“Music has the power to heal, and it can shape who we are. We want to take our audiences on a journey through laughter, tears, and reflection.”

Sean Baugh, Artistic Director

Who We Are

In 1980, 30 men stood on stage and sang at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Now known as Turtle Creek Chorale (TCC), that group has grown to more than 200 dues-paying members who contribute over 100,000 hours annually to rehearsals, performances, and community outreach services.

TCC has provided musical journeys to audiences in Dallas, TX for over 36 years, and annually offers a dynamic mainstage concert series at the Dallas City Performance Hall in the Arts District.

TCC also features three smaller ensembles — Chamber Chorus, Camerata, and SoundBytes. Each group delivers a unique performance that highlights the members’ wealth of talent.

While primarily a gay men’s chorus, the Turtle Creek Chorale welcomes all men, and those that identify as male, regardless of sexual orientation.

THE MISSION

Turtle Creek Chorale enrich lives through the common language of song.
Our exhilarating talent captivates audiences with unforgettable moments. Every performance cultivates a shared experience of emotions, nourishing the soul with healing and energizing effects of choral music. We help unify communities by increasing support for the cultural arts.

IDEOLOGY

SCHOLARLY – Educate our communities to increase awareness by teaching and sharing music with our members, patrons, and students.

INNOVATIVE – Provide a creative outlet for like-minded individuals who desire and promote musical excellence.

ENTERTAINING – Lead our audiences on an emotional and exciting musical journey.

GENEROUS – Make a difference in the world by sharing our gift of song with others.

HIGHLIGHTS

Most recorded men’s chorus in the world with 38 albums
Two feature-length documentaries in public distribution with one receiving an Emmy for the producer
Performances at two state, two regional, and 3 national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association
Performance at the regional convention of Musical Educator National Conference
Two appearances at Carnegie Hall
Collaboration with Susan G. Komen Foundation to create “Sing for the Cure” with narrations by Dr. Maya Anjelou
Two performances with the U.S. Army Chorus and Former First Lady Laura Bush serving as honorary chair for the event
Three city tour in Spain in 2010
Sold out concerts in Barcelona, Berlin, and Prague during the 1995 European tour
Performances before the Queen Elizabeth II, Texas governors, and city mayors
Sharing the stage with Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Dr. Maya Angelou, Sandi Patty, Gavin Creel, Jennifer Holliday, Nikki Blonski, Margaret Cho, and Seth Rudetsky
Awards including Crystal Hope Award, Peace Center Award, Dallas Observer Best Musical Performance, and 500 Inc. Ken Bryant Visionary Award

Life Members

Member Memorial

“Turtle Creek Chorale gives me the joy of singing, performing, and being a part of a family. I have so many friends as a result of being in the Chorale. My life would not be complete without the chorus.”

-Steven Mitchell, Founding Member

Our People

Staff

Bruce Jaster

Executive Director

Sean Baugh

Artistic Director

Tri Truong

Director of Marketing

Dennis Coleman

Director of Development

Jeremy Wayne

Director of Operations

Scott Ayers

Principal Pianist & Associate Conductor

Jess McDowell

Production Associate

Don Jones

Sign Interpreter

Dr. Timothy Seelig

Conductor Emeritus

Board of Directors

John Rieger

Board Chair

Bryan Daniel

Board Treasurer & Endowment Board Member

Grant Myers

Board Secretary

Kevin Hodges

Membership President & Board Member

Chris-James Cognetta

Board Member

Matt Foste

Board Member

Ken Howard

Board Member

Daniel Kuhn

Board Member

Kent Piacenti

Board Member

Roger Poindexter

Board Member

Jamie Rawson

Board Member

Paul Rumsey

Board Member

Larry Singleton

Board Member

Isai Thomas-Cazares

Board Member

Daphna Yoffe

Board Member - Ex-Officio, City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission

Endowment Board of Trustees

Bryan Daniel

Board Treasurer & Endowment Board Member

Michael Kaufman

Endowment Board Member

Gordon Markley

Endowment Board Member

Bobby Springfield

Endowment Board Member

Joanna St. Angelo

Endowment Board Member

Membership Officers

Kevin Hodges

Membership President & Board Member

Chris Campbell

Membership Vice President

Clay Harvey-Hodges

Membership Secretary

BECOME A MEMBER

Turtle Creek Chorale holds new member auditions every January and August. Be on the lookout for updates about auditions in August for our holiday concerts!

For more information or questions, please send an email to info@turtlecreek.org.

Community Outreach

Benefit Appearances

TCC reaches beyond its subscription concerts with more than 30 benefit appearances across the Metroplex and Texas annually.

TCC has a long tradition of reaching out into the community through its music. Recent partnerships and collaborations include Lone Star Rides, Lifewalk, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Children’s Medical Center, Hope’s Door, Parkland Hospital, and the American Airlines Sky Ball. Coupled with unparalleled artistic quality, TCC touches a broad audience bridging across age, gender, ethnic, socioeconomic, and sexual orientation lines.

