Stanley Wilson

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Stanley Wilson and I currently live in downtown Durham. I grew up on the Jersey Shore near NYC, went to school in Reading, PA and then Pittsburgh, PA. I eventually wound up in Massachusetts when I went to the Longy School of Music for a Master's degree in Opera Performance in Cambridge, MA. I moved to North Carolina in September of 2022.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

I love the walkability to restaurants and cultural events of downtown Durham, while I can be on a hiking trail in the woods within 10 to 15 minutes.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

The Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 1995 and as such is the longest existing queer chorus in the state of North Carolina. I was hired by the organization in January of 2023. The chorus was facing many post-COVID challenges, as a large number of small nonprofit performing arts groups were. I’m proud to say that with the current cycle we just started, we are almost at 40 singers and still growing. Our mission is to foster a safe place and provide an avenue for LGBTQ+ persons and their allies to develop and display their musical talents. TGMC proudly affirms the value and worth of the LGBTQ+ community while also promoting acceptance, pride, and equal rights for all.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?

After our spring concerts of this year, which had a theme of allowing people to tell their stories and, in doing so, supporting the growth and strength of community, one of my chorus members came to me and said how meaningful the music and message had been to him. He thanked me for creating such a powerful program.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I would love to see the chorus have 60 to 80 voices within the next 3 to 5 years.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

Regarding volunteer choruses such as TGMC, I believe people do not realize how hard the singers work to prepare for a concert.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

The Board of Directors when I took over the chorus was small, and four people were trying to do the work of an eight- or nine-person board. Growing and changing the culture of the board has been a great challenge for the organization. But with slow and steady development, the board is now at eight members and working very well.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Can’t say I was into athletics growing up. However, my favorite musical artists as a kid ranged from Beethoven to Billy Joel.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

The 15 new singers I have this cycle!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Please visit our website for upcoming events at www.tgmchorus.org.