Still Standing Program - Spring 2024

Still Standing

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 7:30 PM FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL 881 PINECREST DRIVE

Remembering

Marjo Rogers Marjo Rogers, who was member of our Sing Out Detroit family for seven years, suddenly took ill and passed away in March of this year.Those who knew and performed alongside Marjo were shocked and terribly saddened that this extremely strong woman of indelible LGBTQ+ commitment and conviction would no longer be a part of our group.

When Marjo auditioned for Sing Out Detroit in 2017, she was worried about being asked to join, despite her beautiful voice. After she sang, she confessed that looking at sheet music was like looking at a foreign language. We were worried that she was going to give the music back, but instead, she told us “I’m military and I don’t give up.” That is the Marjo many of us know and love! Sing Out Detroit was forever changed for the better with Marjo, a wonderfully talented tenor, who came to be a vital and memorable performer with the choir. During her time with Sing Out Detroit, Marjo was always in the front row, dressed in her hat and shades, and looked amazing. She felt the music from her heart, so even in a group of 70 singers, she stood out strong, and the audience loved her as did we.For those who have seen her perform, it will come as no surprise that her friends nicknamed her “Happy Feet”!

Marjo will forever be a member of Sing Out Detroit.

Welcome Celebrating Choir Growth and Season Finale As we gather for the grand finale of our season, the "Still Standing: Bigger, Bolder, Better" Spring Concert, we are filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. This evening is not just about music; it's about celebrating the journey of our choir and the remarkable growth they have experienced.

Throughout this season, our choir has transformed in ways that exceeded our wildest expectations. From our humble beginnings to the powerhouse ensemble we are today, our journey has been one of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for music. Every note sung, every harmony perfected, and every stage conquered has been a testament to our dedication and hard work.

But our journey doesn't end here. We are thrilled to announce that following this concert, our Sing Out Detroit will be represented at the prestigious GALA Festival in July. This global event brings together LGBTQ+ choruses from around the world, providing a platform for connection, celebration, and advocacy. It's an honor for our choir to be a part of such an incredible gathering, and we couldn't be prouder of this accomplishment.

In addition to the GALA Festival, the choir will also be participating in multiple PRIDE events, spreading love, acceptance, and the joy of music to communities far and wide. These events serve as a reminder of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the power of music to inspire change.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to you, our supporters, for standing by us every step of the way. Your steadfast support has been the driving force behind our choir's success, and we are immensely grateful for your continued encouragement and enthusiasm.

So, as we prepare to take the stage tonight, let's come together to celebrate not only the music but also the journey of growth, resilience, and community that has brought us this far. Thank you for being a part of this incredible season, and we look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Linda Linda Brincat President, Sing Out Detroit

BOARD MEMBERS OFFICERS Linda Brincat, President Rob Brown, Vice President Valerie Gracious, Treasurer Angela Hollander, Secretary

MEMBERS AT LARGE Emanual (Manny) Gilmer MelissaLouise Hews Michele Merritt Michelle Mormul

Board members volunteer many hours towards the overall mission and vision of Sing Out Detroit. They help design the plans for our future. Their commitment extends throughout our operations and they often go above and beyond. We thank them for keeping this train moving!

ABOUT US Sing Out Detroit is an inclusive LGBTQ+ and Ally chorus, founded in 2008 by four good friends with a desire to create something different.

The mission of Sing Out Detroit is to provide a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ and Ally community to share the joy of musical performance.

Our vision is to uplift and inspire others with our singing to bring about positive social change.

A Proud Member of

GALA Choruses supports. guides, and inspires LGBTQ+ choruses and their allies to leverage the liberating power of singing to create harmony and equity for all.

