Plaza Live, Orlando December 13 @7:30 December 14 @ 4:00
Theater, Sanford December 15 @ 7:30
Harold Wright, Artistic Director
Welcome to today’s performance of “Gay Bells Ring: Are You Listening?” featuring the Orlando Gay Chorus. We are truly grateful that you made our performance part of your holiday season. As Artistic Director, it is my honor to conduct this group of outstanding singers and dancers and to work alongside the artistic staff, including pianist Sue Glerum and Associate Artistic Director Jenny Cate Hodil. We couldn’t do this work without the chorus volunteers who serve as support, our guest instrumentalists, and our ASL friends, led by Professor Debbie Drobney from Valencia College!
Finally, we cannot thank you enough for your patronage and support of the Orlando Gay Chorus. We are one of the largest mixed-voice LGBTQIA+ choruses in the United States—now celebrating our 35th year. Due in part to your support, we will continue to grow and make a difference not only in Orlando but across Florida and beyond.
Sleigh Bells Ring—correction—Gay Bells Ring will bring joy and laughter to all. We have songs that represent just a few of the 17 holidays that happen during this time of the year. The dings of our bells are sure to bring a jingle of holiday happiness to all who listen. Now we invite you to sit back, let it go, and enjoy "Gay Bells Ring: Are You Listening?"
Jenny Cate Hodil, Associate Artistic Director
JC Hodil holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Master of Music from Northwestern University. She has taught music in Central Florida public schools for fifteen years and currently serves as the chorus teacher at Davenport School of the Arts in Polk County. Now in her third season as Associate Artistic Director of the Orlando Gay Chorus, JC is dedicated to fostering musical excellence, artistic expression, and inclusive community through choral music.
Sue Glerum,Principal Accompanist
Sue Glerum earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory from Stetson University and her Master of Music degree in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music. She is a Music Specialist at the University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts, where she teaches Music Theory, serves as a collaborative pianist for musical theatre, voice, and acting classes, and coaches students in voice. This is Sue’s 17th year with OGC.
Sandra Lee, Chair, Board of Directors
To our OGC family and all who believe in the power of song, Welcome to Gay Bells Ring - Are You Listening? and to the continuation of our 35th Anniversary celebration! What an incredible journey it has been — three and a half decades of music, laughter, resilience, and love. Tonight, we ring in the holidays OGCstyle, filled with joy, pride, and a little sparkle that only this chorus can bring.
From our earliest days to this moment, the Orlando Gay Chorus has stood as a beacon of hope and harmony - a place where every voice matters and every note tells a story. We've sung through triumphs and challenges, always with hearts open and spirits high, because of you: our audience, our community, our chosen family.
As our gay bells ring and our trans bell guides us from song to song, may this evening remind you that unity, joy, and authenticity are the truest gifts of the season. Thank you for believing in the power of music to connect hearts and for standing with us as we continue to build a world that is more inclusive, more compassionate, and more beautiful—one note at a time.
With gratitude and pride...
