Love Out Loud - River City Mixed Chorus

Saturday, June 11, 2022 7:05 PM

Holland Center 12th & Douglas Streets, Omaha

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WELCOME

WELCOME FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | DR. A BARRON BRELAND

Welcome to Love Out Loud and RCMC’s triumphant return to the Holland Performing Arts Center! love. So, tonight’s heartfelt performance centers love in all its forms – deep, powerful, lasting, joyful, and uncontainable – traits that are on full display across our country during national Pride month.

PG 04

As we close out our 38th Season, continuing to emerge from the pandemic shutdown, to navigate the peaks and valleys of regional cases, and to negotiate the logistics, health and safety concerns, and musical challenges of Covid and its variants, we are more grateful than ever that you have chosen to include this concert in your own busy schedule.

Our last concert in this gorgeous venue was 2019, and while the world seems like an entirely different place since then, one thing has not changed – our community’s capacity for

The musical selections, while all themed around love, come from three streams of inspiration – the first is a few selections that were ready for a canceled March 2020 RCMC concert titled A Pop of Color, meant to be performed at the Witherspoon Auditorium in the Joslyn Art Museum a week after the world shut down. These pieces, including “Meadowlark,” “Fields of Gold,” and “A Million Dreams,” capture the colorful intensity and passion of love. These are some of the chorus’s favorites, so it feels right to finally perform them.

Another set of pieces were meant to be prepared and performed at the quadren-

nial gathering of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses in Minneapolis in July 2020; songs such as “Unruly Heart,” “I’ll Cover You,” and “Let My Love Be Heard” speak to the enduring nature of love.

The final additions to tonight’s lineup came when the world lost Stephen Sondheim, iconic musical theater composer and lyricist. His music is a staple, not only among GALA choruses, but for any concert of any ensemble as his incredible and timeless work has been adapted and arranged for all situations. And, no one wrote more eloquently, more poignantly, more bitingly about love and what it can do to and for a person. Finding a whole slate of Sondheim works that fit the pre-established theme of this concert was easy and natural.

As we look forward to the next 38 years of this ensemble and its passion for the community and for being a strong musical voice in it, I hope you’ll consider helping us continue with our mission. We are so proud to represent Nebraska as one of the oldest mixed LGBTQ+ choruses in the country, and we are excited to continue to provide quality, engaging, and inclusive choral performances for the greater Omaha community and beyond. No matter your talents, there is a spot for you in our organization; whether as a singer, volunteer, organizer, donor, or patron, all you have to do is contact us at www.rcmc.org. You won’t regret becoming a part of the River City Mixed Chorus family—I know I haven’t.

WELCOME FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CHAIR

JULIE L. ORTMAN

courage.

If you are like me, just being inside the magnificent Holland Performing Arts Center makes me excited and happy – I know that whenever I am here, I am going to hear exceptional music and storytelling and that is exactly what you should expect from the River City Mixed Chorus tonight! The show that our chorus and Artistic Team has prepared for you will get you tapping your toes and wiping your eyes as you journey with them through songs of love and

Speaking of tears, mine will also be flowing because this is my last letter to you as the RCMC Board Chair. I have served in this capacity for eight years and it has been an honor and privilege to represent the talented, hardworking, and creative group that collaboratively leads and advocates for the RCMC organization.

I am so proud of all we have accomplished these past many years, including successfully transitioning our performances to this fantastic venue and to the Orpheum Theater earlier this season for the very first time. Leading up to 2020, the chorus was experiencing steady growth in active singing members, with 130 singers taking stage in December 2019, up from about 50 when

I first joined the Board, and our audiences were growing as well. In 2019, we also completed our first tour west of Lincoln, to North Platte and Hastings, and had continued to make inroads to local high schools through our River City In The Schools initiative. These accomplishments would not be possible without the generosity of you, our donors, and the strong stewardship of those funds by our Board who have worked to ensure long term sustainability of RCMC for years to come.

Even a two-year pandemic could not stop us! We are still standing, still singing, still thriving, and the future is bright!

Because of our loyal friends and donors, and a new set of marvelous corporate sponsors for

our 38th season, we are dreaming big dreams for our 39th and 40th seasons and I am confident that the leaders that come after me on the Board of Directors will continue to engage you, the broader Omaha community, and the State at large in the work of supporting diversity, inspiring change, and empowering communities.

