Workshops

All workshops will be in the Conrad Meeting Rooms at the Hilton except as noted. Check your Integra Mobile app for workshop descriptions.

Board Roles & Responsibilities
Toni Capra, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 9:00AM—10:15AM

Take a deep dive into the nonprofit board’s core responsibilities in governing the organization, which broadly include: setting organizational direction, providing oversight, and ensuring necessary resources. This will also be articulated through the division of oversight (Board) versus management (Staff), and how those entities work together for optimal organizational performance. Content for this session will also include an overview of individual board member responsibilities such as participating in fundraising, working on a committee(s) or task force, and serving as an ambassador to the community.

Vocal Percussion & Vocal Instruments with Deke Sharon
Deke Sharon, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 9:00AM–10:15AM

One of the most notable elements of contemporary a cappella, vocal percussion has become an essential element in presenting a dynamic, current sound with nothing but voices. Learn the fundamentals of this skill, weaving together bass drum, snare and high hat to provide a compelling groove, and begin to explore some additional sounds like cymbals, shakers, and wood blocks. Bonus – this workshop will also cover instrumental sounds like drums, guitars, horns, and a myriad of other instruments!

Peer to Peer Fundraising
John D Carrion, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This session will discuss New York City Gay Men’s Chorus’ peer to peer fundraising efforts since its inception and provide ways to incorporate this into other organizations.

School Engagement Through Song and Stories (MCC Ballroom A)
Mitch Galli and Sam Bullington, Presenters
Thursday, July 11, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This presentation will include two 25-minute performances to preview some of the transformative school engagement programs happening by GALA Choruses. Phoenix – Colorado’s Transgender Community Chorus and The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform a preview of their youth engagement programs, and then a panel of chorus leaders will discuss the programs they’ve developed. The session will end with a Q&A to support and inspire all choruses to create more opportunities to engage with the youth in their own communities.

Fearless Fundraising
Toni Capra, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Everything an organization needs to know to be fearless at fundraising! The session will cover the types of fundraising, the board’s responsibilities, and the stages of fundraising. Content will also include an overview of the Development/Fundraising Committee and its purpose of leading board participation in raising money for the nonprofit.

Lead A Sectional Like A Boss
Nikki Blackmer, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 10:30AM–11:45AM

A class devoted to making you the Boss of All Sectionals! This includes a comprehensive list of what can be covered in sectionals as well as a checklist for what to listen for so we don’t skip any steps.

Marketing Roundtable
John D Carrion and Michael Danz, Presenters
Thursday, July 11, 10:30AM–11:45AM

This session will be a roundtable discussion of successful marketing and social media practices of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. The goal is to share what has and has not worked to the GALA community.

Cantus: Collaborative Rehearsals (Westminster Hall)
Cantus, Presenters
Thursday, July 11, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Embark on a journey of collaborative music-making with Cantus, where traditional roles blur in favor of shared artistic direction. Explore the unique model of programming shows collaboratively and learn how trust and healthy communication are the cornerstones of their rehearsal and performance process. Gain insights into fostering an open and creative environment in choral music. https://www.cantussings.org

BIPOC Leadership: Report and Panel (MCC 101A)
Ash, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 12:00PM–1:15PM

Do you know what BIPOC leaders experience in our choruses, industry, and movement? Engage with the results of GALA’s completed BIPOC Leadership Project, which brought BIPOC leaders together to foster networking and develop/nurture leadership. Listen to what BIPOC voices have to say about what’s working, what’s wrong, and what’s missing. This session will include both a report out on the completed six-month project as well as a panel of BIPOC voices to continue this critical conversation.

Celebrating Diversity: Beating Minority Stress (MCC 101A)
R. Scott Boots, MPA, Presenter
Thursday, July 11, 1:30PM–2:45PM

In addition to the countless stressors we experience today in the United States in our work and daily lives, members of the LGBTQIA+ community face “minority stress” both from within and outside of their communities. Compared to others, “different” people often experience physical assault, discrimination, reduced financial stability, bullying, chaos, and reduced physical and mental health. While it is often not possible to control all stressors, it is possible to remind audiences to avoid emotional self-deprivation, identify stress, and respond in healthy ways. This seminar has taught self-care skills to a variety of audiences across the US and UK for 25 years; everybody wins when we can remind each other to first care and advocate for ourselves.

