My brother, sister and I grew up playing piano through high school as my mother kept alive the family tradition that her mother had instilled in her. Through the trials and tribulations of teenage love and heartache, I started putting pen to paper and singing original lyrics to reflect the feelings I was experiencing in life. That continued on in college and beyond as I started to realize while I had a passion for songwriting, I lacked mastery of my own voice and an instrument.

Fast forward to 2012. I had committed myself to “Project Trece” – 13 actions/goals this year that will lead me to making 2013 the best year of my life (thirteen is my lucky number, and I speak Spanish). Two of those goals were to significantly impact the LGBT equality movement as a straight ally, and advance my skill set on my journey to become a singer-songwriter. In late December, Bruce Reedy, a long-time local friend of mine, and I got together for a bite to eat in the Short North. We caught up on each other’s lives, and I shared with him my goals, my passion for music, and that I was thinking about joining a the Harmony Project chorus to work on my voice.

Bruce told me he worked with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus on the audio/visual side, and asked if I had thought about joining them. I had heard of the group previously, but it was not actively on my radar. When I responded that I didn’t think that I was “qualified” to be eligible, he let me know they had an open charter, and have had straight men and even a woman before. And there it was: a chance to get more involved in the LGBT community, learn about a proud part of our Columbus culture, and train my voice with some experienced singers – it seemed like a win-win all around. I had my audition with Artistic Director Tim Sarsany, and could follow the sheet music changes and beats well enough for him to give me a chance. And as it turns out – I was a Baritone 2 – I’d made it!

This winter we had a retreat on a snowy Saturday, Jan. 21st, up in the Dublin area. I was only a couple weeks new, and still didn’t know if this was going to be the right fit for me, but many of the guys had warmly reached out encouraging me to attend, so in the spirit of “going hard or going home,” I headed up. Membership lead Jason Guthrie opened the floor that afternoon for members to get up and share how they joined the group and some of their experiences. I had met a lot of new faces by that point, but only knew a dozen or so names, and had even fewer deeper conversations with other chorus members. While some learned that I heard about it from Bruce’s recommendation, those that hadn’t may have likely assumed that I was gay as well. While considering if I was going to get up and share my story, I leaned over and asked Mark Lankford who had seemed a very genuine, trustworthy person, if I should mention my sexual orientation as part of my story – and he thought it was indeed an important piece.

My heartbeat went through the roof, as questions swirled through my mind. How were the guys going to take it? Would they accept me for who I was? Would they feel like I had deceived them? I have rarely, if ever in my life, been more scared and nervous to share and tell the truth to a group of relative strangers. Somehow I mustered up the strength to get up, put myself out there, and let the chips fall where they may. I managed to get through it, was true to myself, honest with the guys, and everyone was amazingly supportive. During and after the later breaks, guys came up to me, thanking me for opening up and welcoming me again as part of their brotherhood. That weekend I made the decision to commit to be part of a truly special group of guys.

Before joining, I was not aware of the amazing talent, voices, direction and reputation that this amazing group had already earned across the country. I didn’t realize how many extraordinary people I would meet, new friends I would make, nor the tight bonds that would come from working together on these concerts. Having now successfully completed my first concert, Home and Country (a perfect initiation thanks to my intense love for this great town as part of our Bicentennial), and working towards our Cher and Cher Alike summer performance, I can say from experience these guys put in very professional work and long hours finely tuning their craft to spread the awareness and message of their mission: Voices Raised, Lives Changed.

As I look back at the retreat, and the moment I opened up to the group, I realize that I “came out of the closet” as a straight man in a gay chorus. I don’t pretend to consider my leap of faith there to be anywhere near the courage it takes for the LGBT community to share their true self with friends, family and co-workers, but it may just be the closest experience I’ll have in my life. It has given me so much more respect for the LGBT community and perspective on what they have had to and continue to deal with in their lives.

As I’ve come into my own in life, people have often wondered if I was gay, whether because of my colorful personality, extreme openness or reputation for pushing physical boundaries between close friends and sporting teammates. Even more so recently, due to my increased equality advocacy efforts, new and old acquaintances ask my best friends and family if there’s some hidden secret about my sexual orientation – as if there had to be “something else” about me to motivate me to get so actively involved with this civil rights equality issue.

