Welcome, friends. I’m so glad you’re here.
It is a profound honor to welcome you to our June concert, Forever Here, Forever Queer, as the new Artistic Director and Conductor of STANCE. Stepping into this role has been a joyful and humbling experience, and I am thrilled to be leading this vibrant, talented ensemble into a new chapter. STANCE is more than a choir—it’s a community, a chosen family, and a creative force that uplifts trans and non-binary voices through the transformative power of music. This concert marks the beginning of our journey together, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.Forever Here, Forever Queer is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and community. Tonight’s music tells stories of strength in quiet moments, of joy found in connection, and of the power we hold when we show up as our full, authentic selves.
This program was lovingly curated to reflect the broad spectrum of queer experience—from reflection and vulnerability to empowerment and celebration. Along the way, you’ll hear voices from across cultures, periods, and musical styles, all connected by a shared belief: that we belong, that our stories matter, and that our voices—individually and together—can move hearts and inspire change.
Thank you for being part of this moment with us. We hope you feel seen, uplifted, and connected
through the music we share tonight.
With gratitude,
Dr. Cee E. Adamson
Artistic Director & Conductor, STANCEWe open tonight’s concert with music that invites you to pause, reflect, and connect. These songs speak to the quiet strength it takes to be fully seen, to dream of a better world, and to rise again and again in the face of adversity. This part of the program honors the beauty of vulnerability and the power of community—reminding us that even in our softest moments, we are strong and never alone.
Lyrics: Ronald W. Cadmus
Lyrics | In the dark of night In shades of fear I’ll reach within Deep in my soul To find the promised light A dream to keep in sight I am a voice that sings! When all hope seems gone On your path unknown Feeling alone I’ll keep right on And blend my voice with yours To lift and reassure I am a voice that sings! I’m resolved to love Be a force for change My hand will hold Your tender wounds Together we will find Something of grace and peace I am a voice that sings! When the flowers fade When the stars grow dim When the smile leaves And tears appear From deep within the heart The song of life draws near I am a voice that sings! I am a voice that sings! Together we will sing!
Program Notes | Michael Bussewitz-Quarm’s "I Am a Voice that Sings" opens our concert with an empowering declaration of self-expression and collective unity. Known for her impactful compositions that champion marginalized voices, Bussewitz-Quarm crafts music that invites listeners to recognize and celebrate each person's intrinsic worth. This piece conveys a powerful message of resilience, hope, connection, and the transformative power of communal singing or collective voices, serving as a powerful affirmation of identity, strength, and joy, resonating deeply with the central theme of our concert—celebrating the enduring presence and vibrant expression of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lyrics: Langston Hughes
Lyrics | To sit and dream. To sit and read. To sit and learn about the world. Outside our world, our problem world. Outside our world of here and now. To dream of vast horizons of the soul. Of dreams made whole. Help me, help me. All you who are dreamers too. You who are dreamers. Help me make our world anew. I reach out my hand to you. To sit and dream. To sit and read. To sit and learn about the world. To sit and dream.
Program Notes | Inspired by Langston Hughes' profound poetry, Rosephanye Powell’s "To Sit and Dream" embodies hope, vision, and perseverance amid adversity. Powell, an acclaimed composer from the African diaspora, intricately weaves poetic sensitivity into her music, reflecting universal themes of dreaming for equality, freedom, and dignity. In the context of "Forever Here, Forever Queer," this piece emphasizes the intersectionality of struggles and dreams, urging all communities toward a shared future grounded in empathy and justice.
