GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 1993

WANTED:

MUSIC DIRECTOR

NORTH COAST MENS CHORUS

Now entering its sixth year, the North Coast Men's Chorus is a group of over 50 gay and gay-supportive men that seeks to build a spirit of community among its members—and have FUN in the process.

We have joined together as a non-profit group to make music for the education, enjoyment and cultural enrichment of our audiences; to make a positive contribution to greater Cleveland's gay community; and to serve as representatives of that community.

We're looking for enthusiastic candidates for this part-time paid position who meet the following criteria:

Hold a music degree with emphasis in choral or vocal music, with some practical experience in conducting a choral ensemble.

Have the ability-and willingness-to conduct a range of musical styles, including classical, jazz and popular.

Will maintain high community visibility as the conductor of a gay chorus.

Are proficient in the following areas: team leadership, vocal and ensemble instructional technique, artistic leadership, repertoire development, choral arranging, time management, scheduling, and recruitment.

DEADLINE FOR RESUMES: MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUG. 27, 1993 INTERVIEWS: WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7-11

FINALIST SELECTION NOTICE: SEPTEMBER 12-15 START DATE: SEPTEMBER 26

CONTACT: BOB TAYLOR AT 216/468-3398 (H) OR 216/473-1033 (W) OR SEND BOB YOUR RESUME: 9064 BRANDYWINE ROAD

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Men's Chorus director packs his baton

Robert P. Bellisario, music director of the North Coast Men's Chorus since its founding, has decided to leave the Chorus after guiding it for the past five years.

"It's time for me to move on," said Bellisario. "I'd like to recharge my batteries a bit and then pursue other musical interests." Bellisario is also assistant conductor of the Singers' Club, Cleveland's oldest non-professional musical organization.

Bill Bartolini, current president of the Chorus, expressed his appreciation for Bellisario's commitment and years of direction. "Bob has been instrumental in developing the Chorus. He has shared his love of music with many members over the years and thousands of audience members. We shall miss him," Bartolini said.

During Bellisario's tenure, the Chorus has greatly professionalized its image and product. When asked what his favorite experiences have been, Bellisario was hesitant to name just one. "I've had so many wonderful, beautiful moments with the Chorus. It would be hard to pick the highlights," he said.

"Certainly the number one all-time thrilling moment was the Chorus' first performance a concert on the Case Western Reserve University campus [during the 1988 lesbian-gay conference]. The audience gave

us this incredible, overwhelming welcome when we first walked on stage. It was an amazing moment for me," Bellisario said.

There have been other wonderful moments, too. "The first time the Chorus per-

formed with an orchestra, now that was a thrill. The three Christmas carols by composer Mark Reese are still some of my alltime favorites," he said.

"Another exciting moment was conducting the ensemble of over 100 men when the Chorus hosted an invitational concert two years ago." This was when the North Coast Men's Chorus invited the Cincinnati Gay Men's Chorus and Great Lakes Men's Chorus of Detroit to join them for a choral festival held down at the Little Theatre at the Convention Center.

"We started the concert with 'Open Wide Your Eyes,' a composition written by a gay man and sung by a chorus of over 100 gay men. That brought me to a whole new sense of Gay Pride," said Bellisario. "It was a breath-taking experience for me—and a real privilege to conduct."

Bellisario really enjoyed the creative process with the Chorus. "It's the creation and what happens that's the real blessing. I don't think anyone can really understand how blessed I've been to conduct this Chorus. It has meant so much to me. To be on the shaping end of a concert, to take 50 people and shape a thought into a sound, is an unbelievable thrill."

Bartolini indicated the Chorus is moving forward and has begun a search for the parttime paid position. "We hope to have a new person in place in time for our first rehearsal on Sept. 26," he remarked. "Please tell your friends who conduct that we're looking."

New Oregon law guts anti-gay initiatives

Portland, Ore. The state legislature has passed a bill that bars local governments from enacting anti-gay rights measures such as the ones that passed in June in four counties. The measure would also void any that are already in effect.

Gov. Barbara Roberts said she intended to sign the bill, which won final approval from the state senate on July 28. The measure means "no special rights for anyone, equal rights for everyone," she said.

"This is a bill of truce. It stops dividing Oregonians," Roberts added.

In addition to outlawing rights limitations, the bill passed by the Legislature prohibits local ordinances or policies granting "special rights" because of sexual orientation. It would prevent local governments from implementing any affirmative action or employment quota programs for gays and lesbians.

One of the bill's sponsors said it doesn't prohibit local governments from passing gay civil rights ordinances, such as the ones in Portland, Corvallis and Ashland.

"Those ordinances are clearly non-discriminatory," said Rep. Gail Shibley, DPortland.

This bill was a substitute for one that included gay civil rights protections, which was turned down by the House July 6 after passing the Senate.

The ACLU, meanwhile, threatened to sue to force cancellation of the local antigay civil rights initiative votes scheduled in September and November. At present, the votes will go on as scheduled.

"The initiative power is quite broad," said Secretary of State Phil Keisling. “It includes the ability of voters to initiate and vote on measures that are blatantly illegal or unconstitutional. The courts are the ones empowered to make those judgments, but only after voter passage of a measure.'

Lon Mabon, chairman of the Oregon Citizens Alliance, said his group plans to mount recall attempts against several senators who voted for the bill. The OCA already had targeted 14 House members for recall after the bill passed there.

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