Thanks to the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, I’m learning about more than just singing, I’m learning how important it is to raise our voices, loudly and proudly. And I’m realizing first-hand just how song can change the lives of singers, and seeing how those singers are then able to go out and change their world. The connections I’ve made here have reminded me to return to and rededicated myself to my goals this year. So on two of those thirteen points, be on the lookout for the allies group STR8NOUT (“Straight and Out – of the Supporter’s Closet”) coming soon locally, and for songs like “My Columbus,” “Take Me Back,” and “My O-hi…” to showcase a straight voice honed from a gay chorus – a fitting combination to celebrate all of our pride in this great town, in this great state.

This group has led by example treating me as an equal, with the same rights and opportunities as any other member, regardless of my sexual orientation. The CGMC has already changed my life for the better, and I’m bound and determined to pay it forward and work towards creating a better world for them and future generations as well.

When we sing together, we win together … so SING-SING guys – it’s a WIN-WIN

• Alive & unEdited: Chet Ridenour
• Super Chet-ero – Sorry guys, he’s straight (March 2012 Outlook Magazine Article)
• Chet Ridenour (@ChetRidenour) on Twitter
• Chet Ridenour on Facebook
• STR8NOUT (“Straight and Out – of the Supporter’s Closet”)
• Chet’s Website

One of the best things about participating is that you support the efforts of CGMC to ensure fulfillment of our mission, “Voices Raised, Lives Changed!” when you give. All you have to do is bid! From great electronics gear to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this is the place to get in on all the auction action!

Go to www.biddingforgood.com/cgmc to begin bidding and bidding often.

CGMC’s Illuminati to sing at Shabbat Services.

COLUMBUS, January 10, 2012 — At Shabbat Services on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm,
Temple Beth Shalom will feature the Illuminati, a select ensemble of the Columbus’s Gay Men’s
Chorus (CGMC), to present music of the spirit. Enthused Rabbi Howard L. Apothaker, “We are so
thrilled to be the first Jewish congregation in Columbus to be privileged to welcome the Iluminati to
share their music with us.”

Illumanati Coodinator, David Tyhosky remarks that the purpose of the group’s participation in the
service is to “help broaden the message of love and inclusion [and] spread our vision and mission of
‘Voices Raised. Lives Changed.’”

Notes TBS Cantorial Soloist, Gail Rose, “The singers challenge congregations through the power of
music to reexamine the misconceptions they may have about Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transsexual
(GLBT) people and faith.” She adds that that Temple Beth Shalom, “as a welcoming and diverse
congregation, has a variety of affinity groups, including a GLBT group, ‘Twice Blessed Souls.’”

Formed in 1990, the parent CGMC has partnered with other organizations such as: CAPA, Opera
Columbus, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Welsh Hills Symphony Orchestra, The Columbus
Children’s Choir, Ballet Met, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. The Illuminati ensemble has
performed sacred music in various religious spaces throughout central Ohio and is expanding its
repertoire as it works within the religious communities of central Ohio.

During the social hour after the service, the Illuminati will perform additional musical selections. “We
are proud,” says TBS co-president, Miriam Siegfried, to partner with CGMC in this musical service
and invite the community to attend.”

For more information, contact Gail Rose, 614-855-4882 or grose@tbsohio.org.

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus maintains the vision of its founding members to foster
increased recognition, understanding, and acceptance of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. CGMC is a non-auditioned chorus open to all people regardless of vocal talent, musical abilities, race, gender, religion, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or economic means. The members of CGMC are equally dedicated to performing vocal music of the highest quality for its audiences and to maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and respect for its diverse members. During each performance and public appearance, they seek to live their mission of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC thanks its sponsors for making this season possible: Season supporters: The Columbus Foundation,
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Formation Studio, Level Dining Lounge, New York Life, Nth Degree, Ohio Arts
Council, SDG Security. Media partners: CD 102.5, Cue Magazine, Outlook Columbus, Time Warner Cable,
and WBNS-10TV.

