THE FIFTH SECTION
The names that follow are of former members of the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus who have died. Over the years, each of them contributed in their own ways to the growth and success of our chorus, and for that, we honor their memories.

Ben Threatt
Michael Bryan
Marty Kirkland
Jeffrey Gentry
Mark Chapa
Ira Greene
Raymond Rivera
Peter Conroy
Will Cunningham
Bob Welton (Founder and Original Conductor of SVGMC)
Jim Clarke
Jerry White
Bob Stockman
Steve Merten
Bob Yanes
Larry Giordano

If you know of others who should be listed here or have information about these people, please visit our "Contact" page and send a note via email to our General Manager.

Shawn made his debut directing SVGMC in June 2010. He has been conducting choral ensembles and teaching voice since 1993. In 2000 he began teaching choral music in the San Mateo Union High School District, currently teaching at both San Mateo and Burlingame High Schools. He has directed vocals for many high school musicals over the years. Shawn currently holds the Music Director position for the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo. He has also been a guest conductor and adjudicator for the American Choral Directors Association Western Division 2010 High School Honor Choir. Shawn earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University in Hayward, double majoring in Vocal Performance and Business Administration. He went on to pursue further study in Music and Worship, earning his Master of Divinity degree at Oregon’s Western Seminary.

Kathy Cordova works as an independent consultant, assisting not-for-profit organizations with strategic planning, board and fund development, special event planning, and grant writing. Kathy has served as Development Director of various non-profits and also as librarian and media coordinator for these groups. She has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, and in 2008 earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University. Her many connections in the gay and lesbian community continue to fuel the growth of SVGMC’s outreach. Kathy legally married her wife and partner of 20 years and together they are raising their young child.

Doug McGrath was born to country-and-western parents. That he fell in love with classical and choral music may lend argument to nature versus nurture, but that’s a story for a different time. Born in Colorado and growing up on a farm in western Kansas, he was drawn to piano at an early age, but didn’t start lessons until the ripe old age of 13. Since moving to California and adapting to color, he’s accompanied the Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, the Rainbow Women’s Chorus, Opus Q, and Colla Voce. Software engineering supports his musical habit, and when not at the piano or playing geek, he can be found underwater with the Northern California Rainbow Divers. He serves as webmaster for Colla Voce, is single, and lives in on the San Francisco peninsula.