Mimi Batista
Genesis Brletic
Meet the Chorus
Sopranos
Kate Moriello
Katie Murphy
Nicole Bynum
Anne Campbell
Dani Chamness
Elaine Corriveau
Zoe Crocker
Erin Davenport
Stefanie Edwards
Florence Galbraith
Jess Gilmer
Daisy Herrera
Jenna Horwitz
Annaset Jackson
Lyra Light
Stephanie Madow
Chrissy McIlwraith
Sarah Milowic
Pat Andrews
Daiki Anjiki
Patrick Braden
MJ Buhrer
David Collazos
Daniel Compton
Joseph Cotto
Donna Dorworth
Linda Fessel
Craig Froehlich
Damon Fuller
John Garity
Daniel Konietzko
Russell Macomber
Marty Manuel
Jerrold Mathers
Jasper McGarey
Scott Meegan
Kristen Murphy
Julia Nicholas
Crystal Nix
Jacs Pavlat
Kailey Peel
Tori Reese
Heather Reid
Rebecca Reyes
Emma Strange
Carol Studer
Allison Taylor
Frankie Valentine-Ithier
Jayda Van Allen
Annie Van Hissenhoven
Ethel West
Tenors
TJ Meegan
Adrian Peck
Scott Peterson
Jostein Quintana
Michael Reuther
Jesus Rodriguez
Robert J. Schneider
Ron Schorsch
Dwight V. Shropshire
Karen Skuderin
Terry Smith
Joshua Soto
Garrett Spurlin
Kira Stone
Reed Abbott
Cristina Bay
Mae Boza
Korey Carter
Brianna Cipriani
Amanda De La Cruz
Janie Drummond
Ellen Ducarpe
Diane Finnemore
Altos
Ana Martinez
Amy Miley
Diana Miller
Adriana Nelsen-Gross
Angel Nixon
Kesha Pender
Doreen Ratigan
Dyamond Robinson
Kay Salzgeber
BriandaGonzalezReyes
Jaime Hall
Brandi Hardy
Sarah Jackson
Taryn Lea Kalsch
Robin Koman
Sandra Lee
Karlie Malinchok
Samantha Martin
Clinton Anderson
Fred Berliner
Douglas Bringle
Stephen Brooks
Edwin D Callaghan
Matt Coffey
Jackson Davis
Paul Driver
Lane Edelson
John Fleming
William Gear
Michael Gillis
Tim Gorka
Tim Gough
Rana Scherer
Elizabeth Sheagren
Carolyn Walence
Jenny Weatherford
Basses
Nicholas Jewell
Jeremy Kosluk
Richard Lamberty
Aiden Lesnick
Matthew Limerick
Adam Mayo
Wilfredo Morales
Zachary Morrison
Joshua Torres Hassett
Dreck Underwood
Bill Yahner
Marc Zurich
Jay Green
Frederick Hodgin
Benjamin Humpal-Pash
Keith Morton
Robb Noll
Billy Polaczek
Craig Thompson
MichaelRashawnWalker
Stephen Brooks
Paul Driver
Marty Manuel
TJ Meegan
Dwight Shropshire Ménage
OUTLOUD
!
Patrick Braden
Doreen Ratigan
Michael Gillis
Jeremy Kosluk
Adam Mayo
Wilfredo Morales
Genderevolution
Reed Abbott
MJ Buhrer
Ellen Ducarpe
Jeremy Kosluk
Jacs Pavlat
Robb Noll
Joshua Soto
Ethel West
Nothin’ But Treble
Elaine Corriveau
Jenny Cate Hodil
Sarah Jackson
Taryn Kalsch
Robin Koman
Sandra Lee
Amy Miley
Sarah Milowic
Kate Moriello
Dyamond
Robinson
Carol Studer
Spectrum
Steve Brooks
MJ Buhrer
Dani Chamness
Elaine Corriveau
Liz Cortello
Janie Drummond
John Fleming
Karlie Malinchok
Marty Manuel
Sarah Milowic
Sean Mundyschein
Adriana NelsenGross
Adrian Peck
Scott Petersen
Emma Strange
Carol Studer
Marc Zurich
Footnote Dancers
Laurel Ardner
Chrissy Boge
Alecia Boon
Erin Davenport
Legend
Section
Founding
Choreographer
Stefanie Edwards
Jess Gilmer
Frederick Hodgin
Sarah Jackson
Reed Abbott
Mimi Batista
Genesis Brletic
Jackson Davis
Russ Macomber
Ana Martinez
Sarah Milowic
Rebecca Reyes
Joshua Soto
Carol Studer
Joshua Torres
Frankie Valentine Ithier
Dwight Shropshire
Ethel West
ACT ONE
Variations On “Jingle
Bells”
Words and Music by James Pierpont
Arranged by Mark Hayes
Additional Words by Mark Hayes
Soloist: Emma Strange
Sponsored by Marty Manuel and Frank Arcidiacano
"We are thrilled tosponsor this song as a thank you to OGC for being a part of our extended family! May this holiday season bless each of you with health, happiness and love!"
Ding-A-Ding-A-Ding
Words and Music by Greg Gilpin
A La Nanita Nana
Traditional Spanish Carol
Arranged by Victor C Johnson
Volveré a Casa
(I'll Be Home For Christmas)
SOLO
Words and music by Kim Gannon and Mark Kent
Arranged by Paul Langford
Translated by Mimi Batista
At This Table
Genderevolution
Words and Music by Jonas Myrin and Idina Menzel
Arranged by Mac Huff
Harambee
Words & Music by Robert I. Hugh
Coming Out On Christmas
Words by Craig Sturgis
Arranged by Dean X Johnson
Soloists: Mae Boza, Annaset Jackson, Doreen Ratigan
Santa Lost A Ho OUTLOUD!
