Love to sing? Pride chorus is resuming rehearsals! Every Wednesday from 6:30pm-7:30pm.
The LOFT has formed an Pride Chorus. The chorus is co-ed, requires no audition process and is lead by professional music director Zack Wright. Read more about Zack below.
The LOFT's Pride Chorus strives to reflect the diversity within our communities. We are a blending of voices representing all different sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, races, abilities and music/choral histories.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this group will be meeting virtually. Click here for more information.
Anyone with a passion to sing in a chorus/choir is welcome to join The LOFT's Pride Chorus. No chorus experience necessary.
There is no required fee to participate in The LOFT's Pride Chorus but donations are welcome. The chorus has two seasons each year with a Summer break in-between. The suggested donation per season is $50.00, more if you can, less if you can't. If you joined a season mid-way, a $5.00 donation per rehearsal is suggested. The donations are used to give music director Zack Wright a stipend for volunteering his professional expertise to the chorus' development, the purchase of sheet music, rehearsals fees when the chorus practices in MUMC rooms, and any performance related expenses.
Donations are not limited to members of the chorus....family, friends and fans of the chorus are welcome and encouraged to give. Thank you for helping keep songs in our hearts.
Click here to donate to The LOFT's Pride Chorus.
About Pride Chorus leader, Zack Wright:
Zack Wright, a native of Georgia, holds a bachelors degree in Music Education with Choral Emphasis from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. After graduating, Zack spent three years working as a teacher and musician in Chicago. He was Assistant Choral Director at Hubbard High School (a Chicago Public School), resident Music Director at the Northbrook Children's Theatre Company, and accompanist for the Northbrook Community Choir. In 2015, Zack moved to White Plains, NY to begin teaching at The Harvey School in Katonah, NY. Additionally, Zack is a music director at the Westchester Sandbox Theatre and Coordinator of Music and Worship at Memorial United Methodist Church, where The LOFT: LGBT Community Center is located.
Chorus Member Ben Shaprio shares what being part of The LOFT's Pride Chorus means to him:
"As a young gay man it is challenging for me to find an identity in a busy place like Westchester County. Singing with a group of other queer and LGBT community members has brought clarity into my life. As a singer I can make other people feel a sense of joy and community...that things will get better despite hard times. In a city of opportunity it is a hit or miss to feel special. Our song “You’ve Got More Friends Then You Know” captures the essence of an LGBTQ person going through trouble, isolation and feelings of hopelessness. There are always people who will be there for you even when your not there for yourself. Have the strength to carry on and be that rainbow that’s soon to come. We thank you for your support. We’re a group from different economic backgrounds but all united for the shared love singing."
Previous Performances by The LOFT Pride Chorus:
Inaugural Performance: LOFT Pride 2017, June 3, 2017 at The LOFT: LGBT Community Center, White Plains, NY
Songs performed: "We Are a Gentle, Angry People" by Holly Near
"I Whistle a Happy Tune" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I"
"You Have More Friends Than You Know" by Jeff Marx and Mervyn Warren from the It Gets Better stage show.
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New York City Debut: New York Liberty WNBA Pride Night Basketball Game, Friday, June 23, 2017 at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
Songs Performed: National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key. Guest soloist Joseph Brewer.
Link to video of performance: https://www.facebook.com/66174366949/videos/10155526004751950/
The LOFT's RISE Gala: Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza, White Plains, NY
Songs Performed: "Rise Up" by Andra Day
The Margaret Eberle Fair Trade Festival: Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Memorial United Methodist Church, White Plains, NY
Songs Performed: "It's The Most Wonderful Time", "Festival of Lights", "Jingle Bells", "Silver Bells", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", "Feliz Navidad"
An Interfaith Community Concert In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Congregation Kol Ami, White Plains, NY
Songs Performed: "Nothing More" by The Alternate Routes and "Freedom Is Coming" South African spiritual performed with the MUMC Choir
Click to see all groups on our calendar!
LOFT Social Groups are open groups which welcome everyone ages 18 and over. There is no need to preregister and no fee to attend. Donations are welcome. They are lead by facilitators who identify as peers with those in attendance.
There is no fee to attend groups but a $5 donation is suggested, more if you can, less if you can’t. Fees related to activities are to the responsibility of participants.
