Columbus Gay Men's Chorus Makes History at Conference

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) made history on February 2 when they became the first LGBTQ+ chorus invited to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) Winter Conference in Columbus.

Since 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (“CGMC”) has been an outlet for LGBTQ+ community members who love to sing in a non-auditioned, inclusive environment. The Chorus has grown in its over 30 years to a consistent composition of well over 100 members of multiple sexual orientations and gender identities. It is now the largest TTBB (tenor, baritone, bass vocal range) chorus in Ohio.

For OMEA, the chorus performed a range of songs including “Freedom” by Beyonce, “When We Were Young” by Adele and “I Am America” by Shea Diamond.

“I knew the conference was going to be in Columbus and I’ve felt that for over the last year, CGMC has really been producing top quality sound,” said Brayton Bollenbacher, Artistic Director of the Chorus. “I thought it was time for us to apply.”

OMEA is the principal organization in Ohio promoting music education in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges and universities. OMEA members are involved at all levels of music education, serving more than 1.7 million public school students in 613 public school districts and 108 colleges and universities in Ohio.

Bollenbacher submitted three recordings best demonstrating the sound of the Chorus to OMEA in a blind audition. Using a rubric in each musical area, audition tapes are evaluated by OMEA, and efforts are made to represent a variety of genres and types of ensembles.

“OMEA champions music education and embraces performing ensembles across diverse levels and backgrounds,” said Mark Hensler, Director of Professional Development and Conference Management for OMEA. “Community groups play a vital role in solidifying music-making as an inclusive, lifelong pursuit. In essence, they represent the realization of a music educator’s objectives.”

CGMC’s over 100 members represent a diverse cross-section of central Ohio, and includes in its ranks a number of educators. For many, the group’s participation in the Conference was personal.

“As a music educator and a member of CGMC, it is so important to me that we are performing at the Winter Professional Development Conference,” said Taylor Hardy, a section leader in CGMC. “In my educational experience, there is little to no training on how we can best support our students when it comes to LGBTQIA+ topics. Many teachers learn as they go and when they experience it firsthand.”

“Between my own coming out story and hearing the stories of those in Chorus, I started to learn how I could better support my students during this time,” Hardy continued. “I believe CGMC’s performance at OMEA will provide a great opportunity for other educators to learn more about the community, for those who aren’t as informed, but also share guidance for what they can do for their students.”

Forte for all

To continue their storied legacy, GCMC announced the return of its annual fundraising gala, “Forte,” which will be headlined by local drag superstar Nina West. West was featured on Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and was crowned Miss Congeniality in the internationally-recognized competition.

Forte will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 6pm at the historic Lincoln Theatre Ballroom in Columbus. In addition to having the chance to rub elbows with drag royalty, attendees will enjoy a performance by CGMC’s own auditioned ensemble, Vox, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction, and a certified “who’s who” of the Columbus LGBTQ+ community.

“The community should attend Forte and support CGMC to be part of an inclusive and transformative experience that promotes diversity, acceptance, and change through the power of music,” said Donovan Jones, Executive Director of CGMC. “Supporting CGMC through events like Forte allows the chorus to continue its mission and expand its impact on the community. It’s an opportunity for individuals to contribute to a cause that not only supports the arts but also advocates for social justice and equality. Additionally, attending Forte is a way to celebrate community achievements, enjoy quality entertainment, and engage with like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive difference in Columbus.” 🔥