We're Nashville In Harmony Nashville in Harmony (NiH) is a mixed SATB chorus of GLBT persons and supporters who are using music to build community and create social change. The chorus has been in existence for two years and is under the direction of Don Schlosser with accompaniment by talented pianist, Bob House. The repertoire for the group includes a wide variety of songs celebrating diversity, unity and peace, as well as pop tunes. Before returning to live in New England, Juliet Nightingale sang with NIH as well as being on the media and repertoire committees.  She is still an active 'member-at-large' and will continue her involvement and devotion to this tremendous chorus. Visit NIH at NashvilleInHarmony.org.

Notes from Nightingale REFLECTIVE MUSINGS by Juliet Nightingale Every Sunday, when we were at our NIH rehearsal, my prevailing thought was: this is true worship; this is true communion with the divine.  Recently, I was observing the beautiful sunlight streaming into the sanctuary of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (FUUN), where we regularly hold our weekly rehearsals.  As we were singing one of our songs, I was overcome with a sense of awe and wonder.  I noted how uplifted and inspired I am every week—without fail—and how there’s always love and fellowship amongst the choir members—not to mention the tremendous power in the music that we sing!  Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the gratitude that I feel.  Isn’t this what true worship and communion are all about? In one of our songs we sing, ‘Music is a bridge; it can tear down a wall.  Music is a language that can speak to one and all’.  And that is precisely what Nashville in Harmony is committed to doing: creating that bridge that links people together and dissolves the walls of fear and intolerance.  We are using a language that can reach everyone throughout the world with messages promoting unity, diversity, tolerance, love and peace. So much of the time, while we are singing, my eyes well up with tears, the music and the spirit of the NIH members move me deeply.  I note how relaxed everyone is—how easy it is to laugh and have fun—yet we work very hard and are committed to our mutual vision.  The goals of peace and love are not ‘pie-in-the-sky’!  If a group of individuals can get together every week and continually feel a deep sense of camaraderie and experience a prevailing sense of joy, singleness of purpose, and love, then this can be realised in our world—one heart at a time. Throughout my years spent in Nashville, the one place where I’ve repeatedly been embraced is within the GLBT community—even though I’m not gay.  My very first landladies were a lesbian couple and when I first arrived in town to my new flat on a late January night, I was met with a big hug from these dear women … who also helped me carry all of my things in!  They couldn’t have been kinder and I cherish them in my heart to this very day! Perhaps it’s because we’re all ‘different’ in some way.  We think ‘outside the box’ and there are things about each of us that don’t fit into the standard mould in society.  I, for one, am ‘different’ because I am from another country and I am physically challenged.  I’m also one who’s never allowed others to think for me and I see people in the choir who are truly individuals—people who aren’t afraid to be their genuine and authentic selves and are able to be open and relaxed about it.  This is definitely not a stuffy crowd, by any means.  We can laugh and play, yet be serious and on purpose … all at the same time.  When I look round at the choir members, I question: how could anyone be at odds with any of these people?  They’re all so wonderful, intelligent, talented and utterly delightful to know. They’ve got integrity and are very hard working and committed souls.  Even as I sat in on an NIH board meeting, I was thinking about the fact that there wasn’t one person sitting at the table that made me feel uncomfortable.  My heart was overflowing with love and admiration for each and every one of them.  Nashville in Harmony isn’t just a beautiful name; it’s really the stuff of what constitutes every individual member of the group! I will forever be honoured and privileged to be a part of Nashville In Harmony!

NASHVILLE IN HARMONY ~ HARMONY BEYOND THE MUSIC by Juliet Nightingale Imagine, for one moment, being in a room full of music types in Nashville that aren’t hell-bent on competing with one another or walking roundabout with inflated egos. Instead, there’s an aura of genuine camaraderie, support and kind-heartedness. Impossible, you say? Then you haven’t encountered Nashville in Harmony (NIH), Nashville’s community chorus consisting of members of the GLBT community and their supporters and friends, which was founded in 2004 by John DeVault and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (FUUN). Nashville In Harmony is now a full fledged non-profit organisation with a board and by-laws. With music director, Don Schlosser, and accompanist, Bob House, Nashville In Harmony has grown to 54 members this season and continues to grow. The music is diversified—ranging from classical and neo-classical to pop and world tunes—with emphasis on unity, tolerance, peace, compassion and triumph. As Schlosser points out, “There are things we need to say that no other group in Nashville can sing.” And his focus is on ‘excellence in the context of enjoyment’ and that, right there, is the key. The music and singing