Ryan Duff | Artistic Director
Ryan is a 2001 graduate of Ball State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Choral Music Education. He also completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Southern Utah University in 2017. Ryan is a proud member of American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He has served as the Chair of the CCSD (Clark County School District) Honor Choir since 2015, and currently serves on the Nevada ACDA All-State Choir Committee. Duff has also served as the 2020 Western Region ACDA Honor Choir Chairman. He has served as President of the Nevada ACDA chapter, and currently serves as the Nevada ACDA Men’s Choir Repertoire & Resources Chairman. He was awarded a CCSD Heart of Education Award in 2017, recognizing Excellence in Teaching.
This year, Ryan completed his 16th year as a High School Choir Teacher in the Clark County School District; Duff finished his 13th year as the Choir Director at Basic Academy in Henderson, where he directs 6 choirs, and serves as the Department Chair for the Performing and Visual Arts. Before his career as a teacher, Ryan worked as a Professional Singer and Entertainer. Outside of Las Vegas, he worked as a Production Singer for Holland America Cruise Lines, Busch Gardens Theme Park Entertainment, Cedar Point Amusement Park Entertainment, and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe; he has also worked as Musical Director for several Professional Regional Musical Theatre Productions. His Las Vegas performing career as a singer and musician has included "Tony & Tina’s Wedding" at the Rio Hotel & Casino, "The Can-Can Cabaret" at the Paris Hotel & Casino, and as a Singing Gondolier at the Venetian Hotel & Casino.
Ryan is proud to serve as the Artistic Director for the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus. This season, he rounds out his 11th year at the podium, conducting and leading the organization. He resides in Las Vegas with his husband and Las Vegas Men’s Chorus Choreographer, Justin McClendon.
From our Artistic Director, Ryan Duff
Hello and welcome to our 2024 Summer Production entitled "Color the World." This show closes out our 31st season of bringing high-quality choral singing, exciting production value, and our unique entertainment to the Las Vegas community. Tonight, you will hear songs celebrating the many musical colors in our world, the strength we possess through our diversities, and some favorites from the Big Screen, Broadway, and your favorite go-to playlists. Our ensemble members, our staff, and our Board of Directors have worked tirelessly to put this show together and we cannot wait to share! I continue to stand in awe of the cooperative spirit of our leadership team; this show represents a colossal collaborative effort - our village is mighty!
I feel that what our organization brings to the stage is needed now, more than ever. In a world that seeks to constantly divide us, I encourage you to unplug from all of that strife, and allow us to shower you in love, authenticity, pride, and pure joy! We want this show to be a wonderful experience for you; we hope you enjoy all of this wonderful and timeless music we will share.
We are once again honored to be in our home, the beautiful Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the campus of UNLV, one of the finest concert halls in the valley! We are so thrilled to be closing out Pride Month with this musical celebration and to be supported by all of you - enjoy the show!
Jonathan Tuala | Collaborative Pianist
Jonathan is a pianist, singer, actor, and educator. He began piano lessons at age five, competed in regional competitions in grade school, and started playing for church services in middle school. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.
In the Las Vegas Valley, he has been musical director and keyboardist for various churches, schools, and many local musical theatre productions with companies such as Signature Productions and Super Summer Theatre. Jonathan sang with the Las Vegas Men's Chorus for three seasons as well as serving as Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors.
James Koperski | President
WelcometoColortheWorldandtheconclusionofLVMC’s31stseason!
Today marks my final show serving as President of the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus. It has been an honor to serve on the board of directors for this amazing organization since 2020 and as its President since 2022. LVMC has seen tremendous growth in both membership and audience size since over the past 3 seasons. That growth is only sustainable through the support of community members like you who value the arts and the missionofLVMC.
OurMission
The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus creates safe spaces for our community and alliesthroughmusicalexperienceswhichinspireallofustobe stronger together. In the spirit of giving please consider making a charitable donation today to ensure the continued growth of this vital organizationathttps://lvmenschorus.org/donate.
President,LasVegasMen’sChorus
About the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus….
Our Mission: The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus creates safe spaces for our community and allies through musical experiences which inspire all of us to be stronger together.
Community Harmony Opportunity Respect Unity Service
The Las Vegas Men's Chorus (LVMC) was founded in 1993 by a small group of men who simply wanted to sing. Over the next 30 years, the LVMC found itself providing much more than music: a place to create and foster community and safe spaces through live performances. Social justice, inclusion, diversity, and equity are now at the forefront of LVMC's programming. From humble beginnings of 10 members and 30 patrons, we now boast 100+ active members and 2,000+ patrons in the audience annually at three fullyproduced Mainstage Concerts with many Community Outreach Events benefitting thousands more interspersed throughout. Patrons describe attending an LVMC concert as “experiencing joy”.
Although not specifically a “gay” chorus, ~85% of members identify as LGBTQIA2+. ~40%+ of members have or are currently experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental and physical health issues, abuse, or incarceration. ~40% of members identify as BIPOC with age diversity ranging from 18 to 76. Membership has grown +300% since 2021 from 32 to 100+ members with consistent double-digit growth each concert cycle.
