepted for who they are." [5] In addition to singing members, the chorus has an extensive support network of volunteers, subscribers, and donors; they are also a non-profit organization. [6] [7] [8] Diverse Harmony is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses), and was the first youth chorus to participate in a GALA Choruses Festival. [3] [4] The chorus appeared in the independent film Why We Sing, which has been screened at LGBT film festivals and on PBS stations across the United States. [4] [9]

Contents

In 2006, they became the first youth choir to perform at the Gay Games. [10]

Background

Diverse Harmony contingent marches in Seattle's 2007 gay pride parade. Diverse Harmony marching-2.jpg
Diverse Harmony contingent marches in Seattle's 2007 gay pride parade.

Washington state has over 300 gay–straight alliance clubs that are "trying to end bullying and harassment of LGBT students and promoting tolerance and acceptance for everyone in an educational atmosphere." [10] LGBT middle and high school students - roughly covering the teenaged years - have been shown to feel safer just knowing a GSA was at their school; the clubs provide support, socializing opportunities, and chances to discuss political and social issues. [10] The brainchild of original musical director Rhonda Juliano, Diverse Harmony grew out of the opportunities that many clubs offered by showcasing talents and providing a space for youth to perform for one another. [10]

Some of the kids who were gay needed a safe place to go, and they liked to express themselves through the arts. We decided that a Gay-Straight Alliance youth chorus would be the perfect place. [10]

Diverse Harmony is made up of roughly 60 choristers. [10] The group accepts young people ages 13–22, regardless of sexual orientation. [11] A select a cappella ensemble, Spectrum, was formed in 2016. Spectrum consists of members from age 21-29.

History

The group started in 2002, after music teacher Rhonda Juliano decided to form the choir to coincide with her own coming out and blending families with her partner. "During the past 20 years, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students began confiding in Rhonda. She provided the only space where they felt completely safe and free to be themselves - in her classes." [12]

On March 1, 2004, KOMO-TV's Brook Stanford became Diverse Harmony's Companis "mission worker," serving as the community outreach director. [13] In 2004, Diverse Harmony opened Seattle's pride week at Saint Mark Episcopal Cathedral with "Let There Be Pride" and shared the bill with the Seattle Women's Chorus. [14] Diverse Harmony is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses), and was the first youth chorus to participate in a GALA Choruses Festival. [3] [4] The chorus has performed twice at the International music festival put on by the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses; in 2004, at the Place des Arts in Montreal, Quebec, and again in 2008, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. [3] [4] [15] Through these associations, they became one of four choirs predominantly featured in the independent film Why We Sing!, which has been screened at LGBT film festivals and on 300 PBS stations across the United States. [4] [9] [16] [17]

In 2005, Seattle's pride week theme was "The Courage to Love," and Diverse Harmony again performed, sharing the stage with the Seattle Men's Chorus and the Seattle Women’s Chorus. [18] In 2006, the theme was "Believe," and the chorus presented at Seattle's First Baptist Church. [10] In 2006, Diverse Harmony also performed at the Interfaith Pride Service, celebrating Washington state's new Anti-Discrimination Law and the victory of Andersen v. King County . [19]

Diverse Harmony also performed at Gay Games VII in Chicago, making them the first youth choir ever to perform at the Gay Games. [10] [20] On June 2, 2007, their annual concert featured actress Alexandra Billings. [21] On October 19, 2006, Diverse Harmony was the beneficiary of "One Night Only," a "gala cabaret evening" and the last performances at Thumpers, a popular performance venue. [22] [23] [24]

Diverse Harmony's spring concert on May 30, 2008, was "Awake!," utilizing spirituality themes and exploring the human condition; "a musical collage that journey[ed] from a dark past, through a better today, and into a hopeful tomorrow." [25] [26] This was also reflected in their artistic poster, created by chorus members, incorporating, among other iconic symbols, a rainbow, likely in reference to the rainbow flag. [25]

The June 2011 show was "Double Shots & Forget-Me-Nots," a performance covering themes of acceptance and self-worth while dealing with the contemporary issues of homophobia, transphobia, bullying, and youth suicide. This original show, written by Diverse Harmony choristers Kat Miller and Adam Quillian, included musical numbers "The Gospel of Google" and "Not a Fairy Tale."

Jared Brayton Bollenbacher was the Artistic Director for Diverse Harmony from 2011 through 2017. In February 2018, Seattle director/conductor/composer/performer Eric Lane Barnes took over as Artistic Director of Diverse Harmony and the select a cappella ensemble Spectrum.

