About Sing Out for democracy
What
A nonpartisan civic engagement initiative bringing together Greater Clevelanders holding a wide range of political and ideological views to give voice to what unites us: a commitment to democracy.
Why
Escalating polarization and declining trust are holding us back from solving problems together. We need to create constructive connections and champion what unites us rather than what divides us. Doing so matters now more than ever, with lasting impact for all children and future generations.
How
Through the universal language of music! A Chorus comprised of 50+ singers from across the community performed engaging relevant songs at the free September 24th mainstage event held at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre.
We would like to recognize our educational partners and supporters
- Cuyahoga Community College, President Michael A. Baston
- Baldwin Wallace University, President Lee Fisher
- Case Western Reserve University, President Eric W. Kaler
- Cleveland Public Library, CEO Felton Thomas, Jr.
- Cleveland State University, President Laura Bloomberg
- Cuyahoga County Public Library, CEO Jamar O. Rahming
- John Carroll University, President Carolyn Noll Sorg
Voter Registration
The League of Women Voters was on site to provide voter registration, underscoring the importance of exercising this democratic right.
Pocket Declarations
To deepen understanding of the founding promise of America's democracy, attendees received a pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, courtesy of the City Club of Cleveland.
We would like to extend our gratitude to
- Tri-C and the Tri-C Foundation for generously donating the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre and serving as this initiative's fiscal sponsor.
- Baldwin Wallace University and Dr. Marc Weagraff, Professor of Voice and Choral Studies at Baldwin Wallace University's Conservatory of Performing Arts, for generously donating his time to direct the chorus.
- thunder::tech for generously providing website development expertise and talent.
Who is leading this initiative
- Founder Amy Morgenstern, Susan Oguche and Marianne Crosley are the volunteer trio leading this initiative with Tri-C Foundation's VP of Development Megan O'Bryan and Melanie Majikas, and an enthusiastic Tri-C team.
- MacKenzie Kreutzberg was the Initiative Coordinator.
Voter Registration
We set the September 24th date with an eye on Ohio's October 5th Voter Registration deadline. Anyone who was not yet registered to vote had the opportunity to do so.
Ohio Voter Registration
Attendees enjoyed hearing these Sing Out for democracy Chorus Members and Musicians perform.
Sing Out for democracy Chorus by Part
Soprano
- Jane Floriano Blackie
- Lenora Inez Brown
- Susan Edwards
- Lynn Glickson
- Frances Floriano Gains
- Kaci Korn
- Jennifer Kudla
- Amy Morgenstern
- Susan Oguche
- Lady Palmer
- Jan L. Roller
- C. Ashley Saferight
- Cantor Susan Sager
- Christol Stewart
Alto
- Maggie Anderson
- Laurie Aronoff
- Maryann Blaylock
- Kristina Bodnar
- Anna Lowrey Clark
- Deborah A. Coleman
- Wendy S. Deuring
- Brynna Fish
- Sharhonda Greers
- Liz Huff
- Jessica Kanelos
- Cathy Lesser Mansfield
- Leslie Meadows
- Katie Paris
- Kyla Schneider
Tenor
- Chad Eggspuehler
- Meryl Johnson
- Sam Jungman
- Dr. Todd Kitchen
- Peter Kvidera
- Jeffrey Lesser
- Gregg Levine
- Jeremy Sosin
- Gene Willet
Bass
- Rev. Stephen C. Blonder Adams
- Michael J. Borden
- Alfred Cowger
- President Lee Fisher
- Avery Friedman
- Al Glickson
- Arthur Lavin, MD
- Allan Maggied
- Carl Monday
- Judge Dan Polster
- Kurt C. Treu
- Jv Vovak
- Neil Weinberger
The performance also featured
- Dr. Marc WeagraffChorus Director
- Jason AquilaPianist
- Tony CudaBass Guitar
- Chuck OrangeDrummer