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.