Words and Music by Paul Rogers
Arranged by Tim Sarsany
Joy
(with "Joy to the World”)
Arranged by Dave Maddux
Soloists: Kesha Pender & Marc Zurich
Sponsored by Anonymous - “For Thom, 43 years, we’re both so lucky!”
ACT TWO
Making Christmas
Words and Music by Danny Elfman
Arranged by Mark Brymer
Thankful
Words and Music by Carole Bayer
Sager, David Foster and Richard Page
Arranged by Mark Hayes
Soloist: Rana Scherer
Sponsored by Sheri Kettula "Thankful to OGC, for without this chorus, I may never have met my wonderful wife!"
Up On The Housetop
Nothin’ But Treble
Words and Music by B.R. Hanby
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Parody lyrics by Robin Koman
Sponsored by Nothin' But Treble
"NBT celebrates sapphic love and sends thanks to our director, Elaine, and choreographer, Frank, for making us shine!"
Vuelie
Upper Voices
Words and Music by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck
Let It Go
Words and Music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Arranged by Mac Huff
Soloist: Kate Murphy
Twinkly Lights
Lower Voices
Words and Music by Kelvin ChowMin Yu, Loren Bouchard, Steven
Andrew Davis and Timothy Dacey
Arranged by Christopher D Littlefield
Soloist: Joshua Soto
A Muppet Christmas
Carol Medley
Spectrum
Words and Music by Paul Williams
Arranged by Ryan O’Connell
Sponsored by Lynn & Dan Bachrach
"To OGC - I will hold you close with a thankful heart!"
Let It Ring, Let It Swing, Let It Snow Ménage
Arranged by Mac Huff
Sponsored by Paul Driver
"Celebrating 38 AMAZING years with my husband, Stephen Brooks! I love you so very much!"
Light The Legend
Words by Susan Nurenberg
Music by Michael Isaacson
Sponsored by Sammy Goldstein
"In honor of my husband, Bill Yahner, singing with OGC for 28 years. Happy Chanukah."
Winter Wonderland
Words by Dick Smith
Music by Felix Bernard
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Sponsored by Gene Schorsch
“OGC - what you do is amazing and goes beyond just singing. Thank you! Great job Ron!”
N-O-E-L
Words and Music by Jacques Morall, Henri Belolo and Victor Willis
Arranged by Roger Emerson
Parody Words by Furnace and the Fundamentals
Sandra Lee, Chair
Marty Manuel, Vice Chair
Steven Miller, Treasurer
Sean Mundyschein, Secretary
Carol Studer, Council President
Mario Boza, Member-at-large
Mrynal D’Arcangelo, Member-at-large
Vanessa Deleon, Member-at-large
Janie Drummond, Member-at-large
Dennis Dunham, Member-at-large
Marcus Ealy, Member-at-large
Davey Jay, Member-at-large
Complete Program 2025-2026 Board of Directors
Carol Studer, President
Scott Peterson, Vice President
Jenna Horwitz, Finance Officer
Jackson Davis, Secretary
Anne Campbell, Member-at-large
Janie Drummond, Member-at-large
Sandra Lee, Member-at-large
https://bit.ly/OGCProgram
https://www.orlandogaychorus.org/join
https://bit.ly/OGCGBRSurvey
www.orlandogaychorus.org/give
https://bit.ly/4iPDNQP
https://www.orlandogaychorus.org/shows
Our Mission
To create a community that affirms diversity through the performing arts.
Our Vision
To create impactful change in the community as a proactive force for equity, inclusion, and authenticity.
Our Values
The chorus is committed to:
• Providing high quality, skilled performances in an environment that maintains an atmosphere of integrity, honesty and mutual respect.
• Offering educational, cultural, and social enrichment for our members and our audience through excellence in the arts.
• Making our performances accessible to all people.
