A Welcome From The President 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 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 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 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 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.
MUSICIANS 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 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.
STAGE CREW AND STAGE CREW AND SUPPORT TEAM 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 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.
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
CCHOIR HOIR
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
Special Groups 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
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
PROGRAM PROGRAM
TURN OFF YOUR PHONE SONG
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT FULL CHORUS
Music: Based on Canon in D, J. Pachelbel
Lyrics and Arr: A. Podd, M. Podd
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
CAROL OF THE BELLS THE WHIMSICAL WARBLERS
Trumpet: Laura Varga
Lyrics and Music: R. Morris Gray
Based on “Carol of the Bells”
Music: P. Wilhousky
Arr: M.Fukada
Lyrics: L. Brincat
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
HAZY SHADE OF WINTER
Lyrics: J. Parker
Music: V. Tucker Courtney
As covered by The Bangles
Music and Lyrics: P. Simon
PPROGRAM ROGRAM
CHORAL ENSEMBLE
MOZART’S FA LA LA FULL CHORUS
RUN RUDOLPH RUN FULL CHORUS
AINT IT FUN FULL CHORUS
HOLIDAY THE TEEBEES
RAZZAMATAZZ WICKED PITCH
Music and Lyrics: G. Michael Arr: B. Sharpe
Music: Based on Eine kleine Nachtmusik, WA Mozart Arr: R. Emerson
Music and Lyrics: J. Marks and M. Brodie Arr: A. Billingsley
Music and Lyrics: H. Williams, T. York Arr: A. Cracauer
Music and Lyrics: B. Armstrong Arr: V. Gracious
Soloists: Robert Brown, Schaefer Remington
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
Music and Lyrics: B. Withers and S. Scarborough
Soloists: Al Bowen, Erin Molnar
FRIENDS AND DONORS 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
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
Skyler Sparks
Carlos Shaw
Carl and Shannon Whitehead
Cecelia Williams
Kim Whitney
Mary Wolf
Jessica Terlep
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.