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions for its “Home and Country” concert.

COLUMBUS, December 19, 2011 — The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus believes in opening minds and hearts through the power of music. We fully embrace the opportunity to be LGBT ambassadors to the central Ohio community and to live our mission of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC presents artistic and entertaining programs that continue to receive critical acclaim. We have recently partnered with other arts organizations such as the Columbus Children’s Choir, Columbus Jazz Arts Group, and Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra. Our “Home and Country” concert is a partnership with the OSU Men’s Glee Club and will celebrate the 200th Birthday of Columbus with songs related to Columbus and Ohio. Also included will be a special medley of Big-10 fight songs, as well as songs by American composers and songs that represent American themes.

Voice placement auditions are held during the first two rehearsals of each concert cycle. For our Home and Country concert, auditions will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 (please arrive at 6:00 pm) and Sunday, January 8, 2012 (please arrive at 5:30 pm) at the Ohio Theatre/Galbreath Pavilion, Room 1.

Home and Country – collaboration with the OSU Men’s Glee Club
When: Friday, February 24 at 8pm and Sunday, February 26 at 3pm
Where: The Lincoln Theatre

Please contact CGMC (cgmc@cgmc.com) or visit our website at www.cgmc.com for more information about CGMC and its season.

CGMC season:

Home and Country – collaboration with the OSU Men’s Glee Club
When: Friday, February 24 at 8pm and Sunday, February 26 at 3pm
Where: The Lincoln Theatre
Tickets: Ticket price: $30

Vox in Full Swing
When: Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21, 2012 – 8pm
Where: Van Fleet Theatre at Columbus Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Ticket price: $20

CGMC’s 6th Annual Forte Award and Benefit
When: Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 6pm
Where: Columbus Museum of Art
Tickets: $100

Illuminati Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 20, 2012
Where: St John’s Episcopal Church – Worthington
Tickets: Free

Cher and Cher Alike
When: Friday, June 22 & 23, 2012 at 8pm
Where: Lincoln Theatre
Tickets: Ticket price: $30

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus maintains the vision of its founding members to foster increased recognition, understanding, and acceptance of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. CGMC is a non-auditioned chorus open to all people regardless of vocal talent, musical abilities, race, gender, religion, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or economic means. The members of CGMC are equally dedicated to performing vocal music of the highest quality for its audiences and to maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and respect for its diverse members. During each performance and public appearance, they seek to live their vision of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC thanks its sponsors for making this season possible: Season supporters: The Columbus Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Formation Studio, Level Dining Lounge, New York Life, Nth Degree, Ohio Arts Council, SDG Security. Media partners for Joy and season: CD 102.5, Cue Magazine, Outlook Columbus, Time Warner Cable, and WBNS-10TV.
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Two members of the Westgate community are involved with the performance. Resident Rick Brandel is a past board member and will perform with the choir and Alan Jazak is on the board of trustees for the chorus.

“It is a special point of pride for Westgate that we have two members who are so active in our community involved in the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus,” said Mari Ann Futty, Westgate Neighborhood Association president. “It is so wonderful when you see the connection of people who care about the community, people who are talented and so involved in such a high profile organization.”

Brandel said he is a founding member and a singer with the chorus since its inception in 1990, the same year the first holiday concert was performed.

“When I first joined I had been out of college for a number of years,” Brandel said. “I missed men’s choral singing. When I was at Ohio State University I sang in the choir and chorus. When I heard that there was a gay men’s chorus forming I thought it was a great opportunity to get back to singing and an opportunity to meet other gay men.”

Brandel said he had no idea that 20 years later the chorus would evolve into such an incredible, wonderful family.

“It is an opportunity for us to provide a great outreach to the gay and lesbian community in central Ohio,” Brandel said. “It is an opportunity to bring together the whole community.”

The Joy Concert features a diverse range of music, Brandel said. One of his favorite selections this year is “Do You Hear What I Hear,” a piece that has never been performed at the concert.

“It has always been a favorite of mine, even when I was a child,” he said. “I remember listening to it on a record, my family singing it.”

