Orlando Gay Chorus - 35th Anniversary: A Choral Kaleidoscope Digital Program
Harold Wright, Artistic Director
Welcome to today’s performance of “35th Anniversary - A Choral Kaleidoscope!” presented by the Orlando Gay Chorus! As Artistic Director, it is my honor to conduct this group of amazing singers and dancers, as well as working alongside the artistic staff: Sue Glerum, Pianist, and Jenny Cate Hodil, Associate Artistic Director. We are also thrilled to be joined by our amazing ASL interpreter, Debbie Drobney! In addition to all of the wonderful people you see on the stage, there is also a wonderful team of support staff behind the scenes that make the Orlando Gay Chorus what it is, and I could not be more thankful for everyone involved.
The Orlando Gay Chorus was founded on Valentine’s Day in 1990. Over the years, this chorus has grown and developed into the ensemble that stand before you today. I must give thanks to all musical leaders, accompanists, ASL interpreters, and specifically the artistic directors this chorus has been under the leadership of: Dr. Charles Edmund Callahan Jr., Aubrey Connelly, Dr. David L. Brunner, Brian Bogdanowitz, Terry Thomas, Dr. James Bass, Mark W. Hardin, Absalón Figueroa, Jim Brown, Clay Price, and James Rode.
Finally, we cannot thank you enough for your patronage and support of the Orlando Gay Chorus. We are one of the largest LGBTQIA+ choruses in the United States and because of you, we will continue to grow and continue to make a difference not only in Orlando, but around Florida and beyond. Thank you for coming today and we hope to see you at our future shows!
Jenny Cate Hodil, Associate Artistic Director
Jenny Cate Hodil holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Master of Music from Northwestern University. She is in her second season as the Associate Artistic Director of the Orlando Gay Chorus. JC spent nine years teaching piano and music theory at Dr. Phillips High School in Orange County and five years teaching chorus and musical theater at Davenport School of the Arts in Polk County, where she looks forward to continuing her journey next school year. She is passionate about music education, performance, and fostering inclusive artistic communities.
Sue Glerum,Principal Accompanist
Sue earned her Master of Music degree in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory from Stetson University. She is a Music Specialist at the University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts where she teaches Music Theory, is a collaborative pianist in musical theatre, voice, and acting classes, and coaches students in voice. This is Sue’s 17th year with the Orlando Gay Chorus.
Marcus C Ealy, Chair, Board of Directors
Dear Friends, Family, Patrons, and Supporters,
Welcome to the party — and what a party it is! Tonight,wecelebrate35incredibleyearsoftheOrlandoGayChorus,andit’sallthankstoYOU! For three and a half decades, OGC has been a place where creativity takes center stage, dreams are built, and community shines bright. Along the way, we've shared countless unforgettable moments — from breathtaking performances to inspiring collaborations — and tonight, we honor every step of that amazing journey. We’re here because of your passion, your belief, and your unwavering support. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or just joined the family, you are part of this story — and we couldn’t be more grateful. But don’t think we’re slowing down! If the past 35 years were this exciting, just imagine what’s coming next. We're dreaming bigger, reaching higher, and ready to launch into a future full of new collaborations, new ideas, and even more magic. So tonight, let's celebrate the past, toast to the future, and enjoy every moment in between. Thank you for being here, for being part of our family, and for believing in the power of the arts. Here's to 35 more years (and beyond!) of making memories, creating beauty, and lifting each other higher.
Cheers to you — let the celebration begin!