About OGC
The Orlando Gay Chorus(OGC)is one of the largest mixed LGBTQIA+ choruses in the country. Founded on Valentine's Day in 1990, OGC has been a fixture in the Central Florida area for over 35 years. In addition to the full chorus, OGC has six small ensembles that perform at the annual concerts and cabarets, as well as at community and private events.
Comprised of LGBTQ+ individuals and many allies from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds, OGC warmly welcomes all who would like to join them in their goal of changing hearts and minds in Central Florida and throughout the world.
The members of the chorus, now 100+ strong, are thankful to be able to carry on the mission and vision. The musical artistry speaks directly to the pride in the LGBTQ+ community and offers the world a chance to see beyond headlines and contentious social issues to build bridges of understanding and love.
As part of the Central Florida Arts Community, the Orlando Gay Chorus often performs at Central Florida pride events, sporting events, and various other community engagements. In addition to our two main stage concerts in December and May, we present smaller cabarets and take our show on the road at least once a year to cities outside of Orlando, like Sanford, Ormond Beach, Cocoa, Winter Haven, and more.
The Orlando Gay Chorus has performed in many GALA(Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) Festivals, most memorably during the 2016 Denver festival... shortly after the Pulse tragedy. It was immensely impactful to perform in front of an audience of 3000 GALA Chorus members and supporters from around the world.
In the years since the Pulse tragedy, OGC and its ensembles continue to be ambassadors of hope and healing to the victims' families, survivors, and those affected by the Pulse tragedy, performing in over 150 Pulserelated community engagements in the first year alone.
Due to its 30+ years of service to the community, OGC was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast & Center Awards by the LGBT+ Center in Orlando.
Despite rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and attacks, OGC continues to be a beacon of light in dark times. Thanks to the unbelievable work of volunteer singers, the artistic team, leaders, and support, OGC not only performs, but accomplishes life-saving and community affirming work.
The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit arts and humanitarian organization.
Corporate Members
Frank Arcidiacono
Sandra Renee Arozqueta
Mary Blake
Mario Boza
Liz Cortello
Mrynal (Moo) D’Arcangelo
Vanessa Deleon
Dennis Dunham
Craig Evans
Eric Fields
Dawn Finnermore
galamity
Kat Gillespie
Leslie Gostin
Jane Green
Notable
Davey Jay
Sheri Kettula
Steven Miller
Sean Mundyschein
Melody Negron
Angel Nixon
Michael Ottinger
Melinda Potts-Cerio
Karen Rabinowitz
Chip Reif
Nic Rowden
Brittni Van Horn
Marv Villiard
Stephen Weaver Jr.
Alyssa Weech
Luminaries
Notable Luminaries are community leaders who are champions for OGC and help spread OGC's mission throughout Central Florida and beyond.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Dr. Anna V. Eskamani
Commissioner Patty Sheehan
Senator Linda Stewart George Wallace
Honorary Members
Honorary Membership is the highest honor bestowed upon members of our Chorus family. This award recognizes chorus members who have gone above and beyond in leadership, dedication, and support for OGC over the years.
Fred Berliner
John Cabrera
Dr. Charlie Callahan
Debbie Drobney
PJ Finster
Dan Jones
Sheri Kettula
Matthew LaVictoire
Robb Noll
Dennis Pierce
Chip Reif
Stephen Rheaume
Special Thanks
David Schuler
Joel Strack
Carol Studer
Terry Thomas
Marv Villiard
Linn Wheeler
To all the box office staff, ushers, production crew, Board of Directors at: Ritz Theater.
To all the box office staff, ushers, production crew at the Plaza Live
United Arts of Central Florida, Florida Council On Arts & Culture, and Central Florida Foundation.