More than ever, our mission and this work matters.

Your support matters. And your friendship and love – out loud – matters! Thank you sincerely for being here tonight.

On behalf of the RCMC Board of Directors, please allow me one last time to say: Welcome to the Summer Concert of the River City Mixed Chorus! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 21/22 Julie L. Ortman Chair

J. Scott Barker Board Member

Aiden Quinn Board Member

Bill Canney Vice Chair

Addie Barnhart Board Member

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

Mark Van Kekerix Treasurer

Scott Focht Board Member

Dr. A. Barron Breland Artistic Director

Maggie Ramos Secretary

Deb Manning Board Member

Eric Rodine Chorus President

Julie L. Ortman, interim Fundraising

Eric Rodine Membership

Addie Barnhart Nominations

Deb Manning Marketing

Mark Van Kekerix Mission & Engagement

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

PG 05

WELCOME FROM THE CHORUS PRESIDENT

ERIC RODINE

From all of us on stage, welcome to Love Out Loud, the second and final concert of our 38th season! As you are taking your seats, we are calming our nerves and straightening our ties so that when we walk onto the wonderPG 06

ful Holland Performing Arts stage, you can both hear and see the excitement and dedication we are bringing to this program tonight! We will be sharing chorus favorites from Broadway and film and channeling the brilliant Stephen Sondheim whose memory and inspiration we celebrate now and into the future.

Every one of the nearly 100 singers on stage this evening is a volunteer who has been practicing since February (in face masks!). They have dedicated countless

hours to group rehearsals and individual practice so that we can carry forward our mission as well as help you celebrate our national month of Pride. It is not lost on us that the theme, Love Out Loud, is one that Nebraska’s longest standing LGBTQ+ chorus is especially invested in.

We are grateful for your presence here and for continuing to support us all year long as we pour our hearts into supporting diversity, inspiring change, and empowering communities locally and wherever our impact is felt.

Your support, both through your applause and your donations, allows us to continue doing what we love – singing and connecting and gathering to make sure that all of us can Love Out Loud.

We hope that our music resonates with you and reminds you that no one is alone, and that love wins, always!

RCMC Thanks Our 2021-2022 Season Sponsors Fortissimo Sponsors:

Mezzo Forte Sponsor:

Piáno Sponsors:

Public Support Provided by:

Nebraska Arts Council & Nebraska Cultural Endowment

THE NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL PROUDLY SUPPORTS

RIVER CITY MIXED CHORUS The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this performance through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

For more information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist to your organization, or how you can support the

DON’T SING WITH US. You don’t need to carry a tune to be a part of the RCMC family.

Join Fifth Voice, our volunteer non-singing members who work off-stage to create the best possible experience for our audience and members.

Nebraska Cultural Endowment, visit NebraskaArtsCouncil.org.

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CONCERT

ARTISTIC BIOS 21/22

With degrees in Music Theory and Choral Conducting from the University of Georgia and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Dr. A. Barron Breland has a diverse background in many different fields of music, including the piano and saxophone. Currently, he is Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, conducting their premiere ensemble, the Creighton University Chamber Choir, and teaching classes in music theory, history, and conducting.

DR. A. BARRON BRELAND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Breland is in demand throughout the Midwest as a conductor, chorusmaster, clinician, and adjudicator, and he has prepared choruses for Grammy and Tony-winning artists such as Laura Benanti, John Mellencamp, Brian d’Arcy James, and conductors Dale Warland and Ted Sperling. Breland has also served as Chorusmaster and prepared numerous works for the Omaha Symphony, including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Carmina Burana, Elijah, Messiah, and many others.

Breland’s first exposure to professional choral music was as a member of the Atlanta Boy Choir where he performed with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as well as in tours and festivals throughout Europe. Today, besides his leadership of the Creighton University Chamber Choir and RCMC, he is also the Music Director of Résonance, a semi-professional chorus whose debut album Pilgrimage was released in July 2020 on the MSR Classics label.

Breland became the Artistic Director of the River City Mixed Chorus in January 2011, and in his 10-year tenure with the organization the ensemble has grown to over 120 active singing members, has headlined conferences and performed alongside Grammywinning Conspirare, and has taken the stages of historic and iconic venues around the region. All of the ensembles under Breland’s leadership perform regularly with the Omaha Symphony, and all have performed at state and regional ACDA, and NMEA conferences.

