Our Story… so far

In March of 2025, SB Blizzard had a vision. Since moving to Vermont in 2019, they had been seeking a musical community that felt like “home”. SB had moved from Denver, Colorado where they sang with and accompanied the Denver Feminist Chorus and their small a Capella ensemble, Take Note! A queer-centered choir was exactly what SB needed while in Denver, and it is exactly what SB felt was needed in Bennington.

With the support of partner, Henry, SB put out a call to friends all around to see if there was any interest in creating a choir, specifically to sing for Bennington Pride Festival in June of 2025. On Sunday, March 23rd, a timid and shy group of nine (9) people showed up.

Each following Sunday, new folks and returners came to learn new music and learn to sing with each other. We laughed at the ridiculousness of choral warm-ups and shared with each other how important it was for us to join our voices together.

June 14, 2025, we performed for the first time on the Thompson Family Stage at Bennington Pride. We shared two protest songs along with three showtunes. Following the performance, we all agreed that we had to perform again.

During the fall of 2025, we organized a board of directors and began the work to become a state-recognized incorporation. On November 20th, we performed three pieces at the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil held at Second Congregational Church. And, on December 12th, we filled the same sanctuary with a joyful celebration of our first full-length concert, “Happy Holigays!”

By the beginning of our Spring 2026 season, the board of directors held its first retreat and has begun the process to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit. What began as a largely solo project has now become a community project, incorporating the strengths of a full board. On May 31st (or, Pride Eve), Bennington Voices of Pride performed “Louder than Words” for a packed audience before raffling off several prizes. The addition of new 5th section members helped to make possible the refreshments and raffle possible.

As the largest queer-centered group in Bennington with regular meetings, Bennington Voices of Pride is honored to be your local queer choir. Music has brought us together, and community keeps us strong.

We can’t wait to share with you what’s next!