The “Invisible I” Intersex in the Context of the LGBTQIA+ Choral Community
Michael Kreuzer, Sam Bullington and Sharon Preves, Presenters
Friday, July 12, 9:00AM–10:15AM

The term “Non-binary” has been introduced more recently with greater inclusion of trans and gender diverse populations in the LGBTQIA+ choral movement. Choruses have started to be more aware of diverse identities and many are now using less gendering language and less gendering attire. However, the term non-binary has a much broader, deeper and significant meaning in and for the LGBTQIA+ community because it is not at all limited to gender identity. It is also an actual physical expression of sex characteristics in human beings. This is known as Intersex or the often omitted and/or poorly understood “I” in the LGBTQIA+ acronym. This session includes an introduction to what intersex means in the greater context of LGBTQIA+ and a panel with renowned author Sharon Preves (Hamline University, St Paul) as well as local intersex folx.

Audience Development
Toni Capra, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This session will explore overall audience development in the performing arts and specifically some post-pandemic audience research and strategies for audience development. We will look at the Wallace Foundation’s research “Effective Practices for Building Arts Audiences” and related case studies.

Tone Policing: How to Teach Technique Without Silencing Voices
Clelyn Chapin, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This experiential session will provide an easily replicable toolbox for singers and artistic directors who are interested in expressive singing. Singers want to be artists, but are often stifled by the hierarchical dynamic embedded in choral rehearsals. Choir directors want to help singers, but are often concerned that power-sharing and individual technique skills will hinder the efficiency of the rehearsal. This session will help choruses find a path to efficient expressive singing and shared artistic decision-making.

Keys to an Effective, No Drama Board
Catherine Dehoney and Steve Smith, Presenters
Friday, July 12, 9:00AM–10:15AM

Board members are often key volunteers contributing to the chorus’ success. However, chorus leaders often struggle with making full and effective use of their current board of directors and also with expanding the board’s impact by recruiting board members from outside of the chorus. In an interactive session, Chorus America President Catherine Dehoney, and Former Gala Board Chair Steven Smith, will share practical strategies to increase your board’s effectiveness along with ideas for engaging new board members from the community.

Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Chorus Members
Presenters: John Carrion – New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (he/him/his), Tristan Miedema (he/they), Aria Huizenga (she/her) – Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, Reid Vanderburgh (he/him) – Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Friday, July 12, 10:30AM–11:45AM

This workshop will explore what a safe and welcoming chorus looks like to a trans or non-binary singer. How can we best support the person who moves down the sections as testosterone affects the voice? How can we help choristers adjust to a new name/pronoun for a long-time chorister who transitions? Is there non-gendered nomenclature we can use in referring to sections? What kinds of things should we look for in assessing possible performance spaces for outreach concerts? Can we still wear tuxedos, or dresses? How can we help uncomfortable choristers move past their discomfort to become allies to those who are trans or non-binary? Is there a line, and if so, where do we draw it? These questions will all be addressed, as well as those you bring into the room, as we talk about institutionalized support, creating a feeling of belonging for all concerned. This workshop will be a safe space for a gender discussion, helping you bring the tools and knowledge back to your own chorus for discussion and implementation.

Building A Development Plan
Stephen McCoy, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Developing a comprehensive and strategic fundraising plan is paramount to the sustained success of your chorus. Stephen McCoy, from the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus, will guide you through the steps of crafting a plan tailored to position your chorus for success. This interactive session promises active engagement, providing participants with the hands-on experience of working through a development plan. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with an initial draft, serving as a solid foundation to kickstart the construction of a thorough year-long plan. This session is designed to cater to a diverse audience, whether you are embarking on the journey of building a plan for the first time or seeking a basic refresher. The interactive nature of the session will ensure that you gain valuable skills and knowledge to enhance your chorus’s fundraising strategy.

A Workshop for Accompanists!
Beth De Boer, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 10:30AM–11:45AM

This session gives accompanists a workshop all their own! I often hear “There’s never anything for accompanists at conferences like this!” So here’s one! We’ll discuss things like “reading your director’s mind,” and many tips on how to play certain passages or specific situations to help the singers with their notes/entrances/rhythms/confidence etc. Attendees can volunteer to play things — possibly with a conductor they do not know. They’ll get some swag relevant to piano players and also info on accompanying from my experiences playing for different directors throughout the years.

Communications Needs & Strategies Between Board & Chorus
Eve Campbell, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Keeping clear communication between board and chorus membership is essential to fostering understanding and avoiding surprises. In this session, you will learn intentional strategies and objectives to keep goodwill flowing.

