Dublin Core
Title
Contributor
Identifier
Coverage
Stole Item Type Metadata
Honoree
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.