Des Moines GayS4 Men’s Chorus

Original Logo Logo Current Logo (with triangle) (without triangle (adopted in 2017) adopted in 2012)

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Mission Statement

(2004-2020)

The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is dedicated to promoting harmony among all while advancing a positive image of gay people through outstanding musicianship,

creative programming, and community outreach.

Guideposts

(2020)

Purpose

We sing music that matters.

Vision We envision a world where unconditional acceptance

is woven into our common humanity.

Mission The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is a community champion singing to

promote harmony, ignite hearts, and move minds.

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In Memoriam

To Our Chorus Brothers Who Now

Sing with Angels

Dana Barrer (board member)

Charles Carnes

Stephen Gross Terry Harris

Tom Harvey (accompanist)

Larry Hoch Russ Kruse

James Riepe

John Rutt Steve Therrien

Hal Thompson

David Twombley

Harold Wells

Lee Willems 4

And so it began…

The Origin

of the

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

with

Randal A. Buikema

Artistic Director

2001-2005

by

Wade Petersen

5 Just as with any proud Presbyterian Church and wasn’t up for the first rehearsal? For the first few years, parent, Dr. Randal A. Buikema, completely “out.” Randy was Obviously the turnout was Randy led the Des Moines Gay the founder of the Des Moines Gay hesitant and did not want to tie his encouraging, not only for Randy, Men’s Chorus on a volunteer basis. Men’s Chorus, has watched his name to this venture. but for the brave men who stepped Randy admits that, although the baby grow from its infancy into an During this time, Randy forward (and for some, who time and energy it took to lead the amazing organization. He helped had also started reading the works stepped out of the closet). Yes, for chorus were challenging, there to establish the chorus and was its of Father John McNeill, especially many of the men, publicly was also a certain artistic freedom Artistic Director from 2001 to the book Freedom, Glorious proclaiming their sexuality as part that came with his volunteer 2005 before passing the torch to Freedom, which Randy claimed, of this group was risky. A few men status. A director cannot please Dr. Rebecca Gruber. “I’m very “changed my life.” The autumn even chose to sing with the chorus everyone in the choice of proud that the chorus has before starting the chorus, Randy but asked to have their names repertoire or even the continued and am grateful for and his former partner, Craig withheld in the printed program, philosophical vision for a chorus. those people who have taken over. Mohler, attended a retreat where but that only happened for the The quality of music was always The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus an elderly Father McNeill first couple of concerts. paramount to Randy. “It was is now truly an arts organization.” recounted the Biblical story of The costs for music and important to me that we did To know the roots of the Elijah passing the mantle to production in the first year or so mostly music of artistic merit.” chorus, it is important to Elisha, commissioning the retreat were underwritten by Randy Randy prioritized the focus of his document how the Des Moines attendees to likewise “take up the himself (he assumed there would music to present strong, male Gay Men’s Chorus came to be. The mantle and go forth.” It was that be some donations coming at the voices singing meaningful music seeds of the group had been message that ignited the spark for concert to help). The chorus also (“to sing with as much planted with an earlier group from Randy to realize that gay men in received some help with music testosterone as possible”). An the 1980s called the Des Moines Des Moines desperately wanted to from Turtle Creek Chorale (the occasional lighthearted piece Men’s Chorus; at that time, the sing, and “singing is my thing.” prominent gay men’s chorus would filter into the repertoire to identifying word “gay” was too This is what finally convinced him located in Dallas, Texas). Doyle soothe the demands of some, but risky to include in its name. This to take up the challenge of starting Monsma and M.D. Isley this was not to be a choir of just small group of men, led by a the Des Moines Gay Men’s eventually offered to bring some singing Broadway show tunes. volunteer director, rehearsed and Chorus. Randy emphasized that it organizational structure to the Although some members thought performed until the early 1990s was a decision to which both he chorus in 2002 and 2003, along Randy’s passion for rich when it was disbanded. Several and Craig made a commitment. with their backgrounds in challenging music doubled as a years passed, and the desire to The tag-team of Randy and fundraising. A board of directors way of winnowing down the large form a chorus of gay men started Craig would be the driving force headed by Denny Schrock was numbers of singers, Randy will tell for organizing this new singing established, a non-profit status you the opposite. He always circulating by word-of-mouth and online (thanks to those early AOL group. Randy was in charge of was made official, and some other wanted to maintain the large chatrooms). Even though several organizing and recruiting (and financial resources were tapped to numbers of singers in the chorus. men from the original Des Moines obviously the music aspect of help the chorus with costs. Most After the novelty of starting any Men’s Chorus would join, this conducting), while Craig ran notably, local philanthropist Rich new group wears off, there will would be a new chorus. Something backup as a great outgoing social Eychaner was recruited to help undoubtedly be fewer people who different. In fact, many people had person, helping to get men fund many of the needs for the can make the commitment. Randy long lobbied Randy to take the checked in and to moderate the fledging chorus. The First Friday always saw this as a challenge and lead in starting a new chorus, but nervousness of these new singers. Breakfast Club, headed by admits that the task of being a this was still at a time when he was What does an artistic Jonathan Wilson, was also director and managing all the working at Westminster director do when 76 singers show supportive of the chorus. details of the chorus may have left 6 him little time for enough was able to orchestrate the use of concert. “I expected bricks Vilsack came. So that kind of communication to cultivate some the venue for both rehearsals and through the window; people could validation...I heard him relationships. performances. Much preparation easily find where I lived…but processing it [the procession] with One relationship that was went into preparing the first nothing, ever.” In fact, over the another person…and he got it, he always strong was with the chorus’ concert, but would people show up course of his tenure with the completely got it. That was very first accompanist, Tom Harvey. to support an openly identified chorus, the only negative incident powerful.” Tom, who has since passed away, “gay” chorus? There were many he can remember is when Jan One particularly is remembered for his amazing nerves, but Randy said he felt Mickelson, a local (conservative) challenging concert for Randy musicianship as he was with the “empowered” in the mission to radio commentator, made some came in June of 2004 with “A Judy group for its first five years. “It was lead this group of gay singers. disparaging remarks about their Garland Extravaganza.” This was very collegial. He would tell me Randy’s hopes for a sizable performance singing at the Iowa the first concert to specifically about rehearsals and what went audience paid off. The church was Democratic Party’s Jefferson- feature music with more of a well and things that didn’t go well packed! In fact, there was standing Jackson Dinner fundraiser in popular focus. The day before the to give me some great feedback.” room only! Although the small 2003. Randy said, “He made fun show, featured performer In the early years, even the size, heat, and stuffiness of the of us, calling us ‘songbirds’…that Kimberly Fitch (acting and singing generosity of local musicians church may have presented was as close to a gay-slur as we as Judy Garland) developed helped to bolster the chorus. challenges, performing for a full ever got.” The smallness of these laryngitis. Fitch visited the doctor Members of the Des Moines house and getting standing comments was muted by the and received a variety of Chamber Orchestra and the Des ovations was a gift. He remembers satisfaction of having performed treatments to somehow enable her Moines Community Brass and getting pretty emotional during in front of Hillary Clinton. Earlier to “go on with the show.” And it Percussion Ensemble, with whom several songs, and many singers that year in January, the chorus was amazing…and she seemed like Randy has previously established shed tears that day as they was thrilled to have performed at Judy Garland even more! relationships, all volunteered their experienced the love and support Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack’s As the Des Moines Gay time and talents to the chorus. from all the friends, family, and Inauguration. Men’s Chorus continued to “For a bunch of straight orchestra community who showed up. Yes, it Another moving improve and to establish itself as a people, this was quite a statement was about sharing their music, but experience for Randy came in the musical presence in Des Moines, for them to come and help us out.” it was about sharing so much June 2002 concert at Westminster the commitment to lead such an “Do you have a favorite?” is more. The concert was even Presbyterian Church. The concert organization became a challenge an inevitable question and can be reviewed in The Des Moines was entitled “Mass for for Randy. In his full-time day job hard for any director. It’s like Register. “Holy shit! I don’t think Reconciliation” and was dedicated as the Director of Music for asking a parent to pick a favorite I was ready for that kind of to “those who have been called and Westminster Presbyterian child. As much as Randy loves all publicity!” Of course, with pictures denied the opportunity to serve.” Church, Randy was in charge of the shows that he crafted for the also being taken, some members At one point, pastors and various several musical groups with Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, he felt more exposed than what they clergy from different numerous performances and remembers the very first concert were expecting. denominations walked down the events. He realized after four years at Cottage Grove United Even though he had aisle. These brave souls had been at the helm of the Des Moines Gay Presbyterian Church most fondly. necessarily prepared himself for removed from their jobs as church Men’s Chorus that all his Fortunately, this congregation had negative backlash to the new leaders because of their sexual commitments were not been wanting to reach out to group and its concert, Randy said orientation. Randy still got a little sustainable. He knew that he support the gay community in that he never received a single choked up by his memories of would have to make a change. some way, and Randy says a friend negative letter, email, or phone these clergy proudly wearing their Even though he would have loved of his who belonged to the church call about the group and their liturgical vestments. “Governor to have picked DMGMC as his 7 focus, he knew financially that his her back to Randy, responded to Minneapolis where he currently church job was the necessary the men’s reaction. Randy fondly resides. He crashed with some choice. In his fifth and final year remembers the shriek from friends for awhile and then had with the chorus, Randy pushed the Rebecca as she saw his many possibilities open up for board to finally make the artistic performance attire for the first him. Even though he feared that in director into a paid position; he time! In June of 2011 at the tenth this bigger city he might be “a tiny said he wanted to lay the financial anniversary concert entitled speck in a big ocean,” he explored groundwork that would allow the “Coming Full Circle: A Voice for many opportunities. He currently chorus to attract a talented artistic the Future,” Randy was the guest teaches at Anoka Ramsey director. conductor for music from the Community College, has a choir After Randy’s final concert chorus’ first concert. position with First Universalist in June of 2005, the board hired Of course, Randy has Church, is the music director for two different interim directors for remained a fan of the chorus over Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light the next two concerts. Rebecca the years. He loves the direction in Opera Company, and continues to Gruber was one of those directors which Rebecca has taken the teach privately. He also works for with whom Randy had worked chorus over time. “I was thrilled Hennepin Theater Trust to review during his tenure when she was a that she was taking over!” He is Minnesota high school musicals featured performer at the chorus’ most impressed by the level of (and occasionally reviews Iowa second concert in February of musicianship and the quality of high school musicals for Des 2002. Looking back on the board’s sound that the chorus has Moines Performing Arts). He is eventual choice of Rebecca to take achieved. “What Rebecca has involved with the Guthrie Theater over the chorus, Randy was brought is so much more and their children’s theater. He extremely pleased that the board refinement and so much more says his work may now be more was willing to think outside the musicality. She has taken the freelancing, but it all continues to box. He had urged the board to chorus to a much higher level.” be extremely rewarding. hire someone with superb After leaving the chorus, musicianship and conducting Randy had been “asking the skills, even if this meant someone universe” for a major change in his other than a gay man. “I tried to life. When his friend Colleen impress upon the board to get the Jennings (who had also sung with very best conductor you can.” the chorus in 2004) presented the Over the years, Randy has opportunity of teaching with her been invited back to perform with in Thailand, Randy accepted the the chorus. Most chorus (and call to adventure and sold his audience) members will fondly possessions and took the choir remember Randy’s “revealing” director job. He admits that he performance at the June concert learned a lot from the experience, from 2007. His percussion but dealing with the miserably hot performance for “The Anvil climate of the country was too Chorus” was highlighted by his much for him to sustain his mental skimpy gear underneath. Rebecca, and physical health. Randy’s path who was conducting and had had next led him to the music scene in 8

2001

Board of Directors

No board established at this point

Season Highlights

• Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is established under the guidance of Dr. Randal A. Buikema

• Performs its first concert at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church

• Internal Revenue Service grants the DMGMC its tax exempt status 501(c)(3)

9 Season: 2001 Concert/Title: “The Spark To Light a Thousand Suns” Venue: Cottage Grove United Presbyterian Church Date: Friday, June 29, 2001 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Des Moines Chamber Orchestra: Larysa Kozak (concertmaster) and Tom Juneau, violin I; Deb Gay and Jan Davison, violin II; Ben Holthaus, oboe; Joyce Wheeler, clarinet; Marie Eikenberry, bassoon; Gale Wilson and Virginia Lewis, French horn; Scott Davis and Bob Railey, trumpet; Clayton Murphy, trombone; Gene Wibben, tuba; Tom Harvey, piano; Ruth Harris, keyboard; Tim Nutting, timpani; Stacy Bostwick, percussion Guest Soloist: John Muriello, Baritone

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (76 singers)

Kevin Altes, David Mitchell Annis, Steve Aves, (name withheld), Steve Betz, Mark W. Bienhoff, Steve Bishop, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Brockman, Randy Buikema, Ben Carlson, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John David Mitchell Annis Chaplin, Brad Church, Cory Claussen, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Poster Design (name withheld), Doug Flater, Tim Gimzo, Jack Graham, Stephen Gross, Randy Hamilton, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, Lenny Houts, James R. Huffer, Wayne Hull, M.D. Isley, Rich Joens, Chuck Jordan, John Kelly, Scott Kinney, Sean Kisner, Russ Kruse, (name withheld), Bruce Lehnertz, Tracy Lewis, DJ Llewelyn, Larry Mahlstedt, (name withheld), Mark McCoy, Elvin McDonald, Keith Meendering, Rick Miller, Seth Miller, Craig Mohler, Doyle Monsma, Luke H. Mortensen, John Nielsen, Jeff Pate, (name withheld), Russ Poggemann, Shaine Rasmussen, Wyatt Reicherts, Matt Russell, John Schmacker, Harry Scott, Bryan Smith, Scott M. Smith, (name withheld), Roger Speidel, Kevin Spire, Michael H. St. John, Patrick Standley, Robert L. Stinnett, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, Timothy Voy, Dan Weese, Harold Wells, Marc Wheeler, Larry White, Lee Willems

Program: (with the Des Moines Chamber Orchestra)

“The Us of Me” David Brunner

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“Ave Maria” Franz Biebl

Selections from Il Trovatore Giuseppi Verdi * John Muriello, guest soloist; John Nielsen, bass

* “Anvil Chorus” * “In Her Smile” * “The Time is Near” * “Let the Trumpet Sound”

“Dirait-on” Morten Lauridsen

The Testament of Freedom Randall Thompson

* I. “The God Who Gave Us Life” * II. “We Have Counted the Cost” * III. “We Fight Not For Glory” * IV. “I Shall Not Die Without a Hope”

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Article from The Des Moines Register

Gay men’s chorus makes a fine-tuned debut by Bruce Carr

A newly organized Des Moines Gay David Brunner’s moving “The Us of Me.” A distraction, because it made so audible

Men’s Chorus gave its inaugural concert an anthem celebrating solidarity and the ridiculous English translation of the before a standing-room-only crowd at written for the Orlando Gay Chorus. ridiculous Italian libretto. It was great Cottage Grove Avenue United Next came the richly harmonic “Ave fun, but I’m afraid I couldn’t help Presbyterian Church on Friday night. Maria” for double choir, composed by remembering Gilbert and Sullivan’s The musicians’ agenda was simple, Franz Biebl in 1964 and made into an flattering parodies in “The Pirates of demanding just two rights: to sing their international hit only 30 years later Penzance.” songs and to be judged on the quality of when it was included on a CD by the San For many, the musical high point of their performance. Francisco men’s vocal group Chanticleer. the concert was the performance of They sang superbly and their The second choir sang antiphonally “Dirait-on,” Morten Lauridsen’s lovely performance, under the direction of from the back of the sanctuary, smoothly and intensely lyric setting from Rainer Randal A. Buikema, was outstanding. conducted by John Kelly. Maria Rilke’s French poem-cycle “The The 75-voice choir, performing in a To honor the Giuseppe Verdi Roses’ Songs” – paradoxical and sanctuary built to accommodate a choir centennial, the choir offered favorite haunting. of maybe 20, showed that it is already a selections from his magnificently The evening’s largest and most finely tuned ensemble, focused as one on swashbuckling opera “Il Trovatore.” stirring work was Randall Thompson’s flexible and sensitive dynamics, excellent Baritone John Muriello, a music patriotic cantata from the height of diction (not only in Latin and French but department faculty member at the World War II, “The Testament of even in English), and beauty of tonal University of Iowa, gave a suavely Freedom,” a four-section setting of some expression. They responded with attractive account of the Count’s big elegant prose which Thompson found in absolutely centered attention on tune, “Il balen,”and the choir was letters of Thomas Jefferson from the Buikema’s conducting. appropriately boisterous in three other time of the Revolutionary War. Buikema chose a most attractive and numbers including the famous “Anvil Joined by about a dozen intelligent program which made no Chorus.” instrumentalists, including several compromise either with choral Here pianist Tom Harvey’s energetic members of the Des Moines Symphony amateurism or with pop-cult musical accompaniments were augmented by Orchestra, the choir gave a stirringly taste. quite convincing anvil substitutes in the heartfelt performance of Thompson’s To begin, all marched in and stood hands of several singers. occasionally Orffian, occasionally singly against the walls of the room, In the war chorus from the third act, Brahmsian music, which prompted more surrounding the audience to intone the choir’s fine diction actually proved than one standing ovation.

12 “This was when I first came out; it was the first group that I joined. I remember how surprised everyone was I remember spending hours and hours in rehearsal, all the while not knowing if anyone would by how many people showed up! I also remember that actually attend our first concert. By the time the concert arrived, I vividly remember walking the church was packed with people, and it was hard to up the steps with my new DMGMC friends to the stage to discover a sold-out, standing-room- sing some songs because there were tears in my eyes.” only audience buzzing with excitement. You could feel the support and energy in the room. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget!

(Ken Hanson) (Keith Meendering)

It was about 7 or 8 years after the I remember that I was amazed how many guys showed up for original group, the Des Moines Men's the first rehearsal and even more to the second. I remember Chorus, had dissolved that I received a feeling uncertain how this was going to go. How would we call from one of the team of guys Memories sound? Who would show up to listen? Would protestors show drumming up new voices for a one- up? Mike remembers, from the audience, that the room was time concert, under the same name, hot and uncertainty was in the air as to what was about to but with the word "Gay" added! It of the happen. surprised me very much how many people showed up for the first First (Doyle Monsma) rehearsals, far more than I ever saw at the first incarnation. There were still a handful of us around that came from Concert the old to the new, but I also enjoyed getting to know new singers, too. I was When the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus started rehearsals for its fairly impressed with Randy Buikema, first concert in 2001, most of the singers were veterans of the earlier the man who agreed to direct the Des Moines Men’s Chorus. That chorus, first organized in the early 1980’s with about eight men gathered around the piano in my concert. Just before the performance, As the Des Moines Men's Chorus president basement, and during a time when including the word, Gay, in our our City Council passed improved from 1987-1992 I was overwhelmed with name would have killed participation, flourished for several years protections for the LGBT community, the number of men singing. We always before going inactive in the mid 1990’s for want of a director. It had which we saw as a milestone, so the wanted a larger choral group but never got some good years: several groundbreaking concerts in different whole concert, which was almost more than 25 in the earlier group. Now we venues around the city, and participation in the 1989 GALA standing room only, turned into this were 75 singers and the room was packed celebration. All there experienced a Conference in Seattle, Washington. But our volunteer director at Cottage Grove Presbyterian. No AC in heightened sense of camaraderie, and chose not to continue and, without a director, the chorus became the church and it was hot! But the most importantly: Hope. By the inactive and Des Moines was without a gay chorus. When Randy audience and singers persevered through performance date, there had already Buikema stirred up interest in a new chorus, and stepped up to it all and then walked two blocks north for been speculation about continuing the become our director, the DMGMC rose from those ashes to become a reception at the new GLRC located two organization past that initial concert, the strong arts organization that we know today. The first rehearsal buildings north of Drake Diner. I loved and so the next year saw us beginning for this reformed chorus brought together fellow singers that had singing the French piece (in French) our regular three-concert season, not seen each other for several years. We coalesced around the because it was a love song and so beautiful. under Randy. I'm SO proud to have music as if we had done this before, because many of us had. The We sang “Testament to Freedom” with helped relaunch the group, and even centerpiece of that first concert was Randall Thompson’s words by Thomas Jefferson, a glorious prouder to see how we've grown, “Testament of Freedom”. The text was from Thomas Jefferson, and piece with orchestra members musically and inspirationally! the music was heroic. It was powerful enough to bring tears to the accompanying. An auspicious beginning eyes of many of us singers, and the performance established the to nearly 20 years of advocacy and (Craig T. Caster) DMGMC as an organization with a bright and lasting future. beautiful singing for the LGBT community

in Des Moines and Iowa. (John Schmacker)

(Rick Miller) 13

2002

Board of Directors

Work begins in April, 2002, to formalize a Board of Directors

Season Highlights

• Performs at Thresholds Festival “Peace is in Our Hands” (Friday, February 8, 2002)

• Task force of Doyle Monsma, M.D. Isley, and Tracy Lewis is appointed in April 2002

to draft Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

14 Season: 2002 Concert/Title: Thresholds Festival: “To a Culture of Peace: Peace is in Our Hands” Venue: First Christian Church Date(s): Friday, February 8, 2002 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey

Singers of Choirs Not Listed in Program

Program:

1. Respect All Life “Freedom Come” * Mass Choir “Inscription for a Wayside Spring” * Plymouth Chancel Choir “Walking Songs” * Graceland University Choir

2. Reject Violence “Down By the Riverside” “Make It Plain” * First Christian Church Choir “The Paint Box” * Mass Choir Women

3. Share With Others “Love Times 3” * audience “Building Song” from Bandari * First Christian Church Senior Choir “Gracias a la Vida” * Des Moines Gay Men’s Choir selection * J&J Gospel Community Choir

4. Listen to Understand “Litany on Inside the Bandari” “Prayer of the Children” * Graceland University Chapel Choir “Ruach – Winds of Peace” * Des Moines Children’s Chorus

5. Preserve the Planet “The Bluegreen Hills of Earth” * audience “These Wings are My Eyes” * Jennifer Beach-Buda, Lori Drade, Ben Allaway, soloists “The Pretty Planet” * Des Moines Children’s Chorus

6. Rediscover Solidarity “Sahayta” * Mass Choir “Even When God is Silent” * Des Moines Diversity Chorus selection * J&J Gospel Community Choir “Within These Walls” * Mass Choir “From This House” * Mass Choir 15 Season: 2002 Concert/Title: Concert I: “The Song of All of You, That Is My Own Song” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Date: Saturday, February 16, 2002 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Des Moines Chamber Orchestra: Ziva Patt (concertmaster), Seaeun Lee, Alice Bodnar, and Larysa Kozak, violin I; Kris Shay, Jackie Stanek, Tom Juneau, and Jan Davison, violin II; Sherida Josephson, Chuck Miranda, and Linda Benoit, viola; Julie McGinnis and Michele Sanger, cello; Phil Peters, bass; Ann Detlefsen, flute; Ben Holthaus, oboe; Julie Murphy, clarinet; Marie Eikenberry, bassoon; Andy Classen, trumpet; Gale Wilson, French horn; Clayton Murphy, trombone; Kirsten Maas-Fallon, harp; Ruth Harris, organ; Tom Harvey, piano; Kirsten Anthony-Trachsel, percussion Guest Soloist: Rebecca Gruber

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (78 singers)

David Mitchell Annis Kevin Altes, David Mitchell Annis, Mark Babcock, Mark W. Bienhoff, Poster Design Steve Bishop, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Brockman, Randy Buikema, Patrick Camacho, Tom Cameron, Ben Carlson, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, John Chaplin, Brad Church, Cory Claussen, Richard Cleaver, R. Keith Cranston, Charles M. Cumming, Craig Dannenbrink, Thom Davis, Polk Davison, Bret Dillon, Mark Eikenberry, Brian Fett, Joe Freund, Jack Graham, Stephen Gross, Todd Hansen, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, Jerry Heger, David Hein, Lenny Houts, James R. Huffer, M.D. Isley, Chuck Jordan, John Kelly, Russ Kruse, Warren Larsen, (name withheld), Bruce Lehnertz, Tracy Lewis, Sahm Lo, E. Joseph Lunn, Steven Mandernach, Elvin McDonald, Keith Meendering, Rick Miller, Seth Miller, Craig Mohler, Doyle Monsma, Luke H. Mortensen, John Nielsen, (name withheld), Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Shaine Rasmussen, Gregg Reel, Wyatt Reicherts, James Riepe, Patrick Roland, Brandon Roush, Steven Schawl, John Schmacker, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, S. Chet Sewell, Roger Speidel, Bill Spores, Michael H. St. John, Robert L. Stinnett, Kirk Tellier, Troy Thompson, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, Larry White

Program: (with the Des Moines Chamber Orchestra)

16 “On Earth As In Heaven; Gabriel’s Oboe” from the film The Mission Commissioned by David Llewelyn and Paul Johnson for the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Ennio Morricone (arr. Runestad) Text: St. Irenaeus, R.A. Buikema

“Standchen” Franz Schubert & Franz Grillparzer * Rebecca Gruber, soloist

“Freedom Come” Ben Allaway * Roger Speidel & Craig T. Caster, soloists

From H.M.S. Pinafore Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert

* “We Sail the Ocean Blue”

* “My Gallant Crew / I Am the Captain of the Pinafore” * R. Keith Cranston – Captain Corcoran

* “Now Give Three Cheers / I Am the Monarch of the Sea / When I was a Lad” * Mark Babcock – Captain Hebe; Joe Tish – Sir Joseph

* “A British Tar” * trio: David Hein, Richard Cleaver, Kirk Tellier

“David’s Lamentation on the Stan Hill & Peter Abelard * Mark Babcock, soloist Death of Jonathan”

From “When We No Longer Touch” Kris Anthony & Peter McWilliams * Rebecca Gruber, soloist; Ensemble: Brad Church * “I Shall Miss Loving You” Mark Babcock, Keith Meendering, M.D. Isley, * “I Have Loved” Thom Davis, John Nielsen, Luke Mortensen, Craig Mohler, Corey Claussen

“Gracias a la Vida” Violeta Parra * Corey Claussen, soloist

“The Promise of Living” Aaron Copland & Horace Everett * Brad Church & Rebecca Gruber, soloists

17 Season: 2002 Concert/Title: Concert II: “Mass For Reconciliation” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, June 28; Saturday, June 29, 2002 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Community Brass and Percussion Ensemble: Ken Huen, Tony Garmoe, and Bob Railey, trumpet; Gale Wilson, Melissa Robinson, and Julie Miller, French horn; Eric Christiansen, Clayton Murphy, and Dennis Wilson, trombone; Mike Menke, tuba; Ruth Harris, organ; Tim Nutting, Kirsten Anthony, and Jake Thieben, percussion; Tom Harvey, organ Guest Soloist: LizZ Sharp Choreographer: Ann Berry

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (78 singers)

Kevin Altes, David Mitchell Annis, Mark Babcock, Carroll Bennink, Mark W. Bienhoff, Steve Bishop, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Brockman,

Randy Buikema, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, David Mitchell Annis John Chaplin, Brad Church, Joe Clark, Cory Claussen, Richard Cleaver, Poster Design

R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Polk Davison, Philip Dykema, Mark Eikenberry, Brian Fett, Joe Freund, Jack Graham, Stephen Gross, Todd Hansen, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, David Hein, Tim Hickman, MD Isley, Rick Joens, Kim William Jones, Michael Jones, Chuck Jordan, John Kelly, Russ Kruse, Warren Larsen, John L’Estrange, Bruce Lehnertz, Anthony Lennon, Tracy Lewis, D.J. Llewelyn, Sahm Lo, Peter Lundeen, Larry Mahlstedt, Steven Mandernach, Keith Meendering, Rick Miller, Craig Mohler, Doyle Monsma, Luke H. Mortensen, John Nielsen, Patrick Phillips, Ken Pokrant, Shaine Rasmussen, James Riepe, Patrick Roland, Brandon Roush, Matt Russell, Steven Schawl, John Schmacker, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, S. Chet Sewell, Jan Slagle, Roger Speidel, Ton Stam, Robert L. Stinnett, Michael H. St. John, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, Harold Wells, Marc Wheeler, Larry White, Eugene Wilson

Program:

“And The Walls Come Tumblin’ Down” Gary Fry * LizZ Sharp and Robert Speidel, soloists 18

“Kyrie” from St. Francis in the Americas Glenn McClure (adapted by David Hein)

“Sometimes I feel Like a arr. G. Schroth * LizZ Sharp, soloist Motherless Child”

“The Awakening” Joseph M. Martin

“Gloria” Randol Alan Bass

“Credo” chant * David Hein & Roger Speidel, soloists

“O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana Carl Orff

“Prayer of the Children” Kurt Bestor (arr. Klouse)

“Sanctus” from Mass Leonard Bernstein * Cory Claussen, soloist

“Agnus Dei” from Requiem, Op. 48 Gabriel Fauré (adapted by David Hein) * Mark Babcock, soloist

“Anthem of Peace” arr. Mack Wilberg * Ensemble: Roger Speidel, David Hein, Cory Claussen, Mark Babcock, S. Chet Sewell, \ Jan Slagle, R. Keith Cranston, Patrick Roland, Joe Tish, Craig T. Caster

“Home” and “Everybody Rejoice” arr. Dr. Peter A. Eklund * LizZ Sharp, soloist from The Wiz * Dancers: S. Chet Sewell (captain), Brad Church, Cory Claussen, Justin Givan, Roger Speidel, Mark Wheeler

* “This concert is dedicated to those who have been called and denied the opportunity to serve.”