We extend safe spaces to the Las Vegas Valley with members giving 12,000+ community service hours annually, showcasing our work is needed more than ever. We ensure we “use our voices for good” through Community Outreach events including World AIDS Day, Las Vegas Aviators Pride Night, Latin Grammy Awards "Los Producers" benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Las Vegas Pride, Golden Rainbow, Las Vegas Prime Timers, Las Vegas Clark County Library District benefits, Christ Church Episcopal Community Concerts, Arthur Murray Las Vegas Showcase, and Gateway Arts Foundation. Each year in partnership with the Clark County School District, we perform at "Sing Out: A Tenor/ Bass Choral Festival,” a choral festival intended to bolster confidence and lifelong love of singing in our community's young men. As a GALA (Gay and Lesbian Choruses of America) Chorus, we will again represent Las Vegas and Nevada at GALA Festival 2024 in Minneapolis alongside 15,000+ singers in five days of singing, education, connecting, and creating at the largest LGBTQ choral event in the world.
Our in-person impact is typically conducted in Southern Nevada, specifically the Las Vegas Valley, although performance and community event requests are regularly submitted from the broader Southwestern U.S.. Our patrons are increasingly diverse ranging across income, age, sexual orientation, race, religion, and education. Our impact is amplified across the globe through digital channels including YouTube where viewers watched our inspiring content ~29,000 times across 18+ countries this past year alone. The LVMC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Auditions for Season 32 and our Winter Concert Cycle will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Please follow us on all of our social media, reach out to a current member, or visit the website for more information. We would LOVE to have you add your talents to our ensemble.
On behalf of our Artistic Staff, Board of Directors, and our entire ensemble, we want to thank you for spending your Sunday evening with us and we sincerely hope that you enjoy tonight’s show, a celebration of pride & color for all the world to share! We are so excited to have you with us today in our beautiful home, UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, as we continue our musical excellence and close out, this our 31st season! Your support here today means everything to us all; we hope that you enjoy the concert. Have a wonderful and restful summer, we will see you back here for Season 32 and our Winter Production “Be of Good Cheer” on Sunday, December 15, 2024!
VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR WINTER 2024: Sunday, September 8, 2024 @ 1:00pm
FIRST REHEARSAL FOR WINTER 2024: Sunday, September 15, 2024 @ 1:00pm
“BE OF GOOD CHEER” OUR WINTER 2024 PRODUCTION:
Sunday, December 15, 2024 @ 4:00pm
UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
SAVE THE DATES:
UNLV Performing Arts Center Staff
Arthur Murray Las Vegas - Dance Rehearsal Space
Henderson Symphony Orchestra - Choral Rehearsal Space
Justin McClendon - Choreographer, Arthur Murray Las Vegas
Ryan Miller - Producer
Jonathan Tuala - Collaborative Pianist
Tim Thomas - Bass
Doug Tann - Percussion
Eric Fleischer - Auxiliary Keyboards
Catherine Pratt - Lighting Design
Erick Canfield - Head of Wardrobe & Props Master
Friar Tux - Tuxedos
Bud Weismiller - Floral Arrangements
Lamar Advertising - Billboards
4Wall - Auxiliary Stage Lighting
Plot Twist Publishing & Package Plus Printing - Program Book Design
LVMC Volunteers
All of our supporters, musicians, current members, and alumni
8550 West Charleston Blvd, Suite #102–Box #106
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & OUR HEARTFELT THANKS
Las Vegas,
89117 702.505.1886 | info@lvmenschorus.org Las Vegas Men’s Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 05-0573828 meaning that your donation is tax deductible as allowed by state and federal law. Consult your tax professional for more information.
