Reuben Reynolds III, musical director for the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus and Talia Mercadante, choral director at Bromfield. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

When the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus takes the stage in Cronin Auditorium next Tuesday evening to sing the most popular hits in their repertoire, the group will not only include chorus member and third-grade teacher Rob Cullinane, but will also be introduced by way of the Bromfield after-school chorus singing “Everything Possible.”

Music Director Reuben Reynolds III, who came to Bromfield this past week to rehearse the student chorus, was entertainment itself as he took the group from tentative to powerful in the space of 40 minutes. Sweeping his arms through the air for emphasis, the animated conductor with the charming southern drawl encouraged the group to open up and express themselves with the music.

“I want a little energy behind this sound,” he said.

Openness and expression are the trademarks of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, the 175-member ensemble now in its 26th year of performances around the world. The group will perform in Harvard as a benefit for the Harvard Schools Trust, and BGMC Executive Director Steve Smith said the town can look forward to a program of musical favorites, high artistic standards, and an affirming message. Not only does the group exude a lot of positive energy, Smith said, a performance by the chorus is always entertaining.

Among others, the program includes three songs by Ira Gershwin, “The Great Peace March” by composer Holly Near, selections from the musical Dreamgirls, and a poignant song by Kris Anthony, who died of AIDS nearly 20 years ago. The song “Everything Possible” that will be performed by the Bromfield chorus is the work of Littleton Unitarian minister Fred Small, who wrote the piece as a lullaby, Smith explained.

“It’s about love and being able to grow up to be whoever you want to be,” he said.

Bromfield chorus members Ann Chacko, Milana Abidor, Ashley Jordan, Elizabeth Smetana, and Brittany Jones rehearse. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Founded in 1982, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus was part of the first wave of similar organizations created in cities around the country. Gathering once a week for a three-hour rehearsal, members come from every profession imaginable, Smith said, and range in age from 19 to 75 years old. While diverse in composition, all members are united in their love of music and their desire to present positive role models for both straight and gay members of the audience. By performing three major programs in Boston, as well as numerous outreach performances each year, Smith estimates that the BGMC reaches more than 10,000 people every year.

The sheer fun and entertainment the group provides is a bridge that draws people in, he noted. “Music tells the stories of our lives and what connects us all.”

Bromfield teacher Talia Mercadante, who accompanied Reynolds and the Bromfield chorus on piano, was pleased with the performance of her group in rehearsal. She is excited to see it all come together next Tuesday night from her perch in the wings. “I’m looking forward to a wonderful night of music,” she said.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the October 16 performance of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, send an email to bgmc@harvardschoolstrust.org or call Nick Browse at 978-456-8160.