Coastside Pride Chorus

The Coastside Pride Chorus was founded in July 2023 as the first musical organization to serve the LGBTQ+ community in the coastal towns south of San Francisco: Pacifica, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, Half Moon Bay, and Pescadero. After a successful first concert in August of that year, Coastside Pride Chorus launched its inaugural season.

The mission of the chorus is to uplift and support members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through music and song. Our music ranges from classical repertoire to pop, theatre, jazz and more, as well as music composed and arranged by LGBTQ+ folks. Our first concert featured the premiere of director John Lehrack's arrangement of My First Pride, written by San Francisco non-binary artist Carly Ozard. The themes in our repertoire generally look to inspire and uplift the community, address social issues of the day and to entertain and enlighten. 

The chorus is led by Founding Artistic Director, John Lehrack, who has worked as a musical professional for over 30 years as a conductor, educator, performer, composer, arranger, arts manager and small-business owner. His prior connections with music on the Coast include working with Coastal Repertory Theatre and Half Moon Bay High School. He is also currently the Director of Music for Coastside Lutheran Church in Half Moon Bay. Accompanist Elektra Schmidt is a versatile performer who performs as a solo artist and in chamber groups in the United States as well as France, Greece and the United Kingdom. She is also founder of Artist Migration, an organization dedicated to the integration and mobility of international artists.  

Current chorus memberships includes both members of the LGBTQ+ community and many allies. We range in age from 21 to 80 and come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, interests and abilities. 

Coastside Pride Chorus is currently a non-auditioned chorus and welcomes all singers who support our vision and mission. We are fortunate enough to be able to provide a sign language interpreter at performances and have worked with other artists within the community. We also welcome non-singing supporters who would like to assist the organization through various volunteering activities including marketing, design, outreach, fundraising and general support at concerts. 

Coastside Pride Chorus is grateful for the fiscal sponsorship given us by Coastside Lutheran Church. The rest of our revenue is received through member dues, charitable gifts and ticket sales.