Story | I’ve known I’m bi since I first heard the term over 20 years ago, it just clicked for me. Coming out to my parents was an experience. I was watching TV with my mom one day, when out of nowhere she turned to me and asked “are you straight?” "Nope,” I told her, “I'm bi" and she just said "oh ok," and we kept watching TV. I came out to my dad by telling him I was dating a woman. His response was "oh, what's she like? Does she have holiday plans? Would you like to invite her?" For the record, she did spend the holidays with my family, and it was lovely. What “bi” means to me has evolved over the years, especially since realizing I’m nonbinary. Other terms certainly fit my orientation as well: pan, sapphic, even gay, but the word bi holds a special place in my heart, because learning it was my first realization that I’m queer. Some say it’s a phase or a trend made up by teenagers. Well, I’m turning 37 this month, and I’m still bi, I’m still here, and I’m still queer.
Arrangement: Audrey Snyder
Lyrics | I can hold my breath I can bite my tongue I can stay awake for days if that's what you want Be your number one I can fake a smile I can force a laugh I can dance and play the part if that's what you ask Give you all I am I can do it I can do it I can do it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human I can turn it on Be a good machine I can hold the weight of worlds if that's what you need Be your everything I can do it I can do it I'll get through it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human I'm only human I'm only human Just a little human I can take so much 'Til I've had enough 'Cause I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human
Program Notes | Christina Perri’s heartfelt anthem, "Human", arranged here by Audrey Snyder, explores vulnerability and authenticity. With emotional depth and a reassuring message, the song embraces imperfections and the strength found within our shared humanity. This arrangement sensitively highlights the courage required to live openly, authentically, and unapologetically, aligning poignantly with the celebration of queer identities and the broader human connection championed in today's concert.
Soloist
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Miranda Deacon
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Arrangement: Saunder Choi
Lyrics | There are more waters rising - this I know, this I know There are more waters rising - this I know There are more waters rising, they will find their way to me There are more waters rising - this I know , this I know There are more waters rising - this I know There are more fires burning... There are more mountains falling... I will wade through the waters... I will wade through the waters, when they find their way to me… I will walk through the fires… I will walk through the fires, when they find their way to me… I will rebuild the mountains… I will rebuild the mountains, when they find their way to me…
Program Notes | Saro writes, “This song was written in March 2016 in response to the passage of North Carolina’s HB2 bill. In the context of growing political uncertainty during the early days of the Trump administration, its message remains especially poignant. It reflects a recognition of the difficult times ahead—challenges that feel both inevitable and inescapable—and a reminder that the antidote to fear lies in resilience and reclaiming the strength within us.” Rooted in the tradition of African-American Civil Rights and protest songs, this piece is intended to be sung in community. It is meant to be shared—at protests, places of worship, gatherings, and meetings. Listeners are encouraged to adapt it, add new verses, and carry it forward as a living song of resistance and unity. Activist and artist Saro Lynch-Thomason and arranger Saunder Choi address the urgency of environmental and social justice through song. Its vivid metaphors speak to rising struggles while affirming collective resilience and unity in confronting shared challenges. This piece resonates deeply with themes of solidarity and communal strength, underscoring our interconnectedness and mutual support within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
Lyrics | Though I have been wounded, aching heart full of pain. Still I rise, yes, still I rise. Jus’ like a budding rose, my bloom is nourished by rain. Haven’t time to wonder why, though fearful I strive. My pray’r and faith uphold me ‘til my courage arrives. Still I rise as an eagle, soaring above ev’ry fear. With each day I succeed, I grow strong an’ believe That it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise. Yes, it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Yes, still I rise. As my heart grows heavy, and my confidence dies, Pure strength is in my tears and healing rains in my cries Plunging depths of anguish, I determine to strive My pray’r and faith upholding me til my courage arrives Though you see me slump with heartache, heart so heavy that it breaks Be not deceived I fly on birds wings, rising sun, its healing rays Look at me I’m getting stronger, I’m determined to survive Tho’ I get tired an’ I get weary, I won’t give up I”m still alive Still I rise as an eagle, soaring above ev’ry fear. With each day I succeed, I grow strong an’ believe That it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Higher and higher, yes still I rise. Yes, it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies. Yes, still I rise. By pray’r an’ faith, still I rise. Yes it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise. Yes, it’s all within my reach; I’m reaching for the skies, Higher and higher, yes, still I rise.
