FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcing the Rhythm & Radiance Kids Chorus: Joy and music for all kids!

Northampton, MA - The Queer Joy Collaborative is thrilled to announce the birth of the Rhythm & Radiance Kids Chorus - a rockin chorus where music choices will be kid-driven, and where building community and having fun are the central premise.

Ongoing Event Details:

• Date: Start Date: January 13, 2025; Rehearsals every Monday
• Time: 4-5:30pm
• Location: 220 Main Street, Northampton
• Details: No audition necessary, open to children ages 6 and older

• Cost: Sliding scale $150-$250 per semester

Making music in a chorus is about connecting with other people, having fun, and learning how to start with a mish mosh of strangers and end up with a piece of art.

In order for kids to really make music together, there are some basic things they need:

• To feel welcome and safe
• To have a voice in the creative process
• To feel connected to the music they’re making

Mara Levi has 20+ years of experience teaching music and conducting choruses, but they’re not a typical chorus leader. Mara believes that the chorus should choose its own music (democratically), and that people (kids AND adults) can learn the fundamentals of music through any genre - pop, jazz, musical theatre, punk, classical - they all employ listening, blending, and working together - all the things you want your kid to take away from a group musical experience.

Our goal in starting the Rhythm & Radiance Kids Chorus is to create a space that feels joyful for the kids involved. They won’t want to come to rehearsals if it’s not joyful, and no one should be forced to participate in music. Kids will feel empowered not just by pushing themselves to try new things, but by using their creative voices to put together a show that they can feel proud to share.

For more information or press photos please contact Mara Levi at mara@queerjoycollaborative.org.

About The Queer Joy Collaborative:

The Queer Joy Collaborative is dedicated to promoting individual and collective queer joy primarily through the transformational and healing power of art, music, and mutual aid. Queer joy encompasses the  spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing of individuals and the community.  

The Collaborative celebrates diversity and elevates queer voices, nurturing collective strength and solidarity.

Our Executive Director and Musical Director:
Mara Levi has spent over 20 years building vibrant communities as a teacher, performer, and advocate for justice through democratic engagement. A skilled composer and arranger, Mara has been at the helm of the Queer Joy Chorus since its inception as the Pride Chorus in 2019, guiding its growth to a flourishing ensemble of over 70 members with diverse musical talents.

As the inaugural Executive Director of the Queer Joy Collaborative, Mara brings a rich blend of experience in program development and community building. With degrees in Music and Music Education—emphasizing Social Justice in the classroom—alongside a certificate in User Experience Design, Mara is uniquely equipped to lead the Collaborative's expansion. Their vision and expertise will help transform the organization from a chorus into a broad-reaching platform that champions Queer Joy through mutual aid, art, and deep community connections.

Media Contact:

Mara Levi

Executive Director

413-264-6457

mara@queerjoycollaborative.org

www.queerjoycollaborative.org