New Harmony Workbook I & II (MCC 101A)
Maria-Elena Grant and Anthony Cabrera, Presenters
Friday, July 12, 12:00PM–1:15PM

Join members of the New Harmony Task Force for an introduction to New Harmony Workbooks I and II. Workbook I conversations will explore Mobility and Ability, Race and Ethnic Identity, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Socio-Economic Status, and Community Engagement. We will have a more in-depth conversation on Race and Ethnicity. Workbook II discussions will explore Intergenerational Relationships, Digital Accessibility, Conversations on Faith & Religion, Mental Health & Neurodiversity, and American Exceptionalism. We will discuss an overview of the new tools outlined in Workbook II as well as a more in depth conversation on Intergenerational Dynamics.

Beginning New Harmony: One Choir’s Journey towards Equity, Access, and Belonging (MCC101A)
Emily Broadrick, Presenter
Friday, July 12, 2:00PM–3:15PM

A discussion of one choir’s experience of incorporating New Harmony workbook sessions into practice.

Letters Workshop: Voices Across Generations
Mimi Lemay, Sam Brinton, Andrea Clearfield and David Hodgkins
Saturday, July 13, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This workshop accompanies Coro Allegro’s Coffee Concert Letters to Our Children, featuring HERE I AM: I AM HERE by Andrea Clearfield, based on moving open letters to transgender youth and survivors of conversion therapy. Writers, composers, commissioners, and performers share the challenging process of weaving together true stories, music, and advocacy. With LGBTQ+ rights and expression under attack, we invite participants to add their voices, writing their own affirming letters to LGBTQ+ youth.

Navigating Dance in the Choral Concert
C. Nicholas Morris and Dan Roath, Presenters
Saturday, July 13, 9:00AM–10:15AM

So You Think You Can Dance? Are you itching to get off the risers and ready to kick up your heels? Ready to add “choral-ography” or take the dancers to the next level? Then this session is for you! During this time, attendees get insight and information about leading dancers in the choral concert from two unique perspectives: from the lens of a smaller chorus and relatively new group leader from Quarryland Men’s Chorus, and from leadership of a larger, longer tenured dance ensemble within the Turtle Creek Chorale. This workshop covers everything from starting a dance group, auditions, choreographer pro-tips, creative production process, role of the Choreographer, and so much more about adding movement and dance to the chorale theatrical production.

Evaluation is Not a Dirty Word
Eve Campbell, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 9:00AM–10:15AM

Boards and staff tend to avoid evaluations. Sometimes it’s lack of knowledge and expertise, other times it may just be intimidating. With a good job description and healthy communication, evaluations do not have to be stressful. Great leaders provide and seek feedback in order to grow.

501(c)3’s: The Five Things that Most Often Get Them in Trouble
Douglas Althauser, Esq, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Are you a Board member or employed by a not-for-profit chorus? Employees and even volunteers of 501(c)3’s have engaged in activities without realizing that their conduct would result in IRS audits, investigations, and sanctions that included losing their organization’s not-for-profit status. This workshop will explain what your chorus can and cannot do in terms of political activity, lobbying, private benefit, unrelated business income, and compliance. A good education for new Board members and employees, and a good review for administrators who’ve been around for a while.

Sexual Harassment & Leadership Response
Eve Campbell, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Sexual harassment can occur at any time within any organization. This session focuses on how leadership’s responses can safeguard the organization. There are specific areas that must be covered in a timely manner. Being prepared before an incident occurs is vital to organization safety.

Global Alliance of Queer Choirs
Charles Beale, Martin Brophy, Hsien Chew and Oscar Urtusástegui, Presenters
Saturday, July 13, 10:30AM–11:45AM

The Global Alliance of Queer Choirs brings together LGBTIQA+ singing organizations from almost all the regions of the world in common purpose. We share best practice, work together on festival scheduling, and provide opportunities for international collaborations between our organizations and their member groups. Each organization also presents its own major festival of queer singing every few years. Our alliance builds relationships across continents, allowing us to share what we learn and grow the queer choral movement together. Thanks to our alliance of LGBTIQA+ singing festivals, tens of thousands of queer voices across the world have come together in unity and harmony.

Key of T (Westminster Hall)
Ari Agha, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 10:30AM–11:45AM

Key of T is an interactive performance featuring nonbinary/trans singer Ari Agha (they/them), Mackenzie Lyn Marr (she/her) on piano, and everyone who shows up! Ari shares their experience of singing voice transition with testosterone to reveal under-explored possibilities of voice for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Key of T reminds us of our vocal range and genderful freedom. Join us to hear yourself anew and be a part of the choir.

