When you attend a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) you are guaranteed to be entertained, but did you ever think about the amount of work that goes into those concerts? Forget about sets, lighting, costumes, just the sheer number of hours of rehearsal time is staggering. Then multiply that by 160 singers and you can begin to understand what a Herculean task it is to stage a concert. The membership of the chorus is diverse.
Despite its name, GMCSF is not just gay men, there are lesbians, straight women, trans members identifying both ways, non-binary, and even two straight men. They range in age from their 20s to their 80s, and come from as far away as Miami, the Keys, and the Gulf Coast for weekly rehearsals, often more than once a week as they get close to a performance.
What makes them devote so much time? We caught up with a few members of the GMCSF to find out what keeps them singing — and why being part of the chorus means so much to them.
Dennis St. Jean
Position with chorus:
I was the president of GMCSF during 2014 and 2015; the second president. I’m now a singing member serving on committees from time to time.
Years with chorus:
As a founding member, I’m in my 16th year.
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
10.
Marital Status:
Single.
Which concert has been your favorite?
Over the history of this chorus there have been so many, but I think our Disney concert was my favorite.
What song is your favorite?
It was a beautiful arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic that we sang accompanied by the Symphony of the Americas.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Two things: fellowship with other chorus members and the adrenaline rush of the concert performance.
What are some of the challenges?
Memorizing lyrics, volume, entrances, harmonies!
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be? Bette Midler for sure…she’s just so much fun!
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
I came out in 1984, when being gay was still not widely accepted and AIDS was considered the “gay plague”. We’re fortunate that our Artistic Director, Gabe Salazar, includes songs of empowerment in every concert. That’s when I feel invincible! When we sing those songs, we make a statement for our audience. “We know what it took to get where we are, and we’re not going back. Join us!”
Adam Neal
Position with chorus:
Tenor One
Years with chorus:
Two.
Marital Status:
Single, and ready to mingle.
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
I would say about six to eight hours in a given concert-cycle week, between in-person rehearsals and rehearsing alone at home or in my car, and volunteering or attending chorus-related events.
Which concert has been your favorite?
My first concert, Pride: Then, Now, and Forever, in June 2024, will always be my go-to fave for several reasons. It was my first concert with the chorus, which will continue to be both nostalgic and sentimental for me.
What song is your favorite?
The “Pride: Then, Now, and Forever” concert featured an awesome arrangement of one of my all-time favorite songs, “Proud” by Heather Small. As a young gay guy in the early 2000s, even prior to coming out, this song resonated
deeply.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Everything. Having moved here after a seven-year stint in California, I knew it would be important to connect with the local queer community in South Florida and have an outlet for my musical needs. What I could never have known was the extent to which the chorus would become a chosen family for me.
What are some of the challenges?
The commitment, it is no small undertaking. This is a testament to the mission of the chorus to be a light that reaches and pervades through music. To achieve such reach requires reach from each of us, it is exactly that effort that makes the difference between a time-occupying hobby and a prominent force.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
I’ll list two very different divas here: Barbra Streisand and Whoopi Goldberg. Barbra is the epitome of “diva,” combining once-in-a-generation talent and vision with a deep-seated sense of her personhood as a woman, a Jew, and an artist. I have also been strongly influenced by Whoopi, whose singing is not quite as much the focus as her acting. That said, Sister Act and its sequel were a demonstration of her versatility as a performer and willingness to lend her real voice to the work despite not identifying as a singer. To me, these two very different icons similarly embody “diva” status in an authentic and meaningful way.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
By honoring my callings, illogical as some might seem on the surface, I feel that I’m acting in accordance with my higher self and thereby connecting with that omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent expression of energy that is often called a “soul.” One of these callings is to sing, and I’ve done this throughout my life as a natural expression of who I am. When we move with authenticity in its truest sense, we invoke our gifts, transcend our personhood, and are inherently invincible.
Clive Ray
Position with chorus:
Tenor Two
Years with chorus:
Three
Marital Status:
Single
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
About eight, usually that’s including going over my music at home. It can be more when we are close to a concert.
Which concert has been your favorite?
Our Hooray for Hollywood, from March of 2024. It was my first concert with the chorus, and it made me fall in love with music again.
What song is your favorite?
Abracadabra from our Divas Concert.
What is your favorite part about being involved with the chorus?
I originally joined to make friends since I really didn’t know anyone in the area. Since joining, I’ve met so many like-minded individuals and also, I’ve met some of my best friends in the chorus.
What are the challenges?
Trying to balance chorus with my professional and private life. It can be a little daunting at times.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Whitney Houston! She was a gift to the world that could take the most mundane songs and turn them into art.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
Well, I think my ability to adapt makes me invincible. I grew up with a very dysfunctional family that I have low contact with now. I had to be an adult since I was seven, so I had to grow up fast and learn how to just adjust my approach to conflict and life, depending on the situation.