Suzi Aten
Bea
Nicole
Anne
Zoe
Stefanie
Hillary
Jenna
Annaset
Meet the Chorus
Sopranos
Sarah
Jillian Lebron
Stephanie Madow
Chrissy Mcilwraith
Pat Andrews
Daiki Anjiki
Christopher Booth
Patrick Braden
M. J. Buhrer
Nolan Croce
Mrynal D’Arcangelo
Italo De Sousa
Marcus C. Ealy
Craig Froehlich
John Garity
Katina Iams
Daniel Konietzko
Russell Macomber
Marty Manuel
Scott Meegan
TJ Meegan
Zachary Morrison
Sean Mundyschein
Stephen Brooks
Paul Driver
Marty Manuel
TJ Meegan
Rebecca
Nicole
Ethel
Tenors
Adrian
Altos
Diana
Adriana Nelsen-Gross
Shayna Ozer
Jessy
Melinda Potts-Cerio
Doreen Ratigan
Jess Rigsby Dyamond Robinson
Kay Salzgeber
Rana Scherer
Jess Skelton
Alexandra Stratis
Carolyn Walence
Jenny Weatherford
Julie Weatherman
Basses
Fred Berliner
Douglas Bringle
Stephen Brooks
Edwin D Callaghan
Jackson Davis
Paul Driver
Jonathan Eisenberg
John Fleming
Michael Gillis
Tim Gorka
Tim Gough
Jay Green
Karl Haglund
Frederick Hodgin
Jeremy Kosluk
Richard Lamberty
Ryan Linsky
Adam Mayo
Jared Montgomery
Wil Morales
Keith Morton
Robb Noll
Ian Post-Green
Orlando Salas
John Schafer
Craig Thompson
Brendan Tsinober
Michael Rashawn Walker
OUTLOUD!
Dwight Shropshire Ménage
Genderevolution
Reed Abbott
MJ Buhrer
Korey Carter
Ellen Ducarpe
Jeremy Kosluk
Ian Post-Green
Elaine
Steve Brooks
M.J. Buhrer
Elaine Corriveau
Liz Cortello
Robin Koman
Sandra
Janie Drummond
John Fleming Karlie Malinchok Marty Manuel Sarah Milowic Sean Mundyschein
Adriana NelsenGross
Chrissy Boge
Patrick Braden
Brianna Cipriani Jo Cassell
Footnote Dancers
Studer
Marc Zurich
Reed Abbott
Miraylee Batista
Russ Macomber
Ana Martinez
Sarah Milowic
Ian Post-Green
Joshua Soto
Carol Studer
Joshua Torres
Frankie ValentineIthier
ACT ONE
We Are Family
Words and Music by Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards
Soloist Sam Martin
Sponsored by Chris Martin/Copperhead Salon
Over the Rainbow
Music by Harold Arlen
Words by E.Y. Harburg
He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother) -= In Memoriam =Ménage
Words by Bob Russell
Music by Bobby Scott
Arranged by Jay Althouse
Somebody to Love
Words and Music by Freddie Mercury
Arranged by Adam Anders & Tim Davis
Soloists Josh Soto & Liz Cortello
Everything Possible
Words and Music by Fred Small (BMI)
Arrangement by Willi Zwozdesky (SOCAN)
Let the River Run
Words and Music by Carly Simon
Arranged by Craig Hella Johnson
Ain’t No
Turning Back on This Road
Words, Music and Arrangement by David Maddux
ACT TWO
Love is Here to Stay
Upper Voices
Words and Music by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
What About Us Upper Voices
Arranged by Mark Brymer
Soloist Erin Davenport
Come Through Mama Ru Medley
(Jealous Of My Boogie/ Sissy That Walk) OUTLOUD!
Words and Music by RuPaul Charles & Lucian Piane
Arranged by Charles Beale
Louder Than Words
Spectrum
Words & Music by Jonathan Larson
Arranged by Mac Huff
El Sueño Imposible
(The Impossible Dream from Man of LaMancha) SOLO
Word by Joe Darion
Music by Mitch Leigh
Arranged by Mark Hayes
Changes
Nothin’ But Treble
Words, Music and Arrangement by Audrey Snyder
We Kiss in a Shadow Lower Voices
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Oscar Hammerstein II
Donna Summer Medley
Words and Music by various writers (see the digital program for full credits)
Arranged by David Maddux
ACT THREE
Jai Ho
Music by A R Rahman
Words by Gulzar and Tanvi Shah
Arranged by Mark Brymer
Words and Music by Alecia Moore, Steve Mac & Johnny McDaid
Small group - Korey Carter, Adam Mayo, Chrissy McIlwraith, Rana Scherer
Travelin’ Thru
Words and Music by Dolly Parton
Arranged by Greg Gilpin
Soloist Korey Carter
Resilience / One Foot
Genderevolution
Words and Music by Abbie Betinis / Words and Music by Melanie DeMore
Grace Kelly
Words and Music by Mika, Jodi Marr, John Merchant & Dan Warner
Arranged by Mark Brymer
A Million Sparks of Light
Words and Music by Linda Knutson
Arranged by Susan Glerum
Why We Sing
Words and Music by Greg Gilpin (ASCAP)
Soloist Elaine Corriveau
Descant - Bea Brownell, Elaine Corriveau, Zoe Crocker, Craig Froehlich, Michael Gillis, Dan Konietzko, Russ Macomber, Stephanie Madow, Sarah Milowic, Josh Soto, Josh Torres Hassett, Bill Yahner, Marc Zurich
Sponsored by Sammy Goldstein
“Congratulations to my husband, Bill Yahner, on his 28th year singing with OGC, and congrats to OGC on its 35th year.”