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2003

Board of Directors

Denny Schrock, President; Doyle Monsma, Vice President; James Swanstrom, Treasurer; Steven Mandernach, Secretary Rich Eychaner, Russ Kruse, Debra Salowitz, Michael St. John, Tracy Lewis

Season Highlights

• Performs for Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson’s Inauguration (January 17, 2003)

• Performs for the Jefferson-Jackson dinner (keynote speaker Hillary Rodham Clinton) (November 15, 2003)

20

Governor Tom Vilsack

and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson’s Inauguration

January 17, 2003 21 Season: 2003 Concert/Title: Concert I: “Darkness & Light” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, March 7; Saturday, March 8, 2003 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Des Moines Chamber Orchestra: Ziva Patt (concertmaster), Seaeun Lee, Tom Juneau, and Louisa Dykstra, violin I; John Helmich, Jacqueline Stanek, Kris Shay and Jan Davison, violin II; Sherida Josephson, Chuck Miranda, and Jean Sandstrom, viola; Julie McGinnis, Michele Sanger, and Lisa Lorimor, cello; Richard McCoy, bass; Sandy Wacha and Ann Detlefsen, flute; Ben Holthaus and Sue Beach, oboe; Julie Murphy and Joyce Wheeler, clarinet; Shelby Hoyt, bassoon; Andy Classen and Bob Railey, trumpet; Heidi Foster and Gale Wilson, French horn; Clayton Murphy, trombone; Mike Plake, tuba; Ruth Harris, organ; Barry Larkin, percussion; Tom Harvey, piano Westminster Chimes: Linda Baldwin, Beth Ann Edwards, Judy Long, Clayton Murphy, Julie Murphy, Barb Tofte David Mitchell Annis Poster Design Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (87 singers)

Kevin Altes, David Mitchell Annis, Mark Babcock, Carroll Bennink, Mark W. Bienhoff, Steve Bishop, Fred Breen, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Brockman, Randy Buikema, Tom Cameron, Ben Carlson, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John Chaplin, Brad Church, Joe Clark, Richard Cleaver, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Polk Davison, David Decker, Mark Eikenberry, Brian Fett, Joe Freund, Jack Graham, Stephen Gross, Randy Hamilton, Todd Hansen, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, David Hein, MD Isley, Rick Joens, Kim William Jones, Michael Jones, Chuck Jordan, John Kelly, Russ Kruse, Jeff Lane, Warren Larsen, Bruce Lehnertz, Anthony Lennon, John L’Estrange, Tracy Lewis, Michael Lincicum, D.J. Llewelyn, Sahm Lo, Larry Mahlstedt, Steven Mandernach, Keith Meendering, Tony Miles, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Luke H. Mortensen, John Nielsen, Curt Olson, Sid Pearce, Patrick Phillips, Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Shaine Rasmussen, Wyatt Reicherts, James Riepe, Patrick Roland, Matt Russell, Steven Schawl, Larry Schlatter, John Schmacker, Denny Schrock, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, S. Chet Sewell, Jan Slagle, Kevin Spire, Michael H. St. John, Robert L. Stinnett, Kirk Tellier, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Marc Wheeler, Larry White, Eugene Wilson 22 Program:

“Make My Spirit Flesh” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell

“Your Voices Raise” George Frederick Handel

“Hath Sorrow Thy Young arr. Alice Parker * David Hein, soloist Days Shaded?”

“War In Heaven” Benjamin Britten * Patrick Phillips, soloist

“Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny) Johannes Brahams & Frederick Hölderlin (transcribed by David Hein)

“Dance On Your Grave” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell * Richard Cleaver, soloist

“O Lux” Tobin Stokes * Greg Chamberlin, soloist

“Faith” David Maddux & Patrick Overton

“Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder” arr. Robert DeCormier (“The Chain Gang Song”)

“Ching-A-Ring-Chaw” Aaron Copland

“Never Ever” Robert Seely & Philip Littell

Encore:

“The Awakening” Joseph M. Martin

23 Season: 2003 Concert/Title: Concert II: “Love” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, June 20; Saturday, June 21, 2003 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Des Moines Chamber Orchestra: Jonathan Sturm (concertmaster) and Larysa Kozak, violin I; Kris Shay, Jacqueline Stanek, Ben Monson and Jan Davison, violin II; Jean Sandstrom, viola; Julie Sturm, cello; Phil Peters, bass; Jeane Witt, flute; Ben Holthaus, oboe; Julie Murphy, clarinet; Shelby Hoyt, bassoon; Jim Bovinette and Bob Railey, trumpet; Gale Wilson, French horn; Clayton Murphy, trombone; Tim Nutting and Barry Larkin, percussion Guest Soloist: Kimberly Fitch Guest Pianist: Elaine Wedeking

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (70 singers)

Aaron Albin, David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Mark W. Bienhoff, Steve Bishop, Fred Breen, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Brockman, Randy David Mitchell Annis Buikema, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John Chaplin, Poster Design Brad Church, Joe Clark, Richard Cleaver, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Mark Eikenberry, Brian Fett, Joe Freund, Jack Graham, Stephen Gross, Randy Hamilton, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, David Hein, MD Isley, Rick Joens, Kim William Jones, Michael Jones, Chuck Jordan, John Kelly, Russ Kruse, Anthony Lennon, Tracy Lewis, D.J. Llewelyn, Steven Mandernach, Keith Meendering, Tony Miles, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Luke H. Mortensen, John Nielsen, Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Michael Puffett, Wyatt Reicherts, Michael Richter, James Riepe, Patrick Roland, Steven Schawl, Larry Schlatter, John Schmacker, Denny Schrock, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, S. Chet Sewell, Jan Slagle, Michael H. St. John, Ton Stam, Curt Stamp, Kirk Tellier, Hal Thompson, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, Dan Weese, Harold Wells, Larry White

Program:

“Invocation and Dance” David Conte & Walt Whitman

“Come Away, Sweet Love” Thomas Greaves (transcribed by David Hein) 24

“Weep, O Mine Eyes” John Bennet (transcribed by David Hein)

“Neue Liebeslieder Walzer, Op. 65” Johannes Brahms * Kim Jones, Kimberly Fitch, Wyatt Reicherts, Brad Church, soloists

“Habanera” Georges Bizet * Kimberly Fitch, mezzo soprano soloist

“Set Me As A Seal” René Claussen

“Gershwin Portrait” arr. Mac Huff * John Nielsen, Ton Stam, Greg Chamberlin, Steven Shawl, soloists

“The Shoop Shoop Song” arr. Roger Emerson * Kimberly Fitch, soloist

Encore:

“Marry Us” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell

25 Iowa Jefferson-Jackson

Dinner

November 15 2003

Video Available at: https://www.c-span.org/video/?178965-1/iowa-jefferson-jackson-day-dinner (advance video to 29:15 to see performance)

26 Season: 2003 Concert/Title: Concert III: “Cocoa & Carols” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, December 12; Saturday, December 13, 2003 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Community Brass and Percussion Ensemble: Ken Huen, Tony Garmoe, Judy Long, and Bob Railey, trumpet; Gale Wilson and Guinevere McIntyre, French horn; Eric Christiansen, Clayton Murphy, and Dennis Wilson, trombone; Julie Murphy, alto saxophone; Mike Menke, tuba; Tim Nutting and Clint Nieman, percussion; Tom Harvey, organ; David Hein, synthesizer Soloist: Kristin Maas-Fallon, harp Choreography: Kathleen Hurley Westminster Chimes: Heather Blue, Mary Jo Bailey, Linda Baldwin, Scott Blacketer, Beth Ann Edwards, Lori Fenton, Julie Murphy, Barb Tofte, Betty Williams Elves: David Decker, Paula McArthur, Emily Finch, Claire Rhuby, Valerie Williams, Elizabeth Williams Santa Claus: Gene Larson

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (64 singers)

David Mitchell Annis Aaron Albin, David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Mark W. Bienhoff, Poster Design Steve Bishop, Fred Breen, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Randal Buikema, Tom Cameron, Ben Carlson, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John Chaplin, Brad Church, Richard Cleaver, Thom Davis, Polk Davison, Mark Eikenberry, Brian Fett, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Steve Harder, Todd Hansen, Ken Hanson, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, Doug Haug, David Hein, Kim William Jones, Michael Jones, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Bruce Lehnertz, Sahm Lo, Keith Meendering, Tony Miles, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, John Nielsen, Patrick Phillips, Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Michael Puffett, Wyatt Reicherts, Michael Richter, Matt Russell, Steven Schawl, John Schmacker, Rayf Schmidt, Denny Schrock, Harry Scott, Mike Simonson, Curt Stamp, Michael H St. John, Kirk Tellier, Hal Thompson, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, David Twombley, Ross Wallace, Harold Wells, Larry White

Program:

“Wachet Auf” Johann Sebastian Bach

“Hodie!” Craig Carnahan 27

“A Ceremony of Carols” Benjamin Britten

* “Hodie, Christus Natus Est” * “Wolcum Yole!” * “There is No Rose” * “That Yonge Child” * John Nielsen, soloist * “Balulalow” * Wyatt Reicherts, soloist * “As Dew in Aprille” * “This Little Babe” * “Interlude” * “In Freezing Winter Night” * Wyatt Reicherts & David Hein, soloists * “Spring Carol” * Brad Church & Joe Tish, soloists * “Adam Lay I-Bounden” * “Hodie, Christus Natus Est”

“Arise, Your Light Has Come” David Danner

“A Very, Very Merry Christmas” Mark Brymer

* “Opening” * Richard Cleaver, Curt Stamp, Steven Schawl, Craig T. Caster, soloists * “Very Merry Carols” * “Carols Go ‘Round” * “Holly Jolly Christmas” * “Snowy, Most Wonderful Finale” * Greg Chamberlin, soloist

28

2004

Board of Directors

Denny Schrock, President; Doyle Monsma, Vice President; James Swanstrom, Treasurer; Tracy Lewis, Secretary Rich Eychaner, Russ Kruse, Steven Mandernach, Debra Salowitz, Michael St. John

Season Highlights

• Board discusses how many concerts to be held (strong support for three concerts per season)

• Board establishes contributor levels to publish in concert programs

• DMGMC joins GALA Choruses (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Inc.)

• Performs at All-Iowa AIDS Benefit (Sunday, October 24, 2004)

• Board adopts official mission statement: “The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is dedicated to promoting harmony among all while advancing a positive image of gay people through outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and community outreach.”

29 Season: 2004 Concert/Title: Concert I: “The Larger Heart” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, March 19; Saturday, March 20, 2004 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Des Moines Chamber Orchestra: Seaeun Lee (concertmaster), John Helmich, and Tom Juneau, violin I; Kris Shay, Jacqueline Stanek, and Ben Monson, violin II; Sherida Josephson, viola; Michele Senger, cello; Jeff Jensen, bass; Sandra Wacha, flute; Sue Beach, oboe; Juliey Murphy, clarinet; Marcia Walljasper, bassoon; Scott Davis and Judy Long, trumpet; Gale Wilson, French horn; Tim Nutting and Spencer McGinnis, percussion; Ruth Harris, piano; Tom Harvey, piano/organ/pianica Guest Soloist: Robin Heldt Spahr

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (51 singers)

Aaron Albin, David Mitchell Annis, Jim Benda, Carroll Bennink, Bobby Berstler, Mark W. Bienhoff, Steve Bishop, Fred Breen, Randal Buikema,

Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John Chaplin, Brad Church, R. Keith David Mitchell Annis Cranston, Thom Davis, Brian Fett, Joe Freund, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, Poster Design Michael Jones, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Bruce Lehnertz, Tracy Lewis, Sahm Lo, Keith Meendering, Tony Miles, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Patrick Phillips, Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Michael Puffett, Wyatt Reicherts, Michael Richter, Steven Schawl, John Schmacker, Rayf Schmidt, Denny Schrock, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, Curt Stamp, Michael St. John, Kirk Tellier, Hal Thompson, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Program:

“Ring Out, Wild Bells” Ron Nelson & Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“7 Part Songs, Opus 44” Gustav Holst & Robert Bridges * Robin Heldt Spahr, soprano soloist (* Choral parts purchased through a grant from the First Friday Breakfast Club)

30 * “Say Who Is This?” * “O Love, I Complain” * “Angel Spirits of Sleep” * “When First We Met” * “Sorrow and Joy” * “Love On My Heart” * “Assemble, All Ye Maidens”

“Oedipus Tex (S. 150)” P.D.Q. Bach * Narrator: Brad Church; Oedipus Tex: Joe Tish; (*underwritten by David Llewelyn and Paul Johnson) Madam Peep: Kimberly Fitch; Billie Jo Casta: sung by Robin Heldt Spahr, acted by Muffy Rosenberg

“The Awakening” Joseph Martin

31 Season: 2004 Concert/Title: Concert II: “A Judy Garland Extravaganza” with Big Band (featuring Kimberly Fitch as Judy Garland) Venue: Hoyt Sherman Place Theater Dates: Friday, June 18; Saturday, June 19, 2004 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Set: Steven Schawl, John Beard Instrumentalists: John Morgan and Julie Murphy, alto sax/clarinet; Ryan Leatherman, tenor sax/clarinet; Steve Day, Tony Garmoe, and Walter Reed, trumpet; Eric Christensen, Clayton Murphy, and Dennis Wilson, trombone; Phil Peters, bass; Terry Dillon, piano; Spencer McGinnis, set; Tim Nutting, percussion; Kris Shay and Tom Juneau, violin; Tom Harvey, keyboard Guest Soloist: Kimberly Fitch Music Arrangements: Terry Dillon from Iowa City arranged the songs for this concert.

Singers: Tenor I: Brad Church, Ron Emery, Ken Hanson, Kim William Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky David Mitchell Annis Tenor II: Fred Breen, Justin Givans, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Keith Poster Design

Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Steven Schawl, Michael H. St. John, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Bass I: Jim Benda, Steven Bishop, Craig T. Caster, Joe Clark, Thom Davis, Joe Freund, Rich Joens, Anthony Lennon, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Michael Pogano, Ken Pokrant, Michael Puffett, Hal Thompson

Bass II: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Greg Chamberlin, Richard Cleaver, Frank Filippelli, Terry Harris, Bruce Lehnertz, David Llewelyn, Luke Mortensen, Ross Poggemann, John Schmacker, Rayf Schmidt, Harry Scott, Jim Sellards, Kirk Tellier

Program:

Overture

32 “When You’re Smiling” Shay, Fischer, & Goodwin

“Come Rain Or Come Shine” Arlen & Mercer

“Alone Together” Schwartz & Dietz

“Almost Like Being In Love” / Loewe, Lerner, Rodgers, & Hart “This Can’t Be Love”

“The Man That Got Away” Arlen & Gershwin

“San Francisco” Jurmann, Kaper, & Kahn

“Do It Again” Gershwin & Desylva

“You Go To My Head” Coots & Gillespie

“You Gotta Have Me Go With You” Arlen & Gershwin

INTERMISSION

“Get Happy” Arlen & Koehler

“That’s Entertainment” Schwartz & Dietz

“Rock-A-Bye Your Baby” Schwartz, Lewis & Young

“Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe” Arlen & Harburg

“Swanee” Gershwin & Caesar

“Stormy Weather” Arlen & Koehler

“How Long Has This Been Going On?” Gershwin & Gershwin

“Puttin’ On the Ritz” Berlin

“Over the Rainbow” Arlen & Harburg 33 Season: 2004 Concert/Title: Concert III: “Cocoa & Carols” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, December 17; Saturday, December 18, 2004 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema Accompanist: Tom Harvey Instrumentalists: Community Brass and Percussion Ensemble: Scott Davis and Christ Strohmaier, trumpet; Heidi Foster and Gale Wilson, French horn; Eric Christiansen, Clayton Murphy, and Dennis Wilson, trombone; Mike Short, tuba; Tim Nutting and Mark Dorr, percussion; Tom Harvey, organ Choreography: Kathleen Hurley Set/Décor: Steven Schawl, John Baird, Westminster Chancel Guild Costumes: Hurley & Dancers, Co’Motion Dance Theatre, Angela Lampe, Patrick Phillips

Singers: Singers Not Listed in Program by Parts (46 singers)

Aaron Albin, David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Steve Bishop, Fred Breen, Randal Buikema, Tim Carroll, Craig T. Caster, Greg Chamberlin, John Chaplin, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Frank David Mitchell Annis Filippelli, Joe Freund, Terry Harris, Tom Harvey, Kim William Jones, Michael Poster Design Jones, Russ Kruse, David Llewelyn, Keith Meendering, Tony Miles, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Patrick Phillips, Russ Poggemann, Ken Pokrant, Michael Puffett, Wyatt Reicherts, John Rutt, Steven Schawl, John Schmacker, Denny Schrock, Jim Sellards, Mike Simonson, Michael H. St. John, Ton Stam, Kirk Tellier, Hal Thompson, Joe Tish, Jim Torsky, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Program:

“Hodie Christus Natus Est” from Hodie Ralph Vaughan Williams * Anne Cravaro, Kimberly Fitch, Rebecca Gruber, Colleen Jennings, soloists

“Lullay, My Liking” arr. Gustav Holst

“Come With Torches, arr. Eric Helmuth Jeannette Isabella” 34 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” arr. Eric Helmuth

“Gloria” Randol Alan Bass

“Carol of the Bells” arr. Peter J. Wilhousky

“Light the Legend” Michael Isaacson

“Hanerot Halalu” arr. Blanche Chass * Bobby Berstler, accordion; Julie Murphy, clarinet; Mike Short, tuba

“Epilogue” / “Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres” from Hodie Ralph Vaughan Williams * Anne Cravaro, Kimberly Fitch, Rebecca Gruber, Colleen Jennings, soloists

“Santa’s Frosty Follies” Mac Huff (* choral scores purchased with funds raised by Muffy Rosenberg)

* I. Opening * Shawn McFarland: Frosty * II. “Frosty, The Snowman” / “Jingle-Bell Rock” * Craig T. Caster: voice of Frosty * III. “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer” * Greg Chamberlin, soloist; David Decker: Rudolph * IV. “Suzy Snowflake” / “The Merry Christmas Polka” * Muffy Rosenberg: Suzy Snowflake * V. “Santa Medley” * Tom Davis, soloist; Gene Larson: Santa Claus

35

2005-2006

Board of Directors

Denny Schrock, President; Doyle Monsma, Vice President; James Swanstrom, Treasurer; Tracy Lewis, Secretary Rich Eychaner, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Debra Salowitz, Laura Symmonds, Steven Schawl, Heidi Wessels; Beginning in 2006: Brad Clark, Emily Chafa, Jim Torsky

Season Highlights

• Joint concert with the Des Moines Symphony, Westminster Church Oratorio Choir, and Iowa Youth Chorus under the direction of German conductor Markus Huber (May 2005) • Randal A. Buikema’s farewell concert (June 24 & 25, 2005) • Interim conductor Rebecca Gruber conducts Winter Concert (December 2005) • Interim conductor Dennis Willhoit conducts Spring Concert (March 2006) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Awards Dinner (Friday, June 2, 2006) • Performs at Capital City Pride (Sunday, June 11, 2006)

36 Season: 2005-2006 Concert/Title: The Lord of the Rings Symphony (presented by EMC Insurance Companies) A Concert with the Des Moines Symphony, including the Iowa Youth Chorus, Westminster Oratorio Choir and the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Saturday, May 5; Sunday, May 6, 2005 Conductors: Howard Shore (Des Moines Symphony), Cristian Grases (Iowa Youth Chorus), Randal A. Buikema (Westminster Oratorio Choir and the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus)

Singers: Tenor I: Mark Greenwood, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Sahm Lo, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Steven Schawl, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Bass I: Steve Bishop, Craig T. Caster, R. Keith Cranston, Joe Freund, Michael Jones, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Ken Pokrant, Neil Salowitz, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson David Mitchell Annis Poster Design Bass II: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Charles Carnes, Greg Chamberlin, Richard Cleaver, Frank Filippelli, Terry Harris, Bruce Lehnertz, DJ Llewelyn, John Schmacker, Jim Sellards, Joe Tish

Program:

The Fellowship of the Ring “Movement One” (The Prophecy, Concerning Hobbits, The Shadow of the Past, A Short Cut to Mushrooms, The Old Forest, A Knife in the Dark) “Movement Two” (Many Meetings, The Ring Goes South, A Journey in the Dark, The Bridge of Khazad-dûm, Lothlúrien, Gandalf’s Lament, Farewell to Lórien, The Great River, The Breaking of the Fellowship)

The Two Towers “Movement Three” (Foundations of Stone, The Taming of Smeagol, The Riders of Rohan, The Black Gate is Closed, Evenstar, The White Rider, Treebeard, The Forbidden Pool) “Movement Four” (The Hornberg, Forth Eolingas, Isengard Unleashed, Gollum’s Song) 37 The Return of the King “Movement Five” (Hope and Memory, The White Tree, The Steward of Gondor, Cirith Ungol, Anduril) “Movement Six” (The End of All Things, The Return of the King, The Grey Havens, Into the West)

Concert Program Text About the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus: The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (DMGMC) reorganized in 2001 under the guidance of Dr. Randal A. Buikema, Conductor and Artistic Director. An earlier chorus, the Des Moines Men’s Chorus, performed in Des Moines from 1985 until it disbanded in 1992. With seed funding generated from supportive individuals in the community, the new chorus gave its first performance in May, 2001, at Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church. Featuring a classical repertoire, this premier concert included Randall Thompson’s “The Testament of Freedom.” The overwhelming response to the first concert and generous financial support warranted the chorus moving its performances to Westminster Presbyterian Church to better accommodate larger audiences. Of significance, the DMGMC was honored to perform Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of Living” at the 2003 Inaugural Ceremony of the Honorable Thomas Vilsack, Governor of Iowa. Later in 2003, the Chorus was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, an event which received international attention via television. In April of 2002, a select group of chorus participants with non-profit administration experience began the process of establishing a formalized Board of Directors. The new chorus strives to touch hearts, create pride and foster unity through musical experience.

38 Season: 2005-2006 Concert/Title: Pride Concert: “Highlights” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, June 24; Saturday, June 25, 2005 Conductor: Randal A. Buikema (Randy’s Farewell Concert) Accompanist: Tom Harvey Community Kris Shay (concertmaster), Day Bay, Jacqueline Stanek, violin I; Thomas Orchestra: Juneau and Ben Munson, violin II; Sherida Josephson and Linda Benoit, viola; Paige Richards, cello; Jeff Jensen, bass; Sandy Wacha, flute; Kimberly Fitch, penny whistle; Sue Odem, oboe; Julie Murphy, clarinet/sax; Heatehr Blue, bass clarinet; Jim Bovinett and Chris Strohmaier, trumpet; Guinevere McIntyre and Julie Miller, French horn; Eric Christensen and Clayton Murphy, trombone; Nich Menke, tuba; Barry Larkin, percussion; Tom Harvey and Ruth Harris, organ/piano; Bobby Berstler, accordian Westminster Chimes: Heather Blue, Beth Ann Edwards, Lori Fenton, Julie Murphy, Ruth Staplin, Barb Tofte, Betty Williams

Singers: Tenor I: Brad Church, Ron Emery, Brian Fett, Mark Greenwood, Ken David Mitchell Annis Hanson, Kim Jones, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, Denny Poster Design

Schrock, Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Sahm Lo, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Steven Schawl, Michael St. John, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Bass I: Steve Bishop, Craig T. Caster, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Mark Eikenberry, Joe Freund, Michael Jones, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson

Bass II: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Charles Carnes, Greg Chamberlin, Frank Filippelli, Terry Harris, DJ Llewelyn, John Nielsen, John Schmacker, Jim Sellards

Program:

“The Us of Me” David Brunner * from June 2001 concert

“The God Who Gave Us Life” Randall Thompson & Thomas Jefferson * from June 2001 concert from Testament of Freedom 39 “Dirait-on” Morten Lauridsen & Rainer Rilke * from June 2001 concert

“The Promise of Living” Aaron Copland & Horace Everett * from February 2002 concert; Colleen Jennings, Kimberly Fitch, Brad Church, soloists

“David’s Lamentation on the Stan Hill * from February 2002 concert; Jim Torsky, tenor Death of Jonathan”

“Gloria” Randol Alan Bass * from June 2002 concert

“Make My Spirit Flesh” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell * from March 2003 concert

“Dance on Your Grave” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell * from March 2003 concert; John Nielsen, bass; Craig T. Caster, baritone

“Marry Us” Robert Seeley & Philip Littell * from June 2003 concert

“Arise, Your Light Has Come” David Danner * from December 2003 concert

“Ring Out, Wild Bells” Ron Nelson & Alfred, Lord Tennyson * from March 2004 concert

“Almost Like Being in Love” arr. Terry Dillon * from June 2004 concert

“Hanerot Halalu” (Song for Hannukah) arr. Blanche Chass * from December 2004 concert

“When the Cold of Winter Comes” Howard Shore * from May 2005 “Lord of the Rings” Symphony concert

“The Awakening” Joseph Martin * from June 2002 concert

“Everybody Rejoice” arr. Peter Eklund * from June 2002 concert; Corey Claussen, baritone

Program Dedication: The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus dedicates this concert to our conductor and artistic director, Dr. Randal Buikema. His enthusiasm, drive and passion have taken us to levels of musical excellence never before dreamed possible. Under his direction the chorus has been honored by invitations to perform at many notable and distinguished events. Dr. Buikema faced the challenges of acceptance of gays head-on and put his reputation on the line to make the re-creation of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus a reality. The gay community is forever grateful for his efforts in leading the celebration of diversity in central Iowa. He has touched each of us through his extraordinary talents and love for GREAT music. We forever thank him for his dedication and service to the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and the entire community! 40 Season: 2005-2006 Concert/Title: Winter Concert III: “Brothers, Sing On!” (An International Holiday Experience) Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, December 16; Saturday, December 17, 2005 Interim Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Seaeun Lee, violin/concertmaster; Tom Juneau, violin; Lisa Leatherman, cello; Abby Meyer, viola; Susan Odem, oboe; Sandra Wacha, flute; Ernest Jennings, percussion; Judy Henry, organ Guest Soloist: Meghan Klinkenborg David Mitchell Annis Poster Design Singers: Tenor I: Ken Hanson, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky

Tenor II: John Chaplin, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Michael Morain, Bill Nolan, Steven Schawl, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Baritone: Steven Bishop, Craig T. Caster, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Mark Eikenberry, Joe Freund, Larry Hoch, Michael Jones, Rick Miller, Ken Pokrant, Hal Thompson

Bass: David Mitchell Annis, Charles Carnes, Frank Filippelli, Terry Harris, David Lauritzen, John Nielsen, John Schmacker, Jim Sellards, Tim Tutt

Program:

“Conditor alme siderum” 9th century Advent hymn

“Jambo rafiki yangu” arr. D.V. Montoya * Wyatt Reicherts, Steven Schawl, Keith Meendering, Michael Morain, Tim Tutt, soloists

“Brothers, Sing On!” Edward Grieg

“Dúlamán” Michael McGlynn * Craig T. Caster, soloist 41

“Chorus” from Tales of Hoffmann Jacques Offenbach * R. Keith Cranston, Craig T. Caster, Wyatt Reicherts, Tony Miles, Ken Hanson, soloists

“Verbum caro factum est” Randall Giles * Meghan Klinkenborg, soprano soloist

“Loch Lomond” arr. Jonathan Quick * Ken Hanson & R. Keith Cranston, soloists

“Kalínka” arr. Vadim Prokhorov

INTERMISSION

“Betelehemu” arr. Wendell Whalum

“Christmas Trilogy” Mark Riese

* “I Saw Three Ships” * “What Child Is This?” * “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”