MUSIC DIRECTOR Amy Saari is a lifetime choral musician with a curious variety of singing and conducting credits to her name. She served as an “emergency” student conductor on two choir tours with the Grinnell Singers in 1997 and 1998. She went on to receive Masters degrees in Choral Conducting and Composition from Bowling Green State University, where she also won the 33rd Annual Competition in Music Performance, composition division, in 1999 for her treble choir piece David, premiered by the BGSU Women’s Chorus at the New Music and Art Festival in 2000. As a student member of ACDA, she was selected for a conducting masterclass with Jerry Blackstone of the University of Michigan in 2000.

With her move to southeast Michigan, Amy set a new course. Her voice, keyboard, and composition skills were shown variously in venues around Detroit: Black Lotus, Scarab Club, DIME, Peace Unity Church, and Jazz Café, among others. She recorded We Are Love, an album of original mystic soul music, and served as a session backup singer for Orthea Barnes’s last album, I Was The One. She became the first female conductor of the Motor City Chorale, while also serving as alto section leader of the Rackham Symphony Choir. She started her teaching career while serving as voice coach for “Torch This!” presented by Rouge Makeup and Nail Salon and Via Vintage in 2012 – a night of American songbook standards at Cliff Bells of Detroit sung by amateur singers to a sold-out crowd that raised over $3000 for Urban Neighborhood Initiatives.

After 2012, Amy formed an interfaith choir, Spectrum Singers, to perform at the InterFaith Leadership Council World Sabbath in 2014. She formed the Pagan Pathways Temple Choir, who participated in an interfaith concert celebrating The Four Freedoms at the Henry Ford Museum in 2018. She would also form LadyBones, the cabaret lounge trio of Theatre Bizarre, and go on to perform with them on one of the most exclusive stages at Electric Forest.

Currently, Amy enjoys directing vocal music at Henry Ford College, as well as the ensemble of the Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. She is most proud to bring her directing skills to the Sing Out Detroit, the all-gender inclusive, mixedvoice LGBTQ+ and ally chorus of metro Detroit.

MUSICIANS MARTY MANDELBAUM, SING OUT DETROIT ACCOMPANIST Marty brings his musical talents once again to Sing Out Detroit as our accompanist, having played for several of our concerts since 2012.

Marty graduated from Wayne State University, where he studied piano with Boris Maximovich.

His experience includes accompanying the Bellini Opera Company, Marygrove College, Wayne State University and Detroit Country Day School. He has also played for Greenfield Village and has conducted musicals at Stagecrafters, St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild, and the Jewish Ensemble Theatre.

MUSICIANS Colette “CJ” Jacobsen joined Sing Out Detroit’s band in 2011 as the guitarist. She began studying classical guitar at age 10 and then switched to acoustic and electric guitar. Over time, she has added ukulele, banjo, electric bass, and mandolin to her extensive repertoire. CJ has played guitar, bass, and banjo for Ann Arbor’s Out Loud Chorus, and bass for the Matt Shevrin Jazz Quartet.

Edie Herrold, bassist, has performed at the Michigan and National Women’s Music Festivals and the Detroit Jazz Festival. An awardwinning composer/producer, she plays both electric and acoustic basses and holds a Master of Music degree in Media Writing and Production. She works at the University of Michigan Hospital as a Music Practitioner, using guitar and voice to provide therapeutic music at the bedside and has played with Ann Arbor’s Out Loud Chorus since 2008. Her first concert with Sing Out Detroit was in 2017.

Tamara Perkuhn has more than 40 years of drumming experience and has played in bands of just about every genre. Her first professional gig was with a touring theatre company at age 18. She has played in pop rock, country and jazz bands over the years. She recently joined the Saline New Horizon Band as a percussionist. Her first concert with Sing Out Detroit was in 2013. Tamara also plays drums for Out Loud Chorus in Ann Arbor.

Laura Varga joins us for her third concert playing the trumpet and rhythm guitar. She began her musical journey playing the French Horn for 10 years in various bands and orchestras, then decided to pursue singing. She was an original member of Sing Out Detroit and sang soprano with the chorus from 2008-2020.