NV
Singin'intheRain
Fascinatin'Rhythm
MammaMia
COLORTHEWORLD-ACTII
THEBRIGHTCOLORSOFSTAGE&SCREEN
Words&MnsicbyArthurFreed&NacioHerbBrown ArrangedbyMacHuff
FEATURING: LVMCDanceLinc,Choreogra)lhybyJustinMcClendon
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BootScootin' BroadwayMedley
(Oh,Whata BeautifulMomin' &Oklahoma) (ALil'OleBittyPissantCountryPlace) (MuddyWater)
Words&MusicbyGeorge& Ira Gershwin ArrangedbyMarkHayes
Words&MusicbyBennyAndersson&BjornUlvaeus ArrangedbyDavidMaddux
fom Oklahoma, Best Little Wl10re/1011se iu Texas, & Big River
Words&MusicbyOscarHammerstein,RichardRodgers
Words&MusicbyPeterMasterson,CarolHall
Words&MusicbyRogerMiller
FEATURING: LVMCFeatured VocalEnsemble
SOLOISTS:MarcAustin&FrederickFoster
A COLORFULCELEBRATIONOFPRIDE, BROTHERHOOD, & LOVE
TrulyBrave(TrueColors& Brave)
PutaLittleLoveinYour Heart/LoveTrain
Herc's Where IStand
Let's GetLoud
Words&MusicbyBillySteinberg&TomKelly,Sara Bareilles&JackAntonoff ArrangedbyMacHuff
FEATURING: LVMCFeatured VocalEnsemble
SOLOISTS:RyanMiller& ChrisDoucette
Words&MusicbyJimmyHoliday,RandyMyers, JackieDeshannon,KennethGamble,&LeonHuff ArrangedbyGregGil)lin
Words&MusicbyMichaelGore&LynnAhrens Arrangedby GregGil)lin
SOLOISTS:DavidJohnson,Ste)lhenTrumble,TimothyWells,&GregPhilliJJS
Words&Musicby GloriaEstefan,KikeSantander ArrangedbyTimSarsany
FEATURING: LVMCDance Line, Choreogra)lhybyJustinMcClendon
You'llNeverWalkAlone/ClimbEveryMountain
Words&MusicbyOscarHammerstein&RichardRodgers ArrangedbyMarkHayes
SOLOISTS:FredCrescente&FrankGregory
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TRANSLATIONS
HANDS ARE KNOCKIN’
(Arabic)
Naftahhu athhanana, alhamdulillah
Naftahhu qulubana, alhamdulillah
Namuddu aydeeyana, alhamdulillah
(English)
We open our minds, thanks to God (Alleluia)
We open our hearts, thanks to God (Alleluia)
We reach out our hands, thanks to God (Alleluia)
BABETHANDAZA
(Zulu)
Sin nje nje nje ngemi thandazo.
Oh, mama bagadula babethandaza.
(English)
We are what we are because of prayer. Even our ancestors would pray.
YO LE CANTO TODO EL DIA
(Spanish)
Ya me voy, de corazón
Ya me voy, con un tambor
Yo le canto todo el día
Yo le canto todo el día
Con cariño y alegría
Ya me voy, con un tambor
Con cariño y emoción
(English)
I’m leaving from the heart, I’m leaving with a drum.
I sing all day.
I sing all day
With love and joy.
I’m leaving with the drum
With love and emotion.
LAS VEGAS MEN’S CHORUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: James Koperski
Vice-President: Christian Garcia
Treasurer: Jamie Richards
Secretary: Timothy Wells
Member-At-Large: Michael Amesquita
Tenor1
Michael Amesquita
Erick Canfield
*Ari Christensen
Chris Doucette
David Johnson
James Koperski
Ryan Miller
Greg Phillips
David Pohl
Marty Posner
Jamie Richards
Jeff Scudder
Peter Vega
Sherwood Wong
Masa Yamakawa
Baritone
*Gerry Allen
Marc Austin
John Buckley
Andres Costas
Alex Espiritu
Ed Flynn
Chad Gifford
Bill Gould
Elizabeth Hunt
Xavier Jackson
Robert King
David Lopez-Wade
Edwin Martinez
Brandon Mowles
Rick Mula
Isaac Roachford-Gould
Timothy Wells
Jason Yocum
Board Member: Gerry Allen
Board Member: Michael Bond
Board Member: Joey Doherty
Board Member: Frederick Foster
Board Member: Edwin Martinez
Board Member: Tom McPherson
Board Member: Lee New
Board Member: Marty Posner
Tenor2
Gregory Acosta
Jared Baker
MK Cordova
Josh DoCanto
Joey Doherty
Eric Endy
Stephen Flesher
Frederick Foster
Christian Garcia
Todd Gerber
Ben Hensley
Jakare James
Aaron Johnson
Ralph Lozano
Connor Murphy
*Mike Nagy
Lee New
Eduardo Ojeda Méndez
Rob Scolari
Randee Stewart
Stephen Trumble
Bass
Dennis Aragon
Cameron Beasley
Michael Bond
Juno Buendia
Jeff Chase
Fred Crescente
Phillip Fife
Dominic Gaon
Frank Gregory
Nelson Lucero
Reed Merrell
Jeffrey Miller
Rebecca Moore
Aaron Schave
*Matthew Vance
Tim Vogl
*Section Representative
LVMC Dance Line
Michael Bond
Ari Christensen
Joey Doherty
Dominic Gaon
*Justin McClendon (Choreographer)
Connor Murphy
Jeff Scudder
*Stephen Trumble (Dance Captain)
Peter Vega
Tim Vogl
LVMCFeaturedVocalEnsemble
Gerry Allen
Marc Austin
Jeff Chase
Alex Espiritu
Brandon Mowles
Rick Mula
Timothy Wells
Juno Buendia
Fred Crescente
Phillip Fife
Frank Gregory
Reed Merrell
Rebecca Moore
Matthew Vance
Chris Doucette
James Koperski
Ryan Miller
Greg Phillips
Masa Yamakawa
Gregory Acosta
Erick Canfield
Stephen Flesher
Frederick Foster
Ben Hensley
Lee New
Jamie Richards
Randee Stewart
Baritone Baritone Baritone Baritone Baritone Baritone Baritone Bass Bass Bass Bass Bass Bass Bass Tenor 1 Tenor 1 Tenor 1 Tenor 1 Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2 Tenor 2
