Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles records
- Dates:
- 1979-2019
- Creators:
- Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles
- Abstract:
- Production files, promotional materials, audiovisual recordings, photographs, textiles, realia, and other material, 1979-2019, from the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA). The collection comprises extensive files and recordings that document nearly every concert and public performance from GMCLA's history, from its founding in 1979 to 2018 when the collection was donated.
- Extent:
- 80 Linear Feet 61 boxes and 1 map-case drawer.
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
[Box/folder #, or item name] Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Records, Coll2024-004, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
This collection comprises production files, promotional materials, audiovisual recordings, photographs, textiles, realia, and other material, 1979-2019, from the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA). The collection includes extensive files and recordings that document nearly every concert and public performance from GMCLA's history, from its founding in 1979 to 2018 when the collection was donated.
The Administrative Records series includes extensive production files, promotional materials, meeting minutes, and other material documenting GMCLA's numerous concerts and performances, board of director activities, and general administration.
The Photographs document several performances as well as GMCLA's annual retreats. This series includes photographs of chorus members, some of whom are identified in the notation.
The Realia and Textiles series includes promotional objects such as buttons, T-shirts, ornaments, and other items; as well as award plaques presented to GMCLA and its members.
The Audiovisual Material series includes recordings in a variety of formats of GMCLA's numerous performances, concerts, rehearsals, albums, publicity, and public appearances.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The founding of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) began in July 1979, when the group's first rehearsal was held in the Plummer Park community center in West Hollywood, CA. Following those initial rehearsals, the group had its first public performance in September 1979 as part of the Great American Yankee Freedom Band's concert. The following year, GMCLA incorporated.
By the late-1980s, during the height of the AIDS/HIV crisis, the devastation from the epidemic led to the loss of 150 GMCLA members, including artistic director Jerry Carlson.
In the years since, GMCLA continued to build its international reputation and its membership, which grew to more than 300 members. GMCLA produces concerts in the greater Los Angeles area every year, including its Spring, Summer and Holiday concerts. Notably, GMCLA also performed in tours throughout the US with the It Gets Better tour for LGBTQ teens, as well as European and South American tours.
GMCLA's stated mission is "To create musical experiences that strengthen our role as a leader among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ) and performing arts organizations, enrich our member-artists, support LGBT youth, challenge homophobia, and expose new communities to our message of equality."
Source: "History," Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, https://www.gmcla.org/history (accessed September 6, 2024).
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, with Executive Director Jonathan Weedman, November 26, 2018.
- Processing information:
-
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the California State Library. Collection processed by Loni Shibuyama, August 2024.
- Arrangement:
-
The collection is arranged into five series: (Series 1) Administrative Records, (Series 2) Photographs, (Series 3) Realia and Textiles, (Series 4) Audiovisual Materials, and (Series 5) Computer Disks and Digital Materials.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-11-16 16:15:15 -0800 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Box/folder #, or item name] Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Records, Coll2024-004, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
- Location of this collection:
-
909 West Adams BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90007, US
- Contact:
- (213) 821-2771