Jane Ramseyer-Miller

Dublin Core

Title

Jane Ramseyer-Miller

Contributor

Jane Ramseyer-Miller

Identifier

1088

Coverage

St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)

Stole Item Type Metadata

Honoree

Jane Ramseyer-Miller

Stole Text

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.

Contribution Date

2007

Contribution Story

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

Denomination

Mennonite Church