Program Notes | Inspired by Maya Angelou's timeless poem, Powell’s "Still I Rise" offers an exuberant and defiant musical celebration of resilience. The piece encapsulates an empowering narrative of overcoming adversity with grace and determination. It amplifies voices historically marginalized, making an uplifting and triumphant statement particularly resonant with the LGBTQ+ experience. This anthem embodies the spirit of perseverance and pride central to our concert’s theme.
Soloist(s)
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Christiana Crabbe
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Mitchie Vega
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We're going to take a quick break! Please be back in 10 minutes for Part Two.
The second half of our concert is all about joy, pride, and the unapologetic celebration of queer identity. These songs lift us up—reminding us of our worth, our love, and our power to create change. As the music builds, so does our collective energy. This is a moment to shine, to sing out loud, and to honor the strength and beauty of being exactly who we are. Let’s celebrate that we are forever here—and forever queer.
Lyrics | Naftahhu athhanana, Alhamdulillah Naftahhu qulubana, Alhamdulillah Namuddu aydeeyana, Alhamdulillah Translation: We open our minds, thanks to God (Alleluia) We open our hearts, thanks to God (Alleluia) We reach out our hands, thanks to God (Alleluia) Hands are Knockin’ Can you, can you let them in? Will you, will you let them in?
Program Notes | Kyle Pederson’s "Hands Are Knockin’" invites listeners into a profound dialogue about inclusivity and active engagement with the world around us. Pederson’s unique compositional voice infuses warmth and rhythmic energy, highlighting community connection and a call toward meaningful action. The song aligns beautifully with our concert’s message of active presence and the role of the LGBTQ+ community in advocating for greater compassion, equality, and societal change.
Soloist(s)
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Mitchie Vega
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Thorn Emmalyn King
Piano
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Yoshi Das
Djembe
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Mikey Prince
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Lyrics | The blue, the red, the white, the black, the brown, And all the colors in-between, Women and men and everyone who breathes Can sing along with me: We dream of a land of a world Brave enough, proud enough to be United in song To fight for justice and peace. Your god, my god, our right to believe, or not— We all eat from an earth that’s green. All bodies, all minds, the young, and elderly, We all want to be heard and seen. We dream of a land of a world Brave enough, proud enough to be United in song To fight for justice and peace.
Program Notes | Mari Esabel Valverde’s poignant composition, "United in Song", deeply reflects her commitment to activism, musical excellence, and intersectional representation. This anthem eloquently expresses unity, solidarity, and shared purpose, emphasizing music’s transformative ability to heal divides and foster understanding across diverse communities. Valverde’s voice is personal and universal, encapsulating the essential themes of resilience, pride, and enduring hope embodied in our concert’s celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility and strength.
Soloists
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Robin Wilvich
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Basil Freeling
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Lyrics: George Parsons Lathrop
Lyrics | Music is in all growing things; And underneath the silky wings Of smallest insects there is stirred, A pulse of air that must be heard Music is in all growing things. Music is in all growing things. Earth’s silence lives; and throws, and sings. If poet from the vibrant strings of his poor heart a measure flings. Music is in all growing things. Laugh not, that he no trumpet blows. It may be that Heaven hears and knows, Music is in all growing things, music In all growing things, all growing things His language of low listenings Music is in all living things
Program Notes | "Music of Life", composed by B.E. Boykin, intricately captures the vibrant interplay between music, identity, and self-discovery. Boykin’s compositional voice, firmly rooted in African-American musical traditions and contemporary perspectives, celebrates the transformative power of music to convey the human experience in all its richness and complexity. This work serves as a thoughtful reminder of music’s capacity to unify and uplift, resonating beautifully with our collective affirmation of queer identity and artistic expression.