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life
Words and Music by Franke Previte, John Denicola & Donald Markowitz
Arranged by Mac Huff
Soloists Josh Torres Hassett & Stephanie Madow
Sponsored by Sheri Kettula
“For my wife, Denise Marra… I owe it all to you!”
You Can’t Stop the Beat
Words by Marc Shaiman
Music by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittiman
Arranged by Ed Lojeski
Soloist Bea Brownell
Sponsored by Michelle O’Donnell
In loving memory of Ginger Walsh and Joel Strack
Creative Team, Staff, Volunteers and Behind the Scenes
Artistic Team
Artistic Director
Harold Wright
Associate
Artistic Director
Jenny Cate Hodil
Principal Accompanist
Sue Glerum
ASL Interpreters
Debbie Drobney
Jonathan Harris
Riley Fromberg
Musicians
Piano
Sue Glerum
Synthesizer
Darren Bartolo
Percussion
Jared Mola
Bass Guitar
Justin Mola
Trumpet
Scott Abbott
Mark Bocarro
Euphonium
Nathan Humphries
Trombone
Jonathan Money
Production Crew
Production Committee Chair
Marty Manuel
Production Manager & Tech Director
Frank Arcidiacono
PJ Finster
Back Of House Manager
Kat Gillespie
Audio Coordinator
Chip Reif
Choreographers
Dion Johnson
Dwight Shropshire
OGC Team
Office Manager
Steven Miller
Program/Poster Design
Paul Driver
Videos
Paul Driver
Ryan Linsky
Social Media Team
Miraylee Batista
Sean Mundyschein
Ryan Linsky
Kat Gillespie
Support Section
2024-2025
Board of Directors
Chair
Marcus Ealy
Vice Chair
Sean Mundyschein
Treasurer
Steven Miller
Secretary
Carol Studer
MC President
Sandra Lee
Members at Large
Mrynal D’Arcangelo
Vanessa Deleon
Janie Drummond
Dennis Dunham
Davey Jay
Marty Manuel
2024-2025
Member Council
President
Sandra Lee
Vice President
Carol Studer
Secretary
Jackson Davis
Finance Officer
Jenna Horwitz
Members at Large
Anne Campbell
Scott Peterson
Josh Soto
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
Matthew LaVictoire
Robb Noll
Dennis Pierce
Chip Reif
Stephen Rheaume
David Schuler
Honorary Member Inductee - Sheri Kettula
Joel Strack
Carol Studer
Terry Thomas
Marv Villiard
Linn Wheeler
Sheri Kettula has been an integral part of OGC since she first joined in 2010. She didn’t just join the chorus—she jumped in with both feet. Since joining, she has been the tenor section leader, a founding member of the Nothin’ but Treble ensemble, a Footnote Dancer, Community Engagement Coordinator, served on numerous committees, and she currently Chairs the Music Artistic Development Committee. In addition, Sheri has been a member of the Board of Directors twice, including a term as our previous Board Chair. The contributions of her time, her voice, her passion, her moving speeches, her talents, her financial contributions, and her wisdom are innumerable. We are honored to bestow Sheri Kettula with Honorary Membership.
