History
David Sands founded playOUT! in 2018 as a faculty recital proposal at The People’s Music School—a way to tell their story and inspire students to find their voice. Since then, it has grown into a powerful movement, amplifying LGBTQIA artistry in classical music and creating space for queer voices in a world that needs them.
David Sands, a classical cellist, was inspired by the idea of citizen artistry proposed to during their time in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.They dreamt of having a recital that provided a space for storytelling and healing, while also providing a platform to advocate for their students at The People’s Music School.
After a short proposal David was invited to perform at The Center on Halsted, and raised $1500 to purchase new cello bows for their advanced students at the school. To their surprise the event was so well received, they were invited to curate another performance the following year - thus playOUT! was born.
2018
playOUT’s first public performance, performed at The Center on Halsted in support of The People’s Music School.
2019
playOUT’s return to The Center on Halsted, this time joined by teaching artists of The People’s Music School. A program focused around “Simple Gifts” featured an un-conducted performance of Copland’s Appalachain Spring, fundraising $3000 to provide piano accompanists the following year for the school’s SLAM Honors Program.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop playOUT, and it’s principal artists came together to record a few videos and raise some money for The People’s Music School.
2021
David Sands promoted to Senior Manager of Artistic Engagement at The People’s Music School, taking a break to focus on their career and the future of playOUT!
2022
A unique fundraising technique was discovered for David’s 30th Birthday Celebration, a spin-off of playOUT! that raised $3,000 through peer-to-peer fundraising for The Center on Halsted.
2023
playOUT! and it’s founder take a much needed break.
2024
playOUT! has a triumphant return to Chicago Symphony Center, in a Make Music Chicago Day celebration in partnership with Allegrezza Singers. The program was a musical mosaic celebrating Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Pride Flag, and included playOUT’s first commissioned work composed by Matthew Recio with lyrics by Alejandra Martinez.
2025
playOUT! is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with a mission to amplify LGBTQIA+ artistry in classical music through performances, commissioned works, and community partnerships.