are, indeed, excellent and the choir truly enjoy themselves! Step into any NIH rehearsal on a given Sunday, which typically takes place in the sanctuary of the FUUN, and you will behold an enthusiastic and happy group of dedicated individuals with voices raised in song, beaming faces and hearts swelling with the delight of being amongst friends who are all committed to a very worthy cause. There has never been a Sunday when I didn’t look forward to rehearsal—even to the point of feeling excitement. Don works the group hard, without wasting a moment or a beat, and he’s just as quick to praise the choir with a resounding and heartfelt “Yes!!!” as he waves his baton and sways with the music. He’s totally with us and Johnny-on-the-spot! As the choir sings, pianist Bob House is brilliantly accompanying us as effortlessly as breathing. With his humble and gentle demeanour he beams a warm ‘I am always here for you’ in his presence and playing. After only three rehearsals this season, the music was clearly coming together and sounding so beautiful. The choir is already feeling a bit of euphoria, but there are no drugs here. It’s the music, the passion, the dedication and the love—coming from each and every member of the group—such that I’ve genuinely not seen in other groups here in Nashville. There’s no snobbery or pretentiousness in this group whatsoever. Last season, with a membership of 42, NIH sang at various events and venues as diverse as the members themselves—ranging from singing at a ball game in Shelby Park in East Nashville and the AIDS walk in Bicentennial Capitol Mall in downtown, to singing at an awards event at the Play Club in downtown, the Belcourt Theatre, a clubhouse at the Landings at Brentwood, to the Frist Centre for the Arts and Cheekwood Museum and finally the home concert at the FUUN. With each event, the choir was very professional and did an exquisite performance that touched people of all ages and from all walks of life. At the Frist, for example, an elderly man in the audience sat spellbound as he listened to the choir sing, then started openly crying—he was so moved. Another person, who attended four of our performances, stated, “You guys are so tight! You’re really incredible!” The Frist and Cheekwood were more ‘formal’ environments; whereas, the Landings was a Christmas party in a condo clubhouse, complete with children to elderly and even a pet or two. Regardless of age, gender or religious affiliation, everyone was captivated by the choir’s performance and the songs generated a true spirit of the season as well as of timelessness that touched everyone present. At our final concert for the season—held in the sanctuary of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville on Woodmont Boulevard, the choir performed to a packed house, everybody listening so attentively as if fixated on each note. At certain points there was joyous laughter and at others, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Such is the diversity, depth and meaning in the rich music and singing of Nashville In Harmony. A dinner party ensued after the concert where choir members and audience could mingle and celebrate the season. A wonderful and joyous time was had by all and yet, as the evening came to a close and we bade one another farewell—knowing that it would be a month before we’d be together again to start our next season of rehearsals and performances, there was an overall feeling of ‘Goodness me, no choir for a month? I’m going into withdrawals!’ There were hugs, laughter and tears as we bade adieu until mid January. I remember auditioning for another Nashville choir and was rejected, because they didn’t need any more sopranos. Yet a former member of that choir told me that it was a good thing I wasn’t accepted, because there’s so much snobbery and back-biting in that group. Sad, to say, I experienced the snobbery the moment I walked into the room for the audition and I knew she was telling the truth. Yet, this has never been the case with NIH. Instead, the choir members are good-natured, consistent and always show up for weekly rehearsals, except when circumstances beyond their control render them unable to be present. Members are committed; they think of themselves as family and they genuinely care—both for the choir and its mission and for one another. The ‘love vibe’ is very real and very genuine. What’s the magic, here, when there’s no pay involved and no promise of performing in the fanciest venue in town or elsewhere, or being on television or radio—at least, not yet? What is the lure that draws members in and keeps them coming back? Yet, NIH members continue to grow in numbers and keep showing up for rehearsal—at the ready and with beaming smiles on their faces. There is a certain promise that comes from something that is far greater than what money cay buy and that is that something stirs from deep within the heart and radiates outward to the world from each choir member as one sings—offering hope for a much brighter tomorrow … where people can love and embrace one another regardless of one’s age, sex, background, culture, race, financial status, sexual orientation or physical challenges … and enter into a world where we can all live together as one—seeing and recognising the divine in everyone. It is this vision, this message of hope, the community and the love that holds Nashville In Harmony together … and there’s no stronger glue on the face of this earth, than that of love, harmony and unity.

