The Des Moines Diversity Chorus is a one-of-a-kind choral group serving the greater Des Moines area since 1997.  We encourage respect and appreciation for all people through quality music performance.  

The Chorus is committed to exploring and embracing the many facets of the diverse community in which we live and our music reflects the diverse traditions and influences of Iowa's ethnic, social and cultural groups.  By collaborating with various groups representing different constituencies, we have reached a varied audience over the years with our message that we all share in common hopes and dreams, though we may experience them differently.

Appearances for the Des Moines Diversity Chorus have included Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance, Habitat for Humanity 20/10 Build Dedication, City of Des Moines International Human Rights Day Celebration, January Thaw classes and Festival of Talents (both sponsored by the Des Moines Area Religious Council); Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service; NCCJ (National Conference on Community and Justice) walk-a-thon; Iowa Cubs game and other community appearances.

The Chorus welcomes all singers. If you are interested in learning more about the Chorus or are interested in singing, contact Julie Murphy at jahmurphy@hotmail.com or call her at 515-255-3576.


CHORUS MEMBERS

Soprano: Polly Antonelli, Rita Carter, Kerrie Hill-Elliott, Mikel Johnson, Henrietta Klarenbeek, Barb Kreinbring, Ruth Roberts

Alto: Nancy Anderson, Nicole Burnside, Margaret Christian, Claire Cumbie-Drake, Jodi Driesen, Sarah Mickle, Sandie Nelson, Denise Schrier

Tenor: Steve Chandler, David E. Drake, Cathi Flanagan, Clayton Murphy

Bass: Bob Rosene, Gene Garsh, Fred Nelson, Russ Possehn, Bob Railey

The Des Moines Diversity Chorus was organized in June 1997, and is committed to exploring and embracing the many facets of the diverse community in which we live. Our motto is: "Unity of Heart, Diversity by Design". The Chorus seeks to promote peace and justice among all people. Our music reflects the traditions of a variety of ethnic and cultural groups. We invite other cultural and ethnic groups and individuals to be a part of our concerts, and our chorus, to give visibility and voice to performers of varied national, ethnic, racial, religious, age, ability and sexuality backgrounds.

GUEST ARTISTS

Our guests in the past ten years have included: Father Felix Onuora (Nigerian priest serving St. Ambrose Cathedral), Iowa Church of God in Christ State Choir (African-American gospel group), the Dimitri String Quartet (Valley High School Musicians), Las Guitarras de Mexico, the Nuer Drumming Group (Sudanese), Zoran Markovic (Bosnia guitarist), the Red Tale Band (Native American), Cantor Lisa Levine, pianist Lidia Titarenko (ESL student from the Ukraine), Cantorial soloist Laura Berkson, the Gateway Dance Theater, Knotwork Band (Irish), Brothers in Harmony from St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inpanh Thavonekham (Laotian musician and instrument maker), the Party Gras Dixieland Band, Denny Rehder, the Blue Grass Pals, Des Moines vocalists Tim Tate and Tina Haase Findlay, Border Lord, South African tenor Highway Sigadi, Native American flute player Bryan Akipa, New Visions Dance Troupe (Special needs students), Mary Chuol (Sudanese), and Des Moines composer and vocalist Ben Allaway.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | JULIE MURPHY

Julie has music degrees from Drake University and the University of Iowa. Her vocal conducting experience includes choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Gary United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois. She is a founding member of Opus 3 woodwind trio and also performs with the Arcadia Wind Quintet, Des Moines Municipal Band and the Westminster Fine Arts Orchestra, choir and bell choir. She is also involved with Habitat for Humanity and the Des Moines' Presbytery's mission in El Salvador. By day, Julie works as a paralegal for Principal Financial Group.


CHORUS BOARD MEMBERS

Julie Murphy, Artistic Director

Steve Chandler, President....Nancy Anderson, Vice-President..

John Kendeigh, Treasurer...Jeff Couch, Secretary

Mikel Johnson, Denise Schrier | Members at Large
^ Above: Singers rehearse. Left to Right: Chorus banner, Featured dance at a concert, Singers rehearse.
^ Left to Right: Rehearsal before a concert, Fun at a chorus picnic, ESL students sing
^ Left to Right: Bosnian students assist the chorus, ESL students sing in concert, Women of the chorus rehearse,
^ Left to Right: Chorus performs at a special concert, Singers prepare for a concert
^ Left to Right: Men of the chorus in rehearsal, Chorus members in logo T-shirts