Jane Ramseyer-Miller

JANE RAMSEYER-MILLER

Artistic Director, One Voice Mixed Chorus

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Mennonite culture is in the very marrow of my bones.  I grew up steeped in four-part harmony and was mentored, encouraged and inspired as a musician in that rich, musical faith.  I envisioned a future for myself that allowed me to integrate my faith with my gifts as a musician, organizer and activist.

After my partner and I married in the early 90’s, the doors of the Mennonite church were abruptly closed to me.  I was no longer invited to conduct, lead singing, write or compose within the denomination.  I went from working in the Mennonite denomination to searching for a completely new vocation.

I smile now at the irony of the Mennonite denomination’s exclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians.  For the past decade I have made my living conducting an 80-voice GLBT community chorus.  We work at social change through music in order to make our world a more welcoming place.  This GLBT community has become the ultimate beneficiary of the gifts, lessons and skills afforded me by the Mennonite church as I plan concerts, conduct, compose, and collaborate with other denominations, communities and arts organizations.

Given in conjunction with One Voice Mixed Chorus' "Reclaiming Faith" concerts in January, 2007.