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture</span> Common culture shared by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people

LGBTQ culture is a culture shared by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It is sometimes referred to as queer culture, while the term gay culture may be used to mean either "LGBT culture" or homosexual culture specifically.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT tourism</span> Tourism marketed to LGBT people

LGBT tourism is a form of tourism marketed to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people. People might be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity at times, but less so in areas known for violence against LGBT people.

The Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses is an international association of LGBT choruses founded in 1982. In its inaugural performance 14 choruses performed together in September 1982 in San Francisco as part of the first Gay Games. It aims to foster artistic and organizational development within its member choruses. The association includes almost 10,000 vocalists in over 100 associated choruses singing as male, female and mixed ensembles in a wide variety of styles. GALA Choruses produces a large festival every four years, in addition to a number of smaller annual workshops and conferences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus</span> LGBT choral group in Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus (PGMC) is a choral organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1981, it is one of the oldest gay men's choruses in the United States, and is a cultural fixture in Philadelphia. The Chorus is affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA). The Chorus has performed with the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, Anna Crusis Women's Choir, Phialdelpha Voices of Pride (PVOP) and has participated in several GALA festivals. The chorus is currently under the artistic direction of Michael Semancik, who is serving as the interim Artistic Director following the retirement of Joseph J. Buches after 20 years of service.

The 1st World Outgames took place in Montréal, Quebec, Canada from July 26, 2006, to August 5, 2006. The international conference was held from July 26 to the 29. The sporting events were held from July 29 to August 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus</span> Worlds first openly gay mens chorus, credited with creating the LGBT choral movement

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) is the world's first openly gay chorus, one of the world's largest male choruses and the group most often credited with creating the LGBT choral movement.

Seattle Men's Chorus (SMC) is an LGBTQ community chorus based in Seattle, Washington. The group was founded in 1979, and today is, along with Seattle Women's Chorus, the largest community choral organization in North America. SMC is a member of GALA Choruses and Chorus America.

Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus (MGLC) was founded in Australia in 1990 by Lawrence McGuire (1966). The chorus was first named 'Alsounds', due to its part affiliation with the Foundation. In April 1994, the name was changed to Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus, reflecting the chorus's organizational independence and a desire to further challenge stereotypes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus</span> Gay mens chorus in Atlanta, Georgia, US

The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus (AGMC) is a nonprofit performing arts organization based in Atlanta, Georgia (US). The AGMC, along with the Atlanta Women's Chorus, are managed under their parent organization, Voices of Note.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW), is one of the oldest LGBT choral organizations in the United States. With more than 300 singing members, it is also one of the largest. The chorus's stated mission is that it "delights audiences and champions gay equality with robust artistry, fun, and surprise." In addition to singing members, GMCW has nearly 100 support volunteers, 400 subscribers, 500 donors and an annual audience of nearly 10,000. The parent organization is the Federal City Performing Arts Association, Inc., and GMCW is a member of GALA Choruses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus</span> American choral group

The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus (TCGMC) is a choral group in Minneapolis—St. Paul. The all-male chorus sings a variety of songs arranged for TTBB, ranging from Broadway show tunes to Latin motets to original compositions specially commissioned by the Chorus or written by its members.

Bet Mishpachah is a non-denominational Jewish egalitarian worshiping community and congregation that supports a synagogue, located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C., in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden Gate Men's Chorus</span> American Mens choir

Golden Gate Men's Chorus (GGMC) is a gay men's chorus founded in 1982 and located in San Francisco. The GGMC is a group of 50 ethnically and socially diverse gay and gay-supportive men. The GGMC presents spring, summer, and winter programs annually, in addition to numerous guest and community benefit performances throughout the year.

Founded in 2008 at Beijing, the Beijing Queer Chorus (北京酷儿合唱团) is now, with around 60 regular performing members, the first public performing LGBT chorus in mainland China. BQC is a member of the GALA Choruses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Crusis Women's Choir</span>

The Anna Crusis Feminist Choir is the longest-running feminist choir in the United States, founded in 1975 by Dr. Catherine Roma, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ANNA Crusis is known for its dedication to social justice, focusing on a wide range of repertoire including feminist and LGBTQ+ themes, celebrating the strength, resilience, and solidarity of marginalized communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pink Singers</span> Longest-running LGBT choir in Europe

The Pink Singers were formed on 7 April 1983, making the Pinkies the longest-running LGBT choir in Europe.

