PRISM
PRISM is a vibrant and inclusive community chorus dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting social justice through the transformative power of music. Founded in 2016 on the belief that music can bridge divides and foster understanding, PRISM's repertoire spans a wide array of cultures, genres, and traditions, highlighting the rich tapestry of human experience.
Committed to musical excellence, PRISM performs a dynamic range of works, from classical pieces to contemporary compositions, often commissioning works that speak to the challenges and triumphs of our times. The chorus is proud to collaborate with composers and artists who share their vision of equality and inclusivity.
Beyond our musical endeavors, PRISM actively engages with the community through outreach and partnerships with local organizations. These collaborations aim to amplify voices that are often marginalized, ensuring that their message of unity and
justice resonates far and wide.
PRISM's performances are not just concerts but experiences that uplift, inspire, and provoke thought. The chorus members, coming from diverse backgrounds, bring their unique stories and talents to the ensemble, creating a harmonious
blend that is both powerful and moving.
​
Join PRISM as we create a world where every voice is heard, and every story is celebrated.
OUR MISSION
PRISM is a volunteer, non-profit, performing arts organization whose mission is to provide an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and allies. We achieve this by fostering a creative space through music, building community, and promoting equity through performance and outreach.
OUR VISION
PRISM envisions a community where LGBTQIA+ individuals are valued, protected and celebrated. We will achieve this through the production of quality and entertaining performances where all people are empowered to live their lives authentically. PRISM seeks to impact the local and national community by enriching lives through community service, philanthropy, and scholarship.
OUR CORE VALUES
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.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shane Dunbar
Chairman
Gerald Ashby
Vice-Chairman
Jeff Foust
Treasurer
Jantz Black
Secretary
Bill LeAnnais
Board Member
At Large
Allen Stock
Board Member
At Large
John Joanette
Board Member
At Large
Scott Felkey
Board Member
At Large
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
PRISM Chorus would like to formally announce our community partner for the next two seasons, PFLAG Detroit.
Since 1987, PFLAG Detroit offers various programs to support LGBTQ+ people and their families. They have been keeping families together for over 35 years and have striven to combat hate, discrimination and violence. Their goal is to have equal rights for all children. Their group sessions give people a chance to hear and understand the true feelings of parents, LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Through education and sharing, they are helping people understand issues that have caused discord and misunderstanding, sometimes tearing families apart.
Parents new to PFLAG find a positive reassurance about their children’s lives. They have been able to talk to their children like never before.
In a confidential setting, New Parents meet with a Moms and Dads of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer child to share their feelings on how they handled the coming out of their child.
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”.