Katie Otto Singer Spotlight

Katie Otto at our Spring 2024 “A Beautiful Noise” concert.

Name: Katie Otto

Section: S1

Generation: Millennials (1981-1996)

CWC Tenure: 2019-present

What inspired you to join the Common Woman Chorus?

After graduating from UNC where I sang in the Women's Glee Club, I was eager to find a community choir. After seeing CWC perform Quiet No More in commemoration of the 50th Stonewall Uprising Anniversary, I knew it was the chorus for me!

In what ways has being part of the Common Woman Chorus influenced your personal identity and sense of belonging within the LGBTQIA+ community?

As a queer woman, singing in a community of other LGBTQIA+ folks (and allies!) is an incredibly powerful experience. Especially being able to share community with older LGBTQIA+ singers who have been advocating for our community for decades has given me a deeper appreciation for the movement and how far we've come. And sharing community with the folks around my age gives me hope for the future!

Can you share a favorite memory from your time in the chorus that had a significant impact on you?

My favorite concert moment with CWC was singing Lifting As We Climb in Fall 2022! I also had a phenomenal experience at GALA Festival this past July. Really realizing that our chorus is part of a much larger movement was incredibly impactful.

What advice would you give to the next generation of LGBTQIA+ singers interested in joining our chorus?

Bring your joyous self to rehearsal when you can, and when you can't, the chorus will do the rest! The space we've created is a rare one and will uplift you every time. It's special and we can't wait to have you!