Our Mission
Representing LGBTQ+ individuals, we strive to build community, foster compassion, and inspire activism at home and around the world through our music and message.
Our Vision
We envision a world inspired and unified by the music we create.
Our Values
We believe in the transformative power of music to heal, enlighten, and foster unity. We embrace the life-affirming changes we create within and beyond our chorus community. We evolve society’s views toward LGBTQIA+ individuals through our commitment to excellence. We honor all who came before us, whose sacrifices made it possible for us to raise our voices.
About GGMC
Founded in 2011 under the leadership of founding Artistic Director Jim Davis, the Pride of Greenville Men’s Chorus was established by a group of singers committed to creating a collaborative LGBTQ+ choral community in Greenville and the Upstate—an important space that was largely absent in the region at the time. Within several years, the ensemble had grown to 18 members and presented more than 100 performances throughout the Upstate.
In 2019, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brought its acclaimed Lavender Tour to Greenville, marking a defining moment for the organization. Facing a critical decision about its future, the chorus chose to reimagine and relaunch as the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus (GGMC). Under the direction of conductor Shelton Love, GGMC joined the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for the Peace Center premiere of Gay Chorus, Deep South. With renewed purpose and momentum, the organization was positioned for continued growth—until the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performance just two days later.
Although the pandemic forced GGMC from the stage, the chorus remained connected through nearly two years of virtual rehearsals and programming. The ensemble returned to live performance at First Baptist Greenville, where audiences steadily expanded in both size and diversity. In 2022, GGMC traveled to San Francisco to participate in the farewell performance of retiring conductor Tim Seelig. In 2023, the chorus collaborated with the Midlands Men’s Chorus of Columbia on the major choral work When We No Longer Touch. Later that year, GGMC established Greenville Theatre, in the heart of Heritage Green, as its performance home.
Today, GGMC is an auditioned ensemble of more than 35 tenors and basses dedicated to artistic excellence, meaningful collaboration, and the power of choral music to build community and connection. Entering its next chapter under the leadership of Artistic Director Jared Fricks and Assistant Artistic Director/Accompanist Ted Munn, GGMC is focused on continued artistic growth, expanded community engagement, and an ambitious future.