NIH Music Director Don Schlosser DON SCHLOSSER ~ THE MAN AND THE MUSE by Juliet Nightingale “OK, Everyone!” Nashville In Harmony’s music director, Don Schlosser, calls out. “Page two, measure twenty; ready, breathe and…” There’s no time for fumbling, hesitation, or lagging behind, because this horse is out of the gate and running away with the muse. Rehearsal has begun and everyone is focused with voices raised in song. “Yes! Excellent!” Don is beaming now, as he’s very pleased with what he hears. And the choir is pleased with the man holding the baton. When Nashville In Harmony (NIH)—a community chorus for GLBT people and their supporters and friends—were in need of a permanent music director, it was evident that the choir members wanted Don Schlosser at the helm. When our fall season began in September, 2005, he was the interim music director until such time that a permanent music director would be voted in by the board. All of us were ‘holding our breath’ in anticipation of who would be chosen. When the announcement finally came that Don had, indeed, been voted in as the permanent music director for NIH—signing a three-year contract—the choir members roared with cheer and applause … and is it any wonder why? Don Schlosser has got a keen knowledge and love of music and his passion shines through. He is clearly inspired and being the music director for NIH has allowed him to come forward and shine once again. It was a special moment when Don humbly thanked the choir and the board for accepting him as the permanent music director, since it wasn’t that long ago when he was terminated from a conservative Christian publishing company for ‘lifestyle reasons’ and was even being blackballed. Finally, however, it felt like he had come ‘Home’ where he could, once again, pursue what is dear to him. He was now being loved and embraced for what he truly is: a man of genuine integrity with brilliant talent and finesse, not to mention his compassion and great sense of humour. With choir members, including myself, it was ‘love at first note’ with this man. He clearly knows and loves his music and the choir. He is so passionate about it that one can’t help but want to be fully present and in the ready—to build songs that are rich with beauty and meaning. Don’s got a way of working us hard—from start of rehearsal to finish—and never wasting a moment. Then, with equal fortitude and vigour, he’ll praise us and radiate a magnificent show of love and admiration. Yet, his humble side will come forth in good humour with statements such as “my bad!” when he makes a mistake or overlooks something. This man definitely knows what he is doing and it was evident that his heart was with us and the music from the get-go. Don is happily partnered with Brian Koho—also a talented member of NIH—and they’ve been together since 2001. He resides in Nashville with his male and female twins, Garrett & Danika, age 16. He’s also got a son, Kevin, age 23, who lives on his own. Don Schlosser’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Applied Piano Performance, 1978, (Summa Cum Laude) at Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, West Virginia; Master of Church Music, 1987, with concentration in composition, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary School of Music, Louisville, Kentucky; and Graduate level conducting under Paul Traver, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Professionally, he was a Minister of Music and Youth: 1978-1992, various churches in West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee; Music Producer and Choral Music Editor in Chief: 1993-2003, church-based music publishing industry, Nashville. With such a background and experience, it is evident that music is in every fibre of Don’s being. But what still remains most impressive is his passion and love for the music and for the choir. Once again, at our recent repertoire committee meeting, Don spoke up about how grateful and pleased he is to be a part of Nashville In Harmony. Reverently, almost as if in prayer, he stated, “I can’t tell you enough … just how much all this means to me—the choir, all of you, the music and the endless possibilities we’ve got as a group…” And it is evident that all of us feel the same way. Welcome home, Don!

FROM A UNITARIAN CHURCH TO THE ‘MOTHER CHURCH OF COUNTRY MUSIC’ By Juliet Nightingale When I think of the amazing growth and accomplishments of Nashville In Harmony over the past year, (since I’ve been a member), I find myself in a state of complete awe.  I’m still ‘high’, for example, as a result of our recent performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium on 9th July 2006—yes the Ryman!  The Ryman Auditorium is considered the ‘Mother Church of country music’, which is the most coveted stage in Nashville!  This achievement speaks volumes as regards the finesse of a choir that’s merely two years old!  And this has been a tremendous honour and privilege for NIH, indeed!  All I can say is that Nashville In Harmony has proved itself to be a ‘child prodigy’ and what a beautiful way to cap off our spring season! Alas, it is hard to believe that the spring season is now complete for NIH.  It seems to have flown by so quickly!  And I can see that we’ve made a powerful impact on the community with the remarkable performances we’ve done—singing at a variety of places with diverse audiences—from children to elderly, students to professionals, and people with varying cultures and backgrounds.  There were tears and laughter, dancing, cheering and standing ovations—all because of the inspired delivery of music that’s beautifully arranged, unique, delightful and bears a positive message that is universal in scope. This season we performed at such places as the Factory at Franklin, Loews Vanderbilt Plaza (for the Human Rights Campaign), First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville’s Annual Pledge Drive, Middle Tennessee State University, First Church Unity, the Pride Spirituality Event at the Ingram Blair Auditorium at Vanderbilt University, Nashville Pride at Centennial Park, Glendale Baptist Church, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the NIH auction/dinner at Play Dance Club, the NIH spring concert at FUUN, and finally, sharing the stage with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) at the historic Ryman Auditorium!  To say that it’s truly been an exciting season with an impressive line-up of performances would be an understatement. Alas, we made history—especially when we sang at the Ryman—since it was the first-ever openly ‘gay’ performance to take place at the Ryman Auditorium.  But what is even more impressive, to me, is the fact that we were able to sing on the Ryman stage in the first place.  For being such a young chorus, that’s quite a tremendous feat!  But because several choir members held to a vision in their hearts that we could, indeed, sing on the Ryman stage, that vision was finally realised and a dream come true.  This was a monumental event for NIH—one that will never be forgotten and one that will be cherished forever. I’ve got to attribute these noteworthy accomplishments to our illustrious and dedicated music director, Don Schlosser, the repertoire committee (of which I’m a member) and the tremendous dedication of all the choir members.  All have held to the vision of NIH which is to use music to build community and create social change. The reason it was easy to have such a busy season and perform at such a diverse range of venues is the fact that our music can appeal to anyone; it is not gay specific and, instead, it focuses on tolerance, love, unity, diversity and peace … with an approach that offers an array of musical styles and content. One thing that is truly worth noting, however, is the dedication and commitment of every choir member.  Every week, members showed up for rehearsal and people were also very quick to volunteer in working behind the scenes to help fulfil the operational needs of this organisation and bringing together all of our events and performances—thus bringing the Spring season to a successful conclusion and one that will pave the way for even greater opportunities to come.