"We Will Keep On Singing Until We’re Heard" With a new director, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston goes back to basics: vibrant and exciting choral music by Sally A. Huffer

For James Knapp, becoming the artistic director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston completes a circuit of healing for both spirit and career. Although Knapp brings years and years of conducting and performing experience, this is his first time to conduct an openly gay chorus. About three years ago, Knapp went through a defining period in his life in which his sexual orientation became the centerpiece of a career change –and not by choice. Knapp left a job he loved when he was offered a prestigious position elsewhere as a church musical director. Just to be sure that the position was right for him, he was open about his orientation during the interview process. A miscommunication with his direct supervisor resulted in his being released from the position shortly after he accepted it, for no other reason than that he is gay.

Knapp gets a little misty-eyed as he talks about how joining the Gay Men’s Chorus fills a void left by that experience–even though he is busy traveling the world for Intropa, an agency which handles international concert tours. He wonders if the chorus knows how important they are to him.

It’s quickly becoming clear how important Knapp is to the chorus. All who talk about the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston are barely able to control their enthusiasm. Chorus members, board members, all are excited about the chorus’s 2001-2002 season–with a new location, new accompaniment, and new leadership–appropriately titled "Jubilation/ Sophistication/ Celebration."

Choral music is the heart of any chorus, and Knapp is excited about getting back to the basics: "We’re not abandoning the lighthearted programming," he says, "but we are going to focus on choral music."

Knapp’s goals with GMCH are to strive for excellence in choral music and to reach out to the diverse communities and become a civic voice in Houston–adding that he has a great deal of gratitude and respect for his predecessor, David Faber, who left the chorus in June after four years. "I’m honored to carry the torch David Faber lit. He kept the flame going in the hearts of the chorus and its supporters, and we’re getting ready to turn it up even brighter."

Fans were given a teaser of the chorus’s new season (its 23rd) at the Houston Black Tie Dinner in November, but the chorus will give their first full concert under their new director this month. The GMCH December concert has many bright spots. It will open with Randol Bass’s "Gloria," featuring special guest Annalee Jefferies of the Alley Theatre (remember her as Harper, the Valium-dazed wife of the gay Morman man in Angels in America, wandering around in her own private Alaska?). The eight-minute piece sets the tone for the rest of the concert season. On the lighter side, the concert will feature the hilarious "What-If Carols" as well as traditional secular/sacred holiday carols (with some audience sing-along opportunities!).

Rehearsal is an interesting sight for someone who’s only seen GMCH perform in concert. Members stream in wearing khakis, shorts, T-shirts, and jeans–a far cry from the tuxedos they wear in concert. But despite the casual clothing and joking atmosphere, the chorus gets serious when it comes to the music. Goosebumps appear when they belt out with the full force of 51 male voices the stirring lyric: "We will keep on singing until we’re heard."

For those who might be considering joining the chorus, auditions are not required, but you will be asked to perform a simple vocal exercise to determine voice placement and range. Also, to help those who are a little rusty or feel they need the extra voice work, Knapp has instituted voice training for a full hour before rehearsals, which are held every Monday night at Bering Church.

There are other volunteer opportunities with the GMCH for people to get involved in the arts even if they aren’t musically gifted, says board member and volunteer coordinator Jane Smith. Knapp also is excited about the volunteer potential. "People who donate their time and talent make up a huge part of any organization," he says. "Those who support GLBT-affirming organizations honor all of us, and we need to turn around and applaud them."

Previously, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston had its own following of dedicated fans, but organizers are anticipating even bigger crowds. Already the chorus has nearly doubled in size since the spring concert. Smith says, "I think we’re going to have the best year we’ve ever had, and I think we’re really going to grow," adding, "All the big cities have these huge choirs that fill up stadiums, and I’m hoping Houston will have that, too."

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston’s "December Jubilation" concert will be Sat., Dec. 8, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 9, 3 p.m.; and Tues., Dec. 11, 8 p.m., at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold. Individual or season tickets may be ordered online at www.gmch.org, or by calling 1-800/494-8497.