Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Arredondo.
Hi Daniel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Kyle, Texas which was then a very conservative community. I came out at the age of 16 to some close friends with the help of Out Youth Austin. I then went on to earn my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in music and teach at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels. I currently do consulting for educators Title 1 schools with underrepresented communities where the majority of students identify as people of color. I am also the Director of Music at upRising Austin, a faith-based community where the Queer community can have a spiritual home without judgment of their sexual orientation or on any beliefs for that matter. I was hired in 2018 for what was then the Capital City Men’s Chorus and I was to soon find out the organization was coming out as the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus.
At the time, the chorus was around 40-60 singers. Collectively, we had a vision to grow the chorus to fulfill our mission to change minds, transform lives and build community. Before the pandemic, we had grown to 150 members on the roster. We want to be a beacon of light for the Queer community with a particular focus on equal rights especially for our community members who identify as Transgender, Black, or people of color.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up was tough being the son of a Pentecostal minister, but even my dad (before he passed) brought himself to dig deep and love and support his son by coming to our final major performance before the pandemic. It was a moment that changed my life, seeing that what we do could even change the mind or transform a life that I thought was impossible.
We have faced financial troubles during the pandemic. We have had to move around and now have a home with upRising Austin and are able to rehearse downtown at a church downtown to keep a central location for singers all over central Texas. We will continue to fight the good fight to be here for our community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear a few hats.
I am the Artistic Director for the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus. I am an educational consultant for Title 1 schools around Texas helping with everything for music curriculum to doing clinics and judging for contests and competitions.
I am the Director of Music and Worship Arts for upRising Austin…a church without walls. I lead music for this faith-based community that is open to all people on all walks of life and spiritual journeys.
I am a professor at Del Mar College. My official title is the Interim Director of Choral Activities. I direct the choirs of this college.
I feel I am able to direct all genres of music from classical to pop. I have a minor in dance so I can choreograph for chorus which gives me an extra edge. I play piano, sax, and drums so I also have the instrumental edge (drum major in high school). I can also sing low bass to high soprano which is rare for almost any singer. What sets me apart from others is my passion to teach ANYONE to sing and to make a community chorus sound professional. Listen to our recordings…I am not one to brag, but we are AMAZING. I love all choruses I have the honor and privilege to conduct!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What has worked well is to throw the net far and wide to make any connection possible with musicians and all arts and Queer organizations to create friendships and bonds because we are all in this together. We are so lucky to have so many allies here in Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: austingaymenschorus.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austingaymenschorus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austingaymenschorus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCviYAYYfMX7f3sbQ9xBW24A
Image Credits
Photos by Leo Collas
