Santa's On His Way Playbill

HOAMC to Perform at the Kingman Christmas Celebration

The Heart of America Men's Chorus was asked by the organizers of the Kingman Christmas Celebration.  The chorus will perform at 1 p.m. at the Kingman Christian Church on Saturday, December 7th.

We are very excited to be a part of this amazing festival and hope that you will come listen to us.  We also encourage you to partake in the rest of the festivities as well.  The Kingman Christmas Festival is a phenomenal event that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Reaching Out to One of Our Own

One of our own has lost a loved one.  John Dalton-White, a former chairperson and singer with the chorus has lost his father recently.  Please join us in keeping him and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they cope and heal.

Ghost of HOAMC Christmas Past, 2008

A Clip From a "Santa's On His Way" Rehearsal

Here is a clip from a rehearsal of our upcoming Christmas concert "Santa's On His Way."  Please come enjoy the performances on Dec. 7th at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8th at 4:30 p.m.  The performance is at Newman University.

HOAMC Christmas Concert 2013

December 7th at 7 p.m.
December 8th at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at Creative Awards, by calling (316)708-4837, or at the door.

A Sweet Affair: 2013

This year, the Heart of America Men's Chorus was invited to perform at the Sweet Affair, a benefit for the Sweet Emergency Fund established by Dr. Donna Sweet.  Dr. Sweet has been a leader in the medical community in the field of AIDS/HIV study and treatment.  She established the emergency fund for patients with HIV/AIDS who struggle with the cost of treatment.  We were honored to be a part of this noble event.

Out of My Range: The Final Word

This footage was lost and recently located.  It is a little late, but still important.  Thank you for reading our blog and for supporting the Heart of America Men's Chorus.

Deck The Halls

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Saturday November 23
7 to 10 pm

You are invited to join us in the Lobby of Innes Station - 701 East First Street  the evening of Saturday, November 23rd for our Holiday Fundraiser, Deck The Halls. We'll have appetizers from the EGG CRATE CAFE along with beer, wine, and your opportunity to purchase beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and Holiday Designer Decor from local merchants and Chorus members. Tickets are available for $25 from HOAMC members or by calling the Chorus LIne at 316-708-4837.

 

 

A Sweet Affair 2013

Bitchy Bingo Tonight at Rain Cafe and Lounge!

HOAMC Dates to Put on Your Calendar

2013

September 3-
-potluck at 6 p.m. at Newman in the rehearsal hall
-rehearsal for the Christmas show at 7 p.m. (same room)

September 19-
-performance and Donna Sweet's "A Sweet Affair"

October-
-(TBA) Bitchy Bingo

December 7 and 8-
-HOAMC Holiday Concert "Santa's on His Way"

2014

March 8 and 9-
-HOAMC Spring 2014 Concert "For the Child in All of Us"

March 29th-
-HOAMC fundraiser at the Kansas Aviation Museum "Soaring to New Heights"

June 21st and 22nd-
-HOAMC 2014 Pride Celebration Concert

Photo by Ed Freeman

December 13 and 14-
-HOAMC 2014 Holiday Concert

There is a celebration tonight (Tuesday) at Club Rain for Brad and Brent.  Both have birthdays this month.  The gathering starts about 7 p.m.

Great Time had at Bitchy Bingo!

We are very grateful to Rain Cafe and Lounge, all of our friends and fans who supported HOAMC in the Bitchy Bingo "Cowgirls Gone Bad" fundraising event. We had a skirt-raisin' good time, gave away a root-tootin' batch of super prizes including the grand prize of a Margaritaville Margarita Machine and raised some money for the chorus. "Yea haw!" Thank you to all who participated!! If you missed out, shame on ya'll, but we'll be back in a few months for another rodeo...watch for the posts!

Rehearsals Begin on September 3rd for the 2013 Christmas Show

Hello.  I am Travis Zirkle, a member of the Heart of America Men's Chorus since 2007.  I would like to take a moment to write about what this chorus means to me and how you can be a part of it.

I first experienced the chorus during the March 2007 performance of "Extrabbaganza" at the Orpheum Theater in Wichita, Kansas.  I was the lead usher and upstairs manager of the Orpheum at the time.  That performance was incredible.  I had been active in the performing arts earlier in my life, but as it is with many, life became to crowded and that part of it was pushed out.  Watching that performance made me realize just how much I missed singing.

