HOAMC Sings at A Sweet A'Fair and Wichita Pride

On Friday, September 23rd, HOAMC performed a few disco numbers from "Life is a Cabaret" at Dr. Donna Sweet's A Sweet A'Fair, a benefit for the emergency fund for patients with AIDS.  The chorus has been honored to be asked to perform at the event for several years.  On the following Saturday, the chorus performed at Wichita Pride held at the Mid-America Indian Center.

HOAMC Wins Award at 47th Art Awards

The Heart of America Men's Chorus is being honored with an award at the 47th Annual Art Awards presented by the Wichita Arts Council.  The awards ceremony will be held on November 3rd. The Wichita Arts Council has awarded HOAMC with the Arts Organization award which is presented to a public non-profit organization that presents or provides arts opportunities to the Wichita community and region.

The Heart of America Men's Chorus was founded in 2002 when five men banded together to form a men's chorus to advocate for inclusion and to provide a safe haven for men to share encouragement in song.  HOAMC is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses and has performed at several GALA events.  The chorus has performed at many more events including Wichita Gay Pride, Salina Gay Pride, a Sweet A'Fair, fundraisers for organizations in Moundridge, and countless other outreach performances outside the Wichita area.

Over the years, HOAMC has brought several important works of music to the Wichita community.  The chorus teamed up with many female singers from the community to perform "Sing for the Cure," which was conducted by Dr. Tim Seelig presently the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Another endeavor was a collaboration with the Heartland Men's Chorus  of Kansas City to present "Exile," a piece commissioned by the SFGMC comprised of musical adaptations of stories from the chorus. The chorus also performed the muscial adaptation of "Oliver Button is a Sissy," a piece commissioned by the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus that addresses bullying which was performed in front of an audience of nearly 1000 local students as well as the general community.

A hallmark of the chorus is the community beneficiaries that it donates a portion of its concert proceeds.  Those beneficiaries include the Kyrie Foundation, Positive Directions, American Cancer Society, the Orpheum Theatre, the United Methodist Open Door program for people who are homeless or needing assistance, the Komen Foundation, Grace Med, and many other charitable organizations.

A Time to End Violence...A Time for Healing

Violence.  We hear of much of it, but secretly pray it doesn't touch our lives.  When it does, it shatters our innocence and calls us to action.  Music inspires, empowers, enlightens and heals.  Heartland Men's
Chorus commissioned "I Sing Out" written by composer Mark Hayes.  Heart of America Men's Chorus performed it during the summer 2014 pride concert "Raise You Up."  It is a fitting time to feature this again in hopes that it brings comfort in a time that is so painful.

Heart of America Men's Chorus Expresses Sympathy and Solidarity

On Sunday morning, June 12, 2016, a gunman professing allegiance to the extremist terrorist group ISIL, opened fire in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida killing 50 and wounding over 50 members of the GLBTQ community and it's allies.

The Heart of America Men's Chorus of Wichita, Kansas would like to extend our deepest sympathy with the victims and their loved ones in the face of this horrendous tragedy.  We would also condemn the actions of this individual who acted in hate and complete disregard for the lives of others.

Expressing ourselves the best way we know how...in song, we look to a song written by Holly Near and performed in 1978 by the San Fransisco Gay Men's Chorus on the front step of San Francisco's City Hall a few hours after the assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone.

We are a gentle angry people,
and we are singing for our lives.
We are a gentle angry people,
and we are singing for our lives.

We are gay and straight together,
and we are singing for our lives.
We are gay and straight together,,
and we are singing for our lives.

We are a justice seeking people,
and we are singing for our lives.
We are a justice seeking people,
and we are singing for our lives.

May the coming days bring you answers to this senseless act and may time bring the healing that time and love can only bring.  You are in our hearts and thoughts.

Support HOAMC by Donating at ArtDOG

Once again for 2016, the Heart of America Men's Chorus is proud to be a part of ArtDOG, Wichita's Art Day Of Giving.  Please make your donation to help HOAMC provide quality entertainment for the Wichita community.

Check Out the Latest Tour of Kansas City's Heartland Men's Choir

HOAMC partnered with Heartland Men's Choir of Kansas City several years ago to bring you the musical production "Exxile."  Here is what Heartland has planned for April.

                                                                                               

HMC HITS THE ROAD WITH TESTIMONY TOUR

Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas City’s gay men’s chorus, is hitting the road with their unique style of entertainment while promoting social justice, personal healing, and inspiration.

