Holiday Havoc Winter 2024 Program

Sunday, December 8th | 4PM | Ferndale High School singoutdetroit.org LGBTQ+ and Ally Chorus

A Welcome From The President Hello! As the current President of Sing Out Detroit, it is my honor to welcome you to another fantastic Sing Out Detroit Show! I’d like to first thank everyone who made Holiday Havoc possible. It takes more than 20 volunteers to run our shows, and they graciously dedicate their time and efforts to us without complaint. And I’d like to thank YOU, our loyal patrons. Your support at our shows and throughout our seasons makes this all worthwhile.

It is no secret that LGBTQ+ rights and safety are continuing to be challenged and threatened. Sing Out Detroit will be continuing the fight through community outreach and song. Since the election, we have stepped up our efforts to provide a safe space for folks to gather, receive fellowship, and create change through song.

We need your help. First, please consider taking our audience member survey. Your opinion matters to us. Knowing what you like and what you’d like to see in the future. Knowing who you are helps us figure out who we still have yet to reach! You can find the link here: https://bit.ly/SODFallSurvey Secondly, please consider a donation or sponsorship. In order to continue to be around for a long time, Sing Out Detroit has to continue to grow and mature in its operations. It is becoming challenging for an organization of this size to run solely on volunteer power. Your contributions allow us to streamline our operations and grow our reach - not to mention continue to enjoy wonderful music together.

Tonight we thank you for always being there for us. We sing for you. Please stay safe this holiday season and ENJOY THE HAVOC! Sincerely,

Angela Angela Hollander President, Sing Out Detroit

BOARD MEMBERS OFFICERS Angela Hollander, President Robert Brown, Vice President MelissaLouise Hews, Treasurer Valerie Gracious, Secretary

MEMBERS AT LARGE Al Bowen Linda Brincat* Allison Butler Manny Gilmer Michele Merritt *Past President and Founding Member

Board members are singers and elected by members of Sing Out Detroit to represent the interests of the chorus. 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.

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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 Sing Out Detroit, the all-gender inclusive, mixed-voice LGBTQ+ and Ally chorus of metro Detroit.

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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.

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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 award-winning 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 healing 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 joined the band in June 2023, playing trumpet and rhythm guitar. She began her musical journey at age nine, playing the French Horn. As a teenager, she started singing and taught herself to play guitar. Laura was an original member of Sing Out Detroit as a soprano from 2008-2020. She loves supporting the choir now as a musician and is proud to be a part of this amazing group.

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STAGE CREW AND SUPPORT TEAM A big thank you to our volunteers and stage crew! Their dedication backstage ensures our performances shine. From setup to execution, their hard work makes it all possible. Their role in Sing Out Detroit’s success is deeply appreciated.

TECH CREW Jude Clossen Chris Ray Grace Van Den Boogert PHOTOGRAPHER Mary Grace Schmid STAGE CREW Andrew Bowen Emma Coleman Emma Corbeil Elias De Los Santos Colleen Hamlin Serena Losaw Dylan Lycee Thom Russo Robert Voison

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

SPECIAL THANKS To the amazing committee members and volunteers who are also part of the Sing Out Detroit chorus—thank you! From music to production, from marketing to fundraising, and more, their dedication is the backbone that keeps our chorus running and shining.

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CHOIR SOPRANOS Al Bowen Linda Brincat Jennifer Lane Bustance Courtney Evans Samantha Franklin Taylor Hanes Shiela Jones Shannon Leideker Denise Martin Michele Merritt Christine Naber Janeen Remington Jennifer Rothstein Alexa Stewart Brooke Troxmondo Eliza Turnage BASSES Timur Aminov Lukas Ayers Robert Brown John Dennis Rodger Fain Henry Gao Giuseppe Grimaldi Chris Loewe Parker Lyman Gianna Petrilli Adam Pruchnicki Stanley Sawvel Andy Troxmondo

ALTOS Alex Anderson Allison Butler Jessica Dusing Beth Golanty Valerie Gracious Ellen Greenia Angela Hollander Kendra Kehl-Fie Jill Mast Barb Messics Adriana Molina Erin Molnar Lisa Newman Kathy Ostrowski Mary Beth Pniewski Theresa Schmid Quinn Soyka Elizabeth Tallent Kim Whitney Sophia Williams

TENORS Ryan Boczar Beckham Butler Josephine Dykstra Manny Gilmer Dan Greenia MelissaLouise Hews Lyric Jones Nancy Laport Janielle Losaw Schaefer Remington