The concert is performed four times at two churches, including the King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. and at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2480 W. Dublin Granville Road.

“It is a tradition to perform at King Avenue United Methodist Church,” said Dr. Timothy Sarsany, CGMC artistic director. “This is our 12th year there. It is a great program, with classic holiday music, traditional choral music plus some fun music as well.”

The CGMC began at King Avenue because the church opened its doors and is very open-minded, Sarsany said.

The Joy Concert is a great tradition, Sarsany said, adding a lot of people like to kick off their holiday season with the concert.

“We love to give back to the community that has given us so much,” he said. “We have a lot of talented guys. It is great to showcase our talent.”

The concert features 85 performers who come from all over central Ohio. Anyone who can hold pitch or sing is invited to perform with the group. Members can range from professionals to those who just love to sing.

Sarsany’s favorite music this year includes, “Sleigh Ride,” and “Eye on the Sparrow.” The group will also perform three songs for its younger audience, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “The Chimney Song” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

Performances at the King Avenue location will be Dec. 9 at 8 a.m., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. The shows at Dublin Granville Road will be Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.CGMC.com or by calling 228-CGMC for $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is scheduled to present ‘Joy! Home is Where the Hearth is’ at the King Avenue United Methodist Church Dec. 9-10 and at Lord of Life Lutheran Church Dec. 11.

Since its formation in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus has been contributing to the city’s diverse artistic community while simultaneously promoting the social acceptance of homosexuality. “Just because of the mere fact that our name is the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, its intrinsic,” said Rick Brandel, a tenor singer who has been in the group since it first formed. “We are somewhat political in that respect, and I like to think that over the past 22 years, our chorus has become a very recognized and respectable music entity in the arts community here in Columbus and central Ohio.”

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus will be celebrating the holiday season with its presentation of “Joy! Home is Where the Hearth Is,” at the King Avenue United Methodist Church at 8 p.m. Friday, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

The chorus, which features 85 singers, will be performing holiday classics as well as more
contemporary songs. The first half of the concert is a lot of serious music, and then the second half we’ll be doing some pop songs,” said Jason Bockis, who has sung with the chorus since 1998. “We’ll be doing some silly Christmas songs, some of the ones that they play on the radio.”

Bockis said attendees can expect to hear songs such as “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Sleigh Ride,” and “His Eye is on The Sparrow.” He also said that the chorus will be honoring the Jewish community by singing a song called “El Yivneh Hagalil.” Bockis explained that there will also be a few songs which will feature the talents of subgroups within the chorus.

Vox, the 18-member select chorus group, which is the only auditioned part of the chorus, will be performing four select songs. The chorus’ small sacred ensemble, called the Illuminati, will be performing four songs on their own as well.

The Illuminati performs once a month at different churches around central Ohio. “What we strive to do with the Illuminati is just a way to help break down barriers through our singing,” Brandel said.

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus has been gaining more recognition over the years. When the group first formed, it only had about 20 members, and every concert it performed was held at Ohio State’s Weigel Hall. Now, the group’s size has more than quadrupled. It also performs at more professional venues, including the newly renovated Lincoln Theatre.

The chorus also now has more than 200 subscribing members, which are people who have purchased tickets to every concert. The chorus is also a repeat participant in the Gay And Lesbian Association Festival. The
GALA Festival is held in a different city once every four years. Next year’s festival will take place in Denver, Colo.

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus was invited to sing for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a visit she made to Columbus to support former Gov. Ted Strickland. “Now we’ve progressed to the point that I think we’re really respected in central Ohio as a quasi-professional men’s chorus,” Brandel said.

However, Bockis said that there is still a need for improvement when it comes to society’s acceptance of homosexuality. “At a certain point, what we’re working for is that (homosexuality) is not going to be an issue anymore,” Bockis said. “Maybe we could just become the Columbus Men’s Chorus or something like that. But at this point, there are still social changes that need to happen in the world, and that’s an importance of why I think we need to be in the community.”

Brandel discussed this vision of the chorus as well, referencing the chorus’ slogan of
“Voices Raised, Lives Changed.” “Through our singing, we hope to change perceptions and change the lives of many of those who hear us,” Brandel said.

