Diverse Harmony

Once again I am reminded of how much I receive from finding the gems in our community and sharing them with you.  Certainly my life is enriched as a result and I hope that yours is too!  Diverse Harmony struck a chord with me when I read about their mission statement 'to create a safe, affirming environment where everyone is accepted for who they are'.  The chorus is open to 13-22 year old gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual and trans-gendered youth and I thought if they could pull this off within this age group I would take off my leather skirt metaphorically to them.

Certainly teens with queer family members/friends or those dealing with orientation or gender issues could use as many supportive environments as possible.  I immediately talked to my own teen who loves to sing about whether she would be interested in checking out the FIRST Gay-Straight Alliance Youth chorus in the United States to see if it was a fit for her and her vocal desires.  I was thrilled when she said she was interested in checking them out.

We showed up at one of their normal Tuesday evening practices unannounced and without really knowing what to expect.  We were greeted warmly by the existing members in the group and by the Artistic Director Brent McGee.  Brent is the second director in the groups history since it began in 2002 after music teacher Rhonda Juliano formed the choir as a result of her own blending of families and coming out.

Brent relates so well to teens that one wonders if he is a teenager trapped in the body of a adult male himself.  He is a hoot and truly has a gift for creating an atmosphere of respect and fun while modeling the groups guiding values.  The members sign a contract that they will uphold themselves accountable to a standard of behavior as they represent Diverse Harmony.  I saw in action that first night that their behavior matches the vision.

Our vision...
is a world in which differences are celebrated!
The mission of Diverse Harmony, a gay/straight alliance youth chorus, is to create a safe, affirming environment where everyone is accepted for who they are.
We use our passion and the power of music to inspire the celebration of differences in our homes, community and world.
Our guiding values are:

    * Musical excellence
    * Fun and friendship
    * Respect and gratitude
    * Safety and support for being true self
    * Inclusiveness
    * Courage
    * Self-responsibility
    * Community service
We proudly invite all gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual and trans-gendered youth (ages 13-22) to participate in a choral community of their own.

 As with most successful endeavors, it takes a village of people and Jeremiah Oliver lends his musical talent as the Assistant Artistic Director/Accompianist and boy can he can play a mean piano!  He can guide the voice using the piano with seemingly no effort.  Brent and Jeremiah have vast musical experience which provides a strong foundation and are a natural fit for bringing out the fabulous in each chorus member.  To round out the village people, Michael Morgan provides the backbone by keeping the chorus on track with the countless forms that need to be filled out as well as numerous other behind the scene functions as he answers the countless same questions over and over.  Without him the focus of the chorus would be split so his attendance and calm, quiet demeanor provide such grace during practice.  He is definitely the 'go to' guy.

After introductions I left the practice but returned early enough to spy from the hallway as I wanted to hear the chorus in action (ok, spy!).  I admit I am a sentimental sap at times but I was not prepared to be so moved by this group of 10 or so teens singing (the group is near 20 as auditions have now taken place).  Sure, the songs were uplifting, inspiration, campy, fun and at times extremely moving as the theme was of inclusiveness and acceptance.  I know many of us have struggled with these issues due to our sexual orientation or gender identity and can easily relate to these themes.

The waterworks started when I noticed how supportive the group was of each other.  They created an environment where it was ok to try!  Maybe they did not know the song or part yet, or their voice was not Celine Dion that evening...YET, the group supported each person fully.  It was a gift to watch and be a part of.  A rare gift.

I found myself tapping my foot and wishing I could join the chorus (really).  The music was so FUN and it was so apparent they were having a great time while building camaraderie!  The biggest shocker of the evening was that one of the chorus members had written ALL the songs - words, music...everything.  I thought it was an established gay themed Broadway type show thingiemajigger...nope, came right out of one of the chorus members hearts.  No wonder my eye faucet was turned on.

I cannot wait to see them this weekend at the Mt Vernon 'Over the Rainbow' Festival.  It will be my daughters first performance with them and I would not miss it for anything.  I want you to save the dates of May 21st & 22nd as Diverse Harmony will perform their new musical, 'Best Friends Forever!' and I will post details here and on the Seattle Announcements Calendar.


Our guiding values are:

Fun Facts on Diverse Harmony:

• In 2006 they became the only youth choir to ever perform at the Gay Games.
• Diverse Harmony is member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses)
• First youth chorus to participate in a GALA Choruses Festival
• 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. 
•  Five years operating in the black; one in the red. Donate now to help Diverse Harmony get Back In Black.
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  Diverse Harmony is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN 20-0310808). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

From the heart,

Ms T

Thanks to Wikipedia for some of the historical information.