The smaller ensembles – Chamber Chorus, Camerata, and Sound Bytes – allow TCC to be more nimble in the community. We often receive requests for community outreach performances, but it is quite challenging to mobilize the entire 160-plus chorus for these events. These small ensembles with a ready repertoire are an opportunity for TCC to appear at more of these outreach events.

For information about benefit appearances or to request an appearance, please contact us at info@turtlecreek.org or call our office at 214-526-3214.

Complimentary Ticket Program

TCC maintains a complimentary ticket program so that no one is denied access to a performance due to inability to pay and also performs several benefit concerts throughout the year to assist other organizations and make its art accessible to many different audiences.

Each year, TCC donates over 10% of its concert tickets to arts groups, youth groups, senior citizens, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. TCC regularly supports our non-profit community through the donation of concert tickets for silent auctions and fundraisers throughout the Metroplex.

For information about our Complimentary Ticket Program or to request tickets for your organization’s fundraisers, please contact us at info@turtlecreek.org or mail to: 3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Suite 306, Dallas, TX 75219.

Education

Using choral music as our instrument, TCC enhances the cultural lives of our members and audiences as well as educates the next generation of choral performers through panels, publications, and performances.

To promote the importance and value of music education and musical excellence, the Chorale has performed at two state, two regional, and three prominent national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association as well as a regional convention of the Music Educators National Conference.

TCC’s Education Programs address both choral development and choral awareness. TCC provides choral education materials and leadership to schools, organizations, and music festivals across the country. The Chorale also offers opportunities for area students and teachers to attend concerts at a reduced price. Chorale leadership is active as clinicians, adjudicators, and are strong advocates for enhanced arts education in the city and the state.

For information about our education programs, please contact us at info@turtlecreek.org or call our office at 214-526-3214.

Partners in Harmony

TCC enhances the cultural lives of our members and audiences by promoting harmony and spreading goodwill. TCC’s Partners in Harmony program is comprised of 50 faith-based organizations who proclaim, through music, our shared humanity. This program builds bridges between the arts and faith communities and illustrates our commitment to creating partnerships among diverse communities.

As the Chorale continues to spread harmony through song, we thank these open, inclusive, and welcoming congregations and synagogues who share in our dream and our mission.

For information about joining our Partners in Harmony program, please contact us at info@turtlecreek.org or call our office at 214-526-3214.

Agape Metropolitan Community Church
Ascension Lutheran Church
Angel of Hope Christian Church
Bethany Presbyterian Church
Betwixt & Between Community Center
Brite Divinity School
Casa View United Methodist Church
Cathedral of Hope
Cathedral of Light
Center for Spiritual Living
Church in the Cliff
Community Unitarian Universalist Church
Congregation Beth El Binah
Congregation Shearith Israel
Cosmopolitan United Church of Christ Dignity – Dallas
Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

First Community Church, UCC
First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church
The First Unitarian Church of Dallas
First United Lutheran Church
First United Methodist Church Fort Worth
Grace United Methodist Church
Greenland Hills United Methodist Church
Holy Covenant United Methodist Church
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Hope Community Church
Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church
Jubilee Christian Fellowship of Dallas
Kessler Park United Methodist Church
MCC of Greater Dallas
Midway Hills Christian Church
New Hope Fellowship Church
Northaven United Methodist Church

Northridge Presbyterian Church
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church
Preston Hollow United Methodist Church
Royal Lane Baptist Church
St. Andrew Christian Church
St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Temple Shalom
The Open Window
Trinity Presbyterian Church – Denton
Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff
Unity Church of Christianity
Unity of Dallas
Westminster Presbyterian Church
White Rock Community Church

FAQs

What is TCC’s Address?

The Administrative Office and Box Office are located at:
Sammons Center for the Arts
3630 Harry Hines Boulevard, Suite 306
Dallas, Texas 75219
Email: info@turtlecreek.org
Phone: 214-526-3214

Standard operating office hours are:
Monday 9am-4:30pm
Tuesday 11am-8pm
Wednesday 9am-4:30pm
Thursday 9am-4:30pm
Friday 9am-3pm

Will The Chorale Sing For My Organization’s Event?

The Chorale is open to invitations to sing for audiences around the world. As a volunteer chorus our available performance time is limited, and our calendar fills up quickly each year. For information on booking the chorus or one of the small groups please contact the office at 214-526-3214 or by email at info@turtlecreek.org.

How Do I Join as a Singing Member?

Auditions are held each August and January for singing members. Prospective members are asked to sing a small portion of a song of their choice or that is provided by us at the audition. If you are planning on bringing your own music, please bring two copies. For additional information, contact us at info@turtlecreek.org or call the office at 214-526-3214.

Do I need to know how to read music to be a member?

You do not need to know how to read music to be a member of TCC. We have members who cannot read music and learn the music we perform by ear.

May I sit in on a rehearsal before auditioning?