Many of the guys in the chorus were already friends or acquaintances of mine.  I spoke to one of the guys and he told me where and when the rehearsals would be for the next show.  I showed up and my first show with the chorus was "Back to Broadway."  I have never missed a show since.  I thought about taking a break for a show but just have not been able to bring myself to do it.  The chorus has become an essential part of my life and has helped me through some difficult times.  During my time with the chorus, I moved away from Wichita to a small community of 70 people that is 130 miles away.  However, I still could not give up the chorus and still drive the 260 mile round trip every Tuesday for rehearsals.  It has become that important to me.

I would like to personally extend an invitation to you to join.  All men over 18 are welcome to sing with us.  There is room for all in our organization.  If you aren't a guy...or can't or don't want to sing...you can still be a part of the chorus.  We have room for volunteers, board members, committee members...the list goes on.  Every member of our family is important no matter the role you play.

Our first rehearsal for our 2013 Christmas show is on September 3rd.  Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. in the second floor rehearsal hall in the DeMattias Performing Arts building at Newman University.  On September 3rd, however, there will be a potluck welcoming old and new members.  The time we gather for such an event is usually an hour before rehearsals.  I will post the actual time when it is official. If you want more information, you can email me at tazirk@aol.com and I will forward your information on to a board member if it is something I cannot answer or you can contact the chorus with the information at the top of the blog page.

Bitchy Bingo at Club Rain on July 25th

Lights, Camera, Sing!

It's our fun summer concert, Lights, Camera, SING! - this weekend at Newman U! Come join us as we sing our way through a selection of celluloid memories that are sure to bring back fun times and the joy of the Silver Screen. The guys in the chorus have been cooking up some crazy new dance moves and are FOOTLOOSE! and ready to get-loose and have some fun on the stage of Performance Hall!

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Our beneficiary for this concert is The Roth Project, which is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of Central and Western Kansas. The Roth Project strives to provide an iPod Shuffle (with headphones) loaded with music personalized to each patient. It has been found that listening to music recognizable from an individual's younger years can help calm those suffering from anxiety and behavioral problems related to Alzheimer's. The Roth Project accepts new and gently used Shuffles and headphones (and, of course, cash donations). It's a wonderful way to be able to help those with Alzheimer's through MUSIC!

Nathan Buss Cancer Fundraiser

Nathan Buss, son of chorus member Greg Buss, recently underwent treatment for cancer.  He is doing pretty well, especially after the initial prognosis.  However, medical expenses mounted up and the family needs help with current bills and ongoing treatment.

Installment Six: Building A Show...Out of My Range. Rehearsal Date: Feb. 5,2013

When I put these clips on here, I take into account the feedback I get from people.  Some like the music and others like the music plus the conversation and witty stuff that is said between rehearsing the music.  There is quite a bit of both.  Yes, I know there are a lot of clips, but I hope you will check them out...fast forward if you want...and find something worthwhile to you.

This rehearsal saw the first rehearsal of "30 Years Ago."  For me, this song was profound.  My thoughts immediately went to my friend Doug Jackson, who died last Mother's Day from advanced prostate cancer.  I had known him over half my life.

I remember the first time I went through his photo albums with him.  When pointing to the various people in the photos, he would say "Dead, dead, dead, dying, alive, alive, barely alive, dead, etc."  It was a depressing experience, but when I heard the line in the part of the song sung by the 60 year olds..."Do you know what it's like to lose most of your friends (to AIDS)?"...I thought of that experience.  Much in this song brings thoughts of various eras in my life to mind.  I hope you will discover the meaning it has for you.

Clip 1:  Voices from the Heart rehearsing "Ode to My Twenties."

Clip 2:  Commentary by members Randy and Roger.

Clip 3:  "Warmups."  Rehearsing the middle part.

Clip 4:  "Warmups"  From the beginning.

Clip 5:  Reconfiguring "Warmups" age groups after losing a couple of singers.

Clip 6:  First reading of "30 Years Ago."

Clip 7:  "Like-Minded People."

Clip 8:  Choreography for "Like-Minded People."

Clip 9:  Choreography for "Like-Minded People."

Clip 10:  Choreography for "Like-Minded People."

The Newman University Music Department Presents...