Lyrics: Lemuel Colon
Lyrics | We walk in love, united in purpose. We join our hands and lift up one voice. We speak the truth with strength and compassion, Resounding with hope, with courage and joy. We cry for peace and rights for all people. We welcome friends from far and near. We fight for those whose voices are silenced, Resisting in faith until all are free. We dream a world of justice and kindness. We build a bridge, creating new paths. We march with joy as all walk together. Embracing each one, we boldly stand.
Program Notes | Deanna Witkowski’s inclusive and warmly inviting composition, "We Walk in Love", joyfully emphasizes unity, community, and the shared power of song. The piece creates an immersive musical experience by engaging audience participation, celebrating collective voice, and the transformative potential of community engagement. In early 2017, Deanna Witkowski submitted this piece in response to a call for new social justice songs curated by Abbie Betinis, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Ahmed Anzaldúa for the Justice Choir songbook. Designed to be freely shared and easily sung in concerts, protests, and places of worship, the Justice Choir movement aims to bring people together in community through music that speaks to the present moment. Witkowski’s message powerfully embodies the concert’s vision of unity, inclusivity, and solidarity, encouraging all to join in a celebration of queer identity and the universal human journey toward love and understanding.
Lyrics: Sara Teasdale
Lyrics | I am wild, I will sing to the trees. I will sing to the stars in the sky, I love, I am loved, He is mine! I am loved, now at last I can die! I am sandaled with wind and with flame, I have heartfire and singing to give, I can tread on the grass or the stars, I am wild! I will sing! I am wild, I will sing to the trees I will sing to the stars in the sky, I love, I am loved! Now at last I can live.
Program Notes | Christopher H. Harris’ uplifting composition, "I Am Loved", based on Sara Teasdale’s poetry, conveys a profoundly affirming message of acceptance and self-worth. Harris’ powerful musical narrative invites listeners into a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience, championing the transformative power of love and acceptance. Within our concert, this composition resonates deeply as a celebration of queer identity, empowerment, and the continual affirmation that everyone deserves to feel profoundly valued and embraced.
Story | When I think about the time before there was a woman known as Reina, I remember reflections. Looking in the mirror and seeing somebody else. Someone else’s body. A doppelganger. They lived in photos, in puddles, and mimicked me brushing my teeth. Reflections split me in two. Each glance upon a mirror I felt that splitting, and the sensation of someone disappearing when I looked away. I remember it so vividly. I remember it in my body. I knew something wasn't right. But I had a path. I made artwork. I took photos. I drew, sketched, and played with light. I was going to create my own reflection. But before I could do any of that I needed a thesis. Who am I? I didn’t know. I’d struggled with it my whole life. Never settling into myself. Into my body. Into my name. So I turned outwards, to the world. Who was I to them? I’d be whatever they wanted me to be. Whatever kept me safe and comfortable. I'd be clay. Whatever shade of bright camouflage would let me shine to their eyes. To bring Joy. To give. A Chameleon. I had my thesis. Now to execute it. Ten hours trespassing in a theater rehearsal space. Janitor walking in on me at 3am. Hot, hot floodlights with that beautiful warm glow. My camera and myself. Naked, quiet, and searching. I knew as soon as the shutter closed that I had found it. I thought “Aha! I’ve captured this elusive chameleon.” I left that night, exhausted. But some part of me knew I had made something truly special. Something I’d needed for a very, very long time. I took my images and with enormous help, printed them as large as I possibly could and put them up for the world to see. Every day, I stared at that reflection. It stared back. No mimic. No doppelganger. Just a fiercely defiant woman completely present within her body. The Chameleon was nowhere to be found. It was just Reina.
