AGMC welcomes Texas State’s Dr. Thomas Rinn as artistic director
Music is a powerful force that both soothes and excites its listeners. Music uplifts, it inspires and — perhaps most importantly — music unites. For Dr. Thomas Rinn, the new artistic director of the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus, music has given him the opportunity to bring voices together in a community.
“I am honored to join the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus and lead the group in its next chapter as it emerges as one of the premier musical organizations in the vibrant Austin arts community,” Rinn said. “The position combines my passions for tenor-bass chorus, building community through choral participation, and using music as a tool for advocacy. I look forward to building on the rich history of the chorus, cultivating a safe place for LGBTQ+ singers and allies to share music, leading the group in fierce advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and delivering entertaining performances both locally and on the national stage.”
Rinn, who grew up in Southeast Texas, currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Texas State University, where he directs the Aurora Voce Treble Choir and Hill Country Youth Chorus. Rinn brings decades of experience in choral music education, conducting, and leadership to the AGMC, prom- ising an exciting new era for the chorus as it continues its mission to inspire and uplift the community through music.
“I’ve worked all over the state in choral music,” Rinn said. “Ultimately, I wanted to train teachers, and I love to work with groups of people who just want to come together and sing. I truly enjoy that more than even the most advanced singers.”
Rinn has taught music education at various levels for over 20 years and has led choirs to prestigious performances, including at the Texas Music Educators Association and the Southwest American Choral Directors Association. His research in music education, along with his experience as a clinician and adjudicator, positions him as a dynamic leader for the AGMC.
“We are excited to welcome Thomas Rinn to the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus family,” Glen Langford, president of the AGMC Board of Directors, said. “His expertise and passion for inclusive music- making align perfectly with our mission, and we can’t wait to see the artistic growth and impact he will bring to our organization.”
In his new role as the AGMC Artistic Director, Rinn is looking forward to expanding the chorus’s repertoire, enhancing community outreach efforts and continuing to create performances that foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
“Gay men’s choruses have always been about being places where gay men could really feel safe,” Rinn said. “They’ve always been a harbor for people, and right now, more than ever, we have grown to make sure more people are included.”
Under Rinn's leadership, the AGMC is preparing for a dynamic season, including ‘Twas the Night Before: Tales of the Winter Season,’ the chorus’s popular holiday show, scheduled for Dec. 6-8.
“I inherited a vision: ‘Twas the Night Before, Stories of Winter,’” Rinn said. “They hired me in late July, and they had some ideas when they hired me, so I took their ideas and what we have formed is the stories we tell out of music.”
As part of the chorus’s ongoing mission of inclusion, the AGMC will present a collection of songs that will tell different stories about winter, starting with songs about singing during the holidays, continuing with traditional and ancient stories, a Puerto Rican carol, songs about harmony and peace, a contemporary rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and ending with the Celtic carol of Auld Lang Syne.”
“This concert draws in a really broad community,” Rinn said. “I love the opportunity to use music for something bigger. There’s a story that happens, and I try to use it to tell something bigger. Sometimes our ability to communicate… We’re able to do that only through music. I’m just thankful to be here, in this moment.”
“Twas the Night Before: Tales of the Winter Season” will be held at First Austin, 901 Trinity St. in downtown Austin. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and are available at atxgmc.org.
Guests are invited to arrive an hour before showtime for a pre-reception filled with cocktails, mocktails and holiday vibes.
“This show is all about bringing joy, warmth and a sense of community through music,” Rinn said. “We want to celebrate the season in a way that’s meaningful and inclusive for everyone.”
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