“In the Bleak Midwinter” arr. Victor Cohen Johnson

“Boar’s Head Carol” arr. Shaw-Parker

“Riu, riu chiu” arr. Jim Leininger * Wyatt Reicherts, soloist

“Silent Night” arr. Miles Ramsay

42 Season: 2005-2006 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Seasons of Love” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, March 24; Saturday, March 25, 2006 Interim Conductor: Dennis Willhoit Accompanist: Ben Hagen Soloist: Ann K. Cravero

Singers: Tenor I: Kevin Altes, Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, Denny Schrock

Tenor II: John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Michael Morain, Todd David Mitchell Annis Poster Design Murphy, Bill Nolan, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, R. Keith Cranston, Thom Davis, Joe Freund, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson

Bass: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Charles Carnes, Cory Claussen, Frank Filippelli, Terry Harris, David Lauritzen, David Llewelyn II, John Nielsen, John Schmacker, Jim Sellards

Program:

“Cantique de Jean Racine” Gabriel Fauré * James Juneau, violin

“Pie Jesu” from Memento Mori: An AIDS Requiem James Adler * Ann Cravero, mezzo-soprano soloist

“Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit” arr. Moses Hogan * Ann Cravero, mezzo-soprano soloist

“Music, When Soft Voices Die” Leonard Enns

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Paul Simon (arr. Shaw) * Ann Cravero, mezzo-soprano soloist

43 “Trinklied” (Drinking Songs) Franz Schubert (ed. Clay H. Dawson) * John Nielsen, soloist

* I. “Auf! Jeder sei” * II. “Freunde sammelt euch im Kreise”

“To Love and Be Loved” Wayne Chadwick

Medley from Rent Jonathan Larson (arr. Huff) * Cory Claussen & Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

* “Rent” * “One Song Glory” * “Without You” * “Santa Fe” * “La Vie Boheme” * “Will I?” * “Seasons of Love” * “Finale B”

“When I Have Sung My Songs To You” Ernest Charles (arr. Seelig)

Encore:

“Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit”

44

2006-2007

Board of Directors

Denny Schrock, President; Doyle Monsma, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Emily Chafa, Secretary Brad Clark, Rich Eychaner, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Debra Salowitz, Laura Symmonds, Jim Torsky, Heidi Wessels; beginning in 2007: Joe Freund, David Twombley, Fred Breen, Lee Stafford

Season Highlights

• Rebecca Gruber is chosen as the new director of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus in spring, 2006

• Grant-writing group is formed to research fundraising

• Performs at Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner with Keynote by Bill Clinton (Saturday, October 14, 2006) • Performs at Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge’s Inauguration (Friday, January 12, 2007)

45

46 Season: 2006-2007 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert: “A Collaborative Celebration of Peace, Wholeness, & Light” Venue: Grand Hall of the Temple for the Performing Arts Date: Thursday, December 21, 2006 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Mary Pshonik, Michele Senger, and Leah McIntire, cello; Aaron Powell, guitar; Leah Theesfield and Gretchen Theesfield, violin; Dean Wipperman, bodhran/tin whistle; Caleb Person, Paul Hovey, Travis Patton, and Bevan Lucas, percussion

Guest Artists: The Des Moines Symphony Academy David Mitchell Annis Staging: David Decker Poster Design

Singers: Tenor I: Adam Brown, *Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Tony Miles, Denny Schrock, *Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Fred Breen, Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, *+Chuck Jordan, *Russ Kruse, Bevan Lucas, *Keith Meendering, *Doyle Monsma, Michael Morain, Bill Nolan, Dustin Paulsen, Lee Stafford, David Twombley, *Harold Wells, *+Larry White

Baritone: *Steven Bishop, *+Craig T. Caster, *R. Keith Cranston, Joe Freund, *+Rick Miller, *Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson

Bass: *+David Mitchell Annis, Frank Filippelli, David Lauritzen, *John Nielsen, *+John Schmacker, Tim Tutt

* = Founding Member of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (2001) + = Founding Member of the Des Moines Men’s Chorus (1985)

Program:

“Solstice” Judson Crane

“I Saw Three Ships” David Bryant * Dean Wipperman, bodhran/tin whistle; Tim Burgess, Adam Brown, & Steven Bishop, soloists

47 “Romanza” anonymous * Aaron Powell, guitar

“Sunburst” Andrea York * Aaron Powell, guitar

“Tango” Francisco Tarrega * Aaron Powell, guitar

“Salmo 150” Ernani Aguiar

“A la nanita nana” arr. Dan Davison

“Fantasia on Greensleeves” Ralph Vaughan Williams * Mary Pshonik, cello from Sir John in Love

“Homage à Rachmaninoff” Robert Helps * Ben Hagen, piano

“Bless the Lord, O My Soul” Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov Op. 37, No. 2

“Ani ma’amin” arr. Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory

“The Quest Unending” from Ulysses Joseph Martin

“Homage à Fauré” Robert Helps * Ben Hagen, piano

“Double Concerto in D Minor for J.S. Bach * Leah and Gretchen Theesfield, violin; Two Violins” BWV 1043 Ben Hagen, piano II. Largo

“Be the Love” Mark Hayes

48

Governor Chet Culver

and Lt. Governor

Patty Judge’s Inauguration

January 12, 2007

49 Season: 2006-2007 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “This Is Why We Sing” Venue: St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Dates: Friday, March 30; Saturday, March 31, 2007 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Kris Shay and Katherine Hagen, violin; Marty Lucas, viola; Patrick Riley, cello; Jeff Jensen, bass; Steve Day, Dan Hartzer, and Jim Novak, trumpet; Marr Dorr, Tim Pratt, and Keith Meendering, percussion; David Raymond, organ Sign Language: Donna Scarfe Guest Soloist: Garrison Western David Mitchell Annis Poster Design Singers: Tenor I: Adam Brown, *Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Tony Miles, Brent Robins, Denny Schrock, *Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, *+Chuck Jordan, *Russ Kruse, Bevan Lucas, *Keith Meendering, *Doyle Monsma, Michael Morain, Bill Nolan, Jan Slagle, Lee Stafford, David Twombley, *Harold Wells, *+Larry White

Baritone: *Steven Bishop, *+Craig T. Caster, *R. Keith Cranston, Joe Freund, *+Rick Miller, *Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson

Bass: *+David Mitchell Annis, Charles Carnes, Frank Filippelli, David Lauritzen, Tim Tutt

* = Founding Member of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (2001) + = Founding Member of the Des Moines Men’s Chorus (1985)

Program:

“Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit” Moses Hogan (arr. Rodde) * Timothy Tutt, soloist

“Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder” arr. De Cormier

“Circle of Light, Circle of Life” Rebecca Gruber 50 Songs of Praise and Protest

“Gloria” from Messe cum jubilo, Op. 11 Maurice Duruflé * Garrison Western, soloist

“Betelehemu” Via Olatunji (arr. Whalum)

“We Shall Not Give Up The Fight” arr. Nyberg & Gruber

Songs of Love

“Dirait-on” Morten Lauridsen & Rainer Maria Rilke

“Dance on Your Grave” Robert Seeley * Brent Robins, soloist from Naked Man

“Listen To My Heart” David Friedman

“Du bist die Ruh” Franz Schubert & Friedrich Rückert (arr. Eklund)

“Set Me As a Seal” Rene Clausen from A New Creation

Songs of Fraternity

“Vive L’amour” traditional

“The Whiffenpoof Song” Todd B. & Meade Minnigerode Galloway

“Brothers, Sing on!” Edvard Grieg

Songs of Hope

“Prayer of the Children” Kurt Bestor (arr. Klouse)

“Walt Whitman in 1989” from The AIDS Quilt Songbook Chris DeBlasio & Perry Brass * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“Freedom Come” from Bandari: Inside These Walls Ben Allaway * Jan Slagle, soloist

“We Live” Dean X. Johnson * Tim Burgess, secondo piano 51 Season: 2006-2007 Concert/Title: Pride Concert: “All The World’s A Stage” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Friday, June 8, 2007 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Choreography: David Decker Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: *Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Denny Schrock

Tenor II: Fred Breen, Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, David Mitchell Annis +Chuck Jordan, *Russ Kruse, Bevan Lucas, Poster Design *Doyle Monsma, Michael Morain, Bill Nolan, Jan Slagle, David Twombley, *Harold Wells, *+Larry White

Baritone: *+Jim Benda, *Steven Bishop, *+Craig T. Caster, Joe Freund, *+Rick Miller, *Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Daniel Selby, Hal Thompson

Bass: *+David Mitchell Annis, Charles Carnes, David Lauritzen, *John Nielsen, Dustin Paulsen, *+John Schmacker

* = Founding Member of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (2001) + = Founding Member of the Des Moines Men’s Chorus (1985)

Program:

“Soldier’s Chorus” from Faust Charles Gounod

“Three Little Maids From School” Gilbert & Sullivan * Ed McAtee, Greg Millar, & Dan Chase, soloists from The Mikado

“Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago Kander & Ebb * Craig T. Caster, soloist

52 “Lambscapes” Four Historical Eric Lane Barnes * Edwin Griffith, soloist Settings of Mary and Her Lamb

* I. Gregorian Chant * II. Handel * III. Schubert * IV. Verdi

“Bring Him Home” Kretzmer, Boublil, & Schonberg * Dustin Paulsen, soloist from Les Misérables (arr. Coleman)

“Anything You Can Do” from Annie Get Your Gun with apologies to Irving Berlin

“If You Were Gay” from Avenue Q Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx * Bevan Lucas and Michael Morain, soloists

“True Colors” Bill Steinberg & Tom Kelly (arr. Coleman)

“Was I Wazir?” from Kismet Forrest & Wright * John Nielsen, soloist

“No One Is Alone” Stephen Sondheim (arr. Henderson) from Into the Woods

“The Anvil Chorus” Giuseppe Verdi * Randal Buikema, percussion from Il Trovatore “Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie”

“Everybody Rejoice” from The Wiz Luther Vandross (arr. Eklund)

“Walk Hand in Hand” (not in program)

53

2007-2008

Board of Directors

Denny Schrock, President; Doyle Monsma/Joe Freund, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Fred Breen, Joe Freund, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Lee Stafford, Laura Symmonds, Jim Torsky, David Twombley, Heidi Wessels; beginning in 2008: Charles Carnes, Brent Robins

Season Highlights

• Performs at All-Iowa AIDS Benefit (October 14, 2007) • Joint concert with One Voice Mixed Chorus (Minnesota’s LGBTA chorus) (November 9, 2007) • Performs at Walnut Hills United Methodist Church (Sunday, November 11, 2007) • Commissions In Our America by Ben Allaway • Performs at Des Moines University (February 21, 2008) • Attends Governor’s Conference (February 21, 2008) • Performs at Ames United Church of Christ (Sunday, April 20, 2008) • Performs at Hoover High School/Meredith Middle School GSA (May 13, 2008)

• Chorus sponsors Cookbook Project fundraiser for GALA • Performs a program advocating marriage equality at GALA Festival 8 in Miami, FL • Board of Directors authorizes the development of smaller performing group (HarMENy)

54 Season: 2007-2008 Concert/Title: Twin Cities One Voice Mixed Chorus: The Outreach Tour “Together” Joined by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and members of the Plymouth Chancel Choir Venue: Plymouth United Church of Christ Date: Friday, November 9; 2007 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: (Singers not listed by name in program)

Program:

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus “Welcome! Sing, Be Merry!” Dean X. Johnson “Sweet Rivers” arr. Reginald Unterseher “You Raise Me Up” Brendan Graham & Rolf Lovland (arr. Emerson)

One Voice Mixed Chorus “Bismillah, ir-Raman ir-Rahim” Sangeet “One Voice” Lerner & Lane (arr. Ringwald) David Mitchell Annis “O Schöne Nacht” Poem by Daumer; Poster Design Music by Johannes Brahms “When the Night” Sandy Cressman (arr. Lengacher) * performed by OVation, One Voice a cappella “What I Want” Poem by Lowther, Music by Smith “White Owl Flies Into and Poem by Mary Oliver * read by Kate Lynn Hibbard Out of the Field” “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place” Johannes Brahms “Light and Darkness” * sing-along round “Plekete” Zap Mama * Joy MacArthur, soloist “Where There is Light” Elizabeth Alexander “The Lavender Song” Schwabach & Biling (arr. Rexroth) “My Girl/My Guy” Smokey Robinson

Combined Choirs “Workin’ for the Dawn of Peace” arr. Ron Jeffers * conducted by Rebecca Gruber “Distant Land” John Rutter * conducted by AP Hopper 55 Season: 2007-2008 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert Venue: Grand Hall of the Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Wednesday, December 19; Thursday, December 20, 2007 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Mary Foss, harp; Charles Miranda, viola; Alan Henson, cello; Gretchen Theesfield, violin; John Helmich, violin; Nick Rueckert, horn Guest Soloist: Dennis Willhoit Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: Ryan Hagen, Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Denny David Mitchell Annis Schrock, Jim Torsky Poster Design

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Tim McMillin, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Jan Slagle, David Twombley, Harold Wells, Larry White

Baritone: Steven Bishop, Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Joe Freund, Tony Hansen, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter

Bass: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Charles Carnes, Frank Filippelli, David Lauritzen, John Schmacker

Program:

I

“Welcome! Sing, Be Merry!” Dean X. Johnson

“Song of the Solstice” Jeff Langley * Dennis Willhoit, soloist

“A New December” David Frank Long

56 II

“L’alba separa dalla luce l’ombra” Franceso Tosti * Dennis Willhoit, soloist

“Concerto grosso” Op. 6, No. 8 Arcangelo Corelli * John Helmich and Gretchen Theesfield, violin; * Vivace – Grave Charles Miranda, viola; Alan Henson, cello * Allegro * Adagio – Allegro – Adagio * Vivace * Allegro – Largo pastoral

III

“A Winter Triptych” James Adler * Mary Foss, harp; Nick Rueckert, horn; Wyatt * Introduction Reicherts and Craig T. Caster, soloists * I. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” * II. “Wassail Song” * Interlude: Pastoral * Recapitulation: “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” * III. “French Noël” 13th century

“Still, Still, Still” Norman Luboff * Patrick Phillips, soloist

“Carol of the Bells” M. Leontovich (arr. Wilhousky)

“The Twelve Days After Christmas” Frederick Silver

IV

“Interlude” from A Ceremony of Carols Benjamin Britten * Mary Foss, harp

57 “The Long Christmas Dinner” Larry Moore * Dennis Willhoit as The Evangelist; Brent Robins as (a Cantata) Steven; Tim McMillin as Roger; Ken Hanson, * Recitative Wyatt Reicherts, Tim Burgess, Bill Nolan, * Chorus “Pass the Turkey, David Twombley, Keith Meendering, Jim Pass the Zucchini Bread” Torsky, Joe Freund, Carroll Bennink, * Duet “So This is His Family” and Charles Carnes, small ensemble * Recitative * Chorus “For Dessert I’ll Try the Key Lime Pie” * Recitative * Chorus “Just Who Do You Think You Are?” * Recitative * Duet “You Dirty Rat, You Fooled Me!” * Recitative * Chorus “Happy Forever”

V

“I Wonder as I Wander” arr. Foss * Ms. Foss

“Rumanian Folk Dances” Béla Bartók * The Quartet * “Joc Cu Bata” * “Braul” * “Pe Loc” * “Buciumeana” * “Poarca Romaneasca” * “Manuntelul”

VI

“Workin’ For the Dawn of Peace” arr. Ron Jeffers

“Distant Land” John Rutter * Julian Gruber, treble soloist

“You Raise Me Up” Graham & Lovland (arr. Emerson) 58 Season: 2007-2008 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “This Is My Country” Venue: Urbandale United Church of Christ Dates: Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19, 2008 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Alice Bodnar, violin I; John Helmich, violin II; Charles Miranda, viola; Patrick Riley, cello; Dick McCoy, bass; James Peterson, percussion Guest Composer: Ben Allaway Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, David Mitchell Annis Brent Robins, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky Poster Design

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Jared Ellars, Joe Freund, Tony Hansen, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter

Bass: David Mitchell Annis, Carroll Bennink, Charles Carnes, Frank Filippelli, David Lauritzen, David Llewelyn

Program:

“Libertatum” Jim Papoulis

“Freimaurerkantate, K. 623” W.A. Mozart

* “Chor – Allegro” * Ken Hanson, Brent Robins, Craig T. Caster, soloists * “Duett – Andante” * Wyatt Reicherts and Carroll Bennink, soloists * “Chor – Allegro”

“Evening” P.I. Tchaikovsky 59 “Kalinka” arr. Vadim Prokhorov

“Soldier’s Song” Leonard Bernstein from Choruses from The Lark

“Loch Lomond” arr. Jonathan Quick * David Twombley, David Llewellyn, Mark Dickerson, Tim Burgess, Ken Hanson, Jim Torsky, and John Chaplin, soloists “Zion’s Walls” arr. Aaron Copland

“Star-Spangled Banner” arr. James Rodde

“Testament of Freedom” Randall Thompson

“In Our America” Ben Allaway

“‘In Our America,’ by Ben Allaway, was commissioned by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus with a GALA Commission matching grant. The Chorus will perform “In Our America” at the GALA 8 Festival in Miami. Ben spent some time last fall with members of the chorus, listening to our experiences as Gay Americans. From that session, Ben and Julianne Allaway together fashioned the text of this composition, written expressly for the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.”

Our America, open and welcoming, open to all voices great and small. Land of liberty, built from diversity, room for all, from sea to shining sea. In Our America, no one needs to hide. In Our America, we can live with pride. In Our America, no one needs to hide. Our America, America. One nation under all, myriad citizens, each one bringing gifts to bear. Loving and living free, no one lives invisibly. We all stand to show the world we care. In Our America, none would live in fear. In Our America, hope that we hold dear. In Our America, your voices we can hear. Our America, America, Our America. Home of the brave and free, we hold great promise in our land. Rise and greet each other, welcome in another, count us and count on us to stand. In Our America, together we will sing. In Our America, hope is echoing. In Our America, our freedom song shall ring. Land of the free. But how brave we have to be. Still, we dream for America, America! In Our America, together we sing! In Our America, hope is echoing. Across America, our freedom song shall ring. For Our America! 60 Season: 2007-2008 Concert/Title: Pride Concert: “Alive with Pride!” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Friday, June 13, 2008 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: David Crabbs, guitar; Joel Gettys, percussion

Singers: Tenor I: Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, David Mitchell Annis Jan Slagle, David Twombley, Larry White Poster Design

Baritone: Steve Bishop, Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Jared Ellars, Joe Freund, Tony Hansen, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter

Bass: Carroll Bennink, Charles Carnes, David Lauritzen, John Nielsen, Craig Otto

Program:

“One Voice” Joseph Martin * Jim Torsky, Tim Burgess, & Doyle Monsma, soloists

“Libertatum” Jim Papoulis * Brent Robins & Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

“Will He Remember” arr. Ron Nelson from Three Mountain Ballads

“The Colors of Love” Mark Koval from We, the People

“The Gay Man’s Love Song” a poem by Bill Nolan

“How Could Anyone” Libby Roderick (arr. Huff) * Craig Otto, soloist

61 “We All Have a Right” Jim Papoulis * Troy McBride, soloist

“The Quest Unending” Tennyson & Martin

“Yes We Can, Can” Allen Toussaint * Troy McBride, soloist/pianist; with local GLBT history from Larry White “Star-Spangled Banner” arr. Jim Rodde

“In Our America” Ben Allaway

“Waltzing with Bears” words adapted from Dr. Seuss; * Jan Slagle, David Twombley, Craig T. Caster, & music by Eugene Poddany Rick Miller, soloists; assisted by Jim Benda and Mark Dickerson

“Rhythm of Life” Fields, Coleman, & Barnes * Tim Burgess, primo piano from Sweet Charity

62 Season: 2007-2008 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Ziff Ballet Opera House; Miami, Florida Dates: July 18, 2008; 2:00 p.m. Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Denny Schrock, Jim Torsky

Tenor II: Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Lee Stafford, David Twombley

Baritone: Steve Bishop, Jared Ellars, Joe Freund, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter

Bass: Carroll Bennink, Charles Carnes

Program:

“Libertatum” Jim Papoulis (arr. Nunez)

“The Quest Unending” Joseph M. Martin & Alfred, Lord Tennyson

“The Colors of Love” Mark Koval from We The People

“We All Have a Right” Jim Papoulis (arr. Nunez)

“In Our America” Ben Allaway & Julianne Allaway

63

Cookbook Fundraiser

The 2008 Miami GALA Festival participation was largely due to Russ Kruse. Russ organized a chorus cookbook to raise funds to help travel to Miami in 2008.

Recipes contributed from the following: * Russ Kruse * Hal Thompson * Mark Dickerson

* Rick Miller

* Bill Nolan * Joe Freund * Brent Robins * Jesse Hatfield * Chuck Jordan * Mike Adams * Michael Sims * Bruce Carr * David Twombley * John Chaplin * Doyle Monsma * Cheney Burgoyne * Sheri Kirby * Nancy Abbott

64

2008-2009

Board of Directors Denny Schrock/Joe Freund, President; Joe Freund/Brent Robins, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Charles Carnes, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Brent Robins, Lee Stafford, Laura Symmonds, Jim Torsky, David Twombley; beginning in 2009: Carissa Bacich, Troy McBride, Jan Slagle

Season Highlights

• For the first time, sings for a same-sex wedding ceremony • Debuts first cabaret-style program, How Sweet It Is! • DMGMC’s small ensemble HarMENy is approved by Board (November 2008) • HarMENy debuts with Ben Hagen as director at March concert • Executive Committee is formed on Board of Directors • Performs at Capital City Pride (Sunday, October 5, 2008) • Performs at All-Iowa AIDS Benefit at Embassy Suites (Sunday, October 26, 2008) • Performs with Central College Chamber Singers at Cox-Snow Recital Hall (Wednesday, October 29, 2008) • Performs at Plymouth Congregational UCC (Sunday, May 17, 2009) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Scholarship Dinner (Friday, June 5, 2009) • Performs at Capital City Pride (Sunday, June 14, 2009)

65 Season: 2008-2009 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert Venue: Grand Hall, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Thursday, December 18; Friday, December 19, 2008 SOLSTICEWINTER Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Poet: Bill Nolan “Coming Out” Instrumentalists: Barry Larkin, Matt Steffen, Easton Gruber Dancers: Hurley & Dancers: Kathleen Hurley, choreographer; Alissa Hamer, Luba Aginsky, Emily VanderLinden, Kaytlin Rice, Fillipos Rotzer, Anne Ballantini

Singers: Tenor I: Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, DES MOINES Brent Robins, Denny Schrock GAY MEN’S CHORUS Thursday, December 18, 2008 Friday December 19, 2008 Tenor II: Tim Burgess, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, 7:30 p.m. Grand Hall of the Temple for Performing Arts Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, David Twombley, Larry White 1011 Locust Street / Des Moines For more information, call 515.953.1540 or email [email protected] Order Tickets Online at: www.DMGMC.org Baritone: Steve Bishop, Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Joe Freund, Retail Ticket Outlet: Liberty Gifts, 333 E Grand Ave, Des Moines Jesse Hatfield, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Jarret Einck & Robert Whicker Larry Schlatter, Jan Slagle Poster Design

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig Otto

Program:

“Light & Darkness”

“Baba Yetu” Christopher Tin * Troy McBride, soloist

“Sizohamba Naye” Swaziland traditional hymn

“What Shall We Sing for the Child?” Howard Helvey * Ken Hanson, primo piano

“O Magnum Mysterium” Morten Lauridsen

66 “He Never Failed Me Yet” Robert Ray * Tony Miles & Troy McBride, soloists

“Tshotsholoza” arr. Ames * Ken Hanson, soloist

“Coming Out” a poem by Bill Nolan * performed by Bill Nolan, Wyatt Reicherts, Craig Caster, and the dancers

“The Road Home” Stephen Paulus * Kim Jones, soloist

“Dance” from Invocation and Dance David Conte * Tim Burgess, primo piano; Brent Robins, Doyle Monsma, Mark Dickerson, Craig Otto, soloists

“A Visit from Saint Nicholas” anonymous

“The Christmas Song” Mel Tormé (arr. Ringwald) * Brent Robins & Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

“Baba Yetu” (reprise) Christopher Tin * Troy McBride, soloist and conga drum

67

“Coming Out” Free of doubt you step boldly out And the great weight of pretense falls away.

A Poem by Bill Nolan You stretch, you turn, and marvel at the view, And discover that your life is suddenly brand new. As your ersatz self completes its molt It’s like making a high-altitude jump And the world comes rushing up to meet you, Only no one gives you a friendly thump You brace for the jolt— On the back as you teeter on the brink But what you feel instead And think, ‘Should I really give it a shot?’ Is your feet touching gently down on solid ground And something inside says, ‘How can you not?’ And all around, the velvet glove of polite consideration.

Except for those few you thought you knew. As life rounds another curve you try building up your nerve Cloaked in pious indignation, But fear makes it quickly fade. They draw back; their gazes turn stony, You wonder, “What will I lose if I choose to end my masquerade? They slink away with sly sanctimony, What will I leave behind? Will my friends really mind?’ Thinking to whip you with duplicitous displeasure. So you hesitate. But now you know their true measure. ‘Not now, not yet; let’s keep flying straight.’

Not it is they But the mask begins to chafe. Who die a little bit each day, To jump seems insane but so does the urge to feel safe. They who live the lie, What’s sane about living a lie till you die? They who toss away life’s jewels

Again, you think, ‘Do I dare give it a shot?’ In slavish service to hidebound rules.

Again the answer, “How can you not?’ Like tyrants of a master race,

They embrace an arrogance so base

The weight of guilt, of hiding, of keeping an ugly truth at bay They feel they have the right somehow

Finally becomes too much to bear. To leave their own aberrations unsaid

You lose your fear of leaping; And dictate what you do in bed.

You no longer care In the name of moral fortitude they blindly disavow

What price you’ll have to pay Friendship, loyalty, tolerance, and love.

For letting your real self show. But no matter how they set the bar, Finally you know in your mind what your heart always knew, You know that every piece of what you are That it’s the right thing, the only thing, to do. Comes out of something bigger up above.

68 Season: 2008-2009 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “How Sweet It Is!” Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, March 27; Saturday, March 28, 2009 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: Ken Hanson, Stephen Moore, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins

Tenor II: Bruce Carr, Douglas Dickinson, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock, Michael Stout, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Stephen Bishop, Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Matthew Ellinwood, Jesse Hatfield, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips, Larry Schlatter, Jan Slagle

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Mark Maddy, John Schmacker

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Jarret Einck & Robert Whicker Singers: Ken Hanson, Doyle Monsma, Wyatt Reicherts, Mark Maddy, Poster Design Jan Slagle (Ian Tucker), Brent Robins, Stephen Moore

Program:

“Fever” Davenport & Cooley (arr. Shaw)

“Stouthearted Men” Hammerstein & Romberg from The New Moon

“My Heart Belongs to Daddy” Cole Porter * Ken Hanson, soloist

“Cell Block Tango” from Chicago Kander & Ebb * HarMENY (1st performance!!!)

“Not While I’m Around” Stephen Sondheim (arr. Page) from Sweeny Todd 69 “Can That Boy Fox-Trot!” Stephen Sondheim from Follies

“To Where You Are” Marx & Thompson * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“For the Longest Time” Billy Joel * HarMENy with Ken Hanson, soloist

“What the World Needs Now” Bacharach & David (arr. Hayward)

“All My Loving” Lennon & McCartney * HarMENy

“This is the Moment” Bricusse & Wild Horn * Wyatt Reicherts, soloist from Jekyll & Hyde

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Cole Porter * HarMENy with Mark Maddy & Jan Slagle, soloists

“Finally Here” Eric Helmuth

“Johnny, Johnny” Issachar Miron

70 Season: 2008-2009 Concert/Title: Pride Concert: “Naked Pride” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Friday, June 12, 2009 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: John Helmich, violin; James Juneau, violin; Lauren Freeman, viola; Mary Pshonik, cello; Alan Henson, bass; Joyce Wheeler, clarinet/bass clarinet; Stacey Bostwick, percussion; Matt Steffen, percussion Choreography: Eric Sheppard Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: * Ken Hanson, Stephen Moore, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins (* section leader) Tenor II: Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Wendell Sapanhila, Denny Schrock, *David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Doug Dickinson, Jesse Hatfield, *Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Patrick Phillips-Schrock, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker Jarret Einck & Robert Whicker Poster Design Bass: Steven Bishop, Charles Carnes, Joe Freund

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Ken Hanson, Doyle Monsma, Wyatt Reicherts, Ian Tucker, Brent Robins, Stephen Moore

Program:

“Courage Lives” Mark Patterson

“What Shall We Do David Eddleman with a Drunken Sailor?”

