JOIN
Welcome to Our Family
The BGMC is a family of over 40 gay men and straight allies. We take our mission seriously and aim to be one of the best men’s choral ensembles in Western New York, but with a balance of laughter and fun. The Chorus is a great place to meet people and make new friends, while doing something enjoyable and worthwhile. Our year is filled with special events, parties, and other opportunities to socialize with fellow members. We are members of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Inc. (GALA), the world’s only association committed to serving the LGBTQ choral movement and ties us to other Choruses in the US and around the world.
If You’re Just Coming Out Or Thinking About It
The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus is a welcoming, friendly, and supportive community. Everyone is the Chorus is on a journey of growth, and no matter where you are on yours, our mission is to help. Many of us find singing a healing activity; that uplifts, and binds us together in many ways. We also have a support network through our membership committee, which supports members in many ways.
Associate Members
In addition to the singing members, BGMC includes Associate members who support the chorus behind the scenes. Associate members perform a myriad of tasks that help the organization run smoothly. Associate membership is a great way for the musically challenged to get involved, make friends, and help out in a significant way.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND US ???
AUGUST 2019 OPEN HOUSE!
This is an opportunity for you to get to know the organization and the music we will be singing from August – December 2019. See what being a singing member or a volunteer of the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus can mean for you!
Meet with members of the board, staff and singers. Learn about the variety of opportunities available. We wish to thank all our volunteers of past, present and future. Without you there is not BGMC. Consider joining us as a singer or volunteer today.
OPEN HOUSE DATES
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 between 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. John’s Grace * 51 Colonial Circle * Buffalo, NY
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 between 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. John’s Grace * 51 Colonial Circle * Buffalo, NY
OPEN REHEARSALS
Our Artistic Director will do a brief voice placement to pair you up with someone for the evening in your appropriate voice section. A prepared piece is not required for this voice placement. We welcome all singers who identify as male [minimum age of 18] to join the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus organization in delivering our mission that aims to both enlighten and entertain.
OPEN REHEARSAL DATES
Date: Tues., Aug. 20, 2019 between 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: St. John’s Grace * 51 Colonial Circle * Buffalo, NY
Date: Tues., Aug. 27, 2019 between 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: St. John’s Grace * 51 Colonial Circle * Buffalo, NY
REHEARSALS
While we love to have fun at the BGMC, we do work hard and joining the Chorus involves making a real commitment. Regular rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM at St. John’s Grace Church at 51 Colonial Circle, Buffalo, NY 14222. A Saturday rehearsal is also scheduled once or twice a season as well. There are also two dress rehearsals (no tux required) during our production week which is the week of our concert.
EXPENSES
Just like many hobbies and activities, there are expenses. All BGMC members pay $70 in dues each semester. Members are also expected to provide their own standard tuxedo and any other performance attire. Members also pay for travel expenses for special performances, festivals, and tours. Each member is expected to participate in selling tickets to our concerts and in the fundraising activities that support the chorus.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
BGMC realizes that its members come from different financial circumstances and may experience temporary hardships. The Chorus provides opportunities for scholarships where merited. All dues reduction requests are treated confidentially and all reasonable requests are met within budget guidelines.
RESOURCES
The chorus has an elected chorus representative. Your representative will be your primary contact for official Chorus business and will address any of your concerns with the membership team. The BGMC is made up of many people with different musical backgrounds, so we have recordings and other resources to help you in learning your music.