Kreig Armstrong
Position with chorus:
Tenor Two
Years with chorus:
Nine months
Marital Status:
Married
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
12+.
Which concert has been your favorite?
ABBA
What song was your favorite?
Lay All Your Love on Me
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Interaction with other members.
What are some of the challenges?
Keeping up with the latest information.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Whitney Houston.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
I devote countless hours to the chorus—through fellowship, volunteering my time, and giving monetary support when I can. Being part of this group makes me feel empowered, because it’s more than just music; it’s a movement. In a society where our community faces so much hate and so many challenges, being involved in something so positive and unifying gives me hope. I’m excited and proud to be part of an organization that brings people together, uplifts voices, and creates real change.
Julia Lutters
Position with chorus:
Tenor One
Years with chorus:
Six months
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
I’m obsessed with music to begin with so I would say beyond the three-hour rehearsal on Tuesdays, any time I’m in my car or at my house I’m listening to whatever we are currently working on. Listening and singing along is how I learn best, so conservatively an hour a day but probably more!
Which concert has been your favorite?
I have only participated in the holiday shows however, I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first show, singing on stage at the Hard Rock.
What song is your favorite?
Singing Silent Night in the aisles of Sunshine Cathedral surrounded by the audience and getting to hear the chorus from that perspective was absolutely magical!
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
The community and family that we’ve created is above and beyond what I expected to encounter with the chorus. The way I have been seamlessly accepted into this group like I was meant to be here all along has truly touched my heart. This group is amazing, to say the least.
What are some of the challenges?
Wanting to be more involved and just not having the time. I find myself wanting to cut back on working so I can be involved in the chorus more. I’m hoping as time goes on I can balance this out better and have a greater presence in the chorus.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Beyonce! I’ve always been a huge fan but the way she’s done every genre, and her raw talent is just unbelievable. Honorable mention to Ariana Grande. I have such respect for her after the Wicked movies.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
I feel most invincible when I’m with people who truly love me and support me and make me feel seen and understood. I’ve never done anything in my life in a traditional way so when I’m with “my people” I just feel like I can conquer the world.
Gaston Betoled
Position with chorus:
Baritone
Years with chorus:
Two and a half.
Marital Status:
Married
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
Currently, I’m devoting about five hours to rehearsals (I’m also part of Tropical Wave ensemble), plus the additional rehearsals, and the time for concerts, and chorus representation in events (as much as I can, as I live in Miami and sometimes it’s challenging to attend all the events that I would like to!)
Which concert has been your favorite?
Our recent ABBA concert was one of my favorite ones not only because it was fun and light (both needed much these days) for the audience, but also for the chorus! We all had fun, and the good energy was spreading all over the place, leaving us with the accomplishment of bringing joy to others and ourselves!
What song is your favorite?
From that concert, I have many favorite ones as ABBA was part of many parts of my life, from the songs in Spanish such as, Chiquitita or Gracias por la Canciones (Thank you for the Music), when I was a kid, to reconnecting with them through Muriel’s Wedding and falling in love with the character and the music once again with songs such as Waterloo and their funny choreography).
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Being part of something bigger than myself, connecting with individuals who share a similar passion for music, and being able to make new acquaintances and friendships.
What are some of the challenges?
I usually tend to think of them as opportunities rather than challenges. I think there are triggers to invite us to be creative and find new and different ways of doing what we do, and in this sense, one of the opportunities for the chorus might be having more time to get to know ourselves, maybe through more spaces for casual connection.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Some of my top divas include Annie Lennox, Madonna (all the way through the early aughts), and Cher.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
I believe we all have the potential to do anything we want if we set our minds and surround us with people who uplift us (rather than pushing us down). Things happen, good, bad, or worse, but life (and the show) must go on! And having spaces like this chorus with a lot of hands and hearts to support others, things are even less worrisome! When we can overcome our differences and build alliances, we can only be stronger and even more invincible!
Jonathan L. Arden
Position with chorus:
Baritone
Years with chorus:
One.
Marital Status:
Married to Ronni Arden, GMCSF Board Member.
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
Varies but anywhere from five to 12.
Which concert has been your favorite?
I have only sung in two, so ABBA has been my favorite. I have attended many prior concerts; probably Disney Pride or Divas were my favorites.
What song is your favorite?
Tough choice. Either Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, or Lay All Your Love on Me.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Learning new music; increasing my musical talent; being a part of a wonderful community; representing to the greater community the importance of acceptance and equality for LGBTQ persons and therefore, for all people.
What are some of the challenges?