71 “Open Arms” Journey * HarMENy: Doyle Monsma & Ken Hanson, soloists

“Steal Away” arr. Howard Helvey * David Twombley, clarinet

“Naked Man: A Song Cycle” Robert Seeley

* “A Naked Man” * “There is No Loneliness Like This” * “O Disturbing Boy” * “I Come From Good People” * Doyle Monsma, Troy McBride, & Brent Robins, soloists * “Pushed Down the Stairs” * Doyle Monsma & Stephen Moore, soloists * “A Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Good Boy” * Eric Shepard & Ian Tucker, soloists * “Dance on Your Grave” * Craig T. Caster, soloist * “Marry Us”

“My Church”

“Never Ever”

“Incitation to Desire” Chester Biscardi * Ben Hagen, pianist

“Tell Me on a Sunday” Andrew Lloyd Webber * HarMENy with Doyle Monsma & Stephen Moore, from Song and Dance soloists

“Bring on the Men” Bricusse & Wildhorn * HarMENY with Ian Tucker, Brent Robins, & Wyatt from Jekyll and Hyde Reicherts, soloists; John Helmich, violinist

“Why We Sing” Greg Gilpin * Troy McBride, soloist

72

HarMENy

History

with

Ben Hagen

HarMENy Director

2009-Present

by

Wade Petersen

73

Of course there were this was fun and marketable as a As HarMENy found its A challenges in forming and finding name.” groove, their sound has matured rehearsal time for this smaller As the group has over the years and the blending is ensemble. Ben was not sure he developed, Ben has also tried to definitely better than ever. Ben would have enough guys who were HarMENy focus his philosophy for music explains that his job is always to interested in forming another choices on variety. Trying a little make sure that the right voices group in addition to their time bit of everything makes for complement each other. As much devoted for the larger chorus. Ben creative and fun performances. as the focus is on the group, History generally likes to do three or four- “Broadway, country, jazz, pop, individual growth is also a benefit. part music, so he thought it would rock, oldies…we've done Disney “Some of the guys have really HarMENy is the small be ideal to have two or three men and Fosse and ABBA and Andrews come out of their shell as well group ensemble of the Des Moines per part. So, small but mighty, the Sisters and Whitney and performing with HarMENy, so I'm

Gay Men’s Chorus that debuted in group was formed! An initial Madonna and Glee.” If you ask always happy for growth from the spring of 2009 at the March challenge was rehearsal time. The him, Ben has probably considered individual members in solo concert. The showcase group was new group rehearsed every just about every possibility for moments and performance formed, and has been guided ever Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. songs and staging with HarMENy; highlights.” The mission of since, by director Ben Hagen. before the regular chorus nevertheless, new inspiration can HarMENy remains as an outreach Begun as an outlet for more rehearsal from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. be found in the next new music performing group for the Des lighthearted music than the full Once Rebecca moved the large video or song on the radio. Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, but it chorus, the group has looked to group rehearsals to 6:30 p.m., Ben Ben says that he is most has evolved into so much more. the world of pop music, Broadway, knew he would need to look to proud of HarMENy’s And the future? HarMENy and tight harmonies for its another night to rehearse performances at the GALA will always find its place by inspiration. With Dr. Rebecca (Sunday); of course, this change Festivals. In 2012, the group complementing what the Artistic Gruber’s blessing, Ben set out to would not work for every member. showcased themselves with a Director lays out for the season. form this smaller auditioned Even though turnover among medley from Sister Act where they Ben says, “I'll always want to group that could also be used for group members can be a stripped off nuns’ habits to reveal explore different musical styles various performances and venues challenge, there are also tuxedos! Another huge hit with and do things that I think the around the area. advantages to bringing “new the Denver audience was their audience will enjoy and will Ben accepted the challenge blood” into the mix. performance of "Bring on the challenge the guys to excel, but I of putting HarMENy together And the name? How did Men." At the 2016 Denver GALA want to fit in with the concert because he thought it would be a the group end up with Festival, Ben was very proud that vision that our Artistic Director good challenge for him musically. “HarMENy”? Ben said, “My friend the guys were able to learn an has laid out for the chorus and the “I would get the chance to do some and excellent classical guitarist, entirely new set of music in three organization.” great things with choreography David Crabbs, came up with the months (after finding out that and staging and more personal name HarMENy - Men in securing the rights to perform pieces with a smaller group of guys Harmony when I asked my email songs from popular music theater than the regular chorus allowed.” friend group for brainstorming was almost impossible). Ben’s Indeed, Ben’s skills in conducting, ideas. Once I heard that, I couldn't creative mind has even put accompanying, arranging, and think of anything else. It was together an entire cheerleading motivating this small group are decided in my mind. I loved word- singing and cheering routine for always being showcased. play games as a kid, so I felt like the next GALA Festival! 74

2009-2010

Board of Directors 2009: Joe Freund, President; Brent Robins, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Carissa Bacich, Charles Carnes, Russ Kruse, Troy McBride, Doyle Monsma, Laura Symmonds, Ian Tucker, David Twombley

2010: Joe Freund, President; Brent Robins, Vice President; John Schmacker & Dana Barrer, Treasurers; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Erica Albertson, Carissa Bacich, Dana Barrer, Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Beth Flynn,

Troy McBride, Eric Olmscheid, Ian Tucker, David Twombley, James Vacca, Thomas Vance

Season Highlights • Performs at wedding of David Twombley and Larry Hoch at First Christian Church (Saturday, September 19, 2009) • HarMENy performs benefit “Witches’ Night Off” with Stagewest Theatre (October 5, 2009) • Performs noontime at Mosaic Diversity Conference (Monday, October 19, 2009) • Performs for the All-Iowa AIDS Benefit (Sunday, November 8, 2009) • Performs for “Living with HIV” silent auction (Mid-Iowa Community Action/Delta Lambda Phi sponsors) • Collaborates with Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble for Solstice concert • Performs at Central Presbyterian Church (Sunday, February 28, 2010) • Performs at Des Moines Social Club (Friday and Saturday, March 26 & 27, 2010) • Performs a free concert in Grinnell United Church of Christ, benefitting the food pantry (April 18, 2010) • Performs A Night at the Opera with the Des Moines Community Orchestra

75 Season: 2009-2010 Concert/Title: “Witches’ Night Off” A Benefit Performance for StageWest Theatre Company Venue: Stoner Theatre, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines Date: Monday, October 5, 2009 Conductor: Ben Hagen Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Participating Individuals & Groups: * Gina Gedler, Wicker Van Orsdel * HarMENy (Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus): Ken Hanson, Doyle Monsma, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Ian Tucker * Cast of StageWest’s Forbidden Broadway: Amy Burgmaier, Craig Peterson, Eric Shepard, Liz Ward * Artists from the Munchkinland National Touring Production of Wicked

Program:

Act One “I Put a Spell on You” * Michelle, Jenn, Erin, Carrie, Anne, Libby “Java Jive” * Flint, Charles, Don “Come Rain or Come Shine” * Gina “Big Spender” * Gina “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” * Carrie “Magic” * Libby (with Erin, Casey, Michelle, Ted, Daniel, and Don) “Gold” * Wicker “I Want More” * Wicker “Last Dance/Just Wanna Dance” * Daniel, Ryan, Nicky “Bring on the Men” * HarMENy

Act Two “A Forbidden Moment” * Amy, Craid, Eric, Liz “The World Goes ‘Round” * Erin “Merry Old Land of Oz” * Jacqui “Trickle, Trickle” * Charles, Flint, Ted, Don “Grace” * Carrie, Shylo, Jeremy “24 Hours of Lovin’” * Jenn “Meadowlark” * Anne, Alicia, Michelle 76

77 Season: 2009-2010 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “A Celebration at Solstice” (A Concert with the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble) Venue: Scottish Rite Consistory Dates: Saturday, December 19; Sunday, December 20, 2009 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Alice Bodnar and Nate Olson-Daniel, violin; Jennifer Wohlenhaus and Jade Fox, oboe; Kelli Mullarkie and Matthew Steffen, percussion; Lauren Freeman, viola; Jeff Jenson, bass; Michele Senger, cello Guest Conductor: Tim McMillin (DSM Vocal Arts Ensemble) Guest Accompanist: Carl R. Gravander, Jr. (Plymouth U.C.C. organist) Choreography: Eric Shepard, Eric Olmscheid (“Hallelujah” staging and costumes)

Singers: Tenor I: Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Tony Miles, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, John Chaplin, Austin Ewing, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Doug Dickinson, Matthew Ellinwood, Jesse Hatfield, Anthony Marinaro, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Patrick Phillips-Schrock, Larry Schlatter, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Elvin McDonald, Craig Otto, John Zickefoose

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Matthew Ellinwood, Ken Hanson, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Ian Tucker

Program:

“Deck the Hall” arr. Robert Shaw & Alice Parker

78 “Riu, riu chiu” arr. Jim Leininger * Craig Otto, soloist

“Here’s a Pretty Little Baby” arr. André Thomas * Shelby Hendryx, Mark Garner, Adam Skog, soloists

“Gloria!” Craig Courtney

“Ave Maris Stella” Trond Kverno

“Hymn to the Virgin” Benjamin Britten * Pat Palmer, Lauren Walters, Erik Horak-Hult, and Earl Sides, solo quartet “Bogoróditse Devo” Sergei Rachmaninoff

“Spaseñiye sodélal” Pavel Tchesnekoff (Salvation is Created)

“Zion hears the watchmen singing” Dietrich Buxtehude (arr. Rodde)

“Sicelides Musae” (Sicilian Muses) Theodore Harrison

“Winter” Tori Amos (arr. Hagen) * HarMENy; Ian Tucker and Doyle Monsma, soloists

“Cold” Jim Steinman & Andre Lloyd Webber (arr. Hagen) * HarMENy; Ken Hanson, soloist

INTERMISSION

“A Musicological Journey Through Craig Courtney the Twelve Days of Christmas”

“Santa Claus Rag” Scott Henderson * HarMENy

“Fantasy on God Rest Mark Riese Ye Merry, Gentlemen”

“A Christmas Carol” Charles Ives

“Santa Baby” Philip Springer (arr. Hunt) * Becky Strope, soloist

“Christmas Song” Mel Tormé (arr. Rubino) 79

“Silent Night” Franz Gruber (arr. Ramsay)

“Hallelujah” Leonard Cohen * Ian Tucker, Matthew Ellinwood, and Eric Olmsheid, soloists

“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah G.F. Handel

80 Season: 2009-2010 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Ladies and the Gentlemen” Venue: Des Moines Social Club Dates: Friday, March 26; Saturday March 27, 2010 (7:00 and 9:00 p.m. shows) Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: David Crabbs, guitar; Drew Selim, drums; Jim Dunn, bass Guest Artists: Emily Chafa, Gina Gedler, Amber Duimstra, Troy McBride Choreography: Eric Shepard (for HarMENy)

Singers: Tenor I: Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Jonathan Lukes, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, John Chaplin, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Ryan McDonough, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Matthew Ellinwood, Jesse Hatfield, Anthony Marinaro, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Patrick Phillips-Schrock, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Craig Otto, Larry Schlatter

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Matthew Ellinwood, Ken Hanson, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Ian Tucker

Program: * Troy McBride, Master of Ceremonies

“What a Merry Party” Rick Besoyan from Little Mary Sunshine

“To Be a Regular Royal Queen” Gilbert & Sullivan * Doyle Monsma, Ian Tucker, and Craig Otto, soloists from The Gondoliers

81 “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” Stephen Sondheim * Emily Chafa, Gina Gedler, and Amber Duimstra from Company

“I Will Survive” Freddie Perren & Dono Fekaris * HarMENy

“(You Make Me Feel Like) Carole King & Gerry Goffin * HarMENy with Amber Duimstra A Natural Woman”

“Unchained Melody” Alex North

“Alone” Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly * Doyle Monsma and Amber Duimstra

“The Audition (with a little Gershwin)” * Emily Chafa, soloist

“My Funny Valentine” Rodgers & Hart

“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” arr. Howard Helvey * Ben Hagen, primo piano & Tim Burgess, secondo piano

INTERMISSION

“OklaHamlet” * Narrators: Matthew Ellinwood, Patrick Phillips- Schrock, & Douglas Dickinson; Claudius’ brother, the former king and OklaHamlet’s father: Jesse Hatfield; OklaHamlet, Prince of Denmark: Greg Gross; Ophelia, OklaHamlet’s beloved: Wyatt Reicherts; Traveling Players: Mark Dickerson, Jonathan Lukes, Larry Schlatter, & Ian Tucker; Claudius, OklaHamlet’s uncle and the new king: Craig T. Caster; Gertrude, the Queen: Gina Gedler; Laertes, Ophelia’s brother: Eric Olmscheid; Horatio: Ryan McDonough

“Ladies Who Lunch” from Company Stephen Sondheim * Brent Robins and Gina Gedler

“All By Myself” Rachmaninoff & Carmen * Craig Otto, soloist

82 “Why Haven’t I Heard from You?” Sandy Knox & T.W. Hale * Gina Gedler, Ian Tucker, & the Boys

“Dancing Queen” Andersson, Anderson, & Ulvaeus * HarMENy

“With You” from Pippin Stephen Schwartz * Emily Chafa, soloist

“Be the Love” Mark Hayes

83 Season: 2009-2010 Concert/Title: Free Concert (donations will be accepted to benefit Kids Against Hunger in Haiti) Venue: Grinnell United Church of Christ Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Jonathan Lukes, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, John Chaplin, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Ryan McDonough, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Matthew Ellinwood, Jesse Hatfield, Anthony Marinaro, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Patrick Phillips-Schrock, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Craig Otto, Larry Schlatter

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Matthew Ellinwood, Ken Hanson, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Ian Tucker

Program:

“What a Merry Party” Rick Besoyan from Little Mary Sunshine

“To Be a Regular Royal Queen” Gilbert & Sullivan * Doyle Monsma, Ian Tucker, and Craig Otto, soloists from The Gondoliers

“My Funny Valentine” Rodgers & Hart

“Unchained Melody” Alex North

84 “Why Haven’t I Heard from You?” Sandy Knox & T.W. Hale (arr. Hagen) * Ben Hagen & Ian Tucker, soloists

“In Every Corner Sing” Sateren (arr. Rodde)

“The Lord is My Shepherd” William Mathias

“Zion Hears the Watchmen Singing” Buxtehude (arr. Rodde)

“Salvation is Created” Pavel Tschesnekov

“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” arr. Howard Helvey * Ben Hagen, primo piano & Tim Burgess, secondo piano

“I Will Survive” Freddie Perren & Dono Fekaris * HarMENy

“Dancing Queen” Andersson, Anderson, & Ulvaeus * HarMENy

“Oh, Gentlemen, Listen, I Pray” Gilbert & Sullivan * Tim Burgess, soloist from Trial by Jury

“OklaHamlet” * Narrators: Matthew Ellinwood, Patrick Phillips- Schrock, & Douglas Dickinson; Claudius’ brother, the former king and OklaHamlet’s father: Jesse Hatfield; OklaHamlet, Prince of Denmark: Greg Gross; Ophelia, OklaHamlet’s beloved: Wyatt Reicherts; Traveling Players: Mark Dickerson, Jonathan Lukes, Larry Schlatter, & Ian Tucker; Claudius, OklaHamlet’s uncle and the new king: Craig T. Caster; Gertrude, the Queen: Gina Gedler; Laertes, Ophelia’s brother: Eric Olmscheid; Horatio: Ryan McDonough

“Be the Love” Mark Hayes

85 Season: 2009-2010 Concert/Title: “Of Frolic and Folk” Venue: Capitol Hill Lutheran Church Dates: Friday, June 11; Saturday, June 12, 2010 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Jim Dunn, bass; Jeff Lind, guitar; Ron Routh, percussion; Ben Wedeking, violin Poet: Bill Nolan “Some of Us Are One” Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Jonathan Lukes, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins

Tenor II: Tim Burgess, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Ryan McDonough, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock, David Twombley, Larry White

Baritone: Craig T. Caster, Mark Dickerson, Doug Dickinson, Matthew Ellinwood, Jesse Hatfield, Troy McBride, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Patrick Phillips-Schrock, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Craig Otto, Larry Schlatter

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Matthew Ellinwood, Ken Hanson, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Brent Robins, Ian Tucker

Program:

“Let All Men Sing” Keith Christopher

“Never Turning Back” Pat Humphries * Craig T. Caster & Ian Tucker, soloists

“Gracias a la Vida” Violeta Parra (arr. Zwozdesky) * Craig Otto, Craig T. Caster, & Greg Gross, soloists

86 “Movin’ On” Raymond R. Hannisian * Tim Burgess, soloist; David Twombley, flute

“Some of Us Are One” original poem by Bill Nolan

“Chapel of Love” Spector, Greenwich, & Barry * HarMENy with Eric Olmscheid and Matthew Ellinwood, soloists

“To Love and To Be Loved” Wayne Chadwich (arr. Surley)

“Ladybug” James Stein * Ian Tucker, soloist

“Make Me a Kite” McBroom & Bourman

“Happy Together” Bonnner & Gordon

INTERMISSION

“Puttin’ On the Ritz” Irving Berlin (arr. Dillon) * David Twombley & James Vacca, clarinets

“Gee Officer Krupke” Leonard Bernstein * Krupke: Craig T. Caster; Action: Charles Carnes; from West Side Story Snow Boy: Ryan McDonough; Diesel: Matthew Ellinwood; Arab: Mark Dickerson; Baby John: Tom Vance

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Arlen & Harburg (arr. Coleman) from The Wizard of Oz

“The Song of Purple Summer” Duncan Sheik * HarMENy: Craig Otto & Ken Hanson, soloists from Spring Awakening

“Proud” Vettese & Small (arr. Hagen) * HarMENy with Wyatt Reicherts, soloist

“Wood River” Connie Kaldor (arr. Zwozdesky) * Brent Robins, soloist

“The Us of Me” David Brunner

“Brotherhood of Man” from How to Frank Loesser * Greg Gross, Jonathan Lukes, & Ryan Succeed in Business Without McDonough, soloists Really Trying 87

They mow lawns, “Some of Us Are One” Tend their gardens, Rear their children.

A Poem by Bill Nolan Cherish their cats and dogs. They get degrees,

Build careers, One year ago, by court decree, Serve on committees, Some of us became, finally, Pay their taxes, Real and whole. Vote. Some of us, two by two, Now can be, legally, But words on paper One. Still say they are not whole. Now now, not next year, not ever. One year ago, the stroke of a pen The words demote their kind of love, Smote the shell Wedding church and state Of our legislated half-life In a marriage of convenience And made our loves, That makes it easy Our devotion, our sacred commitments To dismiss unconventional love Equal before all others. As unworthy—lacking the sacred power To merge two souls Yet there are those And let them be one. Who would resurrect the shell, Who would have us live in limbo, So some of us, two by two, Half-formed, May now be one, Something less than fully human, But all of us still linger in limbo, Permanently parceled off Waiting for words that say Behind a screen of paper prejudice. Our love is finally, Many still live Unequivocally, irreversibly, In that limbo. Real and whole. Like us, they love, All of us still wait They work, For words that say They hope, they dream. We’ve really and truly won.

88

2010-2011

Board of Directors

2010: Joe Freund, President; Brent Robins, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Beth Flynn, Troy Peters, Eric Olmscheid, David Twombley, James Vacca, Thomas Vance

2011: Joe Freund, President; Brent Robins, Vice President; John Schmacker & Elizabeth Davis, Treasurers; Emily Chafa, Secretary; Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Beth Flynn, Jesus Lopez, Eric Olmscheid, Troy Peters, David Twombley, James Vacca, Thomas Vance

Season Highlights

• Chorus sings at wedding of Jenny Moore & Lindsey Smith (July 31, 2010) • Performs at Stars Party (Emily Chafa) • Performs “A Night at the Opera” with Des Moines Community Orchestra Concert (Sunday, November 7, 2010) • Performs at Walnut Hills Church (Sunday, November 21, 2010) • Performs over lunch for Aviva Diversity Week (Friday, December 3, 2010) • Performs at Iowa State University LGBT Regional Event (February 2011) • Premiers Music for a Change concert to celebrate the anniversary of Varnum v. Brien • 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert: program includes “Eos” by David Conte (Dr. Randal A. Buikema guest conducts repertoire from the inaugural concert)

89 Season: 2010-2011 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert: “A Voice for the Season” Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 17; Saturday, December 18, 2010 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Percussion & Guitars: Amber Duimstra, Easton Gruber, Jesse Hatfield, Chuck Jordan, Troy Peterse, Matthew Siebert, Sam Theis, James Vacca Guest Soloist: Amber Duimstra Dancers: Silvina Lopez Barrera, Elizabeth Ferreira, Valerie Williams (choreographer)

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts

Tenor II: Bruce Carr, Matthew Ellinwood, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Denny Schrock

Baritone: Steve Bishop, Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Troy Peters, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Craig Otto, Larry Schlatter

Program:

“Gaudete” 15th c. carol * Craig Otto and Craig T. Caster, soloists; James Vacca, recorder

“Gloria in excelsis Deo” Antonio Vivaldi (arr. Martens) from Gloria

“Bound for the Promised Land” arr. Emily Crocker

“In The Bleak Midwinter” Victor Cohen Johnson

90 “Tavern Chorus” Jacques Offenbach * Matthew Ellinwood, Ian Tucker, Craig T. Caster, from Tales of Hoffmann and Doyle Monsma, soloists

“Heleluyan” arr. Jerry Ulrich

“Oh What a Pretty Little Baby” arr. Susan Gardner * Amber Duimstra, soloist

“Somebody to Love” Freddie Mercury (arr. Anders & Davis) * HarMENy, Wyatt Reicherts and Eric Olmsheid, soloists

“With cat-like tread, upon our prey Gilbert & Sullivan * Doyle Monsma, soloist we steal” from Pirates of Penzance

“Stars I Shall Find” David Dickau

“Turn the World Around” Belafonte & Freedman (arr. Emerson)

“A New December” David Frank Long

“Coming Out on Christmas” Craig Sturgis (arr. Johnson)

“Have Yourself a Merry Martin & Blane * Amber Duimstra, soloist Little Christmas”

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Walter Kent (arr. Hayes)

“I Am That Man” Mark Hayes * Eric Olmscheid, soloist

91 Season: 2010-2011 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Music For a Change: A Voice To Educate and Inspire” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Sharon Stilwell, flute and guitars; Troy Peters, percussion; James Vacca, clarinet and percussion Guest Artist: Eric Shepard

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Bruce Carr, Michael Harrington, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky

Baritone: Steve Bishop, Mark Dickerson, Austin Ewing, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Troy Peters, Dean Stonehocker, Hal Thompson, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Craig Otto Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design

Program: Eric Shepard, Master of Ceremonies

“We Live” Dean X. Johnson

“Star-Spangled Banner” arr. Jim Rodde

“Conditor alme siderum” chant

“He That Will an Alehouse Keep” Thomas Ravenscroft

“Song of the Jolly Roger” C.F. Chudleigh-Candish

“Don’t Stop Believin’” arr. Anders & Davis * HarMENy with Doyle Monsma, soloist

92

“Walk a Mile” Choplin & Hayes

“I Vow to Thee, My Country” Gustav Holst

“Dulaman” Michael McGlynn * York Taenzer, soloist

“My Youngest Son Came Billy Bragg * Craig Otto, Ken Hanson, and York Taenzer, soloists Home Today”

“Kolm mul oli kaunist sona” Veljo Tormis * Sharon Stilwell, flute

“Marching to Pretoria” Marais & Abbott * Sharon Stilwell, flute; James Vacca, clarinet

“We Shall Not Give Up the Fight” South African * Troy Peters, percussion

“Tshotsholoza” arr. Jeffrey Ames * Ken Hanson, soloist; Troy Peters and James Vacca, percussion

“Fanfare for an Uncommon Woman” Joseph M. Martin * Ben Hagen, pianist

“One Voice” Joseph M. Martin * Kim Jones, Craig T. Caster, and Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

“Feeling Good” Bricusse & Newley

“We Belong” Lowen & Navarro (arr. Brymer) * HarMENy

“I Am That Man” Mark Hayes * Eric Olmscheid, soloist

“We Live” (Reprise) Dean X. Johnson

93 Season: 2010-2011 Concert/Title: “Coming Full Circle: A Voice for the Future” (10th Anniversary Concert) Venue: Central Presbyterian Church Dates: Friday, June 10; Saturday, June 11, 2011 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Matt Andreini, percussion; Alice Bodnar, concertmistress; Jacob Theiben, percussion; Ruth Harris, organ; John Helmich, violin II; Jeff Jensen, bass; Sue Odem, oboe; Joyce Wheeler, clarinet; Betty Miller, viola, Patrick Riley, cello; Sonya Siebert, piano and synthesizer; Jason Oelmann, French horn Guest Artist: Dr. Randal A. Buikema Guest Soloists: Colin Morgan, tenor; Clay Hulsey, baritone Staging: Eric Olmscheid, Wyatt Reicherts

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Bruce Carr, Matthew Ellinwood, Michael Harrington, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Tim McMillin, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Dean Stonehocker, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky, Connie Wilson David Twombley Connie Wilson Design

Baritone: Steve Bishop, Mark Dickerson, Austin Ewing, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Troy Peters, Hal Thompson, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Craig Otto

Program:

“Confirma hoc, Deus” Jacob Handl (arr. James Rodde, ISU)

“Sound Off” Paul Rardin

“Eos” David Conte * Colin Moran and Clay Hulsey, soloists

94 INTERMISSION

“Sweet Man of Mine” Neil Diamond

“Cell Block Tango” from Chicago Kander & Ebb * HarMENy

“An Anniversary Song”

“Testament of Freedom” Randall Thompson

I. “The God Who gave us life” IV. “I shall not die without a hope”

“The Awakening” Joseph Martin

“We the People” Patrick Hutchison from The Harvey Milk Show

95

96

2011-2012

Board of Directors

2011: Joe Freund, President; John Schmacker & Elizabeth Davis, Treasurers; Emily Chafa, Secretary Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Beth Flynn, Jesus Lopez, Eric Olmscheid, David Twombley, James Vacca, Thomas Vance

2012: Eric Olmsheid, President; Thomas Vance, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; James Vacca, Secretary Kathleen Beebout, Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Allyn Dixon, Mary-Frances Evans, Beth Flynn, Joe Freund, Kyl James, Jesus Lopez, John Sellars

Season Highlights

• Rebecca is featured speaker with a sample performance at First Friday Breakfast Club (Friday, October 7, 2011) • Performs “Music for a Change” concert at Grinnell United Church of Christ (November 6, 2011) • Performs at All-Iowa AIDS Benefit (Sunday, November 13, 2011) • Performs “Music for a Change” at Iowa State LGBT Students (Friday & Saturday, February 10-11, 2012) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Scholarship Dinner (Friday, June 1, 2012) • DMGMC and HarMENy perform at the GALA Festival in Denver, Colorado • Performs at the Roosevelt High School Pride Celebration

97 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: Free Concert (donations accepted to benefit flood relief in western Iowa) Venue: Grinnell United Church of Christ Date: Sunday, November 6, 2011 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: John Baluyut, Bruce Carr, Matthew Ellinwood, Justin Jarrell, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Josh Irwin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Eric Olmsheid, Hal Thompson, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Edward Barrow, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Craig Otto, Adam Vos

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Sean Broyles, Greg Gross, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmsheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Joe Thering, Ian Tucker

Program:

“We Live” Dean X. Johnson * Tim Burgess, pianist

“Of The Father’s Love Begotten” arr. Edwin T. Childs

“He That Will an Alehouse Keep” Thomas Ravenscroft

“Song of the Jolly Roger” C.F. Chudleigh-Candish

“Don’t Stop Believin’” arr. Anders & Davis * HarMENy with Doyle Monsma, soloist 98

“Feeling Good” Bricusse & Newley

“We Belong” Lowen & Navarro (arr. Brymer) * HarMENy

“I Vow to Thee, My Country” Gustav Holst

“Dulaman” Michael McGlynn * York Taenzer, soloist

“My Youngest Son Came Billy Bragg * Craig Otto, Ken Hanson, and York Taenzer, soloists Home Today”

INTERMISSION

“Kolm mul oli kaunist sona” Veljo Tormis * Sharon Stilwell, flute

“Mu isamaa, on minu arm” Gustav Ernesaks

“Marching to Pretoria” Marais & Abbott * Sharon Stilwell, flute; James Vacca, clarinet

“We Shall Not Give Up the Fight” South African

“Tshotsholoza” arr. Jeffrey Ames * Ken Hanson, soloist

“Star-Spangled Banner” arr. Jim Rodde

“How Could Anyone” Libby Roderick

“One Voice” Joseph M. Martin * Kim Jones, Craig T. Caster, and Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

99 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 16; Saturday, December 17, 2011 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, (* Section Leader) Joseph Holbrook, Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: John Baluyut, Bruce Carr, Justin Jarrell, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Josh Irwin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Eric Olmsheid, Hal Thompson, *Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, *Craig Otto, Adam Vos

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Sean Broyles, Greg Gross, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmsheid, Stefan Hansen Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Joe Thering, Ian Tucker Fresk Labs

Program:

“Toccata of Praise” Joseph M. Martin

“Winter Scene” Carl J. Nygard, Jr. (arr. Kelly)

“Of The Father’s Love Begotten” arr. Edwin T. Childs from Divinum Mysterium

“The Boar’s Head Carol” arr. Shaw & Parker

100 “Be We Merry” arr. Steven Sametz from Songs of the Nativity

“Make Them Hear You” Stephen Flaherty * HarMENy from Ragtime

“The Name of Jesus” Craig Courtney * Tim Burgess, Jim Torsky, Wyatt Reicherts, soloists * Keith Meendering, Joe Thering, Ian Tucker, Adam Vos, and Ben Hagen, percussion

“Two Carols for Christmas” Alun Hoddinott

“Then Christmas Comes” Kentaro Sato

“Hanover Winter Song” Richard Hovey & Frederic Bullard

“Winter Wonderland” arr. Kevin Christensen * Craig Otto, soloist (“A Gay Romp in the Snow)”

“The Twelve Days After Christmas” Frederick Silver

“The Most Wonderful Time Pola & Wyle of the Year”

101 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: Spring Cabaret Concert Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Friday, March 23; Saturday, March 24, 2012 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: David Crabbs, guitar; Dutin Harmsen, bass; Drew Selim, drums Guest Soloists: Andrew Ryker, Adam Yankowy Choreography: Karla Kash

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, (* Section Leader) Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Justin Jarrell, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Joe Thering

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Josh Irwin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Eric Olmsheid, Chad Peters, *Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund,

Ty McCubbin, *Craig Otto, Adam Vos, Ramone Wilder Stefan Hansen Fresk Labs

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Sean Broyles, Greg Gross, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmsheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Joe Thering, Ian Tucker

Program:

“Fugue for Tinhorns” Frank Loesser from Guys and Dolls

“Wilkommen” from Cabaret Kander & Ebb * Eric Olmscheid and the Ensemble

“I’ll Be Seeing You” Kahal & Fain

“The Way We Were” Allen & Marilyn Bergman * Justin Jarrell as Liberace, soloist 102

“I’m Yours” Jason Mraz (arr. Huff) * HarMENy

“If I Can’t Love Her (Him)” Rice Ashman & Menken * Adam Yankowy, soloist from Beauty and the Beast

“Sixty Minute Man” Ward & Marks * Craig Otto, soloist

“He Touched Me” Levin & Schafer * Andrew Ryker, soloist from Drat! The Cat!

