By Vanessa Dabovich
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/krwg/local-krwg-997691.mp3
Las Cruces, NM – Nat// "We All Are One " Chorus singing
The sound of 40 voices blending together in song singing "we all are one." The lyric was the theme and focus of the premiere concert of New Mexico's first ever Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Mixed Allies chorus.
Singing Out is a Chorus founded and directed by Dr. Ruth Ann Hanlin, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of music. Hanlin moved to Las Cruces in 2007 with a dream to combat the devastating effects bullying has had on the lives of others.
She had been investigating the possibility of bringing together the LGBTA community to create a mixed chorus to address was she says are the misconceptions in our society concerning the sanctity of all people.
Hanlin-"I have for many years been very devastated by the horrible effects of bullying and I've been trying to figure out how I could be proactive to help bring that to a close somehow. A couple of years ago a group called Harmony from Denver performed here and I got to hear it. It was and LGBTA group like ours and I was so impressed their energy and determination to get their message across about loving and accepting everyone that I thought, I wonder if I could do that here?"
Hanlin made the right connections and got a foundation, but still needed the most important part Voices. Word of the new non-audition chorus spread and much to Hanlin's surprise 40 people showed up with interest.
Hanlin-"I was thinking, gosh, I hope at least tem people come. It'd be nice if I had ten voices, or twelve I could do a lot with twelve voices. I thought; don't be a glutton Ruth Ann, whoever comes, comes. It took our first rehearsal for me to know how many were coming. Forty people came that night. We didn't have enough chairs or music, it was just awesome. What a wonderful problem."
From there the Chorus hit the ground running rehearsing every Tuesday to prepare for their first Holiday concert. With the mission of respecting and valuing the differences of all people the collection of songs for the concert covered many faiths, beliefs and religions ranging from songs that touch on, Christmas and Chanukah...
Nat// The Chanukah Song, "...
to the sounds of rhythmic spirituals
Nat// Children Go Where I Send Thee, "
Singing Out performed for two full crowds this past weekend at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces and with a successful premiere concert and la large amount of community support, the group will continue to use the power of music to entertain, heal and inspire the community.
Nat// Chorus, Noel "
For KRWG, I'm Vanessa Dabovich.