Learning new music; using my voice in a large ensemble and supporting the artistic outcome of a group, not myself.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Really not sure, as one of two straight guys in the gay chorus, I must confess that I was never so musically attached to any divas.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
I don’t know that anything truly makes me feel invincible, but singing with the chorus gives me great pride and a sense of power delivering a message to the world that the LGBTQ community is strong, welcoming, and an integral part of our society. Singing in front of a crowd that is loving our performance (as happened in the extreme at the ABBA concert at the Sunshine Cathedral) made me feel pretty damn invincible!
My son is gay (and in our extended blended families, we have two gay sons). We also had gay friends even before being affiliated with the chorus. It is extremely important to me that my son, our family members, and our friends have equal opportunities in every aspect of life and society, and that they be treated with dignity and respect for who they are and what they do in life. That is why the work and message of the GMCSF is so deeply meaningful to me.
Q (Quetzalcoaltl) Yepez
Position with chorus:
Tenor Two
Years with chorus:
Two years
Marital Status:
Throuple
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
On average three to six hours a week. Which includes rehearsal and practice on my own.
Which concert has been your favorite?
The Divas Concert.
What song is your favorite?
Abracadabra.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus? Definitely the community and all the different events we share. We all share this incredible passion for singing, and getting to be a bright, joyful presence for the LGBTQ+ community through our performances. Beyond the music, I love being a positive presence for the LGBTQ community - performing together and sharing that visibility is incredibly rewarding and fills me with so much pride!
What are some of the challenges?
I’d say the biggest challenge is balancing the time commitment. We all lead busy lives with different responsibilities, so it can be a bit of a juggle to make every rehearsal. However, the chorus is wonderful about working with us; there’s a real understanding that life happens, and we all support each other in making it work because the end result is so worth it!
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be? It would absolutely be P!nk. She is such an icon for being authentic, advocating self-empowerment, with a beautiful sense of vulnerability. She really embodies a mantra I’ve always lived by: ‘Love me for who I am or leave me be.’
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
It’s my two amazing partners. They’re the ones who make me feel invincible every single day. No matter how crazy things get or what challenges come my way, having them by my side changes everything. They’re my rock, and with them in my corner, I truly feel like I can get through anything life throws at me.
Rob Marino
Position with chorus:
Tenor Two
Years with chorus:
One.
Marital Status:
Single
Hours a week devoted to the chorus:
It varies but on average eight to ten hours a week between rehearsals and practice. For the ABBA concert, it was a little more since I had a duet, singing “Fernando,” which was super fun.
Have you ever sung with another LGBTQ chorus? If so, where and for how long?
Yes, I performed with the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus (NHGMC) from 2017 to 2024. I also served on the board of directors and executive committee for several years.
Which concert has been your favorite? The most recent ABBA concert was my favorite. I’m a huge ABBA fan.
What song was your favorite?
Super Trouper. It’s one of the poppiest songs in the world, and I absolutely love it!
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
The fellowship and community on and off the stage. Learning new songs and the appreciation of the music that comes with it. But most important is the synergy that is created when you are on stage performing. The collective energy you feel is unique every single time and always amazing.
What are some of the challenges?
Learning 15 to 20 songs off book every three months requires commitment. Some songs are easy while others are complex for different reasons. Some songs are challenging lyrically while others are difficult rhythmically. But in the end, it always comes together, and you appreciate each song for what it brings to the table and what it means to you.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Just one, huh? That’s a tough one. Since I’m a huge ABBA fan, I would sing with Agnetha and Anni-Frid. They are harmonic sirens. For me, it’s all about harmony.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
As a newbie to South Florida (one-year in), I would have to say the GMCSF makes me feel invincible. They welcomed me with open arms; no questions asked and have shown unconditional love in a world of indifference and intolerance. In today’s current climate, that’s freaking huge.
Adrian Novello
Position with chorus:
Tenor Two.
Years with chorus:
Four.
Marital Status:
Divorced.
Hours a week devoted to Chorus:
Six.
Which concert has been your favorite?
Disney and ABBA.
What song is your favorite?
Mary Poppins Medley and “Voulez-Vous” (ABBA)
What is your favorite part about being involved in the chorus?
Singing during rehearsals and connecting with the group.
What are some of the challenges?
Balancing rehearsal time with work and personal commitments.
Given that a recent chorus concert theme was “Divas,” if you could sing with any diva, who would it be?
Celine Dion—her voice, emotion, and stage presence are incredible.
Your June concert was “Invincible.” Is there anything that makes you feel invincible?
When we sing together as a group, I feel invincible. Certain songs especially bring that feeling to life, like “Born This Way” (Lady Gaga), “This Is Me” (The Greatest Showman), and “I Am What I Am” (Gloria Gaynor).