Composer: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Jack Feldman
Arrangement: Roger Emerson
Lyrics | Open the gates and seize the day Don't be afraid and don't delay Nothing can break us No one can make us Give our rights away Arise and seize the day! Now is the time to seize the day, Send out the call and join the gray. Wrongs will be righted if we’re united, Let us seize the day. Friends of the friendless seize the day. Raise up the torch and light the way. Proud and defiant, we’ll slay the giant Let us seize the day. Neighbor to neighbor, father to son One for all and all for one. Open the gates and seize the day. Don’t be afraid and don’t delay. Nothing can break us, no one can make us give our rights away. Neighbor to neighbor, father to son One for all and all for one.
Program Notes | Closing our concert, Alan Menken’s stirring anthem, "Seize the Day"—vibrantly arranged by Roger Emerson—delivers an energetic and optimistic message of bold action, courage, and unity in the face of adversity. Initially from "Newsies", this rousing number captures the spirit of solidarity as the newsboys rise against injustice and fight for a fairer future. As a finale, it epitomizes the hopeful energy of collective activism and joyful resistance, urging us to embrace our identities, celebrate our communities, and champion a future rooted in visibility, equity, and joy.
Thank you to our sponsors
Thank you to our concert sponsors for your support this concert cycle! By supporting trans joy, you've helped STANCE have a successful season.
STANCE is funded in part by a 3-year grant from 4Culture, who provides funding and support for the cultural work that makes King County vibrant.
LAND & LABOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge that we rehearse and perform on the land of the first peoples of Seattle, the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Stillaguamish, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, past and present and commit to honor with gratitude the land itself and the stewardship of these indigenous tribes. We encourage you to join us in this commitment by contributing to the local Heron's Nest Outdoor Education and Restorative Justice program and Real Rent Duwamish.
We respectfully acknowledge the enslaved people, primarily of African descent, on whose exploited labor this country is built, with little to no recognition. Today, we are indebted to their labor and the labor of the many Black and brown people that continue to work in the shadows for our collective benefit. We also support the #BlackVoicesMatter movement and pledge to work towards anti-racism in all aspects of our music.
THANK YOU
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Thank you to King County’s 4Culture program for sponsoring us with a 3 year ongoing grant.
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Thank you to University Congregational UCC Church for hosting us here.
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And thank you to our amazing staff members, board members, section coordinators, AV team, volunteers, singers, and storytellers who made these performances possible.
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Thank you to Mikey Prince and Yoshi Das for accompanying us.
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Thank you to Mikey and Cee for training our singers to be prepared for this performance.
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SOPRANOS
Alia Zeng, Christiana Crabbe, K Koenig, Maddie Smith, Star Dorminey, Chris Ho, Francis Mana-ay, Robin Wilvich
ALTOS
Adaleigh Martin, Ashley Gallagher, Dahe Kim, Logan O'Laughlin, Rese Lichen, Taylor Hays, Ben Koivu, Colleen V Paull, Hailey Reinhart, Jess Lamken, Laura Belmont, Morgan Fiskevold, Myles Lopez, Thorn Emmalyn King, Tulani Reeves-Miller, Vedin Pavlović
TENORS
fluffy, Frankie Wolf, Hannah Schuh, Mitchie Vega, Spiderweb Powers, Sonya Vasquez, Takeshi Takahashi, wylan river-zaviied, Jack Harbick, Jade Dikelsky, Jin Zeng, Lee Bressel, Miranda Deacon, Reina Jameson, Yoshi Das
BASSES
Alethea Bolton, Basil Freeling, Fern Slater, Gracie Bucklew, Jaycie Mitchell, Sandy Hong, Tesseract King, Andy Chapel, Gabi Aerial Emerson, Haven Wilvich
Bold = Section Coordinators
The Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble, better known as STANCE, was founded in 2022 as the first chorus that is led by and for gender diverse singers in Washington. Our mission is to provide a vocal community free of gendered expectations to explore and express ourselves through music. We have rapidly grown from a grassroots movement to our current 77 member capacity. And with your support, we hope to eventually expand to include a trans youth chorus.