We hold an open rehearsal every August and January before new member auditions. Prospective members are invited to come to our open rehearsal to see how rehearsals are ran, mingle with members, and have all questions answered. For open rehearsal dates, please email us at info@turtlecreek.org or call our office at 214-526-3214.

Can I Advertise to the Members of TCC?

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available for our corporate supporters. Direct solicitations to the membership or the member mailing list is not permitted. For more information, please contact the office at 214-526-3214 or by email at info@turtlecreek.org.

How Can I Purchase Tickets to a TCC Concert?

There are four easy ways to purchase tickets to a TCC concert:

Online: Tickets for all Chorale concerts are available for online purchase here.
Box Office: Our Box Office is located at 3630 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite 306, Dallas, Texas 75219.
Phone: Tickets are available for purchase by phone at 214-526-3214.
At a Concert: The Concert Box Office opens 1 hour prior to curtain for each performance.

Can I Exchange My Tickets or Get a Refund if I Have a Schedule Conflict?

We understand that your schedule may change. Generally, patrons are able to exchange their tickets for another performance of the same production; however, an exchange fee may be assessed. Season Subscription ticket holders and Sterling Circle members may exchange their tickets with no additional fees. All tickets are non-refundable.

To exchange your tickets, please contact the Box Office at 214-526-3214.

If I Cannot Attend a Concert and Refunds are Not Issued, What Do I Do With My Tickets?

We are so sorry that you will miss the show! First, we would recommend that you see if a friend can use your tickets. We love to share our music with all!

If you are unable to use or gift your tickets to a friend, you can donate your tickets back to Turtle Creek Chorale. Please contact the Box Office at 214-526-3214 to donate your tickets. You will receive a tax deduction letter for the face value of the tickets you donate.

Do You Have a Group Discount Rate?

Yes! Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a group rate. Please contact our Box Office at 214-526-3214 to make arrangements for your group to attend a performance.

Do You Offer Any Student Discounts?

Students are eligible to receive 50% off all tickets with valid Student ID. Please call the Box Office at 214-526-3214 to purchase or come to the Concert Box Office 1 hour prior to show time.

What Time Are Your Performances?

All evening performances begin promptly at 7:30pm. Our matinee performances begin at 2:30pm. The concert hall will open for seating 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Please allow adequate time for parking and for getting to your seat. Note that late-arrivals will be seated by the Ushers at the first appropriate opportunity. If you are unable to take your assigned seat without disrupting other patrons, please accept the seating available and take your ticketed seat at intermission.

What Should I Wear?

There is no dress code for TCC concerts. Jeans are acceptable. As performance venues are often chilly, please dress for your convenience.

Where is Dallas City Performance Hall (DCPH) Located?

Dallas City Performance Hall is located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District at 2520 Flora Street at the intersection of Routh Street across from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Enter from Flora Street.

Where Do I Park at DCPH?

Plentiful self-parking is available throughout the Dallas Arts District in both flat lots and garages. Detailed parking information can be found at: www.thedallasartsdistrict.org /visit/directions.

Valet Parking is available at One Arts Plaza (1722 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201) at the intersection of Routh St and Flora St.

Parking is also available underneath DCPH at the Lexus Silver Parking for $15.00. The entrance is located on Jack Evans St between DCPH and Wyly Theatre. Enter Lexus Silver Parking from Ross Ave.

How Do I Get From Parking to DCPH?

Transportation to the venue is made easy from any of the parking areas by use of the Art Cart. The free Art Cart is available to shuttle you to and from events and venues.

Art Cart Available:
Tuesday – Friday: 11 am to 2 pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 5 pm to closing
Matinee Sundays: 1 pm to 3 pm
Mondays on show nights

Hours and days subject to change. Call 214.608.7215 for more details or to summon the Art Cart.

Is DCPH Accessible to Persons with Disabilities and Where Do I Park?

DCPH is fully accessible with wheelchair access available at Flora Street. Elevators inside the building will transport you from street level to your seat level.

Patrons may be dropped off on Flora Street. Handicap parking is available in the Lexus Silver Parking Facility (2403 Flora St. Enter on Jack Evans Street from Ross Avenue, for $15.00). The Art Cart is available for transportation from One Arts Plaza. Call 214.608.7215 for more details about the Art Cart.

Additionally, Turtle Creek Chorale offers a sign language interpreter at many of our performances. Please contact the Box Office at 214-526-3214 to confirm concert dates featuring our sign language interpreter.

Does DCPH Have Assistive Listening Devices?

Assistive listening devices are available upon request at Dallas City Performance Hall. Devices may be obtained from the Ushers before the show. For questions about the assistive listening devices, please call the Box Office at 214-526-3214.

Where is the Sterling Circle Reception at DCPH?

The Sterling Circle reception will be held at in a designated spot in the lobby. Please bring your reception passes. For questions directly related to Dallas City Performance Hall, please contact 214-671-1450.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS