Part of Something Bigger

Before attending my first GALA, I knew I would enjoy all of the concerts, but the sheer magnitude of the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit present at GALA was amazing. From the exquisite performance of Ann Hampton Callaway during the Opening Ceremony to the final concert block of the youth choruses that I was able to attend before I had to head to the airport, I was consistently impressed, inspired, and elated. I had never heard Ann Hampton Callaway before and her vocal ability, her rapport with her audience, and her sense of humor were mesmerizing. I made sure to buy one of her CDs at the GALA store.

All week I had been looking forward to hearing the youth groups perform, although I knew because of my departing flight time, I would not be able to see all of them perform. I got to see the Mosaic Youth Chorus from Denver (listen to them on their myspace page), Dreams of Hope, from Pittsburgh (check out their website), and one song from New York City's, Youth Pride Chorus' set. Dreams of Hope blew me away with their combination of theater and song. The youth held the stage on their own, without any artistic director or accompanist. They shared about their lives and had the audience laughing like crazy at their humorous sketches. I was so inspired by this group of young people who have the self confidence at their age to be part of a GLBT chorus. I want to help see to it that Boston creates a youth chorus.

Another highlight for me was seeing the Seattle Men's Chorus perform as they were the first Gay Men's Chorus that I got to know, when I lived in Seattle for seven years. A good friend of mine used to sing with them. You can see them singing with their sister chorus, Seattle Women's Chorus, below (from the very same Festival performance we attended!):



I have always loved to watch their ASL interpreter, Kevin Gallagher, because he is so very talented at what he does, conveying the feeling of every piece they sing. His performance at GALA broughtthe house down, which was hysterical to watch.

Of course it was a thrill to perform for the GALA audience, but I got the most out of watching all of the other groups. When I think about the collective influence that all of these groups have in the communitites where they sing to bring about change in our society, I realize how large the movement is. I am proud to be a part of it!

Sarah, Second Soprano