Bitchy Bingo at Rain on April 11

Come join HOAMC for another night of fun and fabulousness at Rain on April 11.  There will be prizes and a special blackout prize.

The Next HOAMC Show..."Lights, Camera, Sing!"

Rehearsals for "Lights, Camera, Sing!" have already begun, but if you are interested in singing with us, it isn't too late to join the fun.  Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Newman University.  The performances will be June 22nd and June 23rd.  The show will focus on music from the movies.

Installment Five "Building a Show: Out of My Range." Rehearsal Day 5 January 29, 2013

Clip 1
"First Day of School"

Clip 2
"Like Minded People"

Clip 3
"Like Minded People"

Clip 4
"Like Minded People"

Clip 5
"Like Minded People"

Clip 6
"Like Minded People" with choreography.

Clip 7
"Simple Solution"

Installment Four "Building a Show: Out of My Range." Rehearsal Day 4 January 22, 2013

Clip 1
"First Day of School"

Clip 2
"Finale-Better Together"

Clip 3
"Finale-Better Together"

Clip 4
"Like Minded People"

Clip 5
"Like Minded People"

Clip 6
Michael Greene commentary.

Soaring to New Heights on March 30th

The "It Gets Better Project."

While I am getting caught up with processing video for our production of "Out of My Range," here is a powerful video made by the original performers of the show, the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus.  This is the video they made for the "It Gets Better Project."  I will be posting more from our rehearsals for "Out of My Range."  Thank you for your patience.

About the It Gets Better Project

The It Gets Better Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them.

Growing up isn’t easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. This is especially true for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves.

While many of these teens couldn’t see a positive future for themselves, we can. The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.

What is the It Gets Better Project?

In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.

The It Gets Better Project™ has become a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 50,000 user-created videos viewed more than 50 million times. To date, the project has received submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities, including President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Lambert, Anne Hathaway, Colin Farrell, Matthew Morrison of "Glee", Joe Jonas, Joel Madden, Ke$ha, Sarah Silverman, Tim Gunn, Ellen DeGeneres, Suze Orman, the staffs of The Gap, Google, Facebook, Pixar, the Broadway community, and many more. For us, every video changes a life. It doesn’t matter who makes it.

ItGetsBetter.org is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future.  It’s a place where our straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members.  It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge and watch videos of love and support.

On March 22, 2011, six months following the launch of the project, the It Gets Better Project book was released. The book , It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living is on-sale wherever books are sold.  It includes essays and new material from more than 100 contributors, including celebrities, religious leaders, politicians, parents, educators, youth just out of high school, and many more. For more details and to purchase the book, visit http://itgetsbetter.org/book.

Tickets Still Available for Out of My Range

Tickets are still available for this weekend's show.  Check previous post for details on how to get free tickets.  Do not let the "first 3" notation discourage you.  There are plenty of unclaimed tickets from earlier in the week.

Intallment Three of "Building a Show: Out of My Range."

Here is episode three of the clips from our practice sessions leading up to the performance of "Out of My Range."  These are clips from January 15, 2013.  The clips are getting longer and include some of the banter and kidding that goes on during rehearsal as well as commentary from our Artistic Director on how to learn and polish the material.

Clip One:
" A Simple Solution."  Learning and drilling the material.

Clip Two:
"A Simple Solution."

Clip Three:
"A Simple Solution."

Clip Four:
"The First Day of School."

Clip 5:
"First Day of School."

Clip 6:
"Warm-ups."

I am not the most experienced cinematographer.  Hopefully, you enjoy getting a peek into our rehearsals.  I am including all the raw footage so you will get a real view of how we start out and how we prepare from a show.  You get to witness how rough it is in the beginning to the point where it is polished and ready for performance.

Free Tickets to HOAMC's Performance of "Out of My Range."

Thank you for reading the Heart of America Men's Chorus blog.  We have a special offer for you.  Each day, starting today (Saturday, March 2nd through March 10th), we will have a drawing for free tickets for our upcoming show "Out of My Range" which premiers next Saturday, March 9th at Newman University's DeMattias Performance Center.

Here is how it works...