“We’ll Have an Old-Fashioned Irving Berlin * Ty McCubbin and York Taenzer, soloists Wedding” from Annie Get Your Gun

“Abbondanza” Frank Loesser from Most Happy Fella

“Non so piu” (Unchained Melody) Zaret & North * Ian Tucker, soloist

“Ha, Ha; Ho, Ho; Such a Merry Party” Rick Besoyan from Little Mary Sunshine

INTERMISSION

“Marching to Pretoria” Marais

“Hail, Holy Queen” / “Oh Maria” / Altman, Plante, Stole, Roma (arr. Huff) * HarMENy “I Will Follow Him”

“How Can I Love If I’ve Justin Jarrell * Justin Jarrell, soloist Never Been Loved”

“If I Can’t Sell It” Hill & Razaf * Rebecca Gruber, soloist

“They Call the Wind Mariah” Lerner & Loewe * Adam Yankowy and the Ensemble from Paint Your Wagon

103 “How Could I Know” Norman & Simon * Doyle Monsma, soloist from The Secret Garden

“Teenage Dream” Gottwald, Martin, Levin, * HarMENy McKee, Perry (arr. Huff)

“Over the Rainbow” Harbur, Arlen (arr. Beck) * HarMENy

“Man in the Mirror” Ballard & Garrett * Sean Broyles and the Ensemble

“Heart” from Damn Yankees Adler & Ross * Craig T. Caster and the Ensemble

“Tzena, tzena” Issachar Miron

104 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: Pride Concert Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Choreography: Karla Kash Sign Language: Donna Scarfe

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, (* Section Leader) Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Matthew Ellinwood, Justin Jarrell, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Bill Nolan, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Josh Irwin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Eric Olmsheid, Chad Peters, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, *Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Ty McCubbin, *Craig Otto, Adam Vos, Ramone Wilder Stefan Hansen Fresk Labs HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Sean Broyles, Greg Gross, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmsheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Joe Thering, Ian Tucker

Program:

“Cantate Domino” Giuseppi Pitoni (arr. Moore)

“Come Away Sweet Love” Thomas Greaves (arr. Hein)

“Imitatione del Venetiano” Orazio Vecchi, ed. Jameson Marvin

105 “Lullaby of Birdland” George Shearing (arr. Leyden)

“Faith” David Maddux

“I’m Yours” Jason Mraz (arr. Huff) * Ian Tucker, soloist

“Here’s Where I Stand” from Camp Michael Gore * Wyatt Reicherts, soloist

“Let Me Go” Barry Manilow * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“Hail, Holy Queen” traditional * HarMENy

“Oh Maria/I Will Follow Him” Altman, Plante, Stole, * HarMENy & Roma (arr. Huff)

“The Song of Purple Summer” Duncan Shiek * HarMENy from Spring Awakening

“Bring On the Men” Frank Wildhorn * HarMENy from Jekyll and Hyde

“Make Them Hear You” Stephen Flaherty * HarMENy from Ragtime

INTERMISSION

“Such a Merry Party” Rick Besoyan from Little Mary Sunshine

“Toccata of Praise” Joseph M. Martin

“Abendlied” Felix Mendelssohn

“How Do I Love You?” Penny Rodriguez

“I Can See It” from The Fantasticks Harvey Schmidt (arr. Shackley)

“The Storm is Passing Over” Sankey & Tindley (arr. Nickel) * Doyle Monsma, soloist 106

“How Could Anyone” Libby Roderick

“Tshotsholoza” arr. Jeffrey Ames * Ken Hanson, soloist

“Proud” Heather Small * York Taenzer, soloist

107 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Boettcher Concert Hall; 4:00 p.m.; Denver, Colorado Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Percussionist: Joe Thering Organizers: Rick Miller, Joe Freund

Singers: Tenor I: Sean Broyles, Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Kim Jones, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Josh Irwin, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Keith Meendering, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Conor Murphy, Joe Thering, Jim Torsky

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Eric Olmscheid, Chad Peters, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Joe Freund, Ty McCubbin, Craig Otto, Adam Vos, Ramone Wilder

Full Chorus Program:

“Such a Merry Party” Rick Besoyan from Little Mary Sunshine

“Toccata of Praise” Joseph Martin

“Abendlied” (Evening Song) Felix Mendelssohn & Heinrich Heine

“How Do I Love You?” Penny Rodriguez & E.B. Browning

“I Can See It” from The Fantasticks Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones (arr. Shackley)

“The Storm is Passing Over” Sankeny, Tindley, Charlesworth, * Doyle Monsma, soloist & Rossetti

“How Could Anyone” Libby Roderick

“Tshotsholoza” arr. Jeffery L. Ames * Ken Hanson, soloist 108 Season: 2011-2012 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Chambers Grant Salon; 10:30 p.m.; Denver, Colorado Date: Sunday, July 8, 2012 Conductor: Ben Hagen Organizers: Rick Miller, Joe Freund

HarMENy: Singers: Sean Broyles, Greg Gross, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Joseph Thering, Ramone Wilder

HarMENy Program:

“Medley from Sister Act” arr. Mac Huff * “Hail Holy Queen” * “I Will Follow Him” * “Shout”

“The Song of Purple Summer” Duncan Sheik & Steven Sater from Spring Awakening

“Bring on the Men” Frank Wildhorn & Leslie Bricusse from Jekyll and Hyde

“Make Them Hear You” Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens (arr. Funk) from Ragtime, The Musical

2012 GALA Fundraisers:

1. Wreath Auction at Solstice Concert: each member that wanted to participate provided a wreath that they decorated. There was a wide array of choices and they sold out. 2. Kathleen Beebout (Board member) provided pies from her enterprise (Pies With a Purpose) in which chorus members met at her house and materials were provided for help making pies. This was an auction. One pie sold for $125! (done at Temple concert) 3. An art auction was hosted at the Pride Concert in which members provided art pieces that were bid on before the concert and during intermission. Winners were announced after the concert ended. (Sheslow Auditorium) 109

110

2012-2013

Board of Directors

Eric Olmscheid, President; Thomas Vance, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; James Vacca, Secretary Kathleen Beebout, Mary Brubaker, Charles Carnes, Allyn Dixon, Mister Enderson, Mary-Frances Evans, Greg Gross, Kyl James, Jesus Lopez, Keith Meendering, John Sellars

Season Highlights

• Collaborates with Simpson College Women’s Chorale • Board approves Google Voice (515-999-5636) instead of existing phone number • Board votes to switch to Eventbrite ticketing platform starting with winter concert • Performs at St. Paul’s (Sunday, October 28, 2012) • Performs at All-Iowa AIDS Benefit Gala on (Sunday, November 11, 2012) • Performs at East Village Promenade (Friday, November 16. 2012)

• “Twelfth Night” Party VIP Social Event is held at York Taenzer’s house (Saturday, January 5, 2013)

• Performs at Interplay Concert (April 30, and May 1, 2013) • Performs Benefit Concert for Mid-Iowa Community Action in Ames (May 5, 2013) • Board moves to use Standing Ovation for future playbills • Celebrity performer Miss Richfield 1981 hosts the Big Gay Sing

111 Season: 2012-2013 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert: “May Your Gays Be Merry & Bright” Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 14; Saturday, December 15, 2012 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Choreography: Karla Kash

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Vincenzo D’Azzo, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, (* Section Leader) *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, Jake Skarin, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Matthew Ellinwood, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Bryce Sprosty, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Nick Browne, Utz Kai d’Azzo, Mark Dickerson, Tony Dillon-Hansen, Jesse Hatfield, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Chad Peters, Ryan Stearns, Michael Stefanek, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, *James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Vincenzo D’Azzo, Utz Kai d’Azzo, Don Agee, Nick Browne, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II, Wyatt Reicherts, Jake Skarin, York Taenzer

Program:

“All That Hath Life and Breath” Rene Clausen

“Masters in This Hall” arr. Jay Althouse

“Free to Love” Dean X. Johnson

112

“American Anthem” Gene Scheer

“The Nearness of You” Hoagy Charmichael (arr. Shaw) * HarMENy with York Taenzer, soloist

“What A Gay Ol’ Christmas Tree” arr. Karlan Judd

“Ukrainian Alleluia” Craig Courtney

“Thankful” Bayer Sager, Foster, Page * York Taenzer, soloist

“How Can I Keep From Singing” arr. Gwyneth Walker

“What Matters” Randi Driscoll (arr. Robison) * Nick Browne, soloist

“Mele Kalikimaka” Alex R. Anderson (arr. Althouse) * Don Agee and Richard Van Gundy, soloists

“Santa Baby” Javits & Springer (arr. Huff)

“Have Yourself a Merry Martin & Blane (arr. Hayes) * HarMENy with Jake Skarin, soloist Little Christmas”

“Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” / Praetorius & McBroom * Nick Browne, soloist “The Rose”

“White Christmas” Irving Berlin * Craig Otto, soloist

“I Sing Out” Mark Hayes * Richard Van Gundy, soloist

113 Season: 2012-2013 Concert/Title: Spring Cabaret Concert: “Rhythm of Love” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Friday, March 15; Saturday, March 16, 2013 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: David Crabbs, guitar; Dustin Harmsen, bass; Drew Selim, percussion; Mike Luken, trumpet Guest Artist: Matt “Woz” Wosmansky

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, Seth Fisher, (* Section Leader) Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, John Baluyut, Peter Effertz, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Bryce Sprosty, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Phil Brawner, Nick Browne, Mark Dickerson, Tony Dillon-Hansen, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Chad Peters, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, *James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Nick Browne, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Richard Van Gundy II

Program: Matt Wosmansky, Master of Ceremonies

“Some Nights” Antonoff, Bhasker, Dost, & Ruess

“Fever” Davenport & Cooley (arr. Shaw) 114

“Rhythm of Love” Tim Lopez (arr. Beck)

“Just the Way You Are” Bruno Mars * HarMENy: York Taenzer and Nick Browne, soloists

“I Concentrate on You” Cole Porter * Craig Otto, soloist

“For Me, Leather” Harold Arlen (parody Murray Sexton) * Phil Brawner, soloist

“Rolling in the Deep” Adele & Paul Epworth * HarMENy: Wyatt Reicherts and Nick Browne, soloists

“Not Getting Married Today” Stephen Sondheim * Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Phil Brawner, from Company Mark Dickerson, and Ty McCubbin, soloists

“Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Yours” Jerome Kern (parody Murray Sexton) * Ian Tucker, Ty McCubbin, Don Agee, Craig T. Caster, and Greg Gross, soloists

“September” White, McKay, & Willis * Nick Browne, soloist

INTERMISSION

“Rock This Town” The Stray Cats

“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Ray & Prince

“Candyman” Aguilera & Perry * Richard Van Gundy, soloist

“I’m a Bad, Bad Woman, as sung by Julie Williams * Ian Tucker, soloist but I’m Good Company”

“Beautiful Dreamer” Stephen Foster (arr. Henderson)

“The Man in the Moon is a Lady” Jerry Herman * Don Agree, soloist from Mame

“What Do I Need With Love” Tesori & Scanlon * Phil Brawner, soloist from Thoroughly Modern Millie 115 “What I Did For Love” Hamlisch & Kleban * Richard Van Gundy, soloist from Chorus Line

“Hernando’s Hideaway” Adler & Ross from Pajama Game

“Anything You Can Do” Irving Berlin from Annie Get Your Gun

116 Season: 2012-2013 Concert/Title: Interplay Concert (with Des Moines Symphony Academy and The Pointe Academy Dance Ensemble) Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Tuesday, April 30; Wednesday, May 1; 2013 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: (Singers Not Listed by Name in Program)

Program:

Act I: Classical Vaudeville

“Allegro maestoso” Cambini * Honors Woodwind Quintet

“Schubert in Blue” Franz Schubert * Honors String Quartet “Sonata” anonymous * Honors Brass Quintet from Die Bankelsangerlieder

“Pierre Pas de Quatre” Gabriel Pierne * Honors Woodwind Quintet “Pieta Signore” Alessandro Stradella * Ed Griffith, tenor; Bob Lien, piano “Dido’s Lament” Purcell * Deaven Swainey, soprano; James Poulsen, piano, Honors String Quartet “One-derful” Denes Agay * Honors Woodwind Quintet, danced by Ensemble “Ukrainian Alleluia” Craig Courtney * Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus “Passages” Max Richter * dancers

INTERMISSION

Act II: American Dances

“Prelude” (lyrics to Chester) William Billings * John Earl Robinson speaker 117 “The Meetin’ House” William Billings * Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus; danced by from Brookfield Ensemble “The Preacher” * Jeff Lind, banjo; danced by Julian Gruber “The Parasol Belles” Scott Joplin * Bob Lien, piano; dancers from The Ragime Dance

“A Jubilant Song” Tim Sarseny * Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

“The Times” Stephen Foster * Edwin Griffith, tenor; Bob Lien, piano; Natalie Bantz, from Hard Times Come flute;Lander Geadelmann, cello; danced by Again No More Jennifer Curiel, Julian Gruber “The Buckaroo” John Cheetham * Honors Brass Quintet “The Happening” Drumming Wolf * danced by Mackenzie Copley “The Prayer” Douglas Moore * Deaven Swainey, soprano; James Poulson, piano, danced by Isalbel Allaway

“The River, Robin Jons” Earth Pulse * danced by Mackenzie Copley, Ariana Hunkin “The Cat” Aaron Copland * Honors Woodwind Quintet; Ben Allaway, baritone; danced by ensemble

“The Calm” Philip Glass * Honors String Quartet; danced by Jennifer Curiel “The Net Force of Zero” Philip Glass * Honors String Quartet; danced by Ensemble “The Reprise” William Billing * Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus; danced by Ensemble

“Postlude” (lyrics to Chester) Philip Doddridge * John Earl Robinson speaker

118 Season: 2012-2013 Concert/Title: Benefit Concert for MICA (Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc.) Venue: Ames Congregational Church Date: Sunday, May 5, 2013 Conductor: Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: (Singers Not Listed by Name in Program)

Program: (Program states program will be songs “To be selected from”)

“Listen to a Jubilant Song” Tim Sarsany

“All That Hath Life and Breath” Rene Clausen * Tim Burgess, soloist

“Ukrainian Alleluia” Craig Courtney

“Rhythm of Love” Tim Lopez (arr. Beck) * Ken Hanson, Doyle Monsma, & Jim Torsky, soloists

“Getting Married Today” Stephen Sondheim * Mark Dickerson, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, & Phil Brawner, soloists

“Hernando’s Hideaway” Adler & Ross from Pajama Game

“Beautiful Dreamer” Stephen Foster (arr. Henderson)

“Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Yours” Jerome Kern & Murray Sexton * Ian Tucker, Craig T. Caster, Ty McCubbin, & Greg Gross, soloists

“Thankful” Bayer-Sager, Foster, Page * York Taenzer, soloist

“Fever” Cooley & Davenport (arr. Shaw)

“Anything You Can Do” Irving Berlin from Annie Get Your Gun

“What Matters” Randi Driscoll (arr. Robison) * Nick Browne, soloist

“I Sing Out” Mark Hayes * Richard Van Gundy, soloist 119 Season: 2012-2013 Concert/Title: Pride Concert: “The Big Gay Sing” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: John Helmich, violin I; Julia Immel, violin II; Betty Miller, viola; Paul Virgilio, cello; Walter Reed, trumpet I; Mike Luken, trumpet II; Aaron Powell, guitar; Lauren Johnson, bass; Zane Gedler, drums; Jared Guinta, saxophone Guest Artist: Miss Richfield 1981

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, Seth Fisher, Greg (* Section Leader) Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Bryce Sprosty, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Phil Brawner, Nick Browne, Mark Dickerson, Tony Dillon-Hansen, Terrance Korte, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Chad Peters, Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, *James Vacca, Tom Vance

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Nick Browne, Seth Fisher, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer, Richard Van Gundy II

Program: Miss Richfield 1981, Mistress of Ceremonies

“Don’t Stop Believing” Perry, Schon, & Cain * Doyle Monsma, soloist (arr. Anders & Davis)

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Paul Simon (arr. Shaw) * Craig Otto and Ian Tucker, soloists 120 “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” Carter Stanley (arr. Shaw)

“Sweet Caroline” Neil Diamond (arr. Shaw)

“Our Voices Win Freedom” Ruth Huber * Lyrics based on the GALA mission

“True Colors” Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly (arr. Coleman)

“Lean On Me” Bill Withers (arr. Hayes) * Nick Browne, soloist

“I Will Survive” Freddie Perren & Dino Fekaris * Miss Richfield 1981, soloist

INTERMISSION

“We Are the Ones” GALA Festival, 2012

“A Jubilant Song” Tim Sarsany

“Musica!” Brant Adams * James Vacca and York Taenzer, soloists

“What Matters” Randi Driscoll (arr. Robison) * Nick Browne, soloist

“Over the Rainbow” E.Y. Harburg & Harold Arlen * Miss Richfield 1981, soloist

“I Sing Out” Mark Hayes * Richard Van Gundy, soloist

“We Are the Ones” GALA Festival, 2012

“A Jubilant Song” Tim Sarsany

“Musica!” Brant Adams * James Vacca and York Taenzer, soloists

“What Matters” Randi Driscoll (arr. Robison) * Nick Browne, soloist

“Over the Rainbow” E.Y. Harburg & Harold Arlen * Miss Richfield 1981, soloist

“I Sing Out” Mark Hayes * Richard Van Gundy, soloist

“Yesterday” Lennon & McCartney (arr. Huff)

“You Raise Me Up” Rolf Lovland & Brendan Graham (arr. Hayes) 121

2013-2014

Board of Directors

Eric Olmscheid, President; Keith Meendering, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; James Vacca, Secretary Don Agee, Kathleen Beebout, Mary Brubaker, Allyn Dixon, Mister Enderson, Greg Gross, Brad Holland, Kyl James, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, John Sellars

Season Highlights

• Performs for the Benefit (Sunday, November 3, 2013) • Performs at Walnut Hills Methodist Church (Sunday, November 17, 2013) • Performs at East Village Holiday Promenade (Friday, November 22, 2013) • HarMENy performs at Festival of Trees and Lights (Tuesday, November 26, 2013) • Performs at Meredith campus as part of our sponsorship program (Thursday, December 12, 2013) • Wrapping Fundraising and caroling event is held at Barnes & Noble (December 15, 2013) • Performs at Tifereth Israel Temple (Saturday, March, 22, 2014) • Donor Event is held at Proof (Saturday, April 12, 2014) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Scholarship Dinner (Friday, June 6, 2014) • Holds first annual fundraiser EAT. DRINK. SING. at Alexander/Dunn Home (Saturday, June 21, 2014) • Performs the National Anthem at Iowa Cubs Game (Thursday, August 14, 2014)

122 Season: 2013-2014 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “Make The Yuletide Gay” Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 20; Saturday, December 21, 2013 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Tracy Finkelsteyn, John Helmich, Sherida Josephson, Mary Pshonik

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, Seth Fisher, (* Section Leader) Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Joseph Holbrook

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Kevin M. Seward, Bryce Sprosty, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Steven Therrien, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Phil Brawner, Lawrence Curry, Mark Dickerson, Tony Dillon-Hansen, Terrance Korte, Bryan Kreisinger Denk, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Eric Olmsheid, Chad Peters, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, *James Vacca

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto, Myke Selha, Richard Van Gundy II, Ramone Wilder

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Seth Fisher, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II, Ramone Wilder

Program:

“Gaudete!” arr. Michael Engelhardt * Tim Burgess, Chad Kammin, Bret-Wayne Dillon- Hansen, Joseph Holbrook, soloists * Keith Meendering, Ian Tucker, Ben Hagen, percussionists

123

“Advent” Craig Courtney * Tracy Finkelshteyn, violin soloist

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time Pola & Wyle (arr. Ades) of the Year”

“Jesu Parvule (Poor Little Jesus)” Alfred Burt * Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, soloist

“White Christmas” Irving Berlin

“Black Christmas” Eric Lane Barnes * Ramone Wilder, soloist

“Why We Sing” Greg Gilpin * Frank Filippelli and Ian Tucker, soloists

“Testimony” inspired by It Gets Better Stephen Schwartz * Doyle Monsma, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Don Agee, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Greg Gross, Richard Van Gundy, Ian Tucker, soloists

“Silent Night” arr. Mark Hayes * HarMENy

“Carol of the Bells” M. Leontovich (arr. Willhousky)

“I Am In Need of Music” David L. Brunner

“The Longest Time” Billy Joel (arr. Snyder) * HarMENy

“Ose Shalom” John Leavitt (The One Who Makes Peace)

“The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” Tchaikovsky (arr. Funk)

“Jingle Bells” Pierpont (arr. Gold/Paich, adt. Hayes) * HarMENy

“Sleigh Ride” Mitchell Parish & Leroy Anderson (arr. Ades)

124 Season: 2013-2014 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Sounds Without Bounds” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Guest Artists: Josh Wheeker, Oleg Vitalyovich Timofeyev, Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, Seth Fisher, (* Section Leader) Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Roy Harvego, Joseph Holbrook, Jason Schmidt, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Bryce Sprosty, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Steven Therrien, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Noah Beacom, Phil Brawner, Lawrence Curry, Mark Dickerson, Justin Jones, Terrance Korte, Bryan Kreisinger Denk, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Chad Peters, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, *James Vacca

Bass: James Adam, Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, Richard Van Gundy II, Ramone Wilder

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Seth Fisher, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Richard Van Gundy, Ramone Wilder

Program:

Part One:

“You Shall Above All Things Be Glad” David Childs

125 “Cantique de Jean Racine” Gabriel Fauré

“Nachtbelle” Franz Schubert * Josh Wheeker, tenor soloist

“Zefire torna” Claudio Monteverdi * Patrick Riley, cello; Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg, oboe

Part Two:

“Theme from James Bond” Monty Norman (arr. Althouse)

“Route 66” Bobby Troup (arr. Emerson)

“Lush Life” Billy Strayhorn (arr. Riddle; adt. Broadbent) * Bryan Kreisinger Denk, soloist

“Linus and Lucy” Vince Guaraldi (arr. Kern)

Part Three: HarMENy

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” Elton John & Tim Rice (arr. Huff) * Doyle Monsma, soloist from The Lion King

“The Bare Necessities” Terry Gilkyson (arr. Leavitt) * Richard Van Gundy, soloist from The Jungle Book

“Seize the Day” from Newsies Alan Menken & Jack Feldman * Don Agee and Joseph Holbrook, soloists (arr. Kosarin)

Part Four:

“Viva l’amour” College Song * Kevin Seward, soloist

“Soldier’s Song” from The Lark Leonard Bernstein

“Bonse Aba” arr. Victor C. Johnson * Ian Tucker and Keith Meendering, percussion

“Turkey In The Straw” arr. Dwight Bigler 126 Season: 2013-2014 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret: “The Big Gay Sing” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Date: Friday, June 13, 2014 (7:00 and 9:30 shows) Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Francine Griffith Instrumentalists: Lauren Johnson, bass; Zane Gedler, drums Host: Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson Sign Language: Jake Estes

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Seth Fisher, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph (* Section Leader) Holbrook, Jason Schmidt, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Chuck Jordan, Doyle Monsma, Tyler Mootz, Todd Murphy, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Steven Therrien, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Noah Beacom, Larry Curry, Justin Jones, Terrance Korte, Ty McCubbin, Rick Miller, Chad Peters, Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker

Bass: James Adam, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, *Craig Otto, Richard Van Gundy II

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Seth Fisher, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, Ty McCubbin, Doyle Monsma, Craig Otto, Jason Schmidt, Richard Van Gundy

Program:

Act One:

“Real Men Sing” Kirby Shaw

“Happy” Pharrell Williams 127

“Calm” from Ordinary Days Adam Gwon * Tyler Mootz, soloist

“Angels” Williams & Chambers

“Home” Holden & Pearson * HarMENy

“Can That Boy Fox Trot” Stephen Sondheim from Follies

“Tea for Two” Vincent Youmans * Noah Beacom, soloist from No, No, Nanette

“Keep Young and Beautiful” Harry Warren * Don Agee, soloist from Roman Scandals

“The Man That Got Away” Harold Arlen * Richard Van Gundy II, soloist from A Star is Born

“Blow High Blow Low” Rodgers & Hammerstein * Kevin Seward and Jason Schmidt, soloists from Carousel

“There is Nothing Like a Dame” Rodgers & Hammerstein from South Pacific

“What Shall We Do With a arr. Eddlemann Drunken Sailor?”

INTERMISSION

Act Two:

“Lydia, Tattooed Lady” Harold Arlen * Chad Kammin and Robert Ratcliffe, soloists

“Happy Together” Bonner & Gordon

“I Got Lost in His Arms” Irving Berlin * Craig Otto, soloist from Annie Get Your Gun 128 “Rhythm of Life” Fields & Coleman (arr. Barnes) from Sweet Charity

“I Know Him So Well” Andersson, Rice, & Ulvaeus * Craig T. Caster and Doyle Monsma, soloists from Chess

“This is the Moment” Bricusse & Wildhorn * Robert Ratcliffe, soloist from Jekyll & Hyde

“Next To Me” Sande, Craze & Chegwin * Ian Tucker, soloist

“I’m Just a Boy Who Cain’t Say No” Rodgers & Hammerstein * Ty McCubbin, soloist from Oklahoma

“One Voice” Barry Manilow * John Nielsen, soloist

“Dancing Queen” Andersson, Anderson & Ulvaeus * HarMENy

“Those Canaan Days” Andrew Lloyd Webber from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

“We All Have a Right” Jim Papoulis

“Raise You Up”/”Just Be” Cindy Lauper * Tyler Mootz, Doyle Monsma, Chad Kammin, and from Kinky Boots Ian Tucker, soloists

129 2013-2014 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser

Eat. Drink. Sing.

