Our Videos

Written by and recorded by our Founding Director, Erin Guinup In dedication to the Tacoma Refugee Choir "As I prepare to end my tenure as the Executive Director of Tacoma Refugee Choir, I am overwhelmed by the experiences and lessons I have learned as part of this special community. It has been a remarkable journey that has profoundly changed me. The path hasn't always been easy, but it seemed every time I was discouraged and at the end of my own strength, I was lifted and loved by community. In the end, love really does make the seemingly impossible possible. One of the many lessons I have learned to my core is that everyone really can love someone. Too often we underestimate what others can do when given a chance and a little encouragement. And I suppose, we often underestimate ourselves as well. We certainly underestimate what we can do when we come together for a common goal. I am in awe of what we've built together over the past 8 years. The choir has welcomed members from 75 countries and this season just over half our members had lived experience as refugees or immigrants. We've performed at prestigious venues and events – from Benaroya Hall to the Governor's State of the State, from the American Choral Directors Association National Conference to collaborations with the US Air Force Band and Grammy-winning artists. Together, we've created 33 original songs, produced 14 concerts, 12 music videos, and touched over 50,000 lives through more than 100 performances. But the real magic is in the lives transformed. "I'm part of something important," one member reflected, "and that means I'm important." This sense of belonging is powerful and we’ve seen the ripple effect in countless ways, including 16 members that have become American citizens and 6 members that have served on the City of Tacoma Commission for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Most precious to me are the countless moments of vulnerability shared between members – the stories, hugs, laughter, and tears that renew hope, rebuild confidence, and restore resilience. What once felt fragile and impossible has grown into something extraordinary. TRC now stands on solid ground, ready for its next chapter under the brilliant co-leadership of Orlando Morales as Artistic Director and J. Woody Lotts as Executive Director. I am so impressed with both Orlando and Woody and have complete confidence in their love for the mission and their ability to continue growing TRC’s impact in our community and beyond. At one particularly fragile point in our early history, one of our members, Kimsang Lor, gave a speech that reminded me that this work was bigger than any one person – that creating spaces of belonging for refugees and all who seek community requires collective responsibility and patience. His words gave me the strength to continue when giving up seemed easier. Around that same time, I came across the Billie Holiday song that says: "The difficult I'll do right now. The impossible will take a little while." This mantra carried us through many difficult days and has continued to inspire me to persevere with love and patience. As I contemplated how this lesson has changed me, it seemed appropriate to share that message in song. I hope you enjoy this message and the video filled with photographs of many of the remarkable people who have changed my life with their love and dedication. My sincerest hope is that we will all heed Kimsang's words and remember that we all share the responsibility to create spaces of belonging and healing in our community. Your continued support of Tacoma Refugee Choir, whether through attending performances or donating, will ensure that TRC remains a beacon of hope and transformation for years to come. With profound gratitude and hope for TRC's bright future, Erin P.S. If you believe in the power of what we've built together, please consider supporting TRC's next chapter: visit refugeechoir.org

Tacoma Refugee Choir presents "Moon Song" Words by Abby E. Murray, inspired by youth detained at Selma Carson Home Music by Erin Guinup The moon connects us all- to our loved ones far away, to our lands of origin, to our past and our future. We remain connected even as we engage in everyday activities such as eating, shopping, doing laundry, and working out. Our homeland never leaves us, and the moon offers hope for the future. We remain connected wherever we are by the moon. Featuring solos by Heang Xang (Cambodia), Zje Mongol (Mongolia), Anshul Kaura (India), Roksana Sarrafi (Iran), Katia Marynevich (Belarus), Mariia Pozhar (Ukraine), Eugenia Uvarov (Moldova), Ronald Kabuye (Kenya), Iyabode Johnson (Sierra Leone), the Citizens of the World Choir (UK), Ines Regina Magaña (Mexico), Tyler Dobies (NYC), and Erin Guinup (Tacoma). Additional performers: Precious Chuop, dancer Gadine Marie Niyotwizeye-Boutin, dancer Marisela Fleites-Lear, dancer Musicians: Dane Andersen, flute and clarinet Temuujin Batbaatar, morin khuur Temuulen Batbaatar, yoochin Anu-Ujin Batbaatar, morin khuur Antonio Gómez, percussion Jill Jaques, French horn Anand Landon, guitar Orlando Morales, piano and keyboards Koryn Orcutt, English horn Karen Peters, cello Choir recording and mixing by Dmitriy Yemelyanov and Profigroup Additional recording and mixing by Mark Simmons and Mason Fain at Pacific Studios (Tacoma, WA) Video production by GrandRYZE Productions This project was made possible through community arts funding from Tacoma Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

TRC's Harmony After Hours singing class from February 21, 2024, led by Tacoma's own Erica Walker — a pillar in the gospel choir community and a co-founder of the Tracie L. Davis Celebration Choir. Erica shared songs and stories that reflect her deep roots in our local gospel community. This was a joyful introduction to Black gospel choral traditions, and also a class where we could share TRC classics, like Jambo Bwana.

Our Executive & Artistic Director Erin Guinup shares news about the Tacoma Refugee Choir and the profound impact of our donors in sustaining this mission. Please visit refugeechoir.org/donate to make your tax-deductible contribution today.

Tacoma Refugee Choir is so pleased to present our music video for "Everyone Can Love Someone," a signature song written by our choir. In collaboration with GrandRyze Products and with support from Tacoma Creates, ECLS truly manifests the spirit and joy TRC hopes to bring to the South Sound - and beyond.

TRC's Erin and Gadine tell us so much more about the new music for "Jambo Bwana," released on August 9, 2023. We invite you to learn more about this marvelous East African song and how we have connected to it all the way in Tacoma, Washington.

Based on the popular East African song that was shared with us by some of our Choir members, this song and video embody the energy we love to bring to the stage and to our spaces. This video also serves as a "yearbook" for our 2022-2023 Choir Season. From our performances in Cincinnati to our debut performance at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, this season was one of our biggest yet. Seeing this music video is already inspiring us toward an even bigger season in 2023-2024. We hope you will join us! This music video was shot and produced in collaboration with GrandRyze Productions (https://www.grandryze.com) in Tacoma, Washington. Thank you, GrandRyze and all our many supporters and partners, for making this video happen!!

We've got a new video on the way, and you don't want to miss it! It's the perfect energy boost to launch us into a new Choir season!

A short promo video announcing the Madaraka Festival at Benaroya Hall. TRC will perform alongside many of the artists and will be recording some songs with them later this month. Come join the celebration on May 26! Madaraka Festival: https://madarakafestival.com TRC Website: https://www.refugeechoir.org