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Special Groups Choral Ensemble Robert Brown, Josephine Dykstra, Rodger Fain, Manny Gilmer, Taylor Hanes, MelissaLouise Hews, Lyric Jones, Parker Lyman, Adriana Molina, Kathy Ostroswski, Mary Beth Pniewski, Jen Rothstein, Alexa Stewart, Eliza Turnage Antiphonal Choir Lukas Ayers, Al Bowen, Robert Brown, Josephine Dykstra, MelissaLouise Hews, Kathy Ostroswski, Theresa Schmid, Elizabeth Tallent, Brooke Troxmondo Rudolph Dancers Linda Brincat, Robert Brown, Manny Gilmer, Guiseppe Grimaldi, Janielle Losaw, Parker Lyman, Adriana Molina, Kathy Ostrowski, Sophia Williams Havoc Characters Sean DeGennaro - Uncle Nicky Emma Corbeil - Holly Mistletoe RiverLee Farrell - Happy Hollydaze Colleen Hamlin - Spritely Twinkletoes

🎶 We Value Your Feedback! 🎶 Thank you for supporting Sing Out Detroit!

We'd love to hear your thoughts on our performances and how we can make them even better.

Share your feedback with us today—it means the world!

https://bit.ly/SODFallSurvey 9

PROGRAM TURN OFF YOUR PHONE SONG FULL CHORUS

Music: Based on Canon in D, J. Pachelbel Lyrics and Arr: A. Podd, M. Podd

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT FULL CHORUS

As performed by the cast of Glee Music and Lyrics: M. Jagger and K. Richards Arr: A. Billingsley

Featuring Antiphonal Chorus

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS MEDLEY FULL CHORUS

From the film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Music and Lyrics: D. Elfman Arr: A. Billingsley

Speaking Solos: Rob Brown, Brooke Troxmondo, Janeen Remington

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BLUES THE ESSAYS

Lyrics and Music: R. Morris Gray

Trumpet: Laura Varga Based on “Carol of the Bells” Music: P. Wilhousky Arr: M.Fukada Lyrics: L. Brincat

CAROL OF THE BELLS THE WHIMSICAL WARBLERS

Linda Brincat, Courtney Evans, Taylor Hanes, Shiela Jones, Michele Merritt, Janeen Remington, Brooke Troxmondo

TEXT ME MERRY CHRISTMAS THE SO-LAHVENDERS

Music and Lyrics: A. Schlesinger, D. Javerbaum Arr: R. Emerson

Lukas Ayers, Jessica Dusing, Theresa Schmid, Alexa Stewart

BLIZZARD FULL CHORUS

Lyrics: J. Parker Music: V. Tucker Courtney

HAZY SHADE OF WINTER FULL CHORUS

As covered by The Bangles Music and Lyrics: P. Simon Arr: B. Sharpe

Intermission

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PROGRAM LAST CHRISTMAS CHORAL ENSEMBLE

Music and Lyrics: G. Michael Arr: B. Sharpe

MOZART’S FA LA LA FULL CHORUS

Music: Based on Eine kleine Nachtmusik, WA Mozart Arr: R. Emerson

RUN RUDOLPH RUN FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: J. Marks and M. Brodie Arr: A. Billingsley

AINT IT FUN FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: H. Williams, T. York Arr: A. Cracauer

HOLIDAY THE TEEBEES

Music and Lyrics: B. Armstrong Arr: V. Gracious

Soloists: Robert Brown, Schaefer Remington

RAZZAMATAZZ WICKED PITCH

Based on “Original Recording by Quincy Jones” Music and Lyrics: R. Temperton Arr: V. Gracious

Valerie Gracious, MelissaLouise Hews, Denise Martin, Mary Beth Pniewski, Kim Whitney

COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS FULL CHORUS

From the musical “A Christmas Story” Music and Lyrics: B. Paserk and J. Paul Arr: G. Gilpin

Soloists: Josephine Dykstra, Janeen Remington, Alexa Stewart

LOVELY DAY FULL CHORUS

Music and Lyrics: B. Withers and S. Scarborough Arr: R. Gibson

Soloists: Al Bowen, Erin Molnar

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FRIENDS AND DONORS 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.

Sue Bell Al Bowen Linda Brincat Cristen Clark John Dennis Paul Dyke Manny Gilmer Mr. Hews Angela Hollander

Shiela Jones Wendy Julien Aleesha Laszko Amber Louchart Erin Molnar Alice McKeage Chelsea Rowan Amy Saari Amanda Sparks

Skyler Sparks Carlos Shaw Carl and Shannon Whitehead Cecelia Williams Kim Whitney Mary Wolf Jessica Terlep

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

Use the QR code below or https://bit.ly/SODDonate

By supporting our chorus, you champion acceptance, love, and unity, enriching the cultural landscape and driving social change toward a more just and equitable world.

Reach out directly to discuss tailored sponsorship opportunities. Your support amplifies voices and fosters inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

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

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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

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