Randy Perkuhn plays four types of saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) and the flute. He has a degree in Music Performance, and his 50year career includes Big Band, Jazz, R&B, Rock, and Pop. Randy also plays in the Saline New Horizon Concert Band along with his sister, Tamara. He played in Sing Out Detroit’s Motown concert, and serves as a guest musician tonight. We’re delighted to have him back.

STAGE CREW AND SUPPORT TEAM A big thank you to our volunteers and stage crew! Your dedication backstage ensures our performances shine. From setup to smooth operation, your hard work makes it all possible. We deeply appreciate your contributions to our success!

STAGE CREW Kendra Kehl-Fie Shannon Leideker Serena Losaw TECH CREW Brad Bowen Jude Clossen Frank Secen PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Max Amey Grace Brooks

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CREW Maureen Bernard Christine Cantrell Michael Fitzpatrick Colleen Hamlin Wendy Mai Julien Cecilia Julien Will Julien Judy Lewis River Lee Deb Renner Faith Robinson Renner Chelsea Rowan Kelly Rowan

SPECIAL THANKS To the extraordinary volunteers who also double as cherished members of the Sing Out Detroit chorus. Several members participate in dance, marketing, production, fundraising, social and GALA committees to bring our chorus to life. Your dedication and passion are the unseen but vital threads weaving through every note and every performance.

Your contributions are deeply appreciated and truly invaluable.

CHOIR SOPRANOS Al Bowen Linda Brincat Emma Corbeil Josie Dykstra Courtney Evans Samantha Franklin Taylor Hanes Ruth Haury Shiela Jones Denise Martin Michele Merritt Michelle Mormul Allyn Neal Ashton Rea Janeen Remington Chelsea Rowan Alexa Stewart Marianne Waugh

BASSES Lukas Ayers Robert Brown John “JD” Dennis Rodger Fain Henry Gao Giuseppe Grimaldi Chris Loewe Parker Lyman Adam Pruchnicki Tom Saari Jeff Tolley

ALTOS Allison Butler Cristen Clark Jessica Dusing Kay Folsom Gracen Frazee Beth Golanty Valerie Gracious Ellen Greenia Zosette Guir MelissaLouise Hews Angela Hollander Julie King Janielle Losaw Jill Mast Barb Messics Erin Molnar Lisa Newman Mary Beth Pniewski Theresa Schmid Kim Whitney TENORS Beckham Butler Emanuel “Manny” Gilmer Dan Greenia Nancy Laport Schaefer Remington Charlie Shaw Quinn Vincent

Denotes member of choral ensemble

PROGRAM STAND BY ME FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: B.E. King, J. Leiber and M. Stoller Arr: A. Saari

THINK FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: A. Franklin and T. White Arr: M. Brymer

Soloists: Ashton Rea, Al Bowen

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: B. Dylan Arr: A. Podd

Soloist: Zosette Guir

SONG OF JUSTICE THE WHIMSICAL WARBLERS

Based on “ The Sound of Silence” Music: P. Simon Lyrics: L. Brincat

Linda Brincat, Courtney Evans, Shiela Jones, Julie King, Michele Merritt, Michelle Mormul, Janeen Remington From the film “Barbie” Music and Lyrics: M. Ronson and A. Wyatt Arr: M. Huff

I’M JUST KEN THE KENS

Soloists: Lukas Ayers, Charlie Shaw

SEASONS OF LOVE FULL CHORUS

From the musical “Rent” Music and Lyrics: J. Larson Arr: R. Emerson

Soloists: Lukas Ayers, Shiela Jones

TRUE COLORS THE SO-LAHVENDERS

Music and Lyrics: B. Steinburg and T. Kelly Arr: M. Brown

Lukas Ayers, Jess Dusing, Theresa Schmid, Alexa Stewart

RAISE YOU UP / JUST BE FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: C. Lauper Arr: M. Huff

