Our mission is to provide a vocal community free of gendered expectations, by and for Transgender and Nonbinary singers, to explore and express ourselves through music.
About STANCE
By building a community of trans and nonbinary singers, we aim to foster an environment where changing voices are authentically embraced. Our vision is an inclusive and accessible singing community where intersecting identities are centered at all levels of the organization. Through our music, both singers and audiences are encouraged to find embodiment and connect to our full selves, physical and emotional.
Our Vision
Our Leadership Team
Haven Wilvich
Founder & Executive Director
she/her
Haven first dreamed of a trans and nonbinary led community choir in 2016 when she got fustrated with how difficult it is being a feminine Bass singer in traditional choirs. When she's not focused on community building, she does vaccine research, watches birds, and kayaks Washington's many beautiful bodies of water. Haven also serves as the Fundraising Chair, Volunteer/Forte Chair, and Board Chair Emeritus.
Dr. Christopher T.F. Hansen
Interim Artistic Director
he/they
Conductor, violinist, composer, pedagogue, philosopher, and musicologist; Dr. Christopher T. F. Hanson (he/they) enjoys working across a number of disciplines to promote the transformative power of the arts. Most recently, Dr. Hanson served as an assistant professor of music education at Seattle Pacific University. He currently serves as faculty for the Northwest School for the Arts. His research focuses on the transformative power of the arts, student and teacher agency, and the significance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging in education. Dr. Hanson serves as the artistic director for Rainbow City Performing Arts (RCPA), and the music director of the Rainbow City Orchestra (RCO). "Rainbow City" is a non-profit community music organization that serves and supports the LGBTQIA+ community in greater Seattle through the study and performance of contemporary and historically marginalized composers. "I am so honored to serve as the interim director for STANCE. I have been a supporter of the ensemble from the audience and on stage since its inception. I have first hand knowledge of the incredible talent and passion each member shares and I am thrilled to join a community of performers that understand the unique power of their voice in the community."
Mikey Prince
Assistant Artistic Director & Accompanist
he/they
Mikey found STANCE in 2022 after looking into trans choirs across the US to research trans-centered choral pedagogy. When he is not joyously music-making with community in STANCE, Mikey is joyously music-making with K-5 students as a music educator in Seattle Public Schools.
Board of Directors
To reach our Board of Directors, please email board@stanceseattle.org.
Adaleigh Martin*
Chair
she/her
Emma Thorn King*
Co-Chair
she/they
Michael Woodward
Treasurer
he/him
Andy Chapel*
Secretary
he/him
Lotus The Vibe
Racial Equity Chair / Cultural Advocacy Chair / Recruitment Chair
she/they
Vedin Pavlovic
Accessibility Chair
they/them
fluffy*
Singer Liaison
she/they
Wing
Board Member at Large
she/her
* = Singer with STANCE
We would like to acknowledge that we rehearse and perform on the land of the first peoples of Seattle, the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Stillaguamish, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, past and present and commit to honor with gratitude the land itself and the stewardship of these indigenous tribes. We encourage you to join us in this commitment by contributing to the local Heron's Nest Outdoor Education and Restorative Justice program and Real Rent Duwamish.
We respectfully acknowledge the enslaved people, primarily of African descent, on whose exploited labor this country is built, with little to no recognition. Today, we are indebted to their labor and the labor of the many Black and brown people that continue to work in the shadows for our collective benefit. We also support the #BlackVoicesMatter movement and pledge to work towards anti-racism in all aspects of our music.
Land Acknowledgment & Commitment to Racial Justice
STANCE Sponsors
STANCE would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners, and we are so grateful for their support. As Seattle's first choir by and for trans and nonbinary singers, we are engaging in the radical act of centering trans joy. If our vision aligns with your business’s values, we would like to invite you to become a sponsor of our next concert, currently being planned for Pride month 2024.
