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 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 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
Daniel Toole
Treasurer
Jantz Black
Secretary
Brad Foucher
Marketing Director - Website Design
Laurie Geralds
Community Board Member
Jodie Ellison
Community Board Member
Our Community Partner
PRISM Chorus would like to formally announce our community partner for the next two seasons, Ruth Ellis Center. Named in honor of a resilient Detroit icon, Ruth Ellis Center works to create a supportive environment and community with LGBTQ+ young people. It’s been beautiful to watch them grow over the years and become a true staple of support in our community and the country as a whole.
They wish to create a world where LGBTQ+ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go.
In being a community partner, you'll find more information about them on all of our social channels throughout the season. Together, we are stronger and can help change more lives for the better.
