GALA CHORAL FESTIVAL – MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JULY 2024
The Maine Gay Men’s Chorus was established in 1992 and performed in Maine for twenty years. After a three-year hiatus, MGMC was reinvented and relaunched in January 2015.
Under the artistic direction of Nate Menifield, MGMC performs before enthusiastic audiences during the Pride Season in June and the Holiday Season in December. MGMC also performs at special events and functions upon request. MGMC features talent from all around the great state of Maine. To call them singers would be to undersell this gifted group of people who, in their hearts and spirits, are true performers. Representing many walks of life, professions, and ages, MGMC is a diverse group of individuals whose performances move audiences to tears, laughter, and cheer. Do you have questions about MGMC? Please, visit our FAQ (frequently asked questions) page or CONTACT us with your questions today! |
The Board of Directors President – Tommy Waltz (Updated on November 12, 2024) |
About the Artistic Director – Nate Menifield
An Aroostook County, Maine native, Nathaniel (Nate) Menifield is frequently in demand as a teacher, guest conductor, adjudicator, and performer throughout Maine and New Hampshire. He attended Harvard College, where he studied French & Francophone Studies and sang with the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum and the Kuumba Singers. In 2009, he earned the Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine School of Music, and has since been a middle and high school music educator, choral director, and arts advocate in Southern and Midcoast Maine.
A classically trained lyric baritone equally at home in choral and operatic repertoire, he has performed as a soloist with Maine-based ChoralArt, Oratorio Chorale, and Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, as well as the Stanford Symphonic Chorus/Peninsula Symphony and St. Andrew’s Choir (CA).
He holds the Master of Arts Degree in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from Stanford University, from which he was also awarded the competitive Polk Prize in Music Performance in 2017. He currently manages staff and faculty equity and inclusion programs at Bates College, and resides in Brunswick with his husband, daughter, and goldendoodle.
Nate may be contacted at: artisticdirector@mainegmc.org
About the President – Tommy Waltz
Tommy Waltz (he/him) has served as President of Maine Gay Men’s Chorus (MGMC) for 2 years. Tommy brings compassionate leadership, with an emphasis on inclusion, safety and empowerment for all MGMC members and staff. Tommy upholds the leadership values of collaboration, equality, humility and kindness.
Tommy is a Greater Portland based actor, vocalist, director and a founding member and President of SecondStory Theatre Company. Tommy has performed on stages throughout New England, Greater Portland and mid-coast Maine. Select Maine credits: Robert Kincaid (The Bridges of Madison County), Malcolm MacGregor (The Full Monty), Galileo Figaro (We Will Rock You), Leo Frank (Parade), Emcee (Cabaret) and Gary/Roger (Noises Off). Tommy recently directed Stroll Haunted Yarmouth (Royal River Community Players), Love Is… and The Laramie Project (SecondStory Theatre Company). Tommy has served as the host/emcee for several non-profit galas/fundraisers in Greater Portland, and is a TEDxDirigo speaker.
Offstage Tommy is a licensed clinical social worker. Tommy is the Clinical Administrative Director of Art of Awareness (South Portland) and runs a private psychotherapy practice in Portland (specializing in LGBTQIA2S+ topics/needs and complex trauma).
Tommy may be contacted at presidentmgmc@gmail.com
About the Accompanist – Sarah Phinney
Sarah Phinney, originally from Millinocket, Maine, began playing the organ at church at the age of twelve. She went on to Bowdoin College and majored in mathematics and economics and earned a minor in music. She accompanied the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus from 2007-09 and has been back playing with them since 2015. Sarah has also accompanied numerous other musical groups and performances in mid-coast and southern Maine. She accompanied the MGMC to Minneapolis in July 2024 to perform in the GALA Choruses Festival. Sarah works in the Office of Alumni Relations at Bowdoin College and resides in Gorham with her husband, Scot, and their daughter Izzy.