Unity Chorus of Northwest Florida

The History

In 2023, the Unity Chorus was born from a vision to create a LGBTQ+ singing chorus in the panhandle of Florida. When David Barnes arrived here from Dallas, TX after a decade of singing with the Turtle Creek Chorale, he went looking for a GALA chorus. Realizing that the nearest choir for him to join was hours away it became necessary to start something new. So the Unity Chorus of Northwest Florida (UCNWFL) was born.

The "struggle is real" as you give birth to something new. We have weathered the storm and we are a burgeoning chorus for all who want to sing for unity, joy, and the message of love for all.

In this difficult time for our country, we find our message to be vitally important. Our history may be brief, but our future is a long and committed unwritten expose of “love wins when love is a verb.”

We are here to musically message a change in our cultural, political, and experiential environment to the end that we are all free and able to experience love.

We are an all inclusive chorus comprised of all the letters… LGBTQ..LMNOP! and our allies. All are accepted here who can sing and want to use their vocal instrument to change the world. We have young and old. Gay and Straight. Trans and Cis. And those who are still “figuring things out”. Because love truly does win.

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The Mission

The History

This is a “message forward” chorus. Our primary mission is to speak/sing our truth. That means sometimes taking political positions in support of issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community and all marginalized groups. We do this by educating and promoting those issues to our audience.

Using music as the method to communicate we strive to make a difference in the world we live in; supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion against the current “conservative” trends against us.

We will use LGBTQ+ humor to make our point when we can. Including featuring drag queens in our shows.

The “you love who you love” is central message to our message.

Yes, this is an extreme liberal position and we live in the most conservatively minded place in Florida. But that is why we must be our authentic selves: straight or gay. We can only change our community if we are committed to being agents of change, believing music builds bridges and tears down walls.

That said, we always strive for MUSIC EXCELLENCE and incorporate “serious music” into all our mainstage concerts. It’s not all Broadway and pop, we choose wow our audiences with Joseph Martin and many more.

This is why we sing!

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UCNWFL Leadership

David Barnes, Executive Director

Vincent Pellegrino, Interim Artistic Director

David Barnes was our visionary. Moving from Dallas, a decade member of the Turtle Creek Chorale, in 2022 and finding no GALA Chorus within a 4 hours drive, he decided we needed one in Panama City. So, Unity Chorus of Northwest Florida was born. We might not exist without this vision, so thanks, David.

Vincent Pellegrino, Interim Artistic Director

Vince has been with us from the beginning filling many shoes. Now in our hour of need he has stepped up to help us fill the shoes of artistic director. Vincent is the Associate Professor of Theatre of GCSC, but still finds time to invest in UCNWF. He has tones of other commitments, so we are grateful for his "all in" with us.

Brad Thoreson, Collaborative Accompanist

Vincent Pellegrino, Interim Artistic Director

Brad Thoreson, Collaborative Accompanist

Director of the Men's Department at Dillard's by day, Brad graces us with his amazing contribution on the keyboards by chorus night. This man plays on a grand piano like there are a million keys not just 88. Thanks Brad for all you do and your collaborative support in programming as well.

About the Unity Chorus of Northewest Florida

The History

The History

The History

The Mission

The History

The History

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