Our Mission

The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is dedicated to promoting harmony among all while advancing a positive image of gay people through outstanding musicianship, creative programming and community outreach.

Our History

Originally known as the “Des Moines Men’s Chorus” from 1985 to 1992, the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (DMGMC) reorganized in 2001. It was guided by Dr. Randal A. Buikema who served as Artistic Director and Conductor until 2005. Not long after, the Chorus found new leadership when it hired Dr. Rebecca Gruber to serve as Artistic Director and Conductor.

The Chorus has an extensive history of performances and honors. The newly reformed Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus gave its first performance in May of 2001, thanks to the dedication of supportive members of the community. Since then, the Chorus has given three concerts each year and performed at various events in the Des Moines and central Iowa area. Here’s a snapshot of those events:

2001

·         Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is established under the guidance of Dr. Randal A. Buikema.

·         DMGMC performs its first concert at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church.

2003

·         The Chorus performs at the Inaugural Ceremony of Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson.

·         The Chorus sings the National Anthem for the annual Jefferson – Jackson Dinner with Senator Hillary Clinton as keynote speaker.

2005

·         The Chorus sings a joint concert with the Des Moines Symphony, the Westminster Church Oratorio Choir, and the Iowa Youth Chorus under the direction of German conductor Markus Huber.

2006

·         Rebecca Gruber becomes the new DMGMC Artistic Director & Conductor.

·         The Chorus is again honored to sing the National Anthem for the Jefferson – Jackson Dinner with former President Bill Clinton as keynote speaker.

2007

·         The Chorus performs at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Honorable Chet Culver, Governor of the state of Iowa and Lt. Governor Patty Judge.

·         The Chorus performs a joint concert with One Voice Mixed Chorus, Minnesota’s GLBTA chorus, at Plymouth Church.

2008

·         The Chorus was honored to visit and perform for several different audiences including Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale, Ames United Church of Christ-Congregational in Ames, as well as the Hoover High School/Meredith Middle School Gay-Straight Alliance.

·         The Chorus performs in Miami at the GALA Festival 8 International Choral Festival.

2009

·         The Chorus received a rousing response its first cabaret-style program titled “How Sweet It Is”.

·         HarMENy (“Men in Harmony”) debuts at the “How Sweet It Is” concert and follows up with even more toe-tapping songs at its “Naked Man” Pride concert in June.