Orlando Gay Chorus Annual Meeting Updates
Every year, the Orlando Gay Chorus has their annual corporate meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to give reports from the Board of Directors, Member Council, and Committees, as well as present the budget. Elections are held for new leadership and more updates are shared. See below for more information shared at our Annual Meeting!
New Artistic Director!
The Board of Directors announces the new Artistic Director, Harold Wright! Mr. Wright served the chorus for many years as the Associate Director and has been a continuous presence at concerts playing the synthesizer! His support for the mission has helped the chorus family in so many ways. He’s experienced many successful seasons of music making and community involvement. Harold is currently working towards his Master’s Degree in Music Education from the College of Music at Florida State University, in addition to completing his 11th year teaching music in Florida public schools! Harold is ready to explore his vision and help bring the chorus to new heights.
Newly Elected Leadership!
The Board of Directors welcomes Leslie Gostin!
The Member Council welcomes Marcus Ealy, Christina Heredia, Taryn Kalsch, and Michael Walker. Marcus will serve as the President, Zac Berube will remain Vice President, Taryn will serve as Secretary, Brian Lorenz will remain Finance Officer, and Christina, Carol Studer, and Michael will serve as Members-at-Large.
The Chorus welcomes the following section leaders:
Tenor Section Leaders: John Lanzillo and Zac Berube
Alto Section Leaders: Laurel Ardner and Taryn Kalsch
Bass Section Leader: Donnie Gethers and Jackson Davis
Soprano Section Leaders: Aimee Shepherd, Sarah Milowic, and Shakira Velez
Dancer Section Leader: Dwight Shropshire
Support Section Leaders: Marv Villiard and Steven Miller
Two New Honorary Members Inducted
Honorary Membership is the highest honor bestowed upon members of the Chorus family. This award recognizes chorus members who have gone above and beyond in leadership, dedication, and support for the Orlando Gay Chorus over the years. This year the Chorus is honored to name Linn Wheeler and Stephen Rheaume Honorary Members!
Linn and Steve join the ranks of our previously named Honorary Members: Fred Berliner, John Cabrera, Dr. Charlie Callahan, Debbie Drobney, PJ Galas Finster, Dan Jones, Matthew LaVictoire, Robb Noll, Dennis Pierce, Chip Reif, David Schuler, Carol Studer, Terry Thomas, and Marv Villiard.
In Memoriam
The Orlando Gay Chorus would like to recognize and take a moment to reflect on the lives of recently departed Orlando Gay Chorus family members: Steven Wilson, Peggy Howland, Dan Jones, Patti Noah, Dennis Pierce, and Joe Schmerler.
About the Orlando Gay Chorus
The Orlando Gay Chorus is one of the nation’s largest and longest running mixed voice LGBTQ+ choruses. Founded on Valentine’s Day 1990, the chorus celebrates over 30 years of changing hearts and minds in Central Florida. The mission of OGC is to provide a space that affirms diversity through the performing arts. The vision of OGC is to create impactful change in the community as a proactive force for equity, inclusion, and authenticity. This is achieved by providing high quality, skilled performances in an environment that maintains an atmosphere of integrity, honesty and mutual respect. OGC offers educational, cultural, and social enrichment for members and audiences through excellence in the arts, and by making our performances accessible to all people. For more information visit www.orlandogaychorus.org. To support OGC’s mission, donations to the chorus can be made at www.orlandogaychorus.org/give.
