As an organization, we believe that our communities can be cured, educated, and inspired by music. Our chorus members carry this mission with pride wherever they go and showcase their support through the countless hours of community outreach they complete every year. We encourage others to be volunteers who get involved and provide hope, stand up against hate, and share the power of embracing your authentic self in their communities.
SFGMC Chorus Members Volunteer in the Community
Music is a healing method, an educational tool, and a source of inspiration for our communities. Through hours of outreach each year, our chorus members demonstrate their dedication to serving our community. Our mission is to create exceptional music, organize community-building events, inspire activism, and foster compassion both here at home and worldwide. We are dedicated to helping people connect with their true selves, serve their communities, and stand up against hate.
Here are just a few of the things our chorus members do to advance our mission.
Give Em’ Hope Awards
Our founders built the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus on Harvey Milk's leadership principles early on in our history. Throughout the San Francisco bay area, we employed the mission "You've gotta give 'em hope" as the cornerstone of our community outreach efforts. From this, The Give Em' Hope Awards were born. This program actively supports young artists from underserved and diverse communities and was developed in collaboration with The National Queer Arts Center. Any form of art is welcome, including performing arts, visual arts, literature, and film, as long as it focuses on the theme of hope.
We all felt the effects of COVID-19, but we understood that young people were adversely affected. In light of the pandemic in 2021, we chose to focus on the work of those who were still hopeful. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we were unable to host the award ceremony in person. A ceremony was held online to recognize the young people's accomplishments and talents. Inspired by the talent of these young, under-resourced artists, David Falzone, a member of the chorus, and his family, made the first donation through which the winners received monetary prizes.
RHYTHM
In addition to its musical programs, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus offers public education and social events that unite communities and people. Our Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) program is one example. This workshop runs for two weeks for elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Bay Area. We have served over 10,000 students in the Bay Area since 2018 with RHYTHM.
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus conducts workshops to encourage students, especially LGBT students, to lead authentic lives through messages of love, acceptance, and strength. As part of RHYTHM's education platform, students are taught about the LGBT community and guided to gain awareness, acceptance, and leadership skills. In addition, students learn how they can become role models in their community.
Outside Voices Curriculum
We place great importance on public education and preparing the next generation for the world. So, we worked with the It Gets Better Project to develop Outside Voices, a six-week curriculum. Suitable for students in grades 6-12, this workbook can be used alongside RHYTHM in schools or as a standalone resource for anyone seeking to empower youth through storytelling and promote positive community change.
Through performance art pieces (song, rap, spoken word, or monologue), students are encouraged to articulate their own stories, use art as an activist tool, and get involved in their communities. Mitch Galli, our Associate Artistic Director, has also produced a video demonstration of each lesson.
Non-Chorus Member LGBT Volunteers San Francisco
If you live in the San Francisco bay area and are passionate about working with the LGBT community, yet aren't a singer, don't fret! There are many ways to participate in the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. We have plenty of volunteer opportunities, including working at events or programs and interacting with visitors. If you want to connect with like-minded people in the Bay Area and meet people with similar values, this is a fantastic opportunity!
Leads
Leads provide help and guidance to other volunteers regarding their assignments. Training will be provided for all leads according to their specific volunteer assignment
Floaters
Outdoor floaters are stationed throughout the venue to welcome patrons, collect their IDs, and verify vaccination status. As well as managing foot traffic, they will direct patrons where to go, explain what to expect, and tell them what to prepare.
Indoor floaters direct patrons to restrooms and box offices, answering questions and directing foot traffic.
Vaccine Checkers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our performing venues have mask and vaccine requirements. Patrons are required to present their vaccine cards (both physical and digital) before entering the venue. Vaccine checkers make sure everyone is safe to enter the building to enjoy the show.
Ticket Checkers
Patrons must show a ticket (physical or digital) for entry. Our ticket checkers are there to verify they hold some version of a ticket to maintain accountability, efficiency, and continuous flow.
Box office
Box office attendants distribute Will Call orders or provide tickets to patrons who have misplaced them. However, the box office lead will also handle door sales.
Additional Support
Support volunteers are only assigned if there is a surplus of volunteers. These volunteers fill in for no-shows, assist our front-of-house staff members, or even help with the singers backstage. In addition, if any unpredicted needs arise, they will step in and save the day.
Get Involved!
As an organization, The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus thrives because of its volunteers. We are eternally grateful for the time and energy our volunteers give to the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. In most cases, volunteers are behind the scenes putting on the show and ensuring patrons enjoy themselves.
Our volunteers are singers and non-singers alike. They come together because of their commitment to working with the LGBTQ+ community and their unwavering belief that music can inspire, unify, and educate the world. If you share our passion for working with the LGBTQ community and believe in the power of music and community service, don't hesitate to contact the volunteer coordinator today!
We are holding auditions for the 45th season of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus this August. So if you can sing in the tenor or bass range, be it on stage or in the shower, and are interested in participating in our outreach programs, we invite you to audition. No matter your gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or race, we welcome singers with a wide variety of singing experiences.