RHYTHM
Reaching Youth Through Music
SFGMC’s RHYTHM program brings music, storytelling, LGBTQIA+ visibility, and messages of belonging directly into Bay Area schools.
What is RHYTHM?
Music, storytelling, and connection in schools.
RHYTHM brings members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus into middle and high schools across the Bay Area for an immersive music education and outreach experience centered on belonging, inclusion, authenticity, and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
Through music, personal storytelling, conversation, workshops, and direct connection with students, RHYTHM helps school communities build empathy while empowering young people to embrace their authentic selves.
Our Purpose
Building empathy in schools and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth across the Bay Area.
For Schools
Bring RHYTHM to Your School
RHYTHM partners with Young Audiences of Northern California to bring the program to school communities throughout the region. Programs are designed to engage students through music, conversation, storytelling, and opportunities for direct connection.
Schools may also incorporate GSA engagement, choral collaboration, an all-school assembly, and a post-program meet and greet depending on the school and program schedule.
Book RHYTHM
The Experience
How RHYTHM Works
RHYTHM is designed as more than a performance. Its components create opportunities for learning, participation, reflection, and meaningful connection.
1
GSA Workshop
Students discuss their school climate and inclusivity and explore ideas that can foster greater acceptance and authenticity within their community.
2
Choral Master Class
When a school has a choral program, students may work with SFGMC’s music education team to prepare for a collaborative performance during the assembly.
3
RHYTHM Assembly
A group of SFGMC singers combines music, personal stories, conversation, and a facilitated Q&A in an immersive school-wide experience.
4
Meet & Greet
Students and singers can continue the conversation in a more informal setting, giving young people an opportunity to ask questions and connect with LGBTQIA+ role models.
Music Education
Students don't just watch. They participate.
School choirs can work directly with SFGMC’s music education team and, when appropriate, join the Chorus in performance during the RHYTHM assembly.
Stories From RHYTHM
See the program in action.
Hear from participants and experience RHYTHM through school visits, student stories, and members of the SFGMC community.
El Cerrito High School — January 2025
El Camino High School — October 2024
Meet Oxford — The First RHYTHM Student to Become a Singing Member
Student Perspective
Eleanor Shares Her RHYTHM Story — Crescendo 2024
The Reviews Are In
What students and teachers say.
“
My favorite part was when they sang with our school choir because it shows that by standing together, you can overcome anything.
Harker Middle School choir students join SFGMC during a RHYTHM assembly.
“
I learned that if you express yourself, you will discover friends you never knew you had.
Gilbert shares his story during a RHYTHM assembly. Photo: JP Lor.
“
RHYTHM brings a great balance of interactive dialogue, storytelling, dancing, and songs.
Teacher feedback from the RHYTHM workshop series.
Our Goals Are Simple
Empower and celebrate LGBTQIA+ youth across the Bay Area.
Build greater empathy within school communities.
Help students better understand themselves as individuals.
Foster environments where LGBTQIA+ youth and their peers can be authentic.
Encourage positive choices grounded in acceptance and respect.
Increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and lived experiences.
Connect students with visible role models and community builders.
Beyond the Assembly
We bring people together.
RHYTHM creates opportunities for students and SFGMC singers to meet beyond the performance itself. These conversations help young people ask questions, build relationships, encounter visible LGBTQIA+ adults, and experience community in a personal way.
Why RHYTHM Matters
Young people need love, support, and safety.
RHYTHM reinforces the importance of LGBTQIA+-affirming school communities and supports students in expressing themselves authentically regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Through themes including pride, individualism, anti-bullying, allyship, and advocacy, singers and students share experiences and build understanding together.
How It Started
From five schools to thousands of students.
15,000+
RHYTHM launched in 2018 with visits to schools around the Bay Area, reaching more than 4,000 students in its first season.
Since its launch, the program has reached close to 15,000 students throughout the Bay Area and beyond while continuing SFGMC’s tradition of combining music with advocacy and community engagement.
Additional Resources
Outside Voices
Continue the conversation beyond the RHYTHM experience with SFGMC’s storytelling curriculum.
RHYTHM Storytelling Workbook
Turn personal stories into powerful voices.
Outside Voices is an additional educational resource designed to extend RHYTHM’s themes of storytelling, identity, creativity, and community building.
Young people are encouraged to explore their own experiences and turn personal stories into performance and creative expression.
Learn More & Download
Support RHYTHM
Help us bring RHYTHM to more young people.
Your support helps SFGMC bring music, LGBTQIA+ visibility, storytelling, and messages of belonging to schools and communities across the Bay Area.
