Queer Joy Chorus FAQ

What is the Queer Joy Chorus?

The Queer Joy Chorus grew out of Northampton Community Music Center’s (NCMC) Pride Chorus members who share a dream to bring more Queer Joy to Western Mass and beyond through partnerships, performances, and mutual aid. The Queer Joy Chorus exists as an example of NCMC’s accomplished incubation of important and timely community programming. In a material demonstration of our support for NCMC’s programming, the QJC will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from performance and merchandise sales to help support other NCMC programming this year in a show of both material and symbolic gratitude. And for the academic year of 2024-25, when you join NCMC Pride Chorus, you are also joining the Queer Joy Chorus. When you come to rehearsal for Pride Chorus, you’re also rehearsing for QJC. The key difference is that as the Queer Joy Chorus, we will be performing at many more events of our choosing throughout the year. As with Pride Chorus, members are not required to perform if they’re not interested or available, but we have found that our members generally want to perform as often as possible, especially when it’s connecting with our community.

The Queer Joy Chorus is now a program of the Queer Joy Collaborative, a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to promoting individual and collective queer joy through the transformational and healing power of music, art, and mutual aid. Our chorus provides a welcoming and safe space for queer individuals and allies over 13 years old to come together, build community, develop musical skills, and find healing through music.

How is the Queer Joy Chorus related to the Northampton Community Music Center (NCMC)?

For the academic year of 2024-2025, when you join the Queer Joy Chorus, you are also joining the Northampton Community Music Center’s (NCMC) Pride Chorus. Essentially, we are one chorus with two names. As the NCMC Pride Chorus, we perform once a semester along with all other musical programs at NCMC. And for the academic year of 2024-25, when you join NCMC Pride Chorus, you are also joining the Queer Joy Chorus. The key difference is that as the Queer Joy Chorus, we will be performing at many more events of our choosing throughout the year.

How is the music chosen?

Our chorus chooses music democratically each semester. We go through a process of suggesting, vetting, and choosing a program that feels exciting and meaningful to us. We have already chosen music for the fall semester (we did so at the end of the Spring semester) so that when we arrive in September we can start rehearsing right away.

Who can join the Queer Joy Chorus?

Our chorus is open to all queer individuals and allies over 13 years old, inclusive of all genders and sexualities. There are no auditions; if you show up, you are in!

When and where does the chorus meet?

The chorus meets weekly on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in downtown Northampton, MA. We take a break during the summer months.

What types of performances does the chorus participate in?

Under the name of NCMC Pride Chorus, we perform once a semester with all other NCMC programs.

The Queer Joy Chorus performs 6-12 times a year. Performances may include community events, collaborations with other choruses, seasonal festivals, and other local venues. Some examples of past performances and invitations (some we could not accept due to funding and transportation limits) include:

• Hampshire Pride

• Franklin Pride

• Berkshire Pride

• Local Vocal Chord Bowl

• End of Year Concert + Dance Party

• Book Readings

• Governor’s Pride Luncheon

How does the Queer Joy Chorus ensure accessibility for its members?

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. Our efforts include:

• Securing wheelchair-accessible venues

• Providing large print lyrics and sheet music

• Ensuring proximity seating for members who are hard of hearing

• Offering ride sharing to events

• Utilizing various teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles

• Providing scholarships and sliding scale fees for financial accessibility

We also have an Accessibility Committee dedicated to understanding the needs of our members confidentially and ensuring the necessary resources are in place for everyone's comfort and participation.

What is the role of the Accessibility Committee?

Our Accessibility Committee works to understand the accessibility needs of our members confidentially and ensures that we have the necessary resources to meet these needs. The committee continuously reviews and updates our practices to ensure inclusivity and comfort for all members.

How is the chorus funded?

The Queer Joy Chorus is funded through donations, fundraising efforts, and performances. Our first-year budget is $50,000, and we are dedicated to making our programs financially accessible to all members.

What additional support does the chorus provide to its members?

In addition to musical training and community building, we support our members with:

• Donations of food, money, and clothing for those in need

• Resources for mental, physical, and emotional well-being

How can I support the Queer Joy Chorus?

You can support us by attending our performances, donating to our programs, volunteering your time, and spreading the word about our mission and activities. For more information on how to get involved, please contact us.

What are the future plans for the Queer Joy Chorus?

We plan to expand our programs to include a Joyous Kids Chorus, bands, mutual aid, healing circles, and various arts programs. We also aim to establish a Queer Community Center in Western Massachusetts, serving as a hub for our activities and programs.

How can I join the Queer Joy Chorus or learn more about it?

To join the chorus or learn more, visit the Queer Joy Chorus page or contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!