In April, a motor coach filled with members of this nationally renowned chorus will be rolling west into Hays and Salina to perform songs that range from pop to classical, serious to fun, and everything in between.

Fresh off a sold-out performance at Kansas City’s 1,000+ seat historic Folly Theater, the members of HMC are always using their music to fulfill their vision statement: Our Voices Enlighten, Inspire, Heal and Empower. 

About 65 singers will be appearing at the First United Methodist Church in Hays at 7pm Saturday, April 23 and at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina at 2pm Sunday, April 24. Both concerts are open to the public, and any free-will offering will go to support a cause important to the hosting congregations.  

Heartland Men’s Chorus was founded in 1985 to make music, but quickly transformed to a safe and affirming creative space for a community scarred by discrimination and under siege by a virus. Thirty years later, HMC has become a leader in the international gay choral community and is a vital part of the robust arts and cultural scene of Kansas City.

“When you consider the state of LGBT affairs in Kansas, with a governor who has rescinded civil rights protections from gay state employees, it is more important than ever that we go to a part of Kansas where residents need to hear our voices,” says HMC Artistic Director Dustin Cates. “If ever there was a place and time to sing out and give hope, it is in Kansas, and it is now!”  

The Testimony Tour is based upon one of the numbers to be performed, Testimony, which reflects the postings by a cross section of society to the famous “It Gets Better” website that encourages LGBT youth to overcome social and personal pressures to live a good and productive life.

Come see why The Kansas City Star refers to HMC as “one of the most beloved arts institutions in Kansas City.”

                                               

                                        

DETAILS FOR HMC’S TESTIMONY TOUR

WHO

Heartland Men’s Chorus

Executive Director Rick Fisher

Artistic Director Dustin Cates

www.hmckc.org

WHAT

Testimony Tour to central and western Kansas

ITINERARY

HAYS

7 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2016

First United Methodist Church

305 W. 7^th Street

Hays, KS  67601

www.haysfirstunitedmethodistchurch.com

Overnight in Hays, Kansas

SALINA

2 p.m., Sunday, April 24, 2016

Trinity United Methodist Church

901 E. Neal Ave.

Salina, KS 67401

www.triumc.org

HOAMC Sings "Not My Father's Son" and an Interview with GLSEN Greater Wichita

GLSEN, Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, helps provided resources for teachers and students to provide a safe place for GLBTQ students and also works to end bullying.  Our partner for this concert is GLSEN.  This clip is an interview of two GLSEN Wichita board members.  Al Hoffman is also a member of HOAMC.  The following clip is of HOAMC's rehearsal of "Not My Father's Son" which we dedicate to the GLBTQ students who find it so hard to fit the image that they are told to fit.

Deanne Zogleman: Behind the Curtain

HOAMC Presents: Curtain Up: A Salute to Broadway

Voices From the Heart: "If I Loved You" from "Carousel"

This is a clip from rehearsal several weeks ago.  Our ensemble, Voices from the Heart, is rehearsing "If I Loved You" from the Broadway musical hit "Carousel."

Our concert, "Curtain Up: A Tribute to Broadway" is April 9th and 10th.

Please enjoy this little teaser and we hope to see you at the show.

HOAMC "Curtain Up" Beneficiary: GLSEN Greater Wichita

The Heart of America Men's Chorus not only wants to entertain our community, but it also strives to make a positive impact on our community.  HOAMC is proud to name GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network) as our beneficiary for "Curtain Up."

About GLSEN:

Improving Education, Creating a Better World

In 1990, a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts came together to improve an education system that frequently allowed its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students to be bullied, discriminated against and/or fall through the cracks.

Over 25 years later, that small group has grown into the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Today, we’re known as GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

We face a pervasive problem with a set of new challenges. 8 out of 10 LGBT students are still harassed at school each year because of who they are.

We are working to change that.

At GLSEN, we want every student, in every school, to be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We believe that all students deserve a safe and affirming school environment where they can learn and grow.

We accomplish our goals by working in hallways across the country -- from Congress and the Department of Education to schools and district offices in your community -- to improve school climate and champion LGBT issues in K-12 education. 

• We conduct extensive and original research to inform our evidence-based solutions for K-12 education.

• We author developmentally appropriate resources for educators to use throughout their school community.

