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It's hard for me to convey in words what the chorus means to me. But, I'm going to give it a try.  Let's act like we are at a party, and you say, “Allen, you look great,” and I say, ‘I know,” and then I pulled my imaginary hair behind my hair and giggle.   I have my shirt unbuttoned down to the second button.  And my hair is on my point. I lean into you and here is what I say.  

11 years ago, I walked into a rehearsal space. Everyone from the chorus was so nice, they could tell I was nervous and made me feel comfortable.  As I was filling out the paperwork and I heard the voices of the folks auditioning.  I've never auditioned for anything in my life.  Their voices were beautiful, for the most part, there were a few and I was like yeah, you’re not getting.  Go volunteer at the Center. The longer I sat the more I thought I should leave.  I even called a friend and said I can't do this.  His words: "you’re staying Marge".  The piano player asked me what I was singing I said "I write the songs," he said "of course you are".  I stayed and I got in. 

Outside of the beautiful music we sing, from 46/6 to Ireland to the Skirball Center, the chorus has helped me to turn my "I can't” into “I can".  I didn’t expect this; I just expected to sing. I've taken many a chance here.  I worked with our outreach group, and I ran for the Chorus Butch (Social Chair that took his shirt off a lot) and won. Why are you rolling your eyes?  I dropped 35 pounds and kept most of it off.  At first, I thought, “I can't keep it off,” and then I realized the chorus taught me I can. And I did. Currently, I'm the volunteer co-chair. I keep my shirt on, sometimes. I want other guys to have this experience.  I want for them to know how it feels when you hit the stage confident, nervous, and proud. I want them to be off in their step touch, but be in the game, if they want to. Not watching from the sidelines.   I want them to have a feeling similar to mine when I looked out to the audience, and there were my sister and her friend from high school.  To be honest, I was teary-eyed for most of the show.

Fundraising keeps us singing.  It contributes to our scholarship fund, which helps those who cannot afford to join the Chorus.  I want us to have great shows and change lives one song at a time.  It has certainly changed mine, and I am forever grateful.