The Single Most Important Indicator of A Thriving Chorus
Joan Garry, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 10:30AM–11:45AM

A special session for chorus Board Chairs and Executive Directors. Internationally recognized nonprofit leadership expert (and former member of the NYC chorus) Joan Garry will speak to the critical nature of this relationship and offer actionable advice on how to create a real partnership that can preempt challenges and set the chorus on a solid path for the future.

Developing a Supportive ASL Interpreter Community (MCC 101A)
Douglas Braun, MSSA, Presenter
Saturday, July 13, 12:00PM–1:15PM

Sign Language Interpreters come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Often we are pitted against each other, feeling the need to prove who is “better”. We all have experiences we can share to mentor each other. Most interpreters have been through an Interpreter Training Program, some are CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), some are Certified, some are not, most are hearing, and some are Deaf. We deserve a place where we can celebrate each other and learn from each other. Help us create this place.

Bi+ Essentials & Allyship
Bisexual Organizing Project
Sunday, July 14, 9:00AM–10:15AM

We present challenges faced by individuals who identify as bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, queer, or otherwise nonmonosexual (Bi+) in daily life in straight and gay worlds through information presentation and interactive exercises.

Putting It Together: FUNdamental Chorus Orientation and Retention Strategies
Doug Cureton, Presenter
Sunday, July 14, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This session uses the power of humor empathy-based training to introduce, engage and connect new members to your existing members! FUNdamental interactive activities and exercises involving puzzles, games and music will be creatively incorporated to build camaraderie and trust! If you’re looking for some innovative and meaningful ways to energize and engage your members-this session is for you!

Vocal Health for Senior Singers
Jessica Steuver, Presenter
Sunday, July 14, 10:30AM–11:45AM

As we age, our voices can drastically change: the larynx and vocal cords shrink, thin, and stiffen, vocal pitch can lower, projection and resonance can decrease, and the voice can feel breathy, shaky and weak. This session will provide attendees with Stemple Vocal Function Exercises, repertoire recommendations and modifications, and results from empirical studies on the benefits of lifelong singing.

Masterclass for the Trans Voice
Victoria Vargas and Devin Dolquist, Presenters
Sunday, July 14, 10:30AM–11:45AM

A singing masterclass for 3 gender nonconforming people with different vocal goals. Victoria and Devin will demonstrate vocal exercises to help achieve the singers’ stated goals and provide a real-time voice lesson for participants in the masterclass.

Harmony in Diversity: Crafting Authentic Brands for LGBTQIA+ Choruses
Shawn Cullen, Brandon Shelton, Mitch Weber and Dudley Hogue, Presenters
Sunday, July 14, 9:00AM–10:15AM

This session will empower leaders, marketers, and members of LGBTQ choruses with the knowledge and tools necessary to forge a resonant, authentic brand identity. Participants will be immersed in the compelling case study of The Heartland Men’s Chorus’ rebranding initiative. This interactive session will cover key aspects of branding, including defining core values, mission, and vision that authentically represent the chorus’s identity and aspirations. The Heartland Men’s Chorus leaders will discuss the importance of inclusivity and diversity in their branding efforts and practical strategies for audience engagement. The workshop will also touch on visual branding elements, storytelling techniques, and the creation of cohesive, compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Equity, Access & Belonging: New Harmony Chorus Panel
George Stevens, Sheryl Griffin, Julia Storm, Ali Lippman, and Sam Bullington, Presenter
Sunday, July 14, 12:15PM–1:30PM

Curious what it’s like to go through the Equity, Access, and Belonging workbooks with your chorus? Wondering how to get others interested in doing this work? Members of choruses who have embarked on these dialogues discuss the challenges they faced and gifts they received from their New Harmony sessions.

Creating a New “We” (MCC 101A)
Reid Vanderburgh, Presenter
Sunday, July 14, 1:45PM–3:00PM

How do we expand from 40 years ago – ‘lesbian and gay choruses’ – into a new era of welcoming folks who claim a wide variety of identities across the entire LGBTQIAAPNb acronym of possibilities? There is a lot of confusion about various forms of identity, especially among older choristers. Beyond defining identities, this workshop will explore how to create a space that feels like home to anyone across the acronym. Let’s expand what ‘family’ means so we all have the opportunity to feel the love. There is wisdom to share across generations, not a valued concept in US culture. Respecting intergenerational wisdom and learning from each other is a two-way street. In making various forms of identity feel welcome in the family, we also need to remember that our elders belong, too. This workshop will explore how to create the space that honors past and present both.