RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music) is SFGMC’s arts education program for Bay Area middle and high schools, grades 6 to 12. Through choral singing, personal stories and open conversation, our singers share messages of belonging and strength, with themes of pride, individuality, anti-bullying and advocacy.
Each program is tailored to the school, with workshops and surveys beforehand and classroom preparation before and after the visit. Visits are booked through our partner, Young Audiences of Northern California.
What students take away
- Empathy and respect for classmates of every background.
- A school climate where LGBTQIA+ students and their peers feel safe being themselves.
- The confidence to speak up for one another.
- An understanding that LGBTQIA+ people are part of every community.
- Positive examples of LGBTQIA+ adults leading full lives in the arts.
Why it matters
Every student deserves to feel safe at school
In a Trevor Project survey, only 50% of LGBTQ+ young people in California said their school was an LGBTQ-affirming space, and 44% had considered suicide in the past year, including 54% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Since RHYTHM launched in 2018, in our 40th season, it reached more than 4,000 students in its first year and nearly 15,000 students across the Bay Area through the 2023–24 season.
A school visit
What a visit includes
A full RHYTHM program runs over about two weeks. Each school chooses the parts that fit its students and schedule.
School assembly
For the whole school. In 45 to 75 minutes, thirty to forty SFGMC singers perform, share personal stories about growing up and coming out, and answer student questions.
Choral master class
For the school choir. Mitch Galli, our Associate Director of Music Education & Outreach, rehearses with the choir, which then performs alongside the chorus at the assembly.
GSA workshop
For the student club. A 45-minute conversation with the Gender & Sexuality Alliance about school climate, inclusion and practical steps toward acceptance.
Lunchtime Q&A
For the student club. After the assembly, club members join singers for lunch and a conversation, with time for their follow-up questions.
School assembly
For the whole school. In 45 to 75 minutes, thirty to forty SFGMC singers perform, share personal stories about growing up and coming out, and answer student questions.
Choral master class
For the school choir. Mitch Galli, our Associate Director of Music Education & Outreach, rehearses with the choir, which then performs alongside the chorus at the assembly.
GSA workshop
For the student club. A 45-minute conversation with the Gender & Sexuality Alliance about school climate, inclusion and practical steps toward acceptance.
Lunchtime Q&A
For the student club. After the assembly, club members join singers for lunch and a conversation, with time for their follow-up questions.
In their words
What students and teachers say
“My favorite part was when they sang with our school choir because it shows that by standing together, you can overcome anything.”
Student
“I learned that if you express yourself, you will discover friends you never knew you had.”
Student
“RHYTHM brings a great balance of interactive dialogue, storytelling, dancing and songs. Students were highly engaged.”
Teacher
“One of the most moving and rewarding moments for me as a teacher for over twenty years. Unforgettable.”
Elementary school teacher
Photos: Mark Kocina, Stefan Cohen, JP Lor and Gareth Gooch
“My favorite part was when they sang with our school choir because it shows that by standing together, you can overcome anything.”
Student
“I learned that if you express yourself, you will discover friends you never knew you had.”
Student
“RHYTHM brings a great balance of interactive dialogue, storytelling, dancing and songs. Students were highly engaged.”
Teacher
“One of the most moving and rewarding moments for me as a teacher for over twenty years. Unforgettable.”
Elementary school teacher
For educators
Bring RHYTHM to your school
Requests are made through Young Audiences of Northern California. Assemblies run about 60 minutes (45 to 75 depending on the school), and fees are based on schedule, planning and mileage. Availability is limited, so inquire early.
Free workbookOutside Voices curriculum
Our free storytelling workbook, created with the It Gets Better Project, helps students turn their own experiences into performance art.
Questions?
Keep exploring
Other pages in Impact
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