“I can’t breathe.” These are the last words of George Floyd and Eric Garner. It’s also a symptom of the generational trauma experienced by African-American communities during 400 years of systemic racism in the service of white supremecy. In these words we hear the voices of the untold numbers of Black people killed by law […]

from GALA Choruses Board President Dwight Joyner: I turned to my husband this morning and asked, “Does it feel as though our world is falling apart?” Pandemic Hungry children  Covid-19 response mismanagement and politicization The deaths of loved ones and icons And now the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in my hometown […]

Survivability and Sustainability in a Time of Chaos COVID-19 has turned the world of performing arts—especially choruses—upside down. As of this writing, we don’t know when it will be safe for choruses to rehearse and perform together again. The decisions we make for our organizations in the coming weeks and months will determine how our […]

“No one overreacts. It’s just that what you’re reacting to may not be what’s in front of you.” –Terry Real The experience of quarantine in response to the coronavirus pandemic has been emotionally challenging for people. While much has been made of coronavirus as a great equalizer and public health officials have reminded folks that […]

As young people, we sought the comforting feeling of “home”—even if that feeling was not found in our literal homes: curling up in a favorite blankie, cuddling with a pet, or giggling with a best friend. Growing up, many people found that place of safety making music and art in choirs, bands, orchestras, and theater […]

Dear GALA Chorus Members: Things are certainly not what we expected!  As we continue to sit through a pandemic that is having a profound impact on every aspect of daily living here in the United States it is important to keep things in perspective.  These are indeed trying times and many of our organizations are […]

If you are like me, the coronavirus is wreaking havoc with my organization.  This week the board, chorus leadership, and staff sat down, and put together a plan to postpone our upcoming concert.  All of this in light of the Governor’s State of Emergency declaration banning all public gatherings in excess of 250 people for […]