Seattle has a notably large LGBTQ community, and the city of Seattle has protected gay and lesbian workers since the passage of the Fair Employment Practice Ordinance in 1973. Seattle's LGBT culture has been celebrated at Seattle Pride which began in 1977 as Gay Pride Week. Gay cabaret traveled in a circuit including Seattle and San Francisco since the 1930s. Seattle had gay-friendly clubs and bars since the 1930s including The Casino in Underground Seattle at Pioneer Square which allowed same-sex dancing since 1930, and upstairs from it, The Double Header, in continuous operation since 1933 or 1934 until 2015, was thought to be the oldest gay bar in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catherine Roma</span> Musical artist

Catherine Roma is an American choral conductor and activist. She was a founding conductor and organizer of the US women's choral movement. She founded the feminist Anna Crusis Women's Choir in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975, the MUSE women's choir in Cincinnati in 1984, the Martin Luther King Coalition Choir in 1992, and the World House Choir in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 2012.

Seattle Women's Chorus(SWC) is a community chorus based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2002, the group is the largest LGBTQ-identified women's chorus in the world. SWC is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses) and Chorus America. Both Seattle Women's Chorus and Seattle Men's Chorus are governed by the same non-profit organization, Flying House Productions. Combined, they are the largest community chorus in North America.

References

  1. ↑ Harmanci, Reyhan (24 August 2006). "A Note On Change:'Why We Sing!' Documentary explores choral music's appeal and how it fosters community" (PDF). San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-07-29.[ dead link ]
  2. ↑ "GALA Choruses 25th Anniversary Timeline" (PDF). GALA Choruses. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-18. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Dillon, Lawrence B. (2007). "Synopsis: Why We Sing". Golden Gate Performing Arts. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "LGBT youth choir to benefit from Thumper's fundraiser One Night Only,'a gala evening of cabaret to raise funds for Diverse Harmony'". Seattle Gay News. 2006. Archived from the original on 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  5. ↑ Hastings, David Owen (2008). "About Us: Our vision is a world in which differences are celebrated!". Diverse Harmony. Archived from the original on February 24, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  6. ↑ Worley, Christopher (2006). "About Diverse Harmony". MySpace. Archived from the original on 2008-11-14. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  7. ↑ Schmader, David (13 October 2006). "The End of Thumper's". The Stranger. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  8. ↑ Hastings, David Owen (2008). "Support Diverse Harmony". Diverse Harmony. Archived from the original on February 24, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  9. 1 2 Dillon, Lawrence B. (2007). "Home: Why We Sing". Golden Gate Performing Arts. Archived from the original on 2009-02-01. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Frishberg, Manny (12 May 2006). "Gay-Straight Alliances bring out the best in area schools: Local organizations providing services to the student-led groups". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  11. ↑ "2007 Pride Listings". Seattle Gay News. 29 June 2007. Archived from the original on 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  12. ↑ McCandlish, Laura (15 March 2005). "Solidarity Through Song: Gay Choir Turns 25". Columbia News Service. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  13. ↑ Darling, Craig R. J. (8 February 2004). "David & Jonathan: Promised Love". Seattle First Baptist. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 2008-07-29. (PDF version [ dead link ])
  14. ↑ "Queer Listings". The Stranger. June 2004. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  15. ↑ Hastings, David Owen (2008). "News and Events". Diverse Harmony. Archived from the original on February 24, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  16. ↑ "Gay Liberation is Guided by Voices". Bay Area Reporter. 25 August 2006. Archived from the original on 2008-10-11. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  17. ↑ Van Iquity, Sister Dana (22 March 2007). "Center For Arts Does Grand Re-Opening". San Francisco Bay Times. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  18. ↑ McKinnon, Rick (10 June 2005). "LGBT Pride in the Northwest". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  19. ↑ McKinnon, Rick (16 June 2006). "2006 Pacific Northwest LGBT Pride". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  20. ↑ Abarbanel, Jonathan (12 July 2006). "Cultural Potpourri for GG VII". Windy City Times. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  21. ↑ McKinnon, Rick (25 May 2007). "Diverse Harmony in Concert". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on 2008-08-03. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  22. ↑ Nyman, Steve; Nathan Benedict (13 October 2006). "Last call at Thumper's - Restaurant and bar became a Seattle LGBT institution". Seattle Gay News. Archived from the original on 2008-07-19. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  23. ↑ Morin, Richard (18 October 2006). "And This Week, Again, Many Performances Are Free". Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  24. ↑ Murakami, Kery (16 October 2006). "After 21 years, Thumper's announces the final last call". Seattle Post_Intelligencier. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  25. 1 2 "Northwest News: Diverse Harmony Presents "Awake!"". Seattle Gay News. 30 May 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-04. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  26. ↑ W., Bill (15 May 2008). "Diverse Harmony LGBT youth chorus free concert". Seattle Gay Scene. Retrieved 2008-07-29.[ permanent dead link ]
  27. ↑ Doyle, JD. Queer Music Heritage (QMH), 26 June 2006, Script. "The called themselves Diverse Harmony and this song, though not released commercially, was performed by them in concerts and on television. It's called Our World."
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.