Membership

As a GALA member chorus, you join us in a global association of LGBTQ choirs who imagine a world where all voices are free. Mission Empowering LGBT Choruses as we change our world through song. Vision A world where all voices are free. Core Values

• We are CATALYSTS. We provide enthusiasm, resources and tools to inspire our member choruses to use the power of music to create social change.
• We are HARMONIZERS. We are diverse people who employ the power of song with respect and understanding. We bring our communities together to experience musical excellence, collaboration, cooperation, acceptance, transparency, and opportunities for all.
• We are LISTENERS. We listen to our members, our colleagues, and each other in order to understand the issues, define our roles, and serve the common welfare of our movement.
• We are LEADERS. We offer strategic direction to the movement we serve. We work effectively with partners around the world who seek to achieve complimentary goals. We strengthen our association by nurturing effective leadership and ensuring robust, sustainable financial resources.

The first key to getting value from your GALA membership is to stay current on the events and programs offered. GALA regularly sends eBlasts to our mailing list to communicate information about upcoming events and programs.  Be sure to notify Member Services (memberservices@galachoruses.org) when your chorus leadership changes so that we can keep the information flowing to you.

Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events and programs:

The GALA Google Groups are one of the most valuable aspects of membership.  These listserv discussion boards allow open dialogue between peers within GALA; use them to obtain instant feedback on a particular topic or problem from your chorus colleagues and to share your unique expertise.

You can join the discussion groups using links available on the GALA web site or by emailing memberservices@galachoruses.org.

The GALA 411 advisors are experienced chorus professionals available to consult with your chorus about artistic, management and/or board issues.  The current team is artistic advisor Kathleen Hansen and board development advisor Eve Campbell.

The GALA 411 advisors are available to member choruses for mentoring on a variety of topics.  The consultations are free unless the advisor needs to come in person, in which case the chorus is asked to cover travel and lodging expenses. Details on the GALA 411 program and how to contact the advisors and request their services are all included on the GALA web site.

Festival is the signature event of GALA Choruses. While the COVID pandemic forced the cancellation of Festival 2020 we fully expect to be back with Festival 2024.

Festival 2024 will be held in Minneapolis on July 10-14, 2024.  Further details will be released as we get closer to the date.

Leadership symposia are held annually (other than Festival years), providing an opportunity for networking, education, inspiration, singing and fun!

The 2022-2023 leadership symposium will be virtual in order for it to be accessible to all of our membership. Watch for notices on the topics to be covered and the schedule.

The Resource Center is the heart of the GALA web site. It contains an enormous collection of background information and sample documents on every aspect of chorus management, with whole sections dedicated to Artistic Directors, Chorus Managers, Board Members, Singers, Youth, and Trans* people.

In 2019 GALA’s New Harmony Task Force launched its workbook designed to help member choruses explore issues of equity, access and belonging.  The workbook is available by request and consulting assistance from members of the task force can be arranged through the 411 program.  See the application at https://galachoruses.org/resource-center/consulting-services/new-harmony-facilitators/

An updated version of the workbook including new sections on neurodiversity, religion and intergenerational issues will be released in late 2022.  Watch for an eBlast on its availability!

GALA Choruses is pleased to celebrate our member choruses’ milestone anniversaries.  Your anniversary will be posted on our social media outlets and our board and staff members will prepare a congratulatory video.

Periodically member choruses are asked to complete surveys on operations, compensation and other matters.  Your participation in the survey helps us to gather information vital to all of our members.