DIVERSITY: THE VOICES OF SARASOTA
Diversity FAQs
ABOUT US
1. Who is Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota? Sarasota’s only LGBTQ+ all-welcoming chorus, we began in 1997.and have been bringing joy and music to the community for over 25 years. It’s our mission to celebrate humanity through songs of hope and inclusion. We believe in the power of music and its ability to build bridges that unite communities and change lives. We believe that there is strength in diversity and in affirming the role of LGBTQ individuals in society. Our intergenerational membership includes singers with diverse musical experience. Singers perform in our non-auditioned SATB chorus. Additionally, experienced singers can perform in two auditioned ensembles: Glimmer (sopranos and altos or SSAA) and OUTFront (tenors and basses or TTBB.) We consider our chorus to be a musical family, a safe place for all and we embrace everyone. Our season runs from September to May and includes two exciting, ticketed performances along with several community outreach performances.
2.What genres of music do you sing? We celebrate a wide variety of music, from Broadway classics, folk, jazz, movie music, and LGBT+ anthems to recent popular music hits. Listen to some of our performances by selecting the Gallery button below.
MEET US
3. When and where can I see you perform? In addition to two ticketed performances (usually in December and May) we have outreach shows bringing songs of hope and inclusion to community festivals, Farmers Markets, welcoming churches, ballparks, and Pride events. Many performance clips are on our Gallery page. By performing in public areas, we fulfill our to inspire our community to embrace equality while donating our time and talents to our Sarasota and Manatee communities. Check out our Events Page to find out about our next performance and secure tickets to reserve your place!
4. I’m hearing impaired, will there be an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter? Yes! We take pride in making our music accessible to everyone by having an American Sign Language (ASL) musical interpreter for all ticketed performances and select outreach events. Just look for the ASL logo on our promotional materials to find that these services will be available.
JOIN US
5. What’s it like to sing with Diversity? Our members come from a variety of musical backgrounds, from those who have only sung in the shower to people who have sung on stage. All singers are expected to match pitch and while sight reading is not required, it is helpful. Rehearsal tracks are provided to help you prepare as it is expected that you will practice, practice, practice (!) at home and come to rehearsals well prepared. Our repertoire of about 15 pieces rotates every 3 months. Rehearsals include warm-ups with vocal drills and vocal lessons provided by our Artistic Director. And we are a very social and welcoming group and have FUN before, after and during rehearsals! Let us know if you would like to join us by selecting the JOIN US link below.
6. When are chorus and ensemble rehearsals? We rehearse on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 PM and the Ensembles usually rehearse from 6 to 7 PM with the Fall season beginning in September and Spring season in January. We may also schedule additional rehearsals as needed to ensure that we are fully prepared for an upcoming event.
7. Does it cost anything to be in the chorus? Ideally there would be no fees for members, but costs for digital sheet music, audio rehearsal tracks, royalty fees, musical staff, and other administrative requirements mean that fees are unavoidable. The cost is $75 per season, which can be paid per season or in one payment of $150 for the year. As a community-focused non-profit organization we encourage our members to take part in our fundraising efforts which play a significant role in helping us cover our operating and programming costs.
8. What will happen at the first rehearsal I attend? During the orientation gathering at our first rehearsal of each Season, new members will meet with our Artistic Director who will get to know your basic musical instincts (melody, harmony, pitch matching, etc.) If you don’t know whether you are a soprano or a bass, you’ll find out!
9. “I’m a singer with little to no experience, can I join?” For those who haven’t sung in a while, the chorus will welcome you and will offer a fantastic opportunity to improve your vocal skills. As with many things, we learn by doing and that we will do - at rehearsals and at home with the rehearsal tracks. Many of us sing along with the tracks as we drive around the city.
10. “I’m an experienced singer, what performance opportunities are available?” Many opportunities exist for solo performances as part of the full chorus, or audition to be part of an ensemble group that will often perform at community events where the whole chorus cannot be accommodated.
11. I don’t sing. Are there ways I can get involved? There are many ways that you can participate! We welcome volunteers to help with performances, raise awareness and engage in community outreach efforts. Do you have stage production or front of house experience? Do you have ideas about costuming or choreography? Join our team and help us elevate our performances! Select the Contact Us button below.
12. I want to support your mission with a financial or in-kind investment. We appreciate your interest in supporting our chorus’ mission. Our success relies on the support of generous donors, sponsors and individuals like you. Every gift, no matter its size, means the world to us and helps shape our future. Your donation keeps us singing! Visit our Donate6 page to invest in our mission and the volunteer singers who carry it out. Please select the Donate button below.