Email me at tazirk@aol.com with "HOAMC Free Tickets" in the subject line.  The first THREE emails that I receive for that day will receive a pair (2) free tickets for the concert day of your choice (Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m. or Sunday, March 10 at 4:30 p.m.)  In your email you must include your name (first and last) and your choice of Saturday or Sunday tickets.  I will email you back that day to let you know if you have tickets.  If you don't get in that day...feel free to try again the next day.  You can pick them up at the show at Will-Call right outside the auditorium doors.

I will also be checking email on Saturday and Sunday (the show days).  I will close the Saturday, March 9 giveaway at 6 p.m. and the Sunday, March 10 giveaway at 3:30 p.m.

Workshop Postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the workshop to be held on March 2nd with Sister Diana and Father David will be postponed.  It will be rescheduled for a later date.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Workshop Offering for HOAMC and Friends

Saturday, March 2, 2013

8:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 – 12:00 noon Program: Blessings of Being Gay

Open to HOAMC members, significant others, and Board Members

Newman University, Rehearsal Hall

The morning of socializing and reflecting will be based on the following writing of John Lazar:

Homosexuality is one of God’s most significant gifts to humanity. To be gay or lesbian is to have received a special blessing from God. All humans receive their own special graces from their creator, but God has chosen some to be gay and lesbian as a way of revealing something about God-self that heterosexuals do not.

This presentation is sponsored by Catholic religious community of men and women who believe that many churches are losing sight of the Gospel message of Jesus to love another, beginning with love of self. The Mission Statement for LGBT Ministry states:

Motivated by the Gospel’s call to justice and rooted in a spirituality of reconciliation, we follow Jesus’ example of inclusion by ensuring that all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender have a place at the table.

                        This is accomplished by:

1.      Providing educational and spiritual opportunities that will result in dialogue and an increased understanding of the gift of human sexuality.

2. Creating safe spaces that invite and encourage dialogue fostering

relationships between people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and society and church institutions in order to decrease fear and increase compassionate understanding.

Fr. David Matz, C.PP.S.                              Sr. Diana Rawlings, ASC

Missionaries of the Precious Blood          Adorers of the Blood of Christ

Kansas City Province                                 Wichita, KS

LGBT Ministry                                             LGBT Ministry

510-665-7858                                               316-992-7265

lgbtministry@kcprov.org                             rawlingsd@adorers.org

                                   

 It is our stories, our sacred, chaotic, blessed stories, our lonely, peaceful, frightened stories, our

 awe-drenched, doubting, joyous stories…and the holy listener who helps point the way to knowing God’s desire for us. ( Jennifer Hoffmann)

Day 2 of "Building a Show: Out of My Range." Rehearsal Date: January 12, 2013

We had an all day rehearsal on Saturday, January 12, 2013.  This is some of what came out of it.

Clip 1:
"The First Day of School."

Clip 2:
"Finale-Better Together."

Clip 3:
"Warmups" practice.

Clip 4:
More "Warmups" practice.

Clip 5:
Learning the "Warmups" segments dealing with the 20-40 age group.

Clip 6:
Learning the "Warmups" segments with the 50 and up age group.

Clip 7:
Learning "Warmups" with combined age groups.

Clip 8:
"Warmups" run-through after practicing.

Clip 9:
Another "Warmups" run-through.

Clip 10:
Gordon's commentary.

First Installment of Building a Show: Out of My Range, Rehearsal Date: 01/08/2013

Our first year with a new director has been full of change...for the better.  There has been encouragement to think outside of the box.  "Out of My Range" is going to be a powerful experience.  Though it is humorous, the messages that I get from the show are powerful just as those in "Exile" and "Sing for the Cure."

I thought chronicling the building of our version of the show would be interesting.  The show itself centers around incorporating new members into a chorus and how those members interact.  So that's what this is...you get to see our chorus behind the scenes.  I am not a great cinematographer and I am continuing to learn.  The beginning clips are very different from what comes later on as I try to find balance between filming and rehearsing my part.  I sincerely hope you enjoy these efforts.

Clip One
This is a short clip of the initial reading of "Better Together."

Clip Two
This is "Better Together" after a few minutes rehearsing.  I think that the show itself provides motivation to learn the music. 

Clip Three
Artistic Director Deanne Zogleman shares her thoughts on the first day of practice for the show.

Clip Four
This is a short clip of learning "First Day of School" on our first day of school.

Clip Five
Listen to a longer clip of "First Day of School" after a little time rehearsing.