Venue: East Village, Des Moines Hosts: Carl & Susan Voss; Stuart Alexander & Jason Dunn, “The Rooftop” (House of Bricks) Sponsor: Brad Holland (Ameriprise Financial) Catering: Metro Specialty / Noodle Zoo Date: Saturday, June 21; 2014 Time: 6:30 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Theme/Promo: An Evening of Food, Friends, and Fun, benefitting the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

Tour two beautiful East Village homes while sampling the finest wines and savory food prepared by local chefs. Our evening will wrap up at The Rooftop (2nd floor House of Bricks), an open air, roof top bar just a short walk from the host homes. A complimentary drink, as well as dessert and musical performance will be offered with your ticket. You can party the rest of the night away with a cash bar and late night menu.

Music throughout the evening will be provided by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.

Planning Committee:

Keith Meendering, Brad Holland, Eric Olmscheid, Rebecca Gruber

130

2014-2015

Board of Directors

Keith Meendering, President; Misty Enderson, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; James Vacca/Timothy Rodriguez, Secretary; Eric Olmscheid, Immediate Past President Don Agee, Kathleen Beebout, Mary Brubaker, Greg Gross, Brad Holland, Rick Miller, Conor J. Murphy, Braxton Pulley, Sheryl Terlouw

Season Highlights

• HarMENy performs at 80/35 Music Festival with main stage act, Gloom Balloon (Friday, July 4, 2014) • Performs at Live Out Loud! (Benefit for The Project) (Sunday, November 9, 2014) • Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser is held at Thoreau Center (Saturday, November 22, 2014) • HarMENy performs at Wellmark (Wednesday, December 17, 2014) and Ames (December 12, 2014)

• Performs free concert at Grinnell UCC (February 15, 2015)

• Performs I am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa • Board votes to rent space at the Mickle Center for storage and for DMGMC music library (May 19, 2015) • Dixie Longate, of Dixie’s Tupperware Party fame, hosts the Pride Cabaret • Chorus performs at rally when Supreme Court ruling on Marriage Equality is announced (June 26, 2015) • Creates a music video as a contribution to the It Gets Better project

131 2014-2015 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser

Eat. Drink. Sing.

Venue: The Thoreau Center (3500 Kingman Boulevard), Des Moines Catering: Becky Smith Catering Date: Saturday, November 22; 2014 Time: 7:00 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Theme/Promo: Eat. Drink. Sing. Comer. Hauntок. Chanter. A celebration of international tastes and tunes to benefit the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

Planning Committee: Keith Meendering, Misty Enderson, James Vacca, Brad Holland, Kathleen Beebout, Rebecca Gruber

Performers: HarMENy

132 Season: 2014-2015 Concert/Title: Winter Solstice Concert: “The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway…” Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 19; Saturday, December 20, 2014 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalist: David Crabbs, guitar Sign Language: Jake Estes

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson, Seth Fisher, (* Section Leader) Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Terrance Korte, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Steven Therrien, Jim Torsky, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Paul Hengesteg, Chris Higgins, Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, *James Vacca, Brian T. Wilson

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Seth Fisher, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Ian Tucker, Jerry Vroegh

Program:

“Festival Gloria” Craig Courtney

“Hanover Winter Song” Hovey & Bullard

133 “God Bless My Family” Ann Hampton Callaway (arr. James)

“Shoulda Been a North Pole Elf” Andy Beck

“Mahogany Tree” Eric Helmuth

“Sleigh Bells” arr. Earlene Rentz * HarMENy

“Let It Go” from Frozen arr. Mac Huff * HarMENy

“Hanarot Halalu” arr. Blanche Chass

“Lamma Badaa Yatathanna” arr. Joy Ondra Kirokawa * Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson and Craig Otto, soloists

“O Holy Night” Adolphe Adam (arr. Hayes) * Ian Tucker, soloist

“Lo, How a Rose” Michael Praetorius (arr. Davison)

“In the Bleak Midwinter” Victor Cohen Johnson

“Bring a Torch” arr. Davison

Pianoman Jazz

“Not My Father’s Son” Cindy Lauper * Jesse Hatfield and Joe Thering, soloists from Kinky Boots

“I Shall Not Live in Vain” Ruth Morris Gray

“It Gets Better” Andrew Lippa (arr. Ben Hagen) * Doyle Monsma, Don Agee, Wyatt Reicherts, soloists

134 Season: 2014-2015 Concert/Title: Free Concert (donations will be accepted to benefit the MICA food pantry) Venue: Grinnell United Church of Christ Date: Sunday, February 15, 2015 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Seth Fisher, Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Joseph Thering, Steven Therrien, Jim Torsky, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Larry Curry, Mark Dickerson, Jesse Hatfield, Paul Hengesteg, Terrance Korte, Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, Brian T. Wilson

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chard K, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, Craig Otto Program:

“Festival Gloria” Craig Courtney “Hanover Winter Song” Hovey & Bullard “Mahogany Tree” Eric Helmuth “Sleigh Bells” arr. Earlene Rentz * HarMENy “Let It Go” from Frozen arr. Mac Huff * HarMENy “Hanarot Halalu” arr. Blanche Chass “Lamma Badaa Yatathanna” arr. Joy Ondra Kirokawa * Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hanson and Craig Otto, soloists “Friday Night at the Castro” Andrew Lippa from I Am Harvey Milk “You Are Here” from I Am Harvey Milk Andrew Lippa * Andrew Ryker, soloist “Not My Father’s Son” from Kinky Boots Cindy Lauper * Jesse Hatfield, soloist “I Shall Not Live in Vain” Ruth Morris Gray “It Gets Better” Andrew Lippa (arr. Ben Hagen) * Doyle Monsma, Don Agee, Wyatt Reicherts, soloists 135 Season: 2014-2015 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “I am Harvey Milk” (An Oratorio by Andrew Lippa) Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, March 21, 2015 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Julie Fox Henson (concertmaster) and Leah Kolner, violin; Betty Miller, viola; Michele Senger, cello; Jennifer Bloomberg, oboe; Sharon Stilwell, flute; Kariann Voigts, clarinet; Cristina Deeds, French horn; Blaise Rothwell and Dan Krumm, percussion Guest Artists: Andrew Ryker: Harvey Milk; Katy Lindhart: soprano; Joshua Bartemes: Young Harvey

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Seth Fisher, (* Section Leader) Greg Gross, *Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Terrance Korte, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Steven Therrien, Jim Torsky, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Larry Curry, Mark Dickerson, Paul Hengesteg, *Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, Brian T. Wilson

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Adam Grimm, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto

Program: * Andrew Ryker as Harvey Milk, Katy Lindhart as the Soprano, Joshua Bartemes as Young Harvey * Commissioned By San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

1942

1. Prelude “I Am” (“An Operatic Masterpiece”) * Young Harvey, Harvey, and Chorus

136 1978

2. November “I Am the Bullet” (“I Am The Bullet”) * Chorus

3. January “I Am the Supervisor” (“You Are Here”) * Harvey and Chorus

4. May “I Am the Castro” (“Friday Night in The Castro”) * York Taenzer, Craig Otto, Joseph Holbrook, Robert Ratcliffe, and Ian Tucker, soloists

5. February “I Am the Question” (“Was I Wrong?”) * Soprano

6. October “I Am Only Human” (“A Decent Society”) * Chorus

7. April “I am a Faggot” (“Sticks and Stones”) * Chorus

8. March “I Am the Moment” (“Lavender Pen”) * Harvey

9. September “I Am the Friend” (“Thank You, Mrs. Rosenblat”) * Young Harvey, Soprano, Harvey

10. July “I Am San Francisco” (“San Francisco”) * Chorus

11. August “I Am the Future” (“Leap”) * Soprano and Chorus

12. June “I am Harvey Milk” (“Tired of the Silence”) * Harvey and All

137 Season: 2014-2015 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret: “Not Just For Gays Anymore” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Thursday, June 11; Friday, June 12, 2015 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Dustin Harmsen, bass; Drew Selim, drums; Derrick Lambert, guitar Guest Artists: Dixie Longate, David Decker, Ben Rethmeier

Singers: Tenor I: Seth Fisher, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, (* Section Leader) Joseph Holbrook, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Terrance Korte, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Mark Dickerson, *Robert Ratcliffe, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Ian Tucker, Brian T. Wilson

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, *Craig Otto, Myke Selha

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Seth Fisher, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Ian Tucker

Program: Hosted by Dixie Longate

Act I

“Not Just For Gays Anymore” 2011 Tony Awards

“Dixie” Daniel Emmett

“I, Don Quixote” Leigh & Darion (arr. Shaw) from Man of La Mancha 138

“All About That Bass” Meghan Trainor * HarMENy

“Loves Me Like a Rock” Paul Simon * HarMENy with Ian Tucker, soloist

“I Remember You”/“Dixie’s Dream” Marc Shaiman * duet performance by Don Agee and Kevin Seward

“Just An Hour of Your Love” Bix Beiderbecke * Benjamin Rethmeier & David Decker

“It’s So Nice to Have a Man John Elliot * solo performance by Ken Hanson Around the House”

“J’entends le moulin” arr. Donald Patriquin

“I Dreamed of Rain” Jan Garrett (arr. Nickel)

“Was I Wazir?” from Kismet Forrest & Wright * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“Always Look on the Bright Side Eric Idle (arr. Huff) * Robert Ratcliffe & Mark Dickerson, soloists of Life” from Spamalot

INTERMISSION

Act II

“Don’t Stop the Music” arr. Sharon * HarMENy with Don Agee, soloist

“Gone, Gone, Gone” Phillip Phillips (arr. Beck) * HarMENy

Lip Sync Challenge

“Hello” from Book of Mormon Parker, Lopez, & Stone * The Elders: Timothy Rodriguez, Joe Thering, Craig Otto, Terrance Korte, York Taenzer, Craig T. Caster, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Raul Canahui

“I Want to Sing Opera” David & Arthurs * solo performance by Craig Otto

“I’ve Got Rhythm” George & Ira Gershwin * duet by Raul Canahui and Brian T. Wilson

“Since U Been” Sandberg & Gottwald * HarMENy with Joseph Holbrook, soloist

“Being Alive” from Company Stephen Sondheim (arr. Huff) * Brian T. Wilson, soloist

139 “For Good” from Wicked Stephen Schwartz * duet performance by John L’Estrange and Frank Filippelli

“One By One” Lebo M. * York Taenzer, soloist from The Rhythm of the Pridelands

“Free Ride” Dan Hartman (arr. Langford)

140

June 26, 2015: Supreme Court Announces Decision on Same-Sex Marriage Chorus Performs at Rally to Celebrate

141

2015-2016

Board of Directors

Keith Meendering, President; Craig Otto, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Timothy Rodriguez, Secretary Don Agee, Kathleen Beebout, Brad Holland, Terrance Korte, Rick Miller, Conor H. Murphy, Braxton Pulley, Sheryl Terlouw, Phil Williams

Season Highlights

• Board approves Chorus Connection communication and storage platform (July 28, 2015) • Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser: “A Few of Our Favorite Things” is held at Witmer House (Saturday, October 17, 2015) • Performs National Anthem at Jefferson-Jackson Dinner; Iowa Events Center (Saturday, October 24, 2015) • Performs Live Out Loud at Wooly’s (Sunday, November 8, 2015) • Performs at Tom & Mary’s Urban Party at Salisbury House (Saturday, November 14, 2015) • Barnes & Noble fundraising event (Saturday, December 12, 2015) • Biggest Loser weight loss contest is sponsored among the men of the chorus • Performs National Anthem for Game at Wells Fargo Arena (Monday, January 18, 2016) • Performs for Questers International at Downtown Marriott (Saturday, May 21, 2016) • Board approves the position of Administrative Assistant staff position (May 24, 2016) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Dinner at CCCU Convention Center (Friday, June 3, 2016)

• Performs at GALA Festival in Denver (July 2-5, 2016)

142 2015-2016 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser A Few of Our Favorite Things

Venue: Witmer House, Des Moines Sponsors: John Beard & Mark Harrington (Witmer House) Catering: Sue Hoss (Room for Dessert) Date: Saturday, October 17; 2015 Time: 6:30 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Theme/Promo: The 2015 Eat. Drink. Sing.: A Few of my Favorite Things… will be a fun-filled evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music. I can hear you…you’re already singing.

Planning Committee: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Kathleen Beebout Brad Holland Keith Meendering Sheryl Terlouw

Servers: Ken Hanson, Ryan Stearns, Jesse Pierce, Sarah McDougal, Sue Hoss, Phil Williams (bartender)

Performers: Greg Gross, York Taenzer, Don Agee, Jesse Pierce, Timothy Rodriguez, Jerry Vroegh, Raul Canahui, Terrance Korte, Ryan Stearns, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto

143

Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

October 24, 2015 144

Season: 2015-2016 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “This is Our Christmas Cheer” Venue: First United Methodist Church Dates: Friday, December 18; Saturday, December 19, 2015 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Don Agee, John Helmich, Alan Henson, Julie Fox Henson, Betty Miller, Blaise Rothwell

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, (* Section Leader) York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Jesse Pierce, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Andrew Chang, Mark Dickerson, Randy Foster, Paul Hengesteg, Chris Higgins, Terrance Korte, *Eric Olmscheid, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Jesse Wells, Trenton Williams

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, *Craig Otto

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin Seward, York Taenzer

Program:

“Christmas Comes Anew” arr. Mark Riese

“Coming Out on Christmas” Craig Sturgis (arr. Johnson)

“What Shall We Sing For the Child?” arr. Howard Helvey 145

“Farther Sail” Eric Helmuth

“The Most Wonderful Time Pola & Wylie (arr. Rubino) * HarMENy of the Year”

“It’s the Hard-Knock Life” Strouse & Charnin (arr. Zegree) * HarMENy from Annie

“Yo le canto todo el dia” David L. Brunner

“When I Fall in Love” Young & Heyman (arr. Mullholland)

“Brave” Bareilles & Antonoff * John L’Estrange and Andrew Chang, soloists

“I Am In Need of Music” David L. Brunner

“Hallelujah” from Messiah transcribed for organ and piano by Louis & Mary Charlotte Ball

“Holiday Sing-Along” arr. Riese & Hayes

* “Sleigh Ride” * “Have Yourself a Merry * HarMENy with Kevin Seward, soloist Little Christmas” * “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

“It’s Our Christmas Cheer!” Eric Lane Barnes

“Christmas Flourish” Randol Alan Bass

* “Shiloh” (Williams) * “Joy to the World” * “Silent Night” * “Angels We Have Heard * Chloe Peterson, soprano soloist on High”

146 Season: 2015-2016 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “When I Knew” Venue: First Unitarian Church Dates: Friday, April 1; Saturday, April 2, 2016 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Staging: Jesse Pierce

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, (* Section Leader) York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Andrew Chang, Rob Harlan, Terrance Korte, Russ Kruse, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Mark Dickerson, Randy Foster, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Chris Higgins, *Eric Olmscheid, Daniel Palmer,

Timothy Rodriguez, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Jesse Wells Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, John Schmacker, Robert L. Stinnett

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin Seward, York Taenzer

Program:

“It Gets Better” Andrew Lippa (arr. Ben Hagen) * Jesse Pierce and Andrew Chang, soloists

“Invictus” Nancy Cobb Hill

“I Come From Good People” Robert Seeley * Jesse Wells, Craig T. Caster, Wyatt Reicherts, from Naked Man soloists 147 “Babylon” Phillipi Hayes (arr. McLean & Hays)

“If You Only Knew” Michael Shaieb from Through a Glass Darkly

“Route 66” Bobby Troup (arr. Emerson)

“Seize the Day” from Newsies Alan Menken & Jack Feldman

“When I Fall in Love” Victor Young (arr. Mullholland) * Randy Foster, clarinet

INTERMISSION

“Better With a Man” Lutvak & Freedman from Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder

“I Feel Pretty” Leonard Bernstein * Don Agee, Jesse Pierce, Jesse Wells, soloists from West Side Story

“Marry Us” Robert Seeley from Naked Man

“All This Joy” John Denver

“What Matters” Randi Driscoll (arr. Robison) * Andrew Chang, soloist

“i carry your heart with me” David C. Dickau

“Turn it Off!” Parker, Lopez & Stone from Book of Mormon

“Things That Never Die” Lee Dengler

148 Season: 2015-2016 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret Concert: “Naughty & Nice: A Pride Celebration” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Thursday, June 9; Friday, June 10, 2016 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Dustin Harmsen, bass; Drew Selim, drums

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, (* Section Leader) York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Andrew Chang, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Terrance Korte, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Jerry Vroegh, Bill Williams, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Mark Dickerson, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, *Eric Olmscheid, Daniel Palmer, Timothy Rodriguez, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Jesse Wells,

Adam Yankowy Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, John Schmacker, Robert L. Stinnett

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Craig Otto, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin Seward, York Taenzer

Program:

“Farther Sail” Eric Helmuth & Walt Whitman

“Not While I’m Around” Stephen Sondheim (arr. Page)

“Route 66” Bobby Troup (arr. Emerson)

“What Shall We Do arr. David Eddleman With a Drunken Sailor?” 149

“When I Fall in Love” Victor Young (arr. Mullholland) * Joe Thering, clarinet

“Bonse Aba” arr. Victor C. Johnson * Ben Hagen, Keith Meendering, & Joe Thering, percussion

“Don’t Stop the Music” Hermansen, Storm, Eriksen, Jackson * Don Agee, soloist (arr. Boyer, Bram, Sharon)

“Home” Greg Holden & Drew Pearson * Craig Otto & Timothy Rodriguez, soloists (arr. Billingsley)

“Lollipop” Mika (arr. Sharon) * York Taenzer, soloist

“Lambscapes: Four Historical Settings Eric Lane Barnes * York Taenzer, soloist of Mary and Her Lamb”

INTERMISSION

“I Got Rhythm” from Girl Crazy George Gershwin (arr. MacLean)

“On the Street Where You Live” Lerner & Lowe (arr. Stickles) from My Fair Lady

“Long John Blues” Tommy George * Don Agee, soloist from Burlesque

“Gracias a la Vida” Violeta Parra * Raul Canahui, soloist

“If Ever I Would Leave You” Lerner & Lowe from Camelot

“The Masochism Tango” Tom Lehrer * Chad Kammin, soloist

“Unforgettable” Irving Gordon * Don Agee, Kevin Seward, & Jerry Vroegh, soloists

“Ghost Riders in the Sky” Stan Jones (arr. Shaw) (A Cowboy Legend) 150 “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” Robert Lopez & Jeff Marks * Craig T. Caster, soloist from Avenue Q

“Dainty June and the Farm Boys” Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim * Ryan Stearns, Raul Canahui, & Joe Thering, from Gypsy soloists

“Everybody Loves Me, Baby” Don McLean * Frank Filippelli, soloist

“Better With a Man” Robert L. Freedman & Steven from A Gentlemen’s Guide Lutvak to Love and Murder

“I Want a Bear” Daddy B * Mark Dickerson, soloist; assisted by Terrance Korte and Jesse Wells

“Turn the World Around” Harry Belafonte & Robert Freedman (arr. Emerson)

151

Art Commissioned by Rob Harlan

for the 15th Anniversary

of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

Artist: Vicki A. Morlon

152 Season: 2015-2016 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Boettcher Concert Hall; Denver, Colorado Date: July 4, 2016; 3:30 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Rob Harlan, Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Jesse Pierce, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Mark Dickerson, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Terrance Korte, Eric Olmscheid, Ryan Stearns, Doug, Staudt, Jesse Wells

Bass: Frank Filippelli, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephen Maras, Craig Otto, Robert L. Stinnett, Adam Yankowy

Full Chorus Program:

“Star-Spangled Banner” arr. James Rodde

“It Gets Better” Andrew Lippa (arr. Ben Hagen) * Doyle Monsma, Adam Yankovy, Craig Otto, soloists

“Farther Sail” Eric Helmuth & Walt Whitman

“Not While I’m Around” Stephen Sondheim (arr. Page)

“Route 66” Bobby Troup (arr. Emerson)

“What Shall We Do arr. David Eddleman With a Drunken Sailor?”

“When I Fall in Love” Victor Young (arr. Mullholland) * Joe Thering, clarinet

“Bonse Aba” arr. Victor C. Johnson * Ben Hagen, Keith Meendering, & Joe Thering, percussion 153 Season: 2015-2016 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex; Denver, Colorado Date: Saturday, July 2, 2016; 9:00 p.m. Conductor: Ben Hagen

HarMENy: Singers: Don Agee, Chad Kammin, Craig Otto, John L’Estrange, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Kevin Seward, Doug Staudt, York Taenzer

HarMENy Program:

“Don’t Stop the Music” Hermansen, Storm, Eriksen, Jackson (arr. Boyer, Bram, Sharon) *Don Agee, soloist

“Home” Greg Holden & Drew Pearson (arr. Billingsley) * Craig Otto & Timothy Rodriguez, soloists

“I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” Carter Stanley (arr. Shaw)

“Lollipop” Mika (arr. Sharon) * York Taenzer, soloist

154

2016-2017

Board of Directors

Keith Meendering, President; Craig Otto, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Don Agee, Secretary Kathleen Beebout, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Todd Murphy, Kevin M. Seward, Kari Smith, Sheryl Terlouw, Phil Williams

Season Highlights

• Performs at “The Benefit” Brunch for AIDS Project (Sunday November 6, 2016) • Performs at 30th Anniversary of Stonewall at Grinnell College (Friday, November 11, 2016) • Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser: “A DMGMC Quinceañera” is held at Witmer House (Saturday, November 12, 2016) • Performs for IPR’s “A Conquered Christmas” in DSM Social Club (Thursday, December 1, 2016) • Performs in Residency at DSM Roosevelt High School (Thursday, March 30, 2016) • Performs at Walnut Hills UMC (Sunday, April 30, 2017) • Performs at Matthew Shepard Dinner (Friday, June 2, 2017) • Dr. Rebecca Gruber and DMGMC are named Grand Marshals for Des Moines Gay Pride 2017

155 2016-2017 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser A DMGMC Quinceañera

Venue: Witmer House (2900 Grand Avenue; Des Moines) Hosts: John Beard & Mark Harrington Catering: Room for Dessert (Sue Hoss) Date: Saturday, November 12; 2016 Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen

Theme/Promo: Join us! We’re Kickin’ Up Our Heels!

Who’s 15? DMGMC is! Celebrate our first 15 years and toast to our future. Share a sweet (or outrageous!) chorus memory. Partake of fabulous food and drink. Enjoy the DMGMC take on ‘grown-up-girl’ rituals!

Planning Committee: Rebecca Gruber, Terrance Korte, Keith Meendering, Craig Otto

Performers: Wyatt Reicherts, Don Agee, Terrance Korte, Jesse Pierce, Jerry Vroegh, Raul Canahui, Paul Harvey, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Jesse Wells, Chad Kammin, Craig Otto

Bartender: Phil Williams

156 Season: 2016-2017 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “We Need a Little Christmas” Venue: First United Methodist Church Dates: Friday, December 16; Saturday, December, 17, 2016 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: John Helmich, violin I; Leah Kolner, violin II; Charles Miranda, viola; Mary Pshonik, cello; Alan Henson, bass; Sue Odem, oboe/English horn; Alina Grimm and Jake Thieben, percussion Staging: Jesse Pierce

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, (* Section Leader) Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Terrance Korte, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Jacoby Clingman, Mark Dickerson, Paul Harvey, Connie Wilson Jesse Hatfield, *Eric Olmscheid, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Connie Wilson Design Hal Thompson, Jesse Wells

Bass: Charles Carnes, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Adam Yankowy

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, Craig Otto, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Kevin Seward, Doug Staudt, York Taenzer

Program:

Christmas Trilogy Mark Riese

* “I Saw Three Ships” * “What Child is This?” * “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” 157

“We Need a Little Christmas” Jerry Herman (arr. Hayes)

“Hello, Heterosexuals, Hello!” Eric Lane Barnes

“El Yivneh Hagalil” arr. Peter Sozio

“How Do I Love You?” Penny Rodriguez

“The Man With the Bag” Taylor, Brooks & Stanley * Kevin Seward, soloist

“Stella de Bethlehem” arr. Robert Sieving

“Text Me Merry Christmas” Javerbaum & Schlesinger * Doug Staudt and Jesse Wells, soloists (arr. Billingsley)

“Jamaican Noel” Kirby Shaw * Chad Kammin, Craig Otto, Doug Staudt, Don Agee (He’s a Tiny Little Baby) soloists

“Thankful” Sager, Foster & Page (arr. Hayes) * York Taenzer, soloist

“A PC Christmas” Eric Lane Barnes * featuring Ryan Stearns

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” Quaker Hymn (arr. Walker)

“Gloria” Randol Alan Bass

158 Season: 2016-2017 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Our Bodies Our Lives” (in collaboration with The Project of Primary Health Care) Venue: First Christian Church Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: John Helmich, violin I; Leah Kolner, violin II; Charles Miranda, viola; Mary Pshonik, cello Guest Soloists: Megan Ihnen, Demarius Fischer Staging: Jesse Pierce Narrators: Keith Meendering, Chad Kammin, Greg Gross

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, (* Section Leader) Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Baritone: Terence Blain, Raul Canahui, Jacoby Clingman, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Patrick Nepp, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, *Jesse Wells

Bass: Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Craig Otto, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Kevin Seward, Doug Staudt, York Taenzer

Program:

“Finally Here” Eric Helmuth

159 “The Us of Me” David Brunner

“Ständchen” Franz Schubert

“Flanders Fields” Paul Aitken

“Everything Possible” Fred Small (arr. Robison)

“Pie Jesu” from Memento Mori: James Adler An AIDS Requiem

“Dust in the Wind” Kerry Livgren (arr. Narverud)

“Courage Lives” Mark Patterson

“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” arr. Howard Helvey

“I Shall Miss Loving You” from Kristopher Anthony When We No Longer Touch

“Light” from Next to Normal Yorkey & Kitt * Craig Otto, Doug Staudt, Paul Harvey, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Taenzer, soloists

“Titanium” Sia, Guetta, Tuinfort & Afrojack (arr. Hagen)

“Will I Lose My Dignity?” Jonathan Larson from Rent

“He Never Failed Me Yet” Robert Ray (arr. Christopher) from Gospel Mass

“We Sing” from Hidden Legacies Roger Bourland

160 Season: 2016-2017 DES MOINES GAY MEN’S CHORUS 15TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON! Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret: “The Heart Sings” (Themes of Love / Themes of Pride) Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts A PRIDE CABARET Dates: Thursday, June 8; Friday, June 9, 2017 THEMES OF LOVE THEMES OF PRIDE Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber

Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Drew Selim, drums; Seth Hedquist, guitar; Pete Vanderiet, bass THE HEART SINGS Staging: Jesse Pierce

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, (* Section Leader) Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Jim Levy, *Keith An evening of romantic love, Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Kevin M. Seward, hot love, and love gone wrong!

| Jacob Snyder, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, THURSDAY & FRIDAY, JUNE 8 & 9 7:30 PM Temple Theater | 1011 Locust Street | Des Moines, Iowa Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz Visit DMGMC.ORG for tickets

Baritone: Terence Blain, Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Paul Harvey, Robert Jupp, Patrick Nepp, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, *Jesse Wells Connie Wilson Bass: Craig T. Caster, Bradley Chamberlain, Frank Filippelli, Connie Wilson Design Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Tim Schreck, Adam Yankowy

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Craig Otto, Wyatt Reicherts, Kevin Seward, Doug Staudt, York Taenzer

Program:

“It’s Pride” Alan Mencken * in the style of Beauty and the Beast

“You Stepped Out of a Dream” Brown & Kahn * solo performance by Kevin Seward

“Beautiful in My Eyes” Joshua Kadison * solo performance by Craig T. Caster

161 “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Waller & Brooks * solo performance by Craig Otto

“Coffee (In a Cardboard Cup)” Kander & Ebb (arr. Robison) from 70, Girls, 70

“The Luckiest” Ben Folds * solo performance by Ben Hagen

“Before He Cheats” Tompkins & Kear * HarMENy

“City of Stars” from La La Land Hurwitz, Pasek & Paul * Greg Gross and Doyle Monsma, soloists Patrick Nepp and Jesse Wells, dancers

“Starry, Starry Night” Don McLean * solo performance by York Taenzer

“Chu-Chi Face” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang The Sherman Brothers * duet performance by Raul Canahui and Ryan Stearns

“Singin’ in the Rain” Brown & Freed (arr. Simon) from Singin’ in the Rain

“Windy” Ruthann Friedman (arr. Coates)

INTERMISSION

“A Musical” from Something Rotten! Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick (arr. Beck) * Doug Staudt and Adam Yankowy

“Tu Si Sabes Quererme” Nathalia Lafourcade * solo performance by Raul Canahui

“All of Me” Simons & Marks (arr. Althouse) * trio by Don Agee, Kevin Seward, Jerry Vroegh

“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” Braddock & Putnam * solo performance by Paul Harvey

“Love Tonight” Disney Compilation * Jesse Wells with Don Agee, Kevin Seward, Jerry Vroegh

“Stuff Like That There” Livingston & Evans * solo performance by Don Agee

“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” Lee Hazlewood * HarMENy

162 “Left Behind” Hall & Bourland from Hidden Legacies

“Hello, Young Lovers” Rodgers & Hammerstein * Tim Shreck, soloist from The King and I

“You Oughta Know” Alanis Morissette * HarMENy

“It All Fades Away” Jason Robert Brown * solo performance by Adam Yankowy from The Bridges of Madison County

“It’s Pride” (reprise)

163

June 11, 2017

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and Dr. Rebecca Gruber

Named Grand Marshals for Capital City Pride & Parade

164

165

2017-2018

Board of Directors

Craig Otto, President; Chad Kammin, Vice President;

John Schmacker, Treasurer; Don Agee, Secretary Dawn Connet, Joseph Holbrook, Keith Meendering (Past President), Todd Murphy, Kevin M. Seward, Sheryl Terlouw, Mike Youngstrom, Phil Williams

Season Highlights

• Performs National Anthem at Imperial Court of Iowa Coronation (Saturday, September 23, 2017)

• Performs at Ames Pride (Saturday, October 14, 2017) • Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser: “All That Jazz” (Friday, November 10, 2017) is held at Hotel Kirkwood (lobby) • Performs for One Iowa’s Broadway Night at Noce (December 5, 2017) and IPR (Thursday, December 8, 2017) • Performs “A Conquered Christmas” at Des Moines Social Club (December 7, 2017) • Performs at Eucharist at Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Sunday, April 29, 2018) • Performs for Donna Red Wing’s Celebration of Life at First Unitarian Church (Saturday, May 12, 2019) • Performs at Primary Health Care Banquet (Tuesday, May 15, 2019) • Performs at Tony Zamudio’s funeral; Matthew Shepard Dinner (Friday, June 1, 2019)

166 2017-2018 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser All That Jazz

Venue: Hotel Kirkwood Lobby (a stunning Art Deco space) Catering: Vivian’s Diner & Drinks Date: Friday, November 10; 2017 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Brian Hutzell

Theme/Promo: It’s Friday. Don’t Go Home!

