by tony reverditto –
The fourth independent community chorus in the Coachella Valley, Modern Men, welcomes all men in the region to share their voices. As they say on their website, “Emerging out of the gay choral movement of the last thirty years, they are an inclusive chorus, that reflect our changing culture, where making great music and joining together socially around a positive ideal, transcends human differences.”
The group’s next concert is titled Believe: The Music of Cher, and will feature many of the pop icon’s classic songs. Music that spans her multi-generational range of smash singles: “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “The Beat Goes On,” “I Got You, Babe” all the way through to her most recent album featuring the music of ABBA. The men of the chorus will add their own marvelous touches—as usual—to make it an evening of fun and delight.
A native Southern Californian, Artistic Director Stan Hill is in his third season bringing his brilliant, humorous and iconoclastic approach to choral music and conducting with Modern Men and Coachella Valley audiences. His powerful reputation for being a dynamic conductor, arranger and vocal coach, Hill’s career spans the spectrum of elementary, secondary, university, church and community choruses.
He has conducted every configuration of vocal ensemble and choral group with every combination of instrumentation, from small ensembles to full symphony orchestras. A background and national reputation for excellence comes to Modern Men after having served for 11 years as artistic director for the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, followed by 12 years in the same capacity with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus before moving to Palm Springs in 2012.
The Rage Monthly recently caught up with Stan Hill for a quick conversation.
Hill first discussed what initially attracted him to the Coachella Valley and Modern Men, “I actually came to the desert in 2012 to retire. I directed the choirs at the Unitarian Universalist Church, but was then approached by good friends, Chuck Wilhelm and Dan Spencer. When asked if I would take over Modern Men, my first reaction was ‘No.’ But, seeing the commitment and dedication of these men and the singers, how could I refuse?”
As to what the inspiration was behind putting together the Believe show, Hill reflected and offered this. “Cher is an international icon, her music evokes memories that span decades and through her several reincarnations, has always reemerged even more successful than before,” he said.
“This kind of inspiration is profoundly encouraging to many people, so the combination of her seemingly eternal rebirth, and the freshness of each reinvention, it was logical to use her as an icon of hope and renaissance.”
Inquiring minds want to know if there are any unique twists that audiences can expect. Hill laughed and replied, “We are bringing the very popular choreographer Steve Valdez from the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, with whom I have worked since 1989, and the brilliant principal accompaniment of Kurt Jordan. If that weren’t enough, we have some clever props and elements that are definitely Cher and no one will be surprised if a Cher look-alike appears.”
“This kind of inspiration is profoundly encouraging to many people, so the combination of her seemingly eternal rebirth, and the freshness of each reinvention, it was logical to use her as an icon of hope and renaissance.”
When posed with how men in the area might get involved as a chorus member, Hill replied enthusiastically, “We are proud to host 70 singing members and have grown with each concert in both singers and audience members. We strongly and lovingly encourage singers from throughout the Coachella Valley to audition, right after Labor Day for our holiday show and right after the first of the year for our spring show.”
We wondered if Hill had a particular vision for the future of Modern Men, “To continue to grow in many areas: vocal prowess, inspiring tonal quality and to inspire a crescendo of the commitment and dedication for which Modern Men is known. And, of course, to continue to impress and encourage our beloved audience to grow with us.”
Believe: The Music of Cher takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (Camelot Theatres), 2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs. For tickets and more information, call 760.428.8511 or go to modernmen.org.