Our history

In July 2008, four friends—Linda Brincat, RiverLee Farrell, Kim Whitney, and Shelli Schimke—started Sing Out Detroit to sing choral music in a fun, friendly environment. What began as weekly living room sessions quickly expanded as more singers joined.

By January 2009, we had 21 members and a Musical Director in Ryan Hinman. Our big break came in June 2009 when we sang at Motor City Pride’s opening ceremony, a tradition we proudly continue.

We grew rapidly, joined GALA, gained 501(c)(3) status, formed an interim Board of Directors, and launched our website. Todd Ballou became our Music Director in 2011, followed by Jeremy St. Martin in 2015. After Jeremy's departure in 2022 to pursue his master's degree, Amy Saari took the baton, leading us into an exciting new era.

With a thriving, ever-growing membership, Sing Out Detroit remains dedicated to creating positive social change through music.