Our Herstory
The Denver Feminist Chorus (DFC) is a multigenerational treble chorus dedicated to musical excellence, building community, and advocating for social justice. DFC owes its existence to a group of brave lesbian singers who risked their livelihoods in 1984 to form a chorus that became both a safe place for its members and an outlet for musical expression. In the beginning, many singers did not allow their names to be printed in programs due to concerns they would face discrimination. Many feared for their jobs. Despite the obstacles they faced, they traveled to perform in New York and Washington D.C., joined in actions for social justice, and became the first treble chorus to perform at a GALA Choruses festival.
Today, the Denver Feminist Chorus is proud to be a trans- and nonbinary-inclusive chorus and is comprised of LGBTQAI+ singers and many dedicated allies. DFC embraces diversity, equity, and intersectional feminism. With 130 united voices, DFC strives to promote social change through the music they create for each other and for their audiences throughout the greater Denver area. They have shared songs at marches, churches, libraries, and museums as well as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Colorado State Capitol. They have collaborated with local nonprofit organizations, including OneColorado, League of Women Voters, Safehouse Denver, and Mile High Freedom Band, and have performed alongside Emma’s Revolution, Suzanne Westenhoefer, and Cris Williamson.
In recent years, DWC presented the Colorado premiere of Lifting As We Climb, a commissioned work by renowned composer Joan Szymko in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, #lovewins, a concert event rejoicing in the rights of all people to love who they love and acknowledging the importance of protecting these rights, and My Body, My Voice, raising their voices in support of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights!
Take Note! is the select auditioned ensemble of the Denver Feminist Chorus. Take Note! specializes in a cappella music and is comprised of 12-15 treble voices. Their repertoire includes pop and choral works and original a cappella arrangements. The ensemble provides vital outreach and community collaborations through their numerous performances per concert season. These talented singers lend their voices to partner with other nonprofit organizations and causes, build community relationships and promote DFC performances. They can also be booked for private events. Formed in 1985, Take Note! has been performing for concert and community audiences for more than 30 years.
For more information and to book Take Note!, contact us here.
Dr. Clelyn Chapin
Dr. Clelyn Chapin, appointed Artistic Director of the Denver Feminist Chorus in July 2021, serves as the Associate Director of Choirs at University of Northern Colorado. Clelyn has spent the last 14 years as an educator in Texas, Michigan, and Colorado, with positions at Broomfield High School, Arapahoe High School, and Regis University. Her choirs have been recognized in contests and festivals throughout the country and have been invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association conference. She maintains strong connections within the field of music education through presentations and clinics across the United States.
She received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University following her Masters in Music Education At University of Northern Colorado. While at MSU, she received multiple scholarships, and was selected for the Fellowship for Undergraduate Teaching and Learning due to her research and practice of singer-centered pedagogy.
Hannah Kimball
Hannah Kimball is the Assistant Artistic Director of the Denver Feminist Chorus and the Director of Take Note! the small ensemble of the Denver Women’s Chorus. She is currently studying for her Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Denver. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, she has over five years of choral and music teaching experience at the Middle School level. She also served as the Artistic Director of the Phoenix Women’s Chorus for two years, and sang with the Phoenix Chorale for six years. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education with a Choral Emphasis from Northern Arizona University, where she also participated in and directed the treble a cappella group, The Axecidentals. In her free time she enjoys roller-blading, reading, and crafting.
Beth De Boer
Beth De Boer is proud to accompany the Denver Feminist Chorus. She has accompanied several ensembles in the Denver area, including the Cherry Creek Chorale and several adult and youth theatre productions. Beth is the staff accompanist at Castle View High School, where the choral program includes six choirs, and is the organist for a local church. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, motorcycling, and making music!
Carnival Rendezvous!
Get out the vote!
Denver Choruses 2024-25 Season announced
We celebrated our 35th year with Nevertheless, We Persist. This was a powerful and meaningful concert for our singers. Our audiences exceeded all our expectations in attendance and enthusiasm. Sharing that concert with you made it absolutely unforgettable. Thank you for persisting with us!