Gabriel Gonzales Joins CGMC as First-Ever Youth Chorus Director
By David Donofrio, CGMC communications committee vice chair
Gabriel Gonzales (he/them) has been hired as the first-ever Artistic Director for the new Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Youth Performing Ensemble. Gonzales has been involved in CGMC since 2021 as a choral intern and singing member, and is a full time teacher at Hilliard City Schools. The new Youth Chorus will begin rehearsals and start taking shape in early 2025, so we got to know Gabriel more.
David: How did you get started in your art form. What do you remember about first being intrigued by it?
Gabriel: I was first intrigued by music because of my elementary school teacher, who saw a spark in me, and this experience inspired me to encourage other youth to walk in my same path. In high school I really took a turn to choir, and in college, finalized my goal to serve youth of all ages. Hopefully it is like a domino effect, where I can inspire one generation, and they inspire the next.
Growing up, I had a creative outlet in music, but I still felt alone because of my bisexuality. Through the Youth Chorus, we can build a healthy outlet while also building a strong community in a safe space.
David: Who are some of your inspirations?
Gabriel: Other than my elementary school music teacher, who saw a true passion in me, it was then my middle school band teacher. When I thought about quitting, he inspired me to keep going. That’s part of why I love teaching!
David: What is your process for creating/working/rehearsing/performing?
Gabriel: My process involves getting to know the kids: what memes do they like, what is current in pop culture? And then I can say things in a way that they understand, and creatively apply it to music. In programming, I want to have some shows that are fun, but also draw inspiration from the large Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus. I want to create programs that specifically might impact LGBTQIA+ youth including mental health, homelessness and more, while also making shows that are fun and entertaining.
Gabriel Gonzalez in CGMC’s BANNED.
David: What question do you get asked most often about your art, and how do you answer?
Gabriel: Funny enough, sometimes I come off as timid or anxious, even in my internship with CGMC. But if you aren’t nervous, you aren’t doing something right. So if I’m nervous, it means I am able to be my best and achieve greatness. It is all about how you learn to deal with the nerves.
David: What’s something about your art that you think might appeal to someone who’s never seen it before?
Gabriel: My ability to not take things too seriously – I do hold myself to a high level of perfectionism, without putting too much pressure on myself. I can be creative and entertaining, and give that level of energy to my kids as well.
David: What do you hope to accomplish with the new Youth Chorus?
Gabriel: My biggest wish is creating a strong community of queer youth who support each other. I know that CGMC didn’t start large, and now we have over 150 members. I think the Youth Chorus will be the same, and over time we will build a large community. And, I want to make some programs that will hit hard, and open people’s eyes. I want youth to be able to speak their minds and their opinions – and give them a voice!
David: What’s on your current playlist?
Gabriel: I grew up not liking country music, but recently, country has been a heavy hitter! Now I don’t judge others’ taste of music – never judge until you listen. And then, I’ll listen to the new album by Charli XCX in the same breath.
Gabriel Gonzalez with CGMC at the 2024 Columbus Pride Festival
David: What do you do to relax or unwind?
Gabriel: I am a huge gamer! I like to relax after a long, stressful day, especially when I get to play with friends.
David: What are 1-2 of your favorite things about Columbus?
Gabriel: I came to OSU for college, and wanted to live in a big city as compared to growing up in Xenia. I discovered how positive the LGBTQIA+ community is here, whether in a variety of bars, affirming organizations and more. I also absolutely love COSI – and as a teacher, I can get in for free!
The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Youth Performing Ensemble will launch in early 2025. Young people ages 13-18 are encouraged to apply to join the Youth Chorus at www.cgmc.com, where there is also more information about the ensemble, and how to get involved. Opportunities to volunteer or contribute toward its inception are welcomed as well.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.