Soloists: MelissaLouise Hews, Jess Dusing, Theresa Schmid

Intermission

PROGRAM HAVE IT ALL FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: J. Mraz, J. Kasher Hindlin, D. Hodges, B. Gebhardt, C. Potter, M. Bloomfield and M. Tavakoli Arr: R. Emerson Soloists: Giuseppe Grimaldi, Angela Hollander

RUNNING UP THAT HILL FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: K. Bush Arr: R. Emerson Soloist: Kim Whitney

BEING ALIVE FULL CHORUS

From the musical “Company” Music and Lyrics: S. Sondheim Arr: Mac Huff Soloist: Quinn Vincent

NINA CRIED POWER WICKED PITCH

Music and Lyrics: Hozier Arr: V. Gracious Valerie Gracious, MelissaLouise Hews, Denise Martin, Mary Beth Pniewski, Kim Whitney,

RISE UP SOPRANOS AND ALTOS

Music and Lyrics: C. Batie, J. Decilveo Arr: M. Huff

Soloists: Emma Corbell, Jess Dusing, Valerie Gracious

REVOLUTION CHORAL ENSEMBLE

SOMEBODY TO LOVE FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: Pinkzebra

Music and Lyrics: F. Mercury Original GLEE Arr: A. Anders and T. Davis Adapted: R. Emerson Soloists: Julie King, Charlie Shaw

I’M STILL STANDING FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: E. John and B. Taupin Arr: P. Schmutte

Thank You!

FRIENDS OF SING OUT DETROIT We are deeply grateful to our loyal contributors who help keep us singing.

The individuals listed below have made a contribution of $25 or more in support of our organization. These contributions help defray the cost of music, contractual staff, and production costs.

Linda Brincat Robert Brown Garry Campbell Courtney Evens Family of Rodger L. Fain Jr. Emanual “Manny” Gilmer Valerie Gracious Mr. and Mrs. Hews Angela and Ian Hollander Mary Jane Faso Shiela Jones

Gail Katz Stanley Kehl Nancy Jones Laport Margaret Martin Alice McKeage Michele Merritt Michelle Mormul Amy Saari Sarah Shackleford Laura Varga & Colette Jacobsen Kim Whitney & Pat Jones

Please consider a gift of $25 or more and become a Friend of Sing Out Detroit!

Use the QR code below or visit singoutdetroit.org

Sponsors and Donors We extend our sincerest gratitude to all our donors and sponsors whose generous contributions have made it possible for Sing Out Detroit to host events that propel our mission forward. Your support enables us to maintain a diverse and inclusive chorus, providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and Allies alike to unite in the celebration of music.

Through your generosity, we are able to create a supportive environment where people from all walks of life can come together to share in the joy of musical performance. Your belief in our mission empowers us to continue fostering harmony, understanding, and community through song. Thank you for helping us make a difference and spread the transformative power of music far and wide.

Gary Olkowski, Flip Salon Premier Pet Supply Pronto’s Royal Oak Cafe Muse Royal Oak Lily’s Seafood Royal Oak Citizen Yoga Royal Oak About Face Beauty Spa Cheri Weller Portraits Marjo Rogers

Learn More About Becoming a Sponsor To sponsor Sing Out Detroit, a dynamic LGBTQ+ and ally chorus, understand our mission of empowerment through music. Reach out directly to discuss tailored sponsorship opportunities. Your support amplifies voices and fosters inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Contact: info@singoutdetroit.org 248-943-2411

22726 WOODWARD AVE, FERNDALE, MI 48220 JSPENALTYBOXFERNDALE.COM

LET’S SING TOGETHER ROYAL OAK FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 320 W. 7TH ST ROYAL OAK, MI 48067

7:00 PM 9:00 PM

WEEKLY REHEARSALS SPRING AND WINTER CONCERTS OPTIONAL SPECIAL PERFORMANCES LEARN FUN MUSIC AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS Scan the QR code for more information or contact: info@singoutdetroit.org 248-943-2411

SINGOUTDETROIT.ORG