Notable 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
Commissioner Patty Sheehan
Senator Linda Stewart George Wallace
Notable Luminary Inductee - Dr. Anna V. Eskamani
Dr. Anna V. Eskamani is a lifelong Orlando resident, public servant, and fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Representing District 42 in the Florida House, her leadership and compassion have made her a beacon of hope. She’s received numerous honors, including Watermark's Greatest Ally to the Community Wave Award (2022, 2024), Equality Florida's Voice for Equality Award (2020) and namedThe Center's Champion of Equality (2020). From 2021–2024, Anna served on our Board of Directors and co-emceed our 2023 BroadGAY Spectacular with her twin sister, Ida, even performing “My Strongest Suit” on stage (who could forget that epic death drop?). Her support goes beyond words— she shows up, speaks out, and makes space for all. In gratitude for her dedication and allyship, we are proud to name Dr. Anna V. Eskamani as a Notable Luminary.
https://bit.ly/OGC35Survey
www.orlandogaychorus.org/give
https://www.orlandogaychorus.org/join
https://www.orlandogaychorus.org/silent-auction
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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 30 years. In addition to the full chorus, OGC has four 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 the challenges of singing during a pandemic, OGC continues life-saving and community affirming work, following strict protocols to ensure the safety of our performers, volunteers, and staff. Following a brief hiatus of virtual workshops, rehearsals, and online performances, OGC was able to resume in-person performances and delight audiences once again.
The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit arts and humanitarian organization.
Corporate Members
Ricardo R. Alvarez
Jen Andrade-Ward
Frank Arcidiacono
Emily Baer
Erynne Barrette
Giovanni Barrio
Miraylee Batista
Mary Blake
Emma Anne Bramer
AmaTiombi Brown-Fenton
Karen Ann Bunce
Stephen Burns
Drew Campbell
Jeff Collister
David Davis
Amanda De La Cruz
Erin-Rose Decaudin
Megan Dela Rea
Vanessa Deleon
Dennis Dunham
Sara Fabbro
Brian Garrett
Matthew Giacomelli
Kathy Gillespie
Leslie Gostin
Bruce Green
Addie Hartnett
Davey Jay
Raquel Jeffers
Nicholas Jewell
Jayshaun J. Johnson
Claire Jolly
Mikaela Karstens
Kelly Vee Kennedy
Michael Klesowitch
Gabriel Laaroussi
Teri Leduc
Jacqueline Luna
Amy Miley
Steven Miller
John Miller
Isabella Montealegre
Michael Murry
De'Shon Osby
Harold Padilla
Bill Parker
Marc Perreault
Chip Reif
John Payne Rios
Genevieve Roman Steele
Brent Sanders
Manuel Santos-Rosario
Clifford Sawyer
Sommer Simoneaux
Luisairis Soto
Josh Sousa
Pedro Tejada-Pantaleon
Marv Villiard
Megan Weeks
Reginald Williams
Special Thanks
To all the box office staff, ushers, production crew, Board of Directors at: Ritz Theater, especially Steve Nelson
To all the box office staff, ushers, production crew at the Plaza Live
The Orlando Gay Chorus and the Footnote Dancers would like to thank the First Congregational Church of Winter Park for the use of their space for the Footnote Dancers’ rehearsals.
United Arts of Central Florida, Florida Council On Arts & Culture, and Central Florida Foundation
First United Church of Christ, especially Pat & Milton Denker
United Arts Collaborative Campaign Donors and True Colors Donors
True Colors Giving 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 True Colors Giving Campaign. Every donation, from $1 to $5000 (or more) makes a great impact!
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
Corporate Sponsors
Pineapple Healthcare
Pinero Preventive Medical Care
Mimi Batista Tattoos
Howard S. Wright - a Balfour Beatty Company
Pop Culture Hero Coalition
Individual Donors
Collaborative Campaign Donors
True Colors Campaign Donors
Frank Santos
David Schuler
Carol Studer
Marc Zurich
Lynn Wheeler
Sheri Kettula
Janie Drummond
John Fleming
Ken Northrop
Linda Peattie
Wayne Dictor
Marcus Ealy
Ryan Elias
Jessica Giessman
Marty Manuel
Deborah Mead
Rick Rogers
William Silverman
Michael Slaymaker
Linda Stewart
Roderic Sward
Chip Reif
Devo Heller
Linda Fessel
Silent Auction and Raffle
Pat Andrews
Daiki Anjiki
Laurel Ardner
Chrissy Boge
Chris Booth
Janie Drummond
Donors
Linda Fessel
Craig Froelich
Dan Konietzko
Marty Manuel
Jess Rigsby
City of Orlando
Crayola Experience
Daisy Delights Events
Businesses
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Orlando Pride Soccer Club
Outfox Leather
Heather A. French Artist
Hollerbach’s Restaurant
Mimi Batista Tattoos
R & R Fitness & Training
Towns Garden Center Wonderworks
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.
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.”