United Arts Collaborative Campaign Give to OGC
Loved your concert experience? Would you like to support the Orlando Gay Chorus in their mission and vision? Please consider giving to the United Arts Collaborative Arts Campaign. Every donation, from $1 to $5000 (or more) makes a great impact - and unlocks matching funds, which means your donation goes even further. Donate through April 30, 2026 at https://www.unitedartscfl.org/orlandogaychorus
Legacy of Song
Members in the "Legacy of Song" have included the Orlando Gay Chorus in their estate planning through bequests or planned gifts of insurance, retirement funds or stock. OGC deeply appreciates the generosity of these individuals. For more information visit www. orlandogaychorus.org/planned-giving
Pat Andrews
Michael Arthur
Frederick Berliner
Hasse Brandt
Stephen Brooks
Beverly J. Campbell
Paul Driver
Dorothy Kuhlman
Brian Lorenz
Dennis Pierce
Doreen Ratigan
Stephen Rhéaume
James Rode
Michael Slaymaker
Katie and Dan Shaw
Carol Studer
Linn Wheeler
Silent Auction and Raffle Donors
Individuals
Pat Andrews
Fred Berliner
Chrissy Boge
Chris Booth
Janie Drummond
Linda Fessel
Craig Heyer
Jenna Horwitz
Dan Konietzko
Sandra Lee
Scott Peterson
Doreen Ratigan
Mike Reuther & Dennis Hargis
Marv Villiard
Businesses
Central Florida Zoo
Crayola Connection
Dani Chamness Hair
Dr. Phillips Center
Heather A French Art
Kia Center
Orlando Ballet
Orlando Family Stage
Orlando Gay Chorus
Orlando Shakes
Orlando Solar Bears
Roque Pub
Timucua Arts Foundation
Total Wine & More
OGC Memorial Funds
Michael J. Ames GALA Fund
Michael was a long-term singing member in the bass section of OGC. He was involved with many fundraising activities and our annual Toys for Tots campaign. Going to the GALA Festival was his favorite event because he was able to share his passion for music and singing. Mike participated with the Metropolitan Business Association, Come Out With Pride, and more. He worked for The Watermark and Pinero Preventive Medical Care.
The Michael J. Ames GALA Fund was established to help OGC attend the GALA Festival. It offsets chorus registration fees, flights, hotel stays,
and other expenses. The fund is endowed by Pinero Preventive Medical Care. Longtime supporters of the chorus, Dr Rafael E. Pinero and his husband OGC Alumnus Dennis Dunham, make an annual contribution to this fund and it is their wish that you will join them and contribute as well. Whether you want to honor Mike, or care deeply about the GALA Festival, please consider a donation.
To donate, visit www.orlandogaychorus.org and specify "Michael J. Ames GALA Fund" in donation notes.
Paul R. Ericson Medical Fund
The Paul R. Ericson Fund honors one of Orlando Gay Chorus' founding members. Paul was a charter member, Tenor II Section Leader extraordinaire, and friend of all.
The Paul R. Ericson Fund was established in 1991 as a means of providing emergency financial assistance to Orlando Gay Chorus members who, due to a medical condition, need help in meeting their medical and non-medical financial obligations.
To donate, visit www.orlandogaychorus.org and specify "Paul R. Ericson Fund" in donation notes. Your gift helps keep Paul's dream alive and be part of the powerful tradition born out of our community's response to AIDS.
Matthew was a long-term singing member in the baritone section of OGC who served on the Board of Directors, as outreach coordinator, and on a number of committees as leadership in the chorus. He was selected to receive an honorary membership to the organization. The Matthew LaVictoire Scholarship Fund was established as a means of providing a limited number of scholarships to OGC members to reduce the financial commitment required to join the Chorus.
The Matthew LaVictoire Memorial Scholarship Fund is funded by OGC and donations from members and friends of OGC.
To donate, visit www.orlandogaychorus.org and specify the "Matthew LaVictoire Scholarship Fund" in the donation notes.
Bill Blacklock Leadership Fund
The Bill Blacklock Leadership Fund was established in honor of our dearly departed brother in song, Bill Blacklock. Bill joined the Orlando Gay Chorus in 2012. He was a member of the bass section, the ensemble Spectrum, served as Chair of the Board of Directors, Come Out with PRIDE Chair, Co-Chair of the Membership committee, and was a fixture at community engagements and many other OGC events.Bill’s passionate and dedicated leadership inspired the creation of this fund. This memorial aims to empower future leaders of OGC through sponsorship of leadership development activities, such as leadership retreats, workshop presenters, and other professional development opportunities.Thank you toWayneDictor for sponsoring the start of this fund and for the Board of Directors for their matching donations.If you would like to honor Bill or are interested in developing Chorus leadership, please consider donating to the “Bill Blacklock Leadership Fund.”