Tickets to “Joy! Home is Where the Hearth Is” can be purchased in advance online at
cgmc.com for $15 or at the door for $20.

I have known about the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus for many years and thought about joining them for a while. However, their stellar reputation often gave me pause as I was not sure that I had the talent required to perform with such accomplished singers.  Then I decided to just go for it.  Joining the Chorus is the best decision I could have made.

While I found the group to be made of very talented and accomplished singers, I also found men who shared my love of music and were very friendly and welcoming.  They accepted me for the man that I am, giving me confidence not only in my singing ability, but also in myself in general.   I discovered strong, independent men who have grown to become new friends and who have been a source of encouragement and strength through rehearsals and my first performance with the group.

As a new member, I was struck by the camaraderie, laughter, and fun that the group shared.  It is almost as though I gained 70+ brothers after my first couple of practices.  Like a family, we sing and laugh together, work very hard at rehearsals, but are also there to support each other in outside endeavors and in life in general.  I have come to learn of the considerable outreach the Chorus does to improve not only the lives of its members or the gay community, but of the entire Columbus community as a whole.

I have now survived my first show, which by most people’s account, was a challenge with singing and dancing.  (I even discovered my right from my left!)  But it was an amazing experience!  I had so much fun singing and dancing with these guys.  I would recommend this group to anyone who loves music and wants to be a part of a group of men who are changing and challenging each other and their community for the better. I have also joined Illuminati, the sacred music ensemble, and am looking forward to a new year full of song, dance, and friendship with my new found brothers.

- Greg Schafer, CGMC Member

“We [the Board of Directors] are thrilled to unanimously endorse Tim’s appointment to the Artistic Director position for CGMC. After an extensive national search, Tim’s artistic skills and well as business acumen aligned well with the mission and vision of the Chorus. Tim not only understands our history, he has experienced much of it personally. That experience, coupled with his clear communication skills, level-headed ability to build consensus, and measured yet palpable artistic passion, makes him uniquely equipped to oversee CGMC’s artistic evolution while remaining true to its roots as Ohio’s premier choral group while raising awareness for GLBT community and other social justice issues.” said CGMC Board of Directors President, Neal Hauschild.

Sarsany looks forward to taking on this new role. “I am humbled and extremely honored to be chosen by the board.  The chorus has been an important part of my life for many years, and I’m thrilled to be leading such a fine group of men.  I look forward to maintaining the chorus’ high level of artistry, as well as CGMC’s commitment to its ongoing mission to raise social awareness in our community”, said Sarsany.

Sarsany is in his thirteenth year with CGMC.  He is currently serving as Interim Artistic Director, following twelve years as Assistant Director. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from The Ohio State University, as well a Master of Music degree in choral conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in music composition.  He also serves on the faculty at The Ohio State University Marion Campus. Sarsany is also an accomplished composer and arranger, and continues to receive commissions from high school, collegiate, professional groups and other GALA choruses nationwide. His sixth published piece “Pater Noster”, an a cappella setting of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin, will be released in the fall of 2011 by Roger Dean Publishing.  As a singer, Sarsany is called on frequently as a tenor and countertenor soloist and has performed with the Westerville Civic, Ashland and Springfield Symphonies.

Formed in 1990, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus maintains the vision of its founding members to foster increased recognition, understanding, and acceptance of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons.  CGMC is a non-auditioned chorus open to all people regardless of vocal talent, musical abilities, race, gender, religion, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or economic means.  The members of CGMC are equally dedicated to performing vocal music of the highest quality for its audiences and to maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie, support and respect for its diverse members.  During each performance and public appearance, they seek to live their vision of “Voices Raised, Lives Changed.”

CGMC thanks its generous sponsors for making this season possible: The Columbus Foundation, ColumbusUnderground.com, Formation Studio, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Nth Degree, NY Life Co., Ohio Arts Council, The Other Paper, Outlook Columbus, PNC Arts Alive, SDG Security, Tansky Sawmill Toyota, Union Café.