We are a very diverse group of fun loving people who meet in Salem, Oregon on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 6:30 PM to sing together. We have been meeting like this since 2000, and have grown from the original 16 to about 50 singers now. We strive to create high quality music without being “stuffy”. Many of the original cadre of singers are still in the chorus.

We are an LGBT chorus in that we sing music which celebrates and affirms the lives of gays and lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals. However, our membership is comprised of people from these modes of life and straight people, too. We are truly open and accepting to all people! We engage in community outreach and promote Oregon civic pride and provide cultural and educational enrichment for ourselves and our communities.

Confluence Chorus is a 501(C)(3) corporation supported by membership dues, concert revenue, and donations from individuals and businesses.

Our Artistic Director

Oregon native RAY ELLIOTT is the founding Artistic Director of Confluence. As a Director or Conductor, Ray’s goals are to encourage people of all ages to express themselves through music, to develop their skills and self-esteem, and to discover the joy of music expression. As an active arranger of choral music, Ray fosters a soulful, rhythmic style that resonates with singers and audiences alike.

In addition to his work with Confluence, Ray is the Music Director at the First Congregational UCC of Salem and is a member of the UCCMA (United Church of Christ Musicians Association), ACDA (American Choral Directors Association), and UUMN (Unitarian Universalist Musician Network). Ray has studied with Dr. Bruce Browne, Dr. William Tuttle, and Dr. Sharon Paul. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Portland State University.

Our Accompanist

RAVEN SANDERS studied piano first with Mildred Hardy of Seattle, and then with Donald B. Anthony of Palo Alto (a great-nephew of Susan B. Anthony, in addition to being an excellent pianist and teacher). Raven also studied voice with the late Carlyle Kelley of Seattle. Raven is new to the role of accompanist; her first experience as an accompanist was in September of 2005, as accompanist for the UU Fellowship of Corvallis choir. Of her work with Confluence, Raven says, It’s fun, a place where I can be myself. There’s so much heart in Confluence.