Rainbow connections are made

Rachel Benton

Moments after I sat down to write this column, I glanced to my left and noticed the poster for Sound Mosaic’s "Rainbow Ukes for Youth."

The poster features a rainbow-colored ukulele, which immediately made me think of a beloved classic: “Rainbow Connection,” sung by the one and only Kermit the Frog. Granted, Kermit played a banjo — but perhaps banjos were simply the ukes of the swamp? 

The best way to establish the tone of this column is to revisit those timeless lyrics and listen to the original recording — or, if you’re feeling adventurous, Kenny Loggins’ cover.  

“Why are there so many songs about rainbows, and what's on the other side? Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide. So, we've been told, and some choose to believe it. I know they're wrong, wait and see — Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection; the lovers, the dreamers, and me," the song goes.  

Revisiting these lyrics brings a tear to my eye. We need rainbow connections in our lives, and today feels like a good day to find them. Don’t you agree?

Fortunately, there is a place in town whose very mission is to help create those connections. It is my honor to introduce you to Sound Mosaic and the incredible work the group is doing in Thurston County, including through their Rainbow Ukes for Youth program. 

The queer choir  

Now celebrating its second season, Sound Mosaic, Olympia’s queer choir, is an inclusive group of merry music makers that celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and musical abilities. Its repertoire intentionally showcases queer music and songwriters. With a no audition policy, the group aims to create a space where everybody feels loved, seen, and safe. 

“A lot of our members are trans in lots of different ways,” said Sound Mosaic Board Vice President Renee Randazzo. “And so, we have people self-select what vocal part feels most comfortable for them.”

Randazzo continued, “We can even provide some coaching when folks are in transition with their voices so that they can learn how to reach different notes and sing the way that resonates more with who they are.” 

This choir has truly hit all the right notes for both its members and its audiences.

“I’m not an extroverted person. I can put on a good mask, but I’m not that person that really seeks out friends,” said Sound Mosaic Board President Natalie Sawyer. “But now (thanks to the choir), I have 30 people that I know I can rely on, who have helped me feel safe, and that has made me a little more outgoing and comfortable in the place I live.” 

The unity, camaraderie, and friendship in this group are extraordinary. See what I mean at their open rehearsals in October, held every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Click here to learn more. 

Rainbow Ukes for Youth 

Sound Mosaic is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) Choruses. Sawyer and Randazzo attended GALA’s leadership symposium in Columbus, Ohio, where GALA offered one chorus a $5,000 grant to launch an initiative.

GALA members voted on which proposal would receive the funding, and out of all the applicants, including organizations with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, they chose Sound Mosaic. Their winning initiative? Rainbow Ukes for Youth. 

Rainbow Ukes for Youth is for people ages 12–21. A community outreach program, Rainbow Ukes will put free ukuleles, full of possibility, into the hands of brave and talented young musicians while creating opportunities for education and connection. The program will take place through a weekend series of events beginning Friday, Sept. 25. 

On day one, these young musicians will personalize their free ukuleles alongside fellow musicians and members of Sound Mosaic, finding common ground not only in who they are, but also through the art supplies they will share. 

The following day, everyone will come together to learn chords, strumming, and singing. Participants will receive a custom songbook, and everyone is welcome to “choose their own adventure” by going at their own pace. 

The finale will include a jam session alongside family and friends. Truly living up to their commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces, there is no performance pressure. Musicians can choose whether to participate in the jam session. 

Does this story strike a chord in you? I encourage you to donate here.  

Do you know a young musician who would enjoy participating in Rainbow Ukes? Participants can register here.  

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.