“STRUGGLE”- CONCERT PROGRAM

Featuring performances by the CENTRAL FLORIDA SOUNDS OF FREEDOM and the ORLANDO GAY CHORUS

“STRUGGLE”

CFSOF Artistic Director – Dr. Lindsey Williams 

CFSOF Associate Artistic Director – Marques Rudd

“Our mission is to promote LGBTQIA+ awareness, acceptance, and equality in a positive way through entertainment and inclusion. Our diverse membership serves the community by educating through the performing arts.”

ACT 1 

CLASH
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Rob Powell Fitness

Clash by Ryan Main is an intense and rhythmically driven work that captures the feeling of opposing forces colliding. Sharp accents, driving percussion, and shifting musical textures create a sense of tension and urgency, reflecting moments of conflict and resistance. As the music unfolds, the ensemble navigates this turbulence together—illustrating the struggle between chaos and control. 🎶💥 Back to top.

THIS IS ME
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Chris & Brian Funk-Hopkins

“This Is Me” from the film The Greatest Showman (written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) has become a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and resilience. The song celebrates the courage it takes to stand proudly in one’s identity despite rejection or criticism. With its soaring melody and empowering message, it reminds us that embracing who we are can be one of life’s most powerful triumphs. ✨🎶 Back to top.

WE SHALL OVERCOME / LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by: Together All Things Are Possible

“We Shall Overcome / Love Is Love Is Love” is a powerful medley blending the historic civil rights anthem with a modern celebration of love and equality. We Shall Overcome evokes the hope and determination of those fighting for justice, while Love Is Love Is Love uplifts with a message of universal acceptance and resilience. Together, they create an inspiring journey from struggle to triumph, reminding us of the enduring power of unity and love. 🌈✊🎶 Back to top.

HALLELUJAH
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by:

“Hallelujah” (originally by Leonard Cohen) is a hauntingly beautiful song that explores the complexity of human emotion—love, loss, and longing—through its rich melody and poetic lyrics. The piece’s lyrical depth and reflective tone invite listeners to experience both vulnerability and hope, making it a fitting meditation on the struggles and triumphs of life. ✨🎵 Back to top.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Copperhead Salon

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (arr. John Moss) brings the magic and drama of Disney’s classic story to the stage through a vibrant choral and instrumental arrangement. Full of sweeping melodies and emotional depth, the piece captures the struggles and triumphs of its beloved characters, celebrating courage, hope, and the power of community. 🎭🎶 Back to top.

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Jason Locker

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical Carousel (arr. Richard Saucedo) is a stirring anthem of hope and perseverance. Through its soaring melodies and heartfelt harmonies, this band arrangement evokes the courage to face life’s challenges, reassuring us that even in struggle, we are never truly alone. 🌟🎶 Back to top.

TRUE COLORS
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by: YOU MATTER!

“True Colors” is a tender and uplifting piece that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and inner strength. Through its warm harmonies and expressive phrasing, the choir brings to life the message of embracing who we are, even in the face of life’s challenges. 🌈🎵✨ Back to top.

WHY WE SING
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by:

“Why We Sing” is an energetic and inspiring choral work that celebrates the joy, power, and purpose of singing together. With vibrant rhythms and uplifting harmonies, it reflects the shared human spirit and the resilience found in music. 🎶✨ Back to top.

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW
Performed by CFSOF & OGC

Song sponsored by: YOU MATTER!

“What the World Needs Now” is a heartfelt and timeless song of love and hope, brought to life in a combined performance by the Orlando Gay Chorus and the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom. The lush harmonies of the choir and rich textures of the band underscore its enduring message: that compassion, understanding, and love are what truly make the world brighter. 💛🎶✨ Back to top.

INTERMISSION

ACT 2 

MOTHER OF A REVOLUTION
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Nicole Edwards

“Mother of a Revolution” (by Omar Thomas) is a bold and powerful work that honors the strength, courage, and vision of those who lead change. Through dynamic rhythms, striking harmonies, and expressive musical storytelling, the piece evokes the passion and struggle inherent in the fight for justice and progress. ✊🎶🔥Back to top.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: A CONCERT CELEBRATION
Performed by OGC & CFOSF

Song sponsored by: Joe Kennedy & Juan Canasi

“Andrew Lloyd Webber: A Concert Celebration” is a vibrant tribute to the legendary composer, performed by the Orlando Gay Chorus and the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom. With choral arrangements by Mark Brymer and concert band arrangements by Calvin Custer, the performance weaves together some of Webber’s most iconic melodies, celebrating drama, emotion, and the enduring power of musical storytelling. 🎭🎶✨ Back to top.

DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by: Van Gohblin Cafe & Goblin Studios

“Do You Hear the People Sing” is a rousing anthem of resistance and hope, originating from Les Misérables. With powerful melodies and stirring harmonies, the piece embodies the courage and determination of those who fight for justice, uniting performers and audience alike in a call for freedom and solidarity. ✊🎵🔥 Back to top.

MY PRIDE
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by:

“My Pride” is an uplifting choral work composed by Jamey Ray and Sarah Whittemore that celebrates self‑discovery, inner strength, and the journey toward authentic identity. With heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies, the piece reflects the resilience and joy found in embracing one’s true self—making it a meaningful expression of pride and perseverance. Back to top.

SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: FiT PRiNT

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (arr. Steve Rouse) is a soulful and moving arrangement of the classic spiritual. With rich harmonies and expressive phrasing, the piece evokes hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who have overcome struggle, carrying listeners on a journey of reflection and uplift. ✨🎶🙏 Back to top.

THE CAVE YOU FEAR
Performed by CFSOF

Song sponsored by: The Golden Bee Fleurs

“The Cave You Fear” (Michael Markowski) is a powerful and evocative work that explores the journey through personal challenges and the courage it takes to face them. Through dramatic harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and expressive musical storytelling, the piece inspires listeners to confront fear and emerge stronger on the other side. 🌟🎶💪 Back to top.

SEIZE THE DAY
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by:

“Seize the Day” is an empowering and uplifting anthem that encourages living boldly and embracing every moment. With soaring melodies and triumphant harmonies, the piece inspires resilience, hope, and the courage to pursue life’s possibilities with joy and determination. 🌟🎶✨

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ONE SONG
Performed by OGC

Song sponsored by:

“One Song” (Marvin Hamlisch; lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman) is a tender and uplifting choral work that celebrates unity and hope. Through soaring harmonies and expressive phrasing, the piece reminds us of the power of coming together and sharing a common voice in both joy and struggle. 🎶✨ Back to top.

YOU RAISE ME UP
Performed by CFSOF & OGC

Song sponsored by: Anthony Parisi and Fusion Core

“You Raise Me Up” (arr. John Wasson) is a moving and inspirational piece performed in a combined choral and band arrangement. Its soaring melody and heartfelt harmonies convey strength, support, and encouragement, uplifting both performers and audience alike with a message of hope and resilience. 🌟🎶💛 Back to top.

AMAZING GRACE
Performed by OGC & CFSOF

Song sponsored by: Mike McKee

“Amazing Grace!” (arr. Mack Wilberg) is a beloved hymn reimagined with rich harmonies and expressive phrasing. The arrangement gradually grows in intensity, allowing the choir to convey both reverence and soaring praise, celebrating hope, redemption, and the enduring power of grace. ✨🎶🙏

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2025-2026 CFSOF PERFORMING MEMBERS

Artistic Director:
Dr. Lindsey Williams

Associate Artistic Director:
Marques Rudd

(*) = GUEST PERFORMER
(∞) =  FOUNDING MEMBER
(+) = CFSOF BOARD MEMBER

(*) = GUEST PERFORMER
(∞) =  FOUNDING MEMBER
(+) = CFSOF BOARD MEMBER

2025 – 2026 CFSOF ENSEMBLE GROUPS

Quarter Notes Clarinet Choir – 

Reed Abbott, Mark Boyer, Joe Kennedy, Chris Martin, Michael McKee, David Phillips, Leigh Sagendorf, Laura Welch

High Flutin’ Flute Ensemble – 

Beth Ashcraft, Dusty Deao, Nicole Edwards, Ninabeth Frank, Emily Jones, Jamie Woods

Bell Tones Brass Ensemble – 

Joshua Black (Tuba), Andrew Conger (Trumpet), Mathew Fix (Baritone), Logan Miller (Trumpet), Nicholas Pearson-Walsh (Horn), Justin Vercher (Trumpet)

DONORS AND SPONSORS:

“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” 1-800-HELP-FLA