Michael Greene

Michael (Left) and his husband, Pat (Right)

This last Saturday, the chorus lost one of its most endearing members. Michael Greene, one of our basses, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.  Michael was a longtime member of the chorus.  He was one of the members who would be there with a hug and a smile.  He was quick to tell you that he loved you and he meant it. He made the world a little brighter because he was in it. His husband, Pat, became our chorus Mom.  They brought in treats and contributed many things to the chorus.  Michael was known to pay membership dues of members that couldn't afford them.  Michael was one of the HOAMC members who traveled to Carnegie Hall to sing "Sing for the Cure" as part of a chorus made up of members of various choruses from all over the United States.  A while back, Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had to retire from his nursing career.  He still faithfully and lovingly took care of his husband who also has ailments.  Michael will be missed by many since he had a way of finding a place in the hearts of those he knew.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the rest of Michael's family.

A Voice from the Chorus: Travis Zirkle

Many people have asked over the years who the guy is that always wears the dark glasses on stage.  That guy is Travis Zirkle.  The reason he wears the dark glasses is because his eyes are extremely sensitive to light.

Travis joined the chorus for the July 2007 concert "Back to Broadway" and has been singing with the chorus since then.  He was staff at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Wichita where the chorus was performing at the time when he saw the show "Extrabbaganza" and decided he wanted to be a part of the chorus.  He describes himself as a good choral singer but not really a soloist.  Lately, he has come out of his shell just a little and has performed a few small solos as well as singing a complete song, "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," at the Gala Choruses Festival in Denver this last summer.  "I was so nervous, but my chorus mates were very supportive.  It was a great experience, but it could be a while before it is repeated."

Travis lives in Barnard, Kansas with Jeff Wallace, who is a HOAMC board member.  When they moved to Barnard from Wichita, neither could give up the chorus so they drive two hours each way every week for rehearsals and meetings.  The philosophy that Travis believes about music stems from his years as a manager and buyer for Tower Records in Los Angeles..."No Music...No Life!"

A Voice from the Chorus...Al Hoffman

A Voice from the Chorus...Randy Harrison

A Voice from the Chorus...John Stangle