[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOURTH BIRTHDAY OF THE PROVIDENCE GAY MEN'S 
                                 CHORUS

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Providence Gay Men's Chorus, which celebrated its fourth anniversary on 
November 14, 1999. I would like to thank the Chorus for its four years 
of community involvement, during which time the members have shared not 
only their melodious voices with the citizens of Rhode Island, but also 
their hopes and ambitions for a better world.
  The Providence Gay Men's Chorus, which began in 1995 as a group of 
eight, now has 50 members. In addition to their musical talent, one of 
the attributes that is most unique about the Chorus, and most 
appreciated, is the group's mission to promote tolerance. As we know, 
the real work of fostering support for people with diverse backgrounds 
and lifestyles usually happens slowly, and within the context of shared 
activities and community. The Providence Gay Men's Chorus reaches out 
with its concerts to expand the bounds of community. By helping to 
create an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding, their work 
benefits not only the citizens of Rhode Island, but ultimately the 
entire nation.
  I am pleased to make it known that November 14, 1999 was not only the 
fourth anniversary of the Chorus, but also was declared Providence Gay 
Men's Chorus Day in the State of Rhode Island. Mr. President, I ask 
that a gubernatorial proclamation from the Governor of my home state of 
Rhode Island proclaiming November 14th as ``Providence Gay Men's Chorus 
Day'' be printed in the Congressional Record.
  I join in the chorus of voices supporting the Providence Gay Men's 
Chorus' dual mission of creating beautiful music and promoting mutual 
respect and understanding. I know this talented musical group will 
continue its good work and I wish them many, many more birthdays.
  The proclamation follows:

    State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations--Gubernatorial 
                              Proclamation

       Whereas, the Providence Gay Men's Chorus was first 
     conceived in a karaoke bar in Providence in October 1995. The 
     first meeting of its original eight members from Rhode Island 
     and Massachusetts was held in November 1995, in a home in 
     Pawtucket. The name Providence Gay Men's Chorus (PGMC) was 
     decided on after some deliberation and the group was then 
     underway with a music director and an accompanist; and,
       Whereas, the mission of the PGMC is to provide and foster 
     continuing growth of men's voices. Through the sharing of 
     song concerts, the PGMC hopes to foster mutual understanding, 
     tolerance and support of people with diverse backgrounds and 
     lifestyles; and,
       Whereas, the membership started to blossom during the first 
     year and moved to St. James Episcopal Church in North 
     Providence. During this year, the first board was also formed 
     and the first concert was held in Warcham, Massachusetts with 
     12 members; and,
       Whereas, the chorus kept growing and moved again. This time 
     to the Bell Street Chapel in Providence, where the now 35-
     member chorus was performing two seasons per year with three 
     concerts per season. It was at the Bell Street Chapel that 
     the PGMC achieved their first sell out audience; and,
       Whereas, as membership approached 40 members, the chorus 
     moved once again to the First Unitarian Church in Providence. 
     During this time, the PGMC joined the national choral 
     organization for gay and lesbians called GALA and received 
     its first corporate sponsorship; and,
       Whereas, the chorus is now approaching its fourth birthday, 
     has a membership of 50 and is back at the Bell Street Chapel. 
     The members will be performing series of concerts in 
     November, singing at First Night 2000, and initiating a 
     scholarship program. Future plans for the chorus are to bring 
     a program to the Hasbro's Children's Hospital, perform to 
     mainstream audiences throughout the city and state, and 
     attend the national GALA conferences; and,
       Whereas, on November 14, 1999 the chorus will hold a 
     concert at the Newport Congregational Church, under the 
     direction of Charles Pietrello and the accompaniment of Bruce 
     Ruby;
       Now, therefore, I, Lincoln Almond, Governor of the State of 
     Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby proclaim 
     November 14, 1999, as Providence Gay Men's Chorus 
     Day.




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