Enjoy a jazz-infused TGIF (Terribly Glad It’s Friday) evening of music, cocktails and fine food catered by Vivian’s Diner & Drinks…right after work.

Planning Committee: Dr. Rebecca Gruber, Chad Kammin, Keith Meendering, Todd Murphy, Craig Otto, Sheryl Terlouw

Performers: Rebecca Gruber, Craig Caster, Raul Canahui, Terrance Blaine, Jerry Vroegh, Kevin Seward, Don Agee

167 Season: 2017-2018 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “Music All Around” Venue: First Christian Church Dates: Friday, December 15; Saturday, December 16, 2017 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Sarah Zdenek Instrumentalists: Craig Swartz, trumpet I; Steve Newman, trumpet II; Christina Deeds, horn; Josh Deutmeyer, trombone; John Helmich, violin I; Will Samorey, violin II; Charles Miranda, viola; Mary Pshonik, cello; Alina Grimm, percussion Guest Soloist: Alexandra St. James

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Greg Gross, (* Section Leader) *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz Connie Wilson

Baritone: Terence Blain, Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Mark Dickerson, Connie Wilson Design

Paul Harvey, Jesse Hatfield, Paul Hengesteg, Robert Jupp, Eric Olmscheid, Bruce Sanders Lehnertz, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, *Jesse Wells

Bass: Carroll Bennink, Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Tim Schreck, Adam Yankowy

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, Chad Kammin, Wyatt Reicherts, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt

Program:

“Hodie!” Craig Carnahan 168 “Riu, riu, chiu” arr. Jim Leininger * Raul Canahui, soloist

“O What a Pretty Little Baby” arr. Susan Gardner * Alexandra St. James, soloist

“What Are You Doing This Frank Loesser New Year’s Eve?”

“Cool Yule” Steve Allen * Don Agee, Kevin Seward, Jerry Vroegh, soloists

“I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus” / Tommie Connor / Javits, Springer * HarMENy ”Santa Baby”

“Grown-Up Christmas List” Foster and Jenner (arr. Hayes) * HarMENy

“Ring Out, Wild Bells” Ron Nelson

“Ukrainian Alleluia” Craig Courtney

“I Can See It” from The Fantasticks Jones and Schmidt (arr. Shackley)

“Please Stay” Jake Runestad * Tim Shreck and Doug Staudt, soloists

“What We Need Is Here” James Deignan * Don Agee, soloist

“I Know Where I’ve Been” Marc Shaiman * Alexandra St. James, soloist from Hairspray

“O Holy Night” Adolphe Adam (arr. Leavitt) * Craig Otto and Joseph Holbrook, soloists

“Get In On the Act” The Assembled

“The Christmas Song” Torme and Wells (arr. Hayes) * HarMENy

“Recycle the Fruitcake” Jacobson and Huff * Terence Blain, soloist (arr. Wesley, Hagen, Gruber)

“Deck the Hall” arr. Chad Weirick

“Silver Bells” 169 Season: 2017-2018 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Tyler’s Suite” (An LGBT Masterwork) Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, March 10, 2018 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Sarah Zdenek Instrumentalist: Will Samorey, violin Guest Soloists: Kellie Kramer, mezzo-soprano; Taylor Mayne, tenor; Adam Yankowy, bass

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Greg Gross, (* Section Leader) Christopher Hunter, *Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Jesse Pierce, Kevin M. Seward, Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Terrance Blain, Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Paul Harvey, Jesse Hatfield, Paul Hengesteg, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, *Jesse Wells Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Bass: Craig T. Caster, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Christopher Hunter, Chad Kammin, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt Program:

“The Sound of Silence” Paul Simon (arr. Peoples)

“Stand Up for Me” Storm Large (arr. Hagen) * Kellie Kramer, soloist

“Please Stay” Jacob Runestad * Tim Schreck, soloist

“I Choose Love” Mark A. Miller & Linda Thompson 170 Tyler’s Suite

* commissioned by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir * originally directed by Dr. Timothy Seelig, in honor of Tyler Clementi with the collaboration of the Tyler Clementi Foundation

“Meditation” John Corigliano

“I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard” Nolan Gasser & Pamela Stewart

“A Wish” Lance Horne & Pamela Stewart

“The Unicycle Song” Craig Carnelia & Pamela Stewart

“Just a Boy” John Bucchino (arr. Sarsany)

“Brother Because of You” Stephen Schwarz & Pamela Stewart

“The Tyler Show” Mark Adamo & Stephen Flaherty

“I Love You More” Ann Hampton Callaway (arr. Sarsany)

“The Narrow Bridge” Jake Heggie

171 Season: 2017-2018 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret: “Broadway Our Way” DES MOINES GAY MEN’S CHORUS Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts A PRIDE CABARET Dates: Thursday, June 8; Friday, June 9, 2018 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Sarah Zdenek OUR WAY! Instrumentalists: Drew Selim, percussion; Pete Vanderiet, bass; Seth Hedquist, guitar Guest Soloist: Adam Yankowy Mix some Sondheim, a pinch of Pasek & Paul, Staging: Jesse Pierce and a little “Grease” for a wonderful launch to the Capital City PRIDE.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, *Joseph Holbrook, JUNE 7 & 8 | 7:30 PM TEMPLE THEATER | TEMPLE FOR PERFORMING ARTS (* Section Leader) Chris Hunter, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer 1011 LOCUST STREET | DES MOINES, IOWA

Tenor II: Don Agee, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering,

Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Kevin M. Seward, DES MOINES GAY MEN’S Joseph Thering, Jerry Vroegh, Keith Wirtz CHORUS TICKETS AVAILABLE AT DMGMC.ORG Baritone: Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Mark Dickerson, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Eric Olmscheid, Ryan Stearns, Hal Thompson, Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Mike Triggs, *Jesse Wells

Bass: Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, *Craig Otto, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Chris Hunter, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Jesse Pierce, Wyatt Reicherts, Tim Schreck

Program:

ACT I:

“Big Spender” from Sweet Charity Cy Coleman & Dorothy Field * HarMENy and Chorus

“Willkommen” from Cabaret John Kander & Fred Ebb * Master of Ceremonies, Adam Yankowy

172 “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago John Kander & Fred Ebb * HarMENy and Chorus

“Pack Up Your Sins and Go to Irving Berlin * duet by Tim Schreck & Raul Canahui the Devil” from Music Box Revue of 1922

“Not A Day Goes By” Stephen Sondheim * solo performance by Craig T. Caster from Merrily We Roll Along

“The Best Thing That Ever Has Stephen Sondheim * duet by Kevin Seward & Jesse Wells Happened” from Road Show

“I’m Just A Guy Who Cain’t Say No” Rodgers & Hammerstein II * solo performance by Tim Schreck from Oklahoma

“Sixteen Going on Seventeen” Rodgers & Hammerstein II * duet by Ryan Stearns & Raul Canahui from Sound of Music

“Does Your Mother Know That ABBA * HarMENy You’re Out” from Mamma Mia

“Send in the Clowns” Stephen Sondheim * solo performance by Craig Otto from A Little Night Music

IOWA MEDLEY:

“A Grand Night for Singing” Rodgers & Hammerstein II from State Fair

“Steam Heat” Adler & Ross * Chris Hunter, soloist from The Pajama Game

“You’re Never Alone” from The Jason Robert Brown Bridges of Madison County

“Iowa Stubborn” Meredith Willson * Chris Hunter, soloist from The Music Man

“You Will Be Found” Benj Pasek & Justin Paul * John L’Estrange & York Taenzer, soloists from Dear Evan Hansen 173 ACT II

“I Am What I Am” Jerry Herman & Harvey Fierstein * solo performance by Don Agee from La Cage aux Folles

“If You Want to Know Who We Are” Gilbert & Sullivan from The Mikado

“Corner of the Sky” from Pippin Stephen Schwartz & Roger Hirson

“No Time At All” from Pippin Stephen Schwartz & Roger Hirson * solo performance by Frank Filippelli

“Just This One Time” Kait Kerrigan & Brian Lodermilk * solo performance by Jesse Pierce from The Battery’s Down

“Impossible Dream” Wasserman, Darion, & Leigh * solo performance by Raul Canahui from Man of La Mancha

“I Can See It” Schmidt & Jones from The Fantasticks

“Beautiful City” from Godspell Stephen Schwartz * solo performance by York Taenzer

“Nothing” from A Chorus Line Marvin Hamlisch & Edward Kleban * solo performance by Paul Harvey

“Little Shop of Horrors” Howard Ashman & Alan Menken * performance by Don Agee, Kevin Seward, from Little Shop of Horrors Jerry Vroegh

“No One is Alone” Stephen Sondheim from Into the Woods

“Jersey Boys Medley” Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice * HarMENy and Chorus from Jersey Boys

“This is Me” Benj Pasek & Justin Paul * Adam Yankowy, soloist from The Greatest Showman

174

2018-2019

Board of Directors

Chad Kammin/Tim Schreck, President; Tim Schreck, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Don Agee, Secretary Dawn Connet, Jenica Johnson, Todd Murphy, Kevin M. Seward, Sheryl Terlouw, Mike Youngstrom

Season Highlights

• Performs at Ames Pride (September 29, 2018) and Orange City Pride (October 19, 2018) • Performs at Blazing Saddle 35th Anniversary (October 6, 2018) • Performs at Plymouth UCC Sunday Service (October 14, 2018) • Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser: “Cirque du So-Gay” at The River Center (Friday, November 9, 2018) • HarMENy performs at Noce One Iowa Fundraiser (December 2, 2018) • Performs at Salisbury House (Wednesday, December 5, 2018), • Performs at Northcrest Retirement Community in Ames (Friday, December 21, 2018) • Performs at Renaissance Savery Hotel (Sunday, January 13, 2019) • Performs for Hal Thompson’s Celebration of Life (Saturday, April 27, 2019) • HarMENy performs at Scottish Rite Park (Friday, May 17, 2019) • Performs at Heritage Gallery (Friday, May 31, 2019) • Performs at Capital City Pride (June 9, 2019) • Collaborative performance for Quiet No More is held in St. Paul (June 29-30, 2019)

175 2018-2019 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser

Cirque du So-Gay

Venue: The River Center (340 SW 3rd Street; Des Moines) Catering: The River Center Date: Friday, November 9; 2018 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Sarah Zdenek

Theme/Promo: A dazzling ‘Cirque du So-Gay’-themed spectacle to benefit the chorus. Complete with bearded ladies and an aerialist! Our beautiful, talented performers have an intangible gift for creating welcoming spaces where you, as an audience member, belong. DMGMC is joy. This is your opportunity to hear them sing AND have time with them when they aren’t on stage. Socialize! Champion their abundant contributions to the arts and gay community in Des Moines! Belong!

Committee: Chair: Todd Murphy Rebecca Gruber, Jenica Johnson, Chad Kammin, Kevin Seward, Sheryl Terlouw

Raffle Prizes: Coordinator: Chad Kammin Donors: AAA Iowa, AC Hotel by Marriott, AllSpice Culinarium, BRAVO Cucina Italiana, Bubba, Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., East Village Spa, Hy-Vee Downtown, Iowa Leather Weekend, Lucca, Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel

Cirque du So-Gay Performers: Don Agee, Tim Burgess, Raul Canahui, Craig T. Caster, Dean Cliff, Casey Dague, Ken Hanson, Rob Harlan, Paul Harvey, Robert Jupp, Chad Kammin, Keith Meendering, Todd Murphy, Robert P., Wyatt Reicherts, Steve Sanda, Josh Schulte, Kevin M. Seward, Ryan Stearns, Jesse Wells 176 Season: 2018-2019 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “Jingle All The Way” Venue: Plymouth United Church of Christ Dates: Friday, December 14; Saturday, December 15, 2018 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Sarah Zdenek Instrumentalists: Ben and Mary Jane Blystone, taiko drum

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Ken Hanson, *Joseph Holbrook, (* Section Leader) Wyatt Reicherts

Tenor II: Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Joshua Schulte, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Robert Jupp, Robert P., Neil Salowitz, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, *Jesse Wells Connie Wilson Bass: *Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Chad Kammin, Connie Wilson Design

Stephan Maras, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chad Kammin, Wyatt Reicherts, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt

Program:

“Jubilate” Halmos Laszlo

“San’bonani/Namhla Kudibene” arr. Michael Barrett * Steve Sanda, soloist

“Ballade to the Moon” Daniel Elder from Three Nocturnes 177

“Sparklyjollytwinklejingley” Matthew Sklar (arr. Beck) from Elf

“All Through the Night” arr. Keith Christopher

“Yonder Come Day” arr. Craig Carnahan

“Skye Boat Song” arr. Stephen Smith

“The Gift of Love” arr. Hal Hopson

“Alleluia Incantation” Andrew Miller

“Child of God” Mark A. Miller

“Silent Night” arr. Mark Hayes

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” Johnny Marks (arr. Gilpin)

“In the Bleak Midwinter” Gustav Holst (arr. Moore)

“Jingle Bells” James Pierpont (arr. Weber) * Craig Otto and Joseph Holbrook, soloists

“O magnum mysterium” Morten Lauridsen

“The Twelve Days After Christmas” Frederick Silver

“A Shepherd’s Carol” arr. Ken Berg

178 Season: 2018-2019 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Unbreakable: Stories of LGBTQ Resilience. In Song” (by Andrew Lippa) Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Saturday, March 30, 2019 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: James Garcia, woodwinds; Cristina Deeds, horn; Jon Jensen and Logan Musel, percussion; Seth Hedquist, guitars, banjo, ukelele; Kristin Maahs, harp; Francine Griffith, keyboard; Leah Kolner, violin; Mary Pshonik, cello Guest Soloists: Blake Clyde, Sara Routh, Poni Lejukole, Scott Silipino, Henry Vermeer, Tanner Smith

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, (* Section Leader) Chris Hunter, Wyatt Reicherts, Scott P. Silipino, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Joshua Schulte, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen,

Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz Connie Wilson Connie Wilson Design Baritone: Terence Blain, Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Benjamin Hucker, Robert P, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, *Jesse Wells

Bass: *Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Bob Gowdey, Chad Kammin, Doug Overfield, Will Samorey, John Schmacker, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, Chad Kammin, Wyatt Reicherts, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt

Program: Unbreakable (by Andrew Lippa)

1. 1900s: “Unbreakable” * Jane Addams and Chorus

179 2. “Gay Word” * Joe ‘Mo, Woman 1, Woman 2, Man 1, and Chorus

3. 1910s: “Go to War” * Chorus and One Young Man

4. 1920s: “Already Dead” * Cyril Wilcox, The President of Harvard, and Chorus

5. 1930s: “Just a Woman” * Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas

6. 1940s: “The Room Next Door” * Lem Billings and Jackie Kennedy

7. 1950s: “Executive Order” * Chorus

8. 1960s: “All People” * Bayard Rustin and Chorus

9. 1970s: “A Purple Menace / * Dr. Charles Socarides and Chorus The Happy Homosexual”

10. 1980s: “41” * Chorus

11. 1990s: “Survivors” * Chorus

12. 2000s: “Sylvia” * Sylvia Rivera and Chorus

13. “Gay Word” Reprise * The Ensemble

14. 2010s: “Good Things Take Time” * The Ensemble and Chorus

180 Season: 2018-2019 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret: “Divas + Icons” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Thursday, June 6; Friday, June 7; Saturday, June 8, 2019 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Instrumentalists: Jim Dunn, bass; Drew Selim, drums; Seth Hedquist, guitar Staging: Jesse Pierce, Adam Yankowy, Erin Horst, Dr. Rebecca Gruber

Singers: Tenor I: Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, (*Section Leader) Wyatt Reicherts, Scott P. Silipino, York Taenzer, David Wilfahrt

Tenor II: Don Agee, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Tanner Mote, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Kevin M. Seward, Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Paul Harvey , Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, *Jesse Wells Connie Wilson

Connie Wilson Design Bass: *Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Bob Gowdey,

Chad Kammin, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Paul Harvey, Joseph Holbrook, Chris Hunter, Chad Kammin, Wyatt Reicherts, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt

Program:

“Y.M.C.A.” Morali, Belolo & Willis (arr. Emerson) * HarMENy and Company

“Shoop Shoop Song” Rudy Clark (arr. Emerson) * Frank Filippelli, soloist

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” Jule Styne

181 “No More Tears” Jabara & Roberts * Doyle Monsma & Paul Harvey, soloists

“Faith” George Michael * Greg Gross

“I Want It That Way” Martin & Carlsson * Raul Canahui, Chris Hunter, Tanner Mote, Steve Sanda, Jesse Wells

“Your Song” Elton John * Scott Silipino

LIGHTNING ROUND!

“Sisters” Irving Berlin

“Madonna Megamix” arr. Ben Hagen * HarMENy

“Thank You For Being a Friend” Andrew Gold

INTERMISSION

“It’s Raining Men” Jabara & Shaffer * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“Whatta Man” * Raul Canahui, Greg Gross, Chris Hunter, Steve Sanda, Doug Staudt, Bob Gowdey, soloists

“You Don’t Own Me” White & Madara * Ken Hanson, Chris Hunter, soloists

“Friends” Linhart & Klingman * Frank Filippelli

“Jolene” Dolly Parton (arr. Wyatt & Hagen) * HarMENy

“Big-Boned Gal” Lang & Mink * Tim Schreck, soloist

“Mama Mia!” Andersson & Ulvaeus * Don Agree, Keith Meendering, Kevin Seward

“I Will Always Love Whitney” Dolly Parton (arr. Huff) * HarMENy

“Find Me Somebody to Love” Freddie Mercury (arr. Emerson) * Wyatt Reicherts, Raul Canahui, soloists

182 “Men Who Love Women” Steve Goodman * Dr. Rebecca Gruber, soloist (Who Love Men)

“True Colors” Steinberg & Kelly

“Lean on Me”/“We Shall Overcome” Bill Withers (arr. Hayes) * Craig T. Caster, soloist

“Survivors” from Unbreakable Andrew Lippa

183

2019-2020

Board of Directors

Tim Schreck, President; Steve Sanda, Vice President; John Schmacker, Treasurer; Dawn Connet, Secretary L Carlson, Bradley Chamberlain, Casey Dague, Jenica Johnson, Todd Murphy, Kathleen Murrin, Sheryl Terlouw, Mike Youngstrom

Season Highlights

• Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser: OklaHamlet is held at The Conservatory (Friday, November 1, 2019) • Board approves switching from Eventbrite to Arts-People ticketing system and Neon online platform • Performs at First United Methodist Church (October 27, 2019), and Walnut Hills UMC (November 17, 2019) • Performs at Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark Cady’s Memorial (November 20, 2019) • Performs at Salisbury House (Tuesday, December 10, 2019) • Performs with community singers for It Gets Better at Civic Center (Saturday, February 15, 2020) • March Spring Concert & Pride Concerts canceled due to coronavirus pandemic • Out in the Schools Curriculum is developed by Wade Petersen, Paul Hengesteg, and Rebecca Gruber • GALA Festival in Minneapolis postponed from summer 2020 to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic

184 2019-2020 Eat. Drink. Sing. Fundraiser OklaHamlet!

Venue: The Conservatory (315 E. 5th Street, #2; Des Moines) Catering: Cyd’s Catering Date: Friday, November 1; 2019 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber

Accompanist: Ben Hagen Connie Wilson Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen Connie Wilson Design

Theme/Promo: Oklahoma! meets Shakespeare in a unique blend of country hoedown and Shakespearean musical tragedy. From the Golden Age to the Wild West, it’ll be a poetic surrey ride you won’t want to miss. Yeehaw … and yea, verily! It’s Friday Night. Come join us right after work, in downtown Des Moines! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.

Committee: Co-Chairs: L Carlson, Todd Murphy Rebecca Gruber, Jenica Johnson, Kathleen Murrin, Wade Petersen, Tim Schreck, Sheryl Terlouw

Marketing: Casey Dague, Rebecca Gruber, Steve Sanda

Volunteer Coordinator: Dawn Connet

Raffle Prizes: Coordinator: Chad Kammin Donors: AC Marriott Hotel, AllSpice Culinarium, Blaine Custom Painting, Bubba, Ceviche Bar, Chocolaterie Stam, Des Moines Performing Arts, East Village Spa, 4th & Court Hy-Vee, Hilton Des Moines Downtown, Chad Kammin, Lucca, Renaissance Savery Hotel, Starbucks (Hickman), Teddy Maroon’s, The Republic on Grand, Stuffed Olive Restaurant

OklaHamlet! Performers: Tim Burgess, Raul Canahui, Craig T Caster, Casey Dague, Greg Gross, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Chris Hunter, Chad Kammin, Todd Murphy, Eric Olmscheid, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Scott Silipino, York Taenzer, Jesse Wells, David Whalen, Keith Wirtz 185 Season: 2019-2020 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “FA-LA-LA and All That Jazz” Venue: Plymouth United Church of Christ Dates: Friday, December 20; Saturday, December 21, 2019 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen Instrumentalists: Kamron Warden, percussion; John Helmich and Will Samorey, violin; Charles Miranda, viola; Mary Pshonik, cello

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Chris Hunter, Wyatt (* Section Leader) Reicherts, Scott P. Silipino, York Taenzer, David Wilfahrt

Tenor II: Don Agee, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Tanner Mote, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Joshua Schulte, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Keith Wirtz

Baritone: Terrence Blain, Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Jake Estes, Paul Harvey, Paul Hengesteg, Benjamin Hucker, Doug Connie Wilson Staudt, Ryan Stearns, *Jesse Wells Connie Wilson Design

Bass: *Craig T. Caster, Steve Conner, Frank Filippelli, Bob Gowdey, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, Tim Schreck

HarMENy: Director: Ben Hagen Singers: Don Agee, Raul Canahui, Paul Harvey, Chris Hunter, Chad Kammin, Wyatt Reicherts, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Doug Staudt, York Taenzer, Jesse Wells

Program:

“Sisi Ni Moja” (We Are One) Jacob Narverud

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” traditional (arr. Takach)

186 “Dear December” Bobby Jo Valentine (arr. Volpe) * Tim Schreck, soloist

“The Mahogany Tree” Eric Helmuth

“Please Come Home for Christmas” Brown & Redd (arr. Althouse) * HarMENy; Don Agee & Raul Canahui, soloists

“The Most Wonderful Time Pola & Wylie (arr. Rubino) * HarMENy of the Year”

“No Matter What” Scott & Gad * Steve Sanda, soloist

“Nuttin’ For Christmas” Tepper & Bennett * Ryan Stearns, soloist

“Mister Santa” Pat Ballard (arr. Hall)

“Christmas Angel” Corlynn Hanney * Terence Blain & Raul Canahui, soloists

“Christmas Hurricane” Charles L. Baker * Scott Silipino, soloist

“A Holiday Road of Carols” arr. Greg Gilpin * HarMENy

“Linus and Lucy” Vince Guaraldi * Ben Hagen, solo

“Christmas Time is Here” Vince Guaraldi (arr. Sharon)

“The Chanukah Song” Young & Schwartz (arr. Huff) * Terence Blain & Kevin Seward, soloists (We Are Lights)

“Ding-a Ding-a Ding” Greg Gilpin

“Silent Night” traditional (arr. Ramsay)

“Pure Imagination” Bricusse & Newley (arr. Nielsen) * Wyatt Reicherts, Don Agee & Scott Silipino, soloists

“Speak Out!” from Quiet No More Jane Ramseyer Miller * Steve Sanda, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt & Raul Canahui, soloists

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” traditional (arr. Forrest) 187

Season: 2019-2020 Concert/Title: Spring Concert: “Strings in the Earth and Air” Venue: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Date: Thursday, March 26, 2020 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen Instrumentalists: Jon Jenson and Kamron Warden, percussion; Belin Quartet: Julie Fox Henson (violin), John Helmich (violin), Jonathan Sturm (violin), Julie Sturm (cello);

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, *Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, (* Section Leader) Chris Hunter, Wyatt Reicherts, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, *Keith Meendering, Doyle Monsma, Tanner Mote, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Joshua Schulte, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Keith Wirtz

Connie Wilson Baritone: Raul Canahui, Dean Cliff, Christopher Cuhel, Paul Harvey, Connie Wilson Design Paul Hengesteg, Benjamin Hucker, Miles Maurice, Eric Olmscheid, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, Kamron Warden, *Jesse Wells

Bass: *Craig T. Caster, Steve Conner, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Bob Gowdey, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Stephan Maras, Adam Yankowy

Program:

“Anvil Chorus” from Il Trovatore Giuseppe Verdi (arr. Priano)

“Tango” Astor Piazzolla * Belin Quartet

“Listen To A Jubilant Song” Tim Sarsany

188 “I Am In Need of Music” David L. Brunner

“Quintet in F major” (American) Antonin Dvorak * Belin Quartet

“Lift Your Eyes to Light” Kyle Pederson

“Skip to My Lou” (traditional) arr. Gilpin * J. Wyatt Reicherts & Raul Canahui, soloists

“Hands Are Knockin’” Kyle Pederson

“Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major” Op. 34 Carl Maria von Weber * Belin Quartet & James Garcia, clarinet IV. Rondo, allegro giocoso

“Who Gave My Soul to Me” Michael John Trotta from For a Breath of Ecstasy

“String Quartet No. 2 in D major” Alexander Borodin * Belin Quartet III. Notturno: Andante

“Survivors” Andrew Lippa from Unbreakable

“Come To My Window” Melissa Etheridge (arr. Weirick)

“Sing Your Way Home” Joseph M. Martin

“How Can I Keep from Singing” arr. Gwyneth Walker

189

Season: 2019-2020 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret Concert: “Send Up!” Venue: Temple Theater, Temple for Performing Arts Dates: Thursday, June 11, Friday, June 12; Saturday, June 13, 2020 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen

* Canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

Season: 2019-2020 Concert/Title: GALA Festival Venue: Minneapolis, MN Dates: July 4 – 8, 2020 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen

* Postponed due to coronavirus pandemic

190 DMGMC Online Curriculum

Out in the Schools

Course Background The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus had originally planned our Out in the Schools as an outreach program of partnering with Iowa high school vocal programs in residency to share our music. As the pandemic spread, we realized this would no longer be an option, so we needed to pivot. We decided to develop a completely free online course, formatted in the Canvas platform, to offer curriculum of equity and inclusion to every school in Iowa. We reached out to administrators, curriculum directors, music instructors, sponsors of Gay-Straight Alliances, and all classroom teachers who wished to work with students on acceptance and belonging. We believe our curriculum provides flexibility for on-site, hybrid, and virtual learning; this can be a great way to differentiate for the needs of many students.

