AVPA Hosts Gay Men's Chorus

AVPA Hosts Gay Men’s Chorus

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The Culver City High Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) hosted the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles on Friday, February 10.

As part of their “Alive Music Project,” the GMCLA performed for more than 500 students, including a dozen classes and nearly 200 AVPA students. The chorus performed several songs, including “Imagine” and “True Colors.”

The presentation included personal stories from several members of the chorus, sharing their experiences as gay men, overcoming prejudice, and how much joy they get from singing.

Founded over 30 years ago, the GMCLA has used music to overcome prejudice. While every year over 85% of LGBT students in American schools experience physical or verbal abuse, the new FAIR Education Act of 2011 was passed in order to help combat bullying of LGBT students.

The act supports the inclusion of LGBT individuals and their contributions to American history and modern life. One of the goals of the “Alive Music Project” (AMP) presentation is to stimulate discussions about Harvey Milk, the Stonewall Uprising, and Matthew Shepard, among other subjects.

GMCLA Artistic Director Jason Armstrong also provided a master class with the AVPA Chamber Singers on February 9. He worked with the Chamber Signers on two selections, giving them feedback on their performance and providing great insights into singing and vocal production. The Chamber Singers also performed one song for the members of the GMCLA after the presentation on February 10.

“I’m very honored to have had the opportunity to host the GMCLA here at Culver City High School,” said Dr. Tony Spano, AVPA Music Director. “To have them perform for such a large number of students was truly inspiring. And to hear their individual stories made it all the more special.”

Photo Captions:

1) Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles perform on the Robert Frost Auditorium stage

2) The GCMLA performs for over 500 AVPA and Culver City High School students

3) AVPA Chamber Singers President Eric Mandzuch and Vice President Shawne West introduce the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

4) Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Artistic Director Jason Armstrong works with the AVPA Chamber Singers in a Master Class

5) The AVPA Chamber Singers, conducted by Assistant Director Aaron Sim, performs for members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

1) Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles perform on the Robert Frost Auditorium stage

2) The GCMLA performs for over 500 AVPA and Culver City High School students

3) Chamber Singers President Eric Mandzuch and Vice President Shawne West introduce the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

4) Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Artistic Director Jason Armstrong works with the AVPA Chamber Singers in a Master Class

5) The AVPA Chamber Singers, conducted by Assistant Director Aaron Sim, performs for members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles