HISTORY
The Beginning
Leadership Development
Leadership Development
On September 7, 2010, a small group gathered in the church hall at UCC in Oakland Park with a shared dream: to form a new gay men’s chorus that would blend artistic excellence with a sense of community and purpose. They envisioned a group rooted in strong musicianship, mutual support, and member involvement at every level. Dr. Durrell Watkins of Sunshine Cathedral MCC offered a vital early gesture of support by welcoming the chorus to rehearse and perform at the cathedral free of charge for its inaugural season. Just one week later, on September 14, the chorus held its first rehearsal. That December, they debuted their first concert, “Home for the Holidays,” marking the beginning of a new chapter in LGBTQ+ arts in South Florida. Momentum grew quickly. On September 21, 2010, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida was officially incorporated. With retired attorney Doug Pew offering pro bono legal guidance, the group achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by mid-November. Doug and his husband, Don Croxton, joined with James Laird to build the chorus’s initial financial foundation and lead its organizational efforts. The original board—Doug Pew, Don Croxton, Gerry Kennedy, and B.J. Albright—not only rallied donor support but also became the first public advocates of a mission that still resonates today: to inspire, move, and open hearts through music, joy, and truth. Since then, dozens of community leaders have joined the Board of Directors, helping to grow GMCSF into one of the most impactful LGBTQ+ arts organizations in Florida.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development
Leadership Development
From the very beginning, GMCSF was fueled by visionary leadership and grassroots dedication. Founding President Bill Spinosa and the original leadership team swiftly divided the day-to-day responsibilities to get the organization off the ground, managing operations until staff could be brought on board. Alongside them, a core group of volunteers—chorus members, friends, and allies—became the heartbeat of the chorus. They took on roles in fundraising, hospitality, stage setup, bookkeeping, event planning, and personal support. This community of support made it possible for GMCSF to function with professionalism and heart, even in its earliest days.
The chorus has always honored its values of transparency and inclusion by involving the full membership in decisions that shaped its mission and direction. Chorus members didn’t just sing—they stepped into leadership roles and formed working teams in everything from creative direction and logistics to wardrobe, marketing, and outreach. They joined forces with the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Choruses and built strong systems for member care. The “We Care” committee continues to offer support to those facing illness or loss, ensuring no one in the GMCSF family feels alone. A white stool, engraved with the names of members who have passed, stands quietly on stage at every performance, a symbol of remembrance and unity.
Artistic Direction
Artistic Direction
Artistic Direction
GMCSF was ready to take bold steps in its artistic journey. Juilliard-trained pianist and choral conductor Gordon Roberts generously volunteered his expertise as the chorus’s first Artistic Director. Working alongside him was Harold Dioquino, Director of Diggin, Florida’s well-regarded Filipino-American vocal ensemble, who joined as Assistant Conductor. Together, they laid the creative foundation for the chorus, shaping the sound and spirit of those early performances with original orchestral and choral arrangements. Pianist Roger Rundle also became a vital member of the team as GMCSF’s principal accompanist from the very first rehearsal, continuing in that role through the sixth season.
New Visions
Artistic Direction
Artistic Direction
Following Gordon Roberts' departure at the end of the 2015 season, Harold Dioquino, who had already led the holiday concerts as Interim Conductor, was officially named the chorus's second Artistic Director that February. Under his direction, the chorus reached new heights, including a milestone debut performance at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. GMCSF launched a national search for a new Artistic Director in January 2021. At the beginning of the 12th season, conductor, tenor, and music educator Gabe Salazar was chosen as GMCSF's first full-time Artistic Director. Anthony Cabrera became the group's assistant conductor the same year.
Staff Recruitment
Staff Recruitment
Staff Recruitment
The Chorus began building its administrative foundation in 2013 with the hiring of its first staff member, Ed Corley, as Director of Development. Two years later, the organization marked a significant milestone by appointing Mark B. Kent as Executive Director in May 2015, following his successful tenure with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. That same year, the team expanded with Office Manager Doug Leib and Development Director Michael Mendillo, who remained in the role through 2018. The Chorus also relocated its offices in 2015 from Sunshine Cathedral to The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, while continuing to rehearse and hold holiday concerts at the cathedral. In 2019, the Chorus added its first Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Steve Urry. Following his unexpected passing in 2020, Edward Otto Zielke stepped into the role, whose contributions helped elevate the organization's public profile, continuing the mission with renewed vision and energy. Most recently, in 2024, Fidel Garcia joined the team as Development Director, bringing fresh focus to donor engagement and community partnerships.
Making An Impact
Staff Recruitment
Staff Recruitment
GMCSF has become a standout cultural voice in the region, drawing audiences of 35,000 annually and making an undeniable impact through bold artistry and community connection. Now in its second decade, the chorus continues to break new ground with acclaimed performances that blend musical excellence with heart and purpose. From two featured appearances at the GALA Choruses Festival in Denver to powerful world premieres, GMCSF has collaborated with a celebrated roster of composers, including Saunder Choi, Tom Nichols, Dan Chadburn, David Volpe, Mark Hayes, Kevin Wembley, Gary Fry, Robert Delgado, and Kim André Arnesen. These commissions reflect the chorus’s commitment to championing contemporary voices and elevating LGBTQ+ storytelling through music. The ensemble has also shared the spotlight with a lineup of iconic guest artists, such as Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Linda Eder, Sharon Gless, Alan Cumming, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Shoshana Bean, Amber Riley, Frankie Grande, and Todrick Hall. Each appearance brings a new layer of artistry and inspiration, helping GMCSF create unforgettable, inclusive experiences that change hearts and open minds.
Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion
At GMCSF, diversity is more than a value. It is the heart of who we are. We are proudly intergenerational, multicultural, and inclusive, embracing people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities, ages, and backgrounds. Since our founding, we have committed to equity in every part of our work. From employment to programming, we strive to create a space where every person feels seen, respected, and empowered to live their truth through music. We actively work to make our performances accessible and welcoming for all. This includes providing American Sign Language interpreters, wheelchair-accessible seating, and alternative materials for those with different needs. We regularly assess how we support our singers, volunteers, staff, and patrons. At GMCSF, everyone deserves to experience the power and joy of live choral music in a space that honors their voice. It is GMCSF's policy to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in an accessible format, sign language interpreters, or any other accommodations required to participate in our programs, please contact us at 954-763-2266. To ensure we provide optimal accommodation, please submit your requests as early as possible.
In Memorium
Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion
Whenever we perform, we sing for the Chorus members who are no longer with us. Their names are continually memorialized in our concert programs and the list below. However, their spirit lives on with us, and we honor their memory by adding their name badge to our memorial show stool (white).
In Memoriam:
Anthony Alacca • Gregg Bennett • Bob Blount • George Brown • Johnny Butler • Gary Corbitt • Alex Crotts • Greg Futchi • Dr. Denny Hamann • Ronald Hess • John Hohl • Ray King • Al LaMorges • Karl Lütgens • John Makos • Philip Morris • John Murrow • Patrick Ott • Skip (George) Panse • Douglas Jackson Pew • Ken Pope • David Quackenbush • Francois Ratzel • Steve Ratzel • Brian Ricci • Bob Rose • Elvin Ruiz • Pat Seddon • Neal Sinha • Gregory Stanton • Steve Urry
*Please contact us for any names we may have missed.
Community Awards
Membership Awards
Membership Awards
The Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award: “This award is presented at our annual gala fundraiser to individuals and corporate partners who are recognized as mission champions for the Chorus, strengthening our communities and advancing us toward achieving our vision.”
Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn, 2024
Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager, 2023
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, 2023
The Al LaMorges Community Leadership Award: "Renamed on November 4, 2023, in honor of the first Board Chair of GMCSF, Douglas Jackson Pew."
Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith, 2023
Mark Byrd and Glen Weinzimer, 2022
Mark Hunter and Patrick Volkert, 2020
Joe Pallant, 2019
DC Allen and Ken Flick, 2018
The Champion Award: "A GMCSF Champion is a person who works tirelessly to advance another person or a cause. He does it selflessly and with passion."
James Smith, 2025
Erick Eldridge, 2024
Edward Otto Zielke, 2023
Membership Awards
Membership Awards
Membership Awards
The Bill Spinosa Distinguished Service Award: “Awarded each year to a Chorus member whose extraordinary service has gone well beyond the expectations of membership, this honor recognizes someone whose dedication has strengthened the organization and helped move us closer to realizing our vision."
Kenneth Pope, 2015 • Wayne Schubnel, 2016 • Gary D. Corbett, 2017 • Tony Corrente, 2018 • Dustin Ewing, 2019 • Joseph Fletcher, 2020 • Jerry Day, 2021 • Fred Boykin, 2022 • Jonathan Sanz, 2023 • Michael Foley, 2024 • Steven Freeman, 2025
The Gary Corbitt Core Values Award: “Passion, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence, Pride. Presented to the member who consistently embodies the core values of GMCSF, demonstrating outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and selfless service throughout the season."
Steven Begert-Clark, 2017 • Don Tomasello, 2018 • Michael Valdez, 2019 • Charles Robinson, 2020 • Brad Johnson, 2021 • Michael Gillespie, 2022 • Alex Crotts, 2022 posthumously • Rick Vaughan, 2023 • Bert Cohen, 2024 • Larry Small, 2024 • Ginny McCulloh, 2025
The Greg Futchi Award: “Self-Expression, Contribution, Generosity, and Creativity.”
Randy Washburn , 2016 • David Littlefield, 2017 • Doug Cureton, 2018 • Tim Richardson, 2019 • Tom Malone, 2019 • Skip (George) Panse, 2020 • Scott Hindley, 2021 • Jim Lopresti, 2021 • Bruce Anderson, 2022 • Don Thompson, 2023 • David Gray, 2024 • John Jackson, 2025
The Rookie of the Year Award: "Demonstrating exceptional commitment to the organization and embodying the spirit and values of the Chorus."
Joanna Grandel-Everett, 2025
Saturday, August 23rd
Doors open at 2:30 pm, Event 3-5 pm, at Hunter's Nightclub. Learn more.