• We partner with decision makers to ensure that comprehensive and inclusive safe schools policies are considered, passed and implemented.

• We partner with dozens of national education organizations to leverage our shared expertise into creating great schools and better opportunities for every student. 

• We empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities.

Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBT students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Join us as we transform our nation’s K-12 schools.

Contact Us

GLSEN Greater Wichita
c/o The Center
800 N. MarketWichita, KS 67214
wichita@chapters.glsen.org

A Clip from "Curtain Up" Rehearsal

This clip is "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis.  If you think we sound this good in rehearsal, you should come hear how we sound at the show.

HOAMC Presents: Curtain Up! A Tribute to Broadway

The Heart of America Men's Chorus is gearing up for its spring concert, Curtain Up!  The concert premiers on Saturday, April 9th at the DeMattias Performing Arts Center on the Newman University campus.  The concert covers a wide range of new and old Broadway musical favorites. 

Selections include "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables, "Nothing Like a Dame" from South Pacific,

"Not My Father's Son" from Kinky Boots,

a medley from Jersey Boys, and much much more. Stay tuned for more information and we hope to see you there.

HOAMC Partners up with Amazon Smile for Fundraising

For Amazon smile, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and register with their existing Amazon info. Then simply pick to support the Heart of America Men’s Chorus and shop as normal. Amazon donates a percentage of all sells back to us. It doesn’t cost the user anything.

 You Shop.  Amazon Gives.

• Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
• Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

• Questions? Learn more about AmazonSmile
• Not interested? Shop Amazon.com
• Represent a charitable organization? Visit org.amazon.com

About AmazonSmile

Get Started

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?

Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.

Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?

Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

Can I change my charity?

Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”

What charities can I choose from?

You can choose from almost one million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations.

What if my selected charity does not register to participate in the AmazonSmile program or becomes ineligible?

If an organization does not register to participate or becomes ineligible, you will have a chance to select a different organization or we will redistribute donations earned among other organizations receiving donations.

If I represent a charitable organization, how can I learn more about registering my organization for AmazonSmile?

Go to org.amazon.com to learn how to register your organization to receive donations.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.

Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?

Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.

How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?

Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.

Use Your Dillon's Shoppers Card to Donate to HOAMC

HOAMC is now set up to receive rewards using your Dillon’s card.  Instructions are below.  If you don’t have an online account, you must set that up first before adding the NPO number.

We have been assigned a new NPO number 83174. 

A customer must have 3 things to register and begin supporting HEART OF AMERICA MEN'S CHORUS:

• A Plus card, which is available at any store by asking an associate
• A valid email address, which can be obtained from any free online service and can be anonymous
• A personalized account at our (Dillon's) website, which again can be anonymous

TO ENROLL IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

1. Members must visit Dillon's website at www.dillons.com/communityrewards
2. Sign in OR Create an account (see below on creating an online account at our website)
3. Click on "Enroll Now"
4. Enter the 5-digit NPO and search
5. Select your Organization and click on "Enroll"

TO CREATE AN ONLINE ACCOUNT AT OUR WEBSITE:

1. Visit our website at www.dillons.com/communityrewards 
2. Click on "Register" at the top of the page
3. Enter your email address, password, zip code (select preferred store) and check the box if you desire to receive email communication from us
4. Click on "Create Account" at the bottom of the page
5. You will receive an email confirmation to your inbox, to activate your account click on the link in the body of the email and enter your sign in information to confirm

For assistance setting up an online account or with general questions, please feel free to contact Dillon's at 800-576-4377option 3.

Get Your Heart-On...HOAMC Bitchy Bingo at Rain Feb. 18

Valentine N’ Dine with HOAMC

        Heart of America Men’s Chorus cordially invites you to Valentine N’ Dine, an evening of good  food, chocolate, wine and romance to be held Sunday, February 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Egg Crate 8606 W. 13th, Suite 150. Tickets are $14 for singles or $25 for groups of two. Reservations are suggested but not required. To make reservations please reply to the Facebook event or call the chorus phone at 316-708-4887.

       Meat and meatless lasagna, salad, garlic bread and desert will be on the menu. Drinks, provided with your ticket, include tea, coffee, and wine. At 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. raffle baskets will be given out. Give us your name and email address to get a free raffle ticket. There will also be musical entertainment during the event.

       HOAMC is honored to provide a gay friendly event that is also open to anyone else who would like to attend.