STANCE STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Haven Wilvich (she/her)
Haven first dreamed of a trans and nonbinary led community choir in 2016 when she got fustrated with how difficult it is being a feminine Bass singer in traditional choirs. When she's not focuse on community building, she does vaccine research, watches birds, and kayaks Washington's many beautiful bodies of water.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Dr. Cee E. Adamson (she/they)
In the distinguished sphere of classical music, Dr. Cee E. Adamson (she/they) stands as a beacon of versatility and excellence, seamlessly weaving together her roles as a choral conductor, opera singer, voice teacher, arts administrator, and student affairs practitioner with grace and passion. As a mezzo-soprano, Cee occupies a fluid place as an operatic talent, capable of treading the beguiling and liminal space between the countertenor and mezzo-soprano, and her vocal versatility has been well showcased in roles as Oberon in Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Giulio Cesare in Handel's Giulio Cesare, The Sorceress in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and tragic and comic roles from Mercedes in Carmen to Florence Pike in Albert Herring. Cee was also requested to appear as a featured supernumerary in Glimmerglass Opera’s production of Philip Glass’s Orphée. As a choral educator, Dr. Adamson assumes the role of a visionary choral director whose leadership has transformed vocal ensembles into beacons of musical excellence. Cee is known for her meticulous attention to vocal technique and ensemble precision and her ability to cultivate a deep emotional connection within her choirs, resulting in authentic performances that resonate deeply with audiences and performers alike. Through her academic and professional practice, Cee aims to reshape the narrative around who is seen and heard in classical vocal and choral music. Visibility is not just important; it is critical—it means ensuring that underrepresented populations and identities are represented across all facets of the arts, from historical pioneers to contemporary innovators. In December 2024, Cee completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Washington, specializing in vocal performance under the guidance of Dr. Carrie Shaw, as well as choral conducting with Dr. Geoffrey Boers and Dr. Giselle Wyers.
ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
Mikey Prince (they/he)
Mikey found STANCE in 2022 after looking into trans choirs across the US to research trans-centered choral pedagogy. When he is not joyously music-making with community in STANCE, Mikey is joyously music-making with K-5 students as a music educator in Seattle Public Schools.
GUEST CONDUCTOR
Michael McKenzie (they/them)
Michael McKenzie is an international award-winning conductor and music educator, whose work centers around the power that choral music has to affect social change. They serve as a Managing Director of Voices for Social Justice, a national nonprofit organization whose work combines social activism with justice-centered artistic expression through performance, resources, and community collaboration. Outside of VFSJ, Michael serves as the Director of Music at Magnolia United Church of Christ. Most recently, they served as Director of the Bellevue Chamber Chorus during their gold medal winning performance at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Michael is currently pursuing their DMA in Choral Conducting at the University of Washington School of Music. Prior to this, they graduated with an MM in Choral Conducting, with honors, from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University – Long Beach. There, Michael served as the director of ConChord, a student community chorus, and as a teaching assistant for the University Choir and Bob Cole Chamber Choir. For their Master's Recital, Michael earned honorable mention as a finalist for the American Prize's Dale Warland Award for Collegiate Choral Conductors. Michael was the Founder and Director of two Social Justice Choirs at Gustavus Adolphus College, and their performances earned them 2nd place in The American Prize for Choral Conducting - Community Division and an invitation to present a concert at The 2020 Nobel Conference. Michael graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, summa cum laude, in 2019 with a BA in Music Education and certification in K-12 Vocal, Instrumental, and Classroom music. Michael is a member of the Music Honors Society Pi Kappa Lambda and the Education Honors Society Kappa Delta Pi, and holds professional affiliations with the American Choral Director’s Association, the National Collegiate Choral Organization, and the National Associate for Music Education.
VASHON PROGRAM
STANCE is a small grassroots organization largely funded by individual supporters like you. If you are able, we encourage you to make a one-time or monthly donation to support our ability to continue creating art that celebrates trans joy and community building through music.