Empowering Voices
Elevating Ensembles
Photography by Leanne Luong
Gavin is a passionate conductor, artistic director, and educator with extensive experience in ensemble direction. He excels at mentoring musicians, designing inspiring programs, and leading impactful performances with precision and artistry.
Gavin Thrasher
Conductor • Vocal Director • Educator
Education
MASTER OF MUSIC
University of Southern California
Choral Music
Los Angeles, California
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
University of Redlands
Trombone Performance
Redlands, California
Certificate of Recognition
California Legislature Assembly, 46th District
Dedication to contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and commitment to the artistic vision and cultural enrichment of Los Angeles.
Affiliations
SAG-AFTRA
Member
American Choral Director’s Association
Member
Expertise
Choral Conducting & Ensemble Direction
Vocal Pedagogy & Technique
Rehearsal & Performance Preparation
Music Curriculum Development
Audition & Jury Evaluation
Musicianship Training & Sight-Reading
Repertoire Selection & Programming
Music Arrangement & Interpretation
Stage Presence & Performance Coaching
Event & Concert Production
Mentorship & Development
Experience
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MenAlive: Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus • Santa Ana, CA • May 2026 - Present
• Serve as Artistic Director for MenAlive: Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus and Pride Alive, leading overall artistic vision, programming, and organizational creative direction across both ensembles
• Oversee all musical and artistic elements of the organization, ensuring a cohesive and high caliber season that reflects artistic excellence and community impact
• Lead ensembles as Principal Conductor, guiding approximately seventy five singers in rehearsal and performance with a focus on vocal growth, musical precision, and expressive interpretation
• Design and implement full seasonal programming, including repertoire selection, concert planning, and integration of thematic and mission aligned storytelling
• Provide individualized vocal coaching and comprehensive music education across all experience levels, supporting both personal development and collective ensemble artistry
• Direct rehearsal processes and performance preparation to achieve strong artistic outcomes while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative rehearsal environment.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with guest artists and community collaborators to expand artistic opportunities and strengthen organizational visibility and impact
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MenAlive: Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus • Santa Ana, CA • January 2026 - May 2026
Direct all musical and programmatic elements for MenAlive: Orange County Gay Men's Chorus
Lead the ensemble as Principal Conductor, guiding 75 active singers in rehearsal and performance
Deliver individualized vocal training and comprehensive music instruction across varied skill levels, adapting teaching methods to support both individual growth and collective artistry
Design and implement the complete annual season, managing all aspects of budget planning and staffing decisions
Cultivate meaningful partnerships with community organizations, guest artists, philanthropic supporters, and additional key collaborators
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Orange County School of the Arts • Santa Ana, CA • 2023 – Present
Direct MONTAGE! vocal ensemble rehearsals and performances.
Collaborate with the Creative Team on music needs and student capabilities.
Assist students to develop solo and small group repertoire according to performance needs, as well as build musicianship skills.
Train, rehearse, and educate student performers in rehearsal and performance skills needed to meet the expectations of professional artistry.
Demonstrate a dynamic, artistic, and sensitive approach to leadership with colleagues and students while maintaining a vision of artistic excellence.
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Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) • Santa Ana, CA • 2024 - 2026
Plan, develop, organize, and implement a comprehensive educational program.
Teach according to the educational needs, abilities and achievement of the individual students and groups of students.
Collaborate with colleagues to plan and develop the vision for conservatory programming.
Provide a pre-professional choral rehearsal and performance environment while motivating each student to develop competencies, knowledge and skills.
Participate in juries, placement activities and other audition-related experiences.
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Tustin Presbyterian Church • Tustin, CA • 2024 - Present
Plan and coordinate music for all worship services and other special events.
Direct weekly choir rehearsals with congregation ensembles.
Create and manage the music ministry budget.
Provide musical leadership for and conduct Sunday worship services and other special events.
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The Webb Schools • Claremont, CA • 2021 – 2023
Conduct the Webb Chamber Singers and direct three annual performances.
Teach Vocal Training and Techniques to Webb students.
Provide vocal pedagogy and lessons in both group and individual settings.
Collaborate with other faculty members to design curriculum and instruction.
Support student educational development through academic advisement.
Recruit, evaluate potential students, and manage a comprehensive admissions process for the Junior Scholars program.
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New York City Gay Men’s Chorus • New York, NY • 2019 – 2022
Oversee and execute the artistic vision and programming for the choruses and choirs of Big Apple Performing Arts, Inc. - NYCGMC, Youth Pride Chorus, Tonewall.
Design, implement, and direct youth educational and community music programs.
Serve as Principal Conductor for NYCGMC with 300 active chorus members.
Provide vocal pedagogy and music education to singers of all levels, tailoring instruction to meet individual and ensemble needs.
Program and produce the annual season, including budget and personnel.
Build relationships and create lasting collaborations with partner organizations, artists, unions, donors, and other stakeholders.
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Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA • 2018 – 2019
Oversee and execute the artistic vision and programming for the choruses and choirs of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.
Serve as Principal Conductor for GMCLA with 300 active chorus members.
Provide vocal pedagogy and music education to singers of all levels, tailoring instruction to meet individual and ensemble needs.
Program and produce the annual season, including budget and personnel.
Build relationships and create lasting collaborations with partner organizations, artists, unions, donors, and other stakeholders.
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Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA • 2014 – 2019
Design, implement, and oversee youth educational and community music programs.
Work with LAUSD to provide supplementary choral music education in collaboration with the Partnership for LA Schools.
Develop and manage a choral music education program within the LA County Probation system, in collaboration with the Arts for Healing and Justice Network.
Teach classes in both of these programs, within LAUSD and LACOE Probation sites.
Serve as Principal Conductor for and direct the Aftershock acapella ensemble.
Speaking Engagements
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Panelist, Chorus Connection
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Guest Speaker, Chorus America
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Presenter, GALA Choruses Symposium
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Presenter, GALA Choruses Symposium