Lack of inclusivity in a school climate can cause students to bring less than their full energy and focus to the classroom. Many of our schools are addressing these issues of equity and inclusion. We believe this online course will benefit all students. The course may provide a much-needed way to address the needs of students who are struggling with identity and self-esteem and of those students who are looking to be allies in support of a more understanding and accepting school.

We hope to awaken a sense of power within each student--power to challenge all forms of intolerance. Out in the Schools will help teachers by adding another resource for their “toolbox.” No matter the distance, let’s come together to work for a better future for all students.

Course Developers: Wade Petersen, Paul Hengesteg, Dr. Rebecca Gruber 191

A NEW

FREE ONLINE CANVAS COURSE ONLINE COURSE FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS

AVAILABLE FOR THE CANVAS DES MOINES GAY MEN’S (INSTRUCTURE) PLATFORM CHORUS Teachers may download and personalize all aspects of the course to CONTACT INFORMATION suit their own needs and those of students. DES MOINES GAY MEN’S CHORUS P.O. BOX 12269 Schools do NOT have to use DES MOINES, IA 50312 Canvas to use this course with students! (515) 999-5636 [email protected] DMGMC.ORG PERFECT FOR

In-Person Instruction OUT IN THE SCHOOLS ––––––––––– COURSE ADMINISTRATOR Distance Instruction WADE PETERSEN ––––––––––– [email protected] Hybrid Instruction ––––––––––– GSA Clubs ––––––––––– Music Classes ––––––––––– Staff In-Service ––––––––––– NON-PROFIT GRANT FUNDING Any schools wanting to address ADDRESSING THE issues of Equity and Inclusion! FOR THIS FREE ONLINE COURSE NEEDS OF STUDENTS

MADE POSSIBLE BY WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH

The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM and their conductor would love to visit your school, perform with your students, and experience the healing power of music, together, when the time is right. 192

EDUCATE! ADVOCATE! CELEBRATE! 8 FREE CANVAS MODULES Welcome to Out in the Schools 8 FREE CANVAS MODULES Music Infusions from the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Thank you for considering this FREE online are incorporated throughout the curriculum Canvas course produced by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. We want to support the work you are doing to make your classroom MODULE #1 | Course Introduction MODULE #5 | Iowa History, Laws, & Marriage and school more equitable, and your students Course Welcome Iowa’s Record of Historic Judicial Rulings National Arts Standards Marriage Equality We explore equity and inclusion through the Learning Targets Iowa Discrimination Laws lens of the LGBTQ+ community. Through Intro to the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Pre-Course Survey MODULE #6 | LGBTQ+ National Resources and the action steps, our modules can serve Crisis Hotline (Mental Health, Homelessness) MODULE #2 | as a catalyst for deeper investigation of the Vocabulary & Symbolism Organizations of Support challenges faced by all marginalized people and Gender & Sexual Orientation Vocabulary Gay-Straight Alliances the behaviors that can lead to positive change. Personal Pronouns | Gender Symbols LGBTQ+ Music Icons, Literature and Poetry Pride Flags MODULE #7 | LGBTQ+ Iowa Resources OUR PURPOSE MODULE #3 | LGBTQ+ History 101 Links to Iowa Organizations To respond to violence, discrimination, Large Group History Events Online Courses for Educators and marginalization Violence Against Individuals Iowa Arts Organizations LGBTQ+ History Month Iowa Scholarship Information OUR PEOPLE Iowa Pride Celebrations Secondary school students, their teachers, MODULE #4 | administrators, and parents Equity, Empathy, Inclusion Inclusion Vocabulary MODULE #8 | Projects & Wrap-Up Discrimination | Bullying Music & LGBTQ+ Creative Final Projects OUR PROJECT Homelessness (Isolation, Suicide) To provide engaging online curriculum Post-Course Survey Coming Out | Finding Community for teachers and student learning

OUR GOAL

To awaken a sense of power within ALL MODULES INCLUDE each student—power to challenge all forms Teaching Tips | Vocabulary | Activities | Assessments | Video Links of intolerance Music & LGBTQ+ Journal Prompts | Projects | Games | Student Advocacy Ideas 193

2020-2021

Board of Directors

Steve Sanda, President; Bradley Chamberlain, President Elect; Casey Dague, Vice President;

Tim Schreck, Treasurer & Past President; Dawn Connet, Secretary L Carlson, Sue Hoss, Jenica Johnson, Kathleen Murrin, Eric Shepard, Kamron Warden

Season Highlights

• Board takes initiative to develop and adopt new Guideposts (purpose, vision, mission) for DMGMC • Out in the Schools online curriculum is marketed to all Iowa high schools • Performs “We Are Survivors” as a virtual online video • Performs “Beautiful City” as a virtual online video • Winter concert is reformatted for a “virtual” performance due to coronavirus pandemic • Dr. Rebecca Gruber steps down as Artistic Director in December, 2020 • Performs “Hope” as a virtual online video • Spring concert is canceled due to coronavirus pandemic • Postponed GALA Festival in Minneapolis is canceled due to coronavirus pandemic th • June/Pride concert is reformatted as a summer 20 anniversary outdoor concert

194 Season: 2020-2021 Concert/Title: Winter Concert: “Light in the Darkness” Venue: Online streaming “virtual” concert Dates: Friday and Saturday, December 18 & 19, 2020 Encore Performance: Friday, December 25, 2020 Conductor: Dr. Rebecca Gruber Accompanist: Ben Hagen Admin. Assistant: Wade Petersen Instrumentalists: Jonathan Sturm, violin, viola; Julie Sturm, cello; James Garcia, clarinet Guest Artist: Erin Horst Show Editors: Steve Sanda, Casey Dague Steve Sanda Poster Design Special Editing: Red 11 Media (20th Anniversary Slideshow, “How Can I Keep From Singing,” “Who Gave My Soul to Me,” “We Are Rising,” “We Choose Love,” “It Gets Better”); Erin Horst “Snow” Videography: Steve Sanda (Tour Around Town), Eric Olmscheid (“Snow”) Hosts: Dr. Rebecca Gruber, Eric Olmscheid

Program:

Pre-Show Audio

“Hodie” Craig Carnahan * 2017 Winter Concert & Singers

“Festival Gloria” Craig Courtney * 2014 Winter Concert & Singers

“Ring out Wild Bells” Ron Nelson * 2017 Winter Concert & Singers

“Gloria” Randol Alan Bass * 2016 Winter Concert & Singers

Show Repertoire:

“How Can I Keep from Singing” Gwyneth Walker * Don Agee, Raul Canahui, Ken Hanson, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Tristan 195 Miedema, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmscheid, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Adam Yankowy

Talk Break 1: Welcome Meet the Singers, Part I * Rebecca Gruber and Eric Olmscheid

“We Are Lights” Young & Schwartz, arr. Huff * 2019 Winter Concert Video & Singers; Terence Blain & Kevin Seward, soloists

“Sisi Ni Moja” Jacob Narverud * 2019 Winter Concert Video & Singers

Talk Break 2: Welcome Meet the Singers, Part II * Rebecca Gruber and Eric Olmscheid

“Who Gave My Soul to Me” Michael John Trotta * Belin Quartet: Jonathan Sturm, violin, viola; Julie from For a Breath of Ecstasy Sturm, cello; James Garcia, clarinet; Singers: Don Agee, Raul Canahui, Ken Hanson, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Tristan Miedema, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmsheid, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Kamron Warden, Adam Yankowy

“Snow” from White Christmas Irving Berlin * Rebecca Gruber, Erin Horst, Tristan Miedema, Adam Yankowy, soloists; video editing by Erin Horst

Talk Break 3 Out in the Schools Curriculum * Rebecca Gruber and Eric Olmscheid

“Hope” Jason Robert Brown * Raul Canahui, Tristan Miedema, Steve Sanda, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Kamron Warden

“We are Rising Up” Reginald Unterseher * Don Agee, Raul Canahui, Bruce Carr, Rebecca from Justice Choir Songbook Gruber, Ken Hanson, Rob Harlan, Paul Hengesteg, Benjamin Hucker, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Tristan Miedema, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmscheid, 196 Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Josh Schulte, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Kamron Warden, Adam Yankowy

“Beautiful City” from Godspell Stephen Schwartz * Blake Clyde and York Taenzer, soloists; Singers: Raul Canahui, Bruce Carr, Dean Cliff, Casey Dague, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Joseph Holbrook, Benjamin Hucker, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Steve Sanda, Josh Schulte, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering

“We Choose Love” Andrea Ramsey * Don Agee, Bruce Carr, Ken Hanson, Rob Harlan, from Justice Choir Songbook Benjamin Hucker, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Tristan Miedema, Doyle Monsma, Eric Olmscheid, Steve Sanda, Josh Schulte, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Kamron Warden, Adam Yankowy

Talk Break 4 Rebecca Steps Down * Rebecca Gruber

“Baby, It's Cold Outside” Frank Loesser * Rebecca Gruber and Ben Hagen

DMGMC History Tour of Des Moines * Rebecca Gruber and Eric Olmscheid

Singer Photo Slideshow:

“I Saw Three Ships” Mark Riese * 2016 Winter Concert & Singers

“Deck the Hall” arr. Chad Weirick * 2017 Winter Concert & Singers

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Mark Riese * 2016 Winter Concert & Singers

Video Tribute to Dr. Rebecca Gruber * Steve Sanda, Board President “How Could Anyone” Libby Roderick * GALA Festival 2012 & Singers

197 Talk Break 5 Donations and Goodnight * Steve Sanda, Board President

“It Gets Better” Andrew Lippa, arr. Ben Hagen * Doyle Monsma and Adam Yankowy, soloists; Singers: Don Agree, Raul Canahui, Bruce Carr, Ken Hanson, John L’Estrange, Keith Meendering, Tristan Miedema, Eric Olmscheid, Steve Sanda, Tim Schreck, Scott Silipino, Doug Staudt, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Adam Yankowy

Talk Break 6 Goodnight * Rebecca Gruber and Eric Olmscheid

Credits:

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” traditional, arr. Forrest * 2019 Winter Concert & Singers

“Sleigh Ride” Mitchell Parish & Leroy Anderson, * 2013 Winter Concert & Singers arr. Ades

“Carol of the Bells” M. Leontovich, arr. Willhousky * 2013 Winter Concert & Singers

“Ose Shalom” John Leavitt * 2013 Winter Concert & Singers

Singers Involved In This Concert (from Current and Past Performances) Don Agee, Carroll Bennink, Terence Blaine, Phil Brawner, Tim Burgess, Raul Canahui, Charles Carnes, Bruce Carr, Craig T. Caster, Dean Cliff, Jacoby Clingman, Blake Clyde, Steve Conner, Lawrence Curry, Casey Dague, Mark Dickerson, Bret-Wayne Dillon-Hansen, Tony Dillon-Hansen, Jake Estes, Frank Filippelli, Seth Fisher, Joe Freund, Bob Gowdey, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Rob Harlan, Roy Harvego, Paul Harvey, Jesse Hatfield, Paul Hengesteg, Chris Higgins, Joseph Holbrook, Benjamin Hucker, Chris Hunter, Chuck Jordan, Robert Jupp, Chad Kammin, Terrance Korte, Bryan Kreisinger Denk, Russ Kruse, John l’Estrange, Stephen Maras, Tyler McCubbin, Keith Meendering, Tristan Miedema, Rick Miller, Doyle Monsma, Tanner Mote, Todd Murphy, Bill Nolan, Eric Olmscheid, Craig Otto, Doug Overfield, Robert P, Chad Peters, Jesse Pierce, Robert Ratcliffe, Wyatt Reicherts, Timothy Rodriguez, Neil Salowitz, Will Samorey, Steve Sanda, Bruce Sanders-Lehnertz, John Schmacker, Tim Schreck, Josh Schulte, Myke Selha, Kevin Seward, Scott Silipino, Bryce Sprosty, Doug Staudt, Ryan Stearns, York Taenzer, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Joseph Thering, Steven Therrien, Hal Thompson, Mike Triggs, Jim Torsky, Ian Tucker, James Vacca, Richard Van Gundy II, Jerry Vroegh, Kamron Warden, Jesse Wells, Ramone Wilder, David Wilfahrt, Brian T. Wilson, Keith Wirtz. Adam Yankowy 198

The End of an Era…

The Evolution

of the

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

with

Dr. Rebecca Gruber

Artistic Director

2005-2020

by Wade Petersen

199 How Could Anyone have Randy was “a man who could looking for the best fit for the years with the chorus, she not only known what 15 years as the assemble a lot of people” chorus before deciding who would found ways to help singers find Artistic Director of the Des Moines (instrumentalists, singers, and assume the role of its next Artistic their musical voices, but to also Gay Men’s Chorus would bring? supporters) to put on a big show. Director. find their authentic human voices. From 2005 to 2020, Dr. Rebecca Rebecca felt very welcomed by Once hired, Rebecca faced She said, “I didn’t figure how little

Gruber took the stage to lead everyone and talks of how sweet the task of helping the group to it would be a musical endeavor fabulous performances, chorus members were to her move forward from its founding and how much more it would be a conducting the melody of our lives (joking that it was probably director. She wanted the chorus to human endeavor.” through its highs and lows. From because she was wearing not only “survive” but to also Rebecca often says that her rehearsals to concerts, from something sparkly). She didn’t “thrive.” Rebecca did inherit some most significant accomplishment fundraisers to grants, from really know exactly what to expect friction and stress about the was hiring Ben Hagen as the inaugurations to drinks at the from that concert, but now, when direction of the repertoire from accompanist for the chorus. She Saddle, from unicorns to slide listening to the audio of her some concerned singers. There remembers that Ben showed up in whistles, Rebecca has been a part performance, is incredibly pleased was also hesitation from some response to a newspaper ad. After of it all. She was not only the with the sound (“Gosh, it’s singers about the appropriateness listening to his playing, she amazing conductor who made us amazing what happens to your of moving forward with a straight thought, “Holy hell! Anything I stand with Pride and sing voice after 20 years.”). Rebecca female as the conductor of a gay put in front of him, he can play!” dynamically, she was the loving credits Randy’s personality and men’s chorus. There wasn’t much Over the years, a strong friend and caring mother figure musical gifts, along with the Rebecca could do about the latter partnership formed between that held our hands when we excitement and novelty of putting identity issue (quoting Popeye, “I Rebecca and Ben. Singing in needed a sympathetic ear. Indeed, on a great show, for the successful am what I am”). The concerns harmony is one thing; working in How could anyone fail to notice turnout of chorus singers. about repertoire, Rebecca harmony is even better. Ben’s that your loving is a miracle? After Randy stepped down explains, were more about how to intuition and concentration Now, as Dr. Rebecca Gruber leaves as Artistic Director in June of manifest “gayness” in the world. allowed him to know where the podium, declaring, “It’s a big 2005, Rebecca acknowledged that As seen in popular culture, gay Rebecca was going before she even job, and it’s somebody else’s turn,” keeping this chorus of men people had often become “a went there. His ability to “voice we fondly look back at her opus -- together would be a “testament to caricature or a comedic element out” a part for a section of the years with the Des Moines Gay Randy’s work and the importance borne out through camp and struggling singers is amazing, and Men’s Chorus -- to see how she of having this group in Des glitz.” Rebecca’s alternative Ben’s ability to improvise has struck such a resounding chord. Moines.” Later that year, Rebecca mindset was to sing as a chorus of improved greatly over the years. While finishing her was appointed as an interim men, who happen to be gay, with a “He just has facility, musicality, conductor for the December repertoire that would manifest and taste.” doctoral work, Rebecca performed as a soloist at DMGMC’s second concert, entitled “Brothers, Sing their authentic identity. For many Even though Rebecca has concert “The Song of All of You, On!” (An International Holiday singers, being part of the Des also grown in her ability to pick That Is My Own Song” on Experience). She clearly knew that Moines Gay Men’s Chorus was the music specific to male voices, the February 16, 2002. Because this concert would be her only avenue to positively express sound of a chorus is never Westminster Presbyterian had “audition” to become the future themselves as “gay” to the world. predictable. Each variation of the also been Rebecca’s home church director of the chorus. DMGMC’s An essential element of Rebecca’s chorus, depending on the makeup at the time, she remembers being Board of Directors also hired leadership was to walk gently of its singers, will bring a different recruited by Dr. Randy Buikema, Dennis Willhoit as another along the various journeys of its sound. A director must work with its music director and leader of the interim conductor for the 2006 members as they found their way the voices of the singers who show newly formed Des Moines Gay March concert. As leadership “out” of the closet and onto the up for any given concert or season. Men’s Chorus. usually does, the Board was world of the stage. Throughout her The talent of DMGMC’s director200 lies in shaping the voices of tenors, factor in moving to a “solstice” remembers that the 2008 Miami leadership has struggled with its baritones, and basses into their themed concert rather than an GALA Festival participation was own issues of diversity. Rebecca greatest potential. Rebecca is very overtly religious/Christmas focus. largely due to Russ Kruse. Russ attended some challenging proud of how the chorus has She says it was important to had been to leadership training director meetings at GALA while grown over the years in its sound, “nurture the grace” of singers and consequently pushed for the the singers were out enjoying depth, and musicality. She knows toward reconciliation with others’ DMGMC to attend this various other activities in their that this takes developing one’s opinions in the group. Above all, quadrennial celebration. Of free time. In what had been a “gay “ear” (does it sound better this way Rebecca has always wanted the course, some singers had already men” centered organization, many or that way?). Another skill comes audience to expect quality in the experienced GALA as members of women and trans people felt that from Rebecca’s ability of knowing chorus’ music, but she says it is the former version of the chorus. not everyone in the LGBTQ family where to place certain voices also a conductor’s job “to bring Russ even organized a chorus were being fairly represented by within the chorus. “If my job is to things that are unfamiliar as well cookbook to raise funds to help the festival. Despite these help all the guys who show up do as the lovely and familiar.” travel to Miami in 2008. For those struggles, Rebecca says, “The something lovely, we’ll put them Struggles can come in who traveled to that hot July problems with the exclusivity of it where they can be most many forms. Almost every GALA for the small window of its are far outbalanced by the finding successful.” This also is reflected organization goes through a performance, the fire was lit in of the tribe.” With the in the challenge of having a growing period where some understanding that attending the postponement and eventual volunteer chorus; some singers seasons are more challenging than entire GALA festival would be cancelation of the 2020 festival in show up for the rehearsals but others. During the recession of even more meaningful. Rebecca Minneapolis due to the COVID then disappear. Even so, Rebecca 2008 and 2009, the chorus was recalls, “I could just see the feeling pandemic, Rebecca hopes the understands that everyone’s time still able to perform beautiful of relief in the men…I could just GALA organization will rebound is precious and that life can music, but the tight budget didn’t see it.” At GALA, singers find and remain a gathering of “tribes” sometimes take precedence. allow purchase of a lot of new tangible comfort in being part of a in the future. As with any chorus, there music, so Rebecca had to rely supportive community, finding a Looking back over her 15 is a collective “tenderness” to more on its music library for some “tribe.” Of course, the years, Rebecca fondly remembers being part of a group of brothers, repeat performances. There were overwhelming positive receptions working with so many wonderful but there will also be differences of also ways of creatively jazzing to the DMGMC performances people and producing some opinions. Rebecca cites such an things up with costumes and props were “outsized” as Rebecca beautiful music. Creating issue with gay marriage. Whereas and presenting things with new or describes them. New fans from memorable moments for both most would assume that everyone different “packaging.” Rebecca Denver in 2012 and 2016 were singers and patrons was always in the DMGMC was “for” gay says that, musically, she never has surprised at the sound quality her goal. Recalling her work with marriage, some singers were really felt too restricted by budget. from a midsized Midwestern city David Conte’s “Eos” at the tenth against it. Rebecca remembers Various singers, board members, like Des Moines. “Maybe that’s the anniversary concert, Rebecca said, having to tread lightly as she and patrons have always stepped greatest thing of all, is here you “I wanted to show authentic gay would bring forth certain up their support with donations are, doing something, and other love that wasn’t campy, that “sensitive” repertoire, “We and creative ideas (how else would choruses are saying ‘we love you, wasn’t a joke.” For a chorus to sing understand that there are a variety you explain OklaHamlet?). good job!’” Rebecca remembers from a place of confidence and of viewpoints to this issue; A major budget challenge that, initially, some singers were self-worth requires establishing a however, this is what we are was to get the chorus to attend not the biggest fans of using sign solid foundation. Then, it is singing.” Even considering GALA Festivals. Many people language in one of their songs. possible to move toward singing standard repertoire at Christmas recognized that this opportunity Although, in retrospect, many now cabaret style with the camp, time can bring about issues for would be important for the growth look back on that performance parody, and self-deprecation many singers; this was a primary of the chorus, and Rebecca meaningfully. To be fair, the GALA required of an organization. 201 Another poignant memory for whelming love and support that Dr. Rebecca Gruber will forever than a music job for me. I am Rebecca is the power of sharing surrounded the men of the chorus leave a legacy of possibility and really proud.” Take a well- songs and stories between the men in these environments was acceptance with the chorus. She deserved bow, Rebecca. of the chorus and students of positive and uplifting. approached everything with the Meredith Middle School’s GSA. Like many musicians who intention of “We can do that”

One of her most heartfelt have had to cobble pieces of work while making others feel like their memories will always be the together to sustain a living, the contributions were valued. Above melding of all her talents required workload became unmanageable all, she wants chorus members, to produce Unbreakable. The for Rebecca in 2020 with too many past and present, to remember the concert unveiled all her gifts and things on her plate. She fun. For most singers, it may seem skills in conducting, working with announced her intentions to step like the goal of the chorus lies in an orchestra, organizing staging down as Artistic Director from the presenting a fantastic concert (and and costumes, and blending video chorus, thinking that the winter they have). For Rebecca, it was elements together. Revelations concert in 2020 would be her more about working toward came often, especially in the grand finale. “I wanted to go out in building relationships and understanding of how using the a successful place, in a high place achieving goals each week in talents of others could help her to for the organization and for me rehearsals. “My performance, my achieve mighty things. personally.” Little did she know best work, was to find some sort of Were there challenges over then that the COVID pandemic cohesion in the fellowship of every the years? Of course. As a director, would rob her of that intended week.” Her advice to the next Rebecca had prepared herself to concert and celebration. Rebecca Artistic Director? As with anyone handle any negativity she might would swerve with the pivot that in a leadership role, she cautions face as the head of a gay was required by all in her final to not let negativity outweigh the organization, whether internally months with the chorus. Her positive. “Just enjoy the or externally. She knew she might flexibility and wide range of relationships, the sounds, and the have to deal with singers who talents allowed the chorus to opportunities to interface with the might not be accepting of having a successfully produce its first community because there are a lot straight woman as head of the virtual concert “Light in the of people who want to do beautiful chorus. Thankfully, she says that Darkness” as her final production. things.” the Board of Directors helped to She worked with Wade Petersen Even though she is moving insulate her from any negativity. and Paul Hengesteg to develop the on, Rebecca will forever be part of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Even for rehearsals, Rebecca groundbreaking “Out in the developed contingency plans by Schools” curriculum during the (How deeply you’re connected to planning for negative scenarios. “I summer of 2020. DMGMC was my soul.). To her legacy, the had all my plans in my head of able to offer this free curriculum of chorus remains in unison. She is what I was going to do should equity, belonging, and inclusion to extremely excited and curious someone come to the rehearsal every high school in Iowa. She about where the chorus will go space in a threatening way.” The used her remaining time to under the direction of a new chorus rarely faced backlash. Sure, challenge the Des Moines Gay Artistic Director. there were always some random Men’s Chorus to face powerful Although she will be sitting protestors and religious zealots at social issues, specifically calling on in the audience in the future, she Pride celebrations, whether in Des DMGMC to become an anti-racist will remain the chorus’ biggest Moines or Orange City. The over- organization. fan. “This has been so much more 202 Dr. Rebecca Gruber served As a festival conductor and 15 years as Artistic clinician, Dr. Gruber has worked Director/Conductor of the Des with singers at David Lipscomb Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. She University in Nashville, TN, in the oversaw three commissions; three C.A.C.T.U.S. (Creative Arts Camp- performances at the national Together Under the Sun) fine arts convention of the LGBT choral camp, and with the adult, young organization, GALA; several adult, and children’s music concert seasons with the best programs at the American Baptist collaborative partners in the area; Summer Music Conference in and a significant number of Greenlake, Wisconsin. She has outreach performances to groups conducted the Des Moines who advocate for civil justice and Elementary Honor Choir; the equality. Southwest Iowa Honor Choir; Dr. Gruber received the Choristers Guild Children’s Choir Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Festival in Rochester, Minnesota; Conducting at the University of and the Richner-Strong Church Nebraska. She holds a Master of Music Institute at Colby College in Sacred Music from Perkins School Maine. She created the of Theology and a Master of Music dramatic/music/dance in choral conducting from presentations at the Smithsonian Southern Methodist University. Institution for awardees of the Her undergraduate degree in U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy voice/music education is from in Washington, D.C. Lorenz Simpson College. Dr. Gruber publishes her children’s choir maintains an active voice studio in curriculum Stepping Stones. Des Moines, is a Teaching Artist in Voice on the Music Theater faculty of Drake University, and is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator at Pied Piper Studios. As a soprano soloist, Dr. Gruber has been heard in the works of J.S. Bach and C.P.E. Bach with the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and in the Haydn Mass in C and the Beethoven Mass in C for the Chautauqua Series at First United Methodist Church, Dallas. She performed Stravinsky’s Pulcinella, Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem, Haydn’s Missa in tempore belli, and The Company of Heaven by Benjamin Britten on the Westminster Fine Arts Series, and Mendelssohn’s setting of Psalm 42 at Carnegie Hall.

203 Season: 2020-2021 Concert/Title: Spring Concert * Canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

Season: 2020-2021 Concert/Title: Pride/Cabaret Concert * Canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

Season: 2020-2021 Concert/Title: GALA Festival (rescheduled from 2020) Venue: Minneapolis, MN * Canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

204 Season: 2020-2021 Concert/Title: The DMGMC 20th Anniversary Concert (Two Decades of Singing Music that Matters) Venue: Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park, Des Moines Dates: Friday, July 30, 2021 Conductors: Eric Shepard, Kamron Warden, Adam Yankowy Accompanist: Ben Hagen Operations Mgr.: Wade Petersen Instrumentalists: Seth Hedquist, guitar; Bridget Shoemaker, bass; Drew Selim, percussion Special Guests: Dr. Randal Buikema (Artistic Director 2001-2005) Dr. Rebecca Gruber (Artistic Director 2006-2020)

Singers: Tenor I: Tim Burgess, Greg Gross, Ken Hanson, Kevin Huizenga, Wyatt Reicherts, Scott P. Silipino, York Taenzer

Tenor II: Don Agee, Casey Dague, Rob Harlan, Chuck Jordan, Tristan Miedema, Todd Murphy, Steve Sanda, Kevin M. Seward, Robert (Bob) Thelen, Keith Wirtz Connie Wilson Baritone: Raul Canahui, Josh Hilliard, Matthew Nicholson, Eric Olmscheid, Connie Wilson Design Kamron Warden

Bass: Craig T. Caster, Frank Filippelli, Joe Freund, Bob Gowdey, Chad Kammin, John L’Estrange, Adam Yankowy

Program:

To be continued…

205