ABOUT US | PRISM Men's Chorus

OUR STORY

In 2016, friends—Jeremy Adams, Michael Champagne, Bradley Hamilton, and Dylan Walker—decided to form an acapella singing group, “The Unicords”. While the newly formed Unicords rehearsed, Michael joined a local theatre group and began working on a production being directed by Randall Wrisinger. Over many conversations it was clear that they all shared a love of music and performing. The thought of combining their talents, vision, and passion, excited everyone. The four friends asked Randall if he would be interested in joining them in the creation of a new men’s chorus—and the idea of PRISM was born. During the start-up, many other friends, including Matt Rindfleisch and Jerry Haines, joined the group and contributed to establishing the foundation and framework for what would become PRISM Gay Men and Allies Chorus of Metro Detroit. The rest is history.

PRISM is truly the product of the talents, dedication, hard work and love of music of many contributors. That is our greatest strength – every contributor is a “founder”.

OUR MISSION

PRISM Gay Men and Allies Chorus Corporation (“PRISM”) is a volunteer, non-profit, performing arts organization whose purpose is to support the Southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ and allies community. Committed to “changing lives one note at a time”, PRISM’s mission is to provide service through various out-reach programs and to provide the community with artistic programs through our seasonal performances.

OUR ARTISTIC STAFF

Darin DeWeese

Artistic Director

A Michigan native, Darin grew up in historic Marshall, Michigan where he was involved with music from an early age. With an immense love for choral music, Darin followed his passion for singing to Michigan State University where he completed his Bachelor of Music Education in 2010. Following his time at MSU Darin served as the Director of Vocal Music at Tecumseh High School where he taught for seven years. During his time in Tecumseh, his choirs performed both locally and regionally, receiving numerous awards including being selected to perform at the prestigious Michigan Youth Arts Festival in 2017. Following his time in Tecumseh, Darin served as the Artistic Director of the Out Loud Chorus in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 2019-2021.

As a singer, Darin has performed at major venues in the United States and abroad including Carnegie Hall, The Detroit Opera House, the American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Miami, and has performed contracts with Celebrity Cruises. Darin currently sings on staff at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills and recently served in residence at Exeter Cathedral and the University of Exeter, England in 2019.