Des moines gay mens chorus

HarMANY is the auditioned small group ensemble inclusive of the many voices within the LGBTQ+ community. There are extra optional sectional rehearsals available as well (usually on Tuesday nights).

What is the required concert attire?

Our traditional concert attire is a standard single-breasted black tuxedo jacket and pants (with black silk stripe down the leg), white tuxedo shirt with fold-down collar, a black cummerbund or black vest, and black bow tie.

Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Rebecca Gruber came to the DMGMC in 2006 and led the chorus until stepping down in 2020. Accordingly, scholarships can be arranged based on financial needs for concert attire or other expenses associated with DMGMC membership. Black polished dress shoes are also expected. HarMANY, formed in 2009, is an auditioned ensemble that celebrates the rich tapestry of voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Chorus makes accommodations for singers whose gender expression would make them feel uncomfortable wearing a traditional tuxedo.

What does it cost to be a member?

Members are responsible for contributing to the financial health of the Chorus through payment of dues. Additionally, Transcendent, another small ensemble under the DMGMC umbrella, offers an inclusive and safe space for transgender and non-binary-identifying singers.

In 2022, Eric Shepard took the reins as Artistic Director and Conductor, serving until his departure in 2024.

DMGMC is a non-auditioned chorus made up of 80+ singers and welcomes all individuals, regardless of gender, who sing in the tenor and bass ranges. Within the organization, there are also two distinct small ensemble groups: HarMANY and TRANScendent.

On many occasions, in a less formal environment, the chorus members may wear a chorus polo shirt with nice pants.

The mission of HarMANY is the same as the chorus: “a community champion, singing to promote harmony, ignite hearts, and move minds.” The group is also committed to representing DMGMC at local organizations and events when the larger group cannot perform.

Additionally, Transcendent, another small ensemble under the DMGMC umbrella, offers an inclusive and safe space for transgender and non-binary-identifying singers. This showcase group provides its members with unique opportunities to perform a repertoire that adds a special touch to the larger chorus’s offerings.

DMGMC provides financial assistance for anyone who may struggle to purchase this attire (we also have a closet of donated tuxedos!). - 9:00 p.m. during regular concert season.

Members are given opportunities to perform repertoire that the larger chorus would be unable or unlikely to perform. We rehearse at Walnut Hills United Methodist Church (12321 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50323). Once you join the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, you will have plenty of assistance and help from your fellow members, as well as your section leader and our Artistic Director.

Whether you are a student, living on a fixed income, or have other hardships, we do not want costs to prevent your participation in the chorus. Excused rehearsal absences – members will be permitted no more than 3 excused absences from vocal rehearsals per concert cycle prior to production week. Within the organization, there are also two distinct small ensemble groups: HarMANY and TRANScendent.