Adam Witte has never been one to shy away from a music genre or musical instrument.

His tastes, talent, and curiosity run far and wide, taking him on adventures across Europe playing euphonium solos with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble, guiding him to sing acapella vocal jazz with Nexus, and prompting him to play keyboards with local band The Confidentials. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Omaha with an emphasis in euphonium.

ADAM WITTE ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Though his musical accomplishments are long and varied, vocal music has played a big role in Adam’s journey. He has always been involved in church music, from singing in the choir to playing piano and handbells; most recently, he served as Director of Music Ministries at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Omaha for seven and a half years. It only seems fitting that Adam became a singing member of River City Mixed Chorus only to be named Assistant Artistic Director a short year later. In addition to his engagements with RCMC and Nexus, Adam is also a singing member of the Omaha vocal ensemble Resonance.

PG 19

ARTISTIC BIOS 21/22

Keith Hart was a public school music teacher in a previous life. As much as he loved the job and working with kids, he felt an undeniable tug from the theater world. He set his sights on a graduate degree in theatre, and worked on productions at various theaters in Kansas City.

With production experience under his belt, Keith moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he has worked as a pianist, musical director, and scenic designer for numerous theatrical productions. He also holds down a day job as Manager of Programs at Joslyn Castle.

KEITH HART COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

The piano has been a constant in Keith’s life. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis in piano from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. His love of accompanying and playing with a wide range of soloists, ensembles, and choirs led him to River City Mixed Chorus in 2015, joining the organization as Collaborative Pianist.

PG 20

AN ENSEMBLE OF TALENT, IDENTITY, AND HUMAN KINDNESS.

SUMMER CONCERT | LOVE OUT LOUD

CONCERT SUPPORT

ARTISTIC TEAM Dr. A. Barron Breland Artistic Director & Conductor

Peter Soby Videographer & Video Production

Adam Witte Assistant Artistic Director

Dan Brennan, O-pa Production Manager

Keith Hart Collaborative Pianist

IATSE Local 42 Stagehands & Electricians

Michele Yindrick Technical Director

Mike Runice, GranStan Services Video Projection

Ashleigh-Dawn KrieghFleming Stage Manager

SECTION LEADERS

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Emily Koenig-Barker Soprano Section

Erica Nightengale Flute

Mariah Frahm Alto Section

Emily McIvor Clarinet

Donald Callen Freed Cameron Koenig-Barker Tenor Section

Ben Nichols Tenor Saxophone

Adam Steinbach Bass Section

Corrie Suhr Event Photographer

Jason Johnson Trumpet I Marcus Nunez Trumpet II Shawn Bell Trombone

Stephanie Vik ASL Interpreter

Bobby Scharmann Bass Guitar

Travis Mullins Chorus Manager

Brad Thomson Guitar Vince Krysl Drums Kimberly Pearce Synthesizer

The only reason to

write is from love.

Stephen Sondheim 1930-2021

PG 21

SUMMER CONCERT | LOVE OUT LOUD

SINGERS

SOPRANO

ALTO

Anne Barker | 17

Micah Oswald | 1

Alicia Amedee | 1

Deb Manning | 7

Sam Bates | 3

Sara Peterson* | 15

Michaela Baumeister | 1

Christa McCall | 2

Mary Jane Betterman* | 2

Maddison Prendergast | 2

Katie Burke* | 1

LuAnn McClarnon* | 7

Katya Brunette | 6

Emma Cox* | 1

Joyce McVicker | 20

Tracey E. Buettner* | 4

Rev. Maya RavensongLawrence | 2

Sue Chamberlin* | 28

Karen Davidson-Fisher* | 33

Alyson Meadows | 23

Rebecca Rotert Shaw | 3

Sara Dean | 4

Elena Salisbury | 10

Kelsey Deabler* | 7

Elizabeth Melani* | 1

Dakota Ghegan | 2

Caryn Scheer | 2

Emma Delehant* | 1

Carol Ramsey | 16

Erika Graber* | 1

Robin Sheldrake | 13

Danielle Emsick | 7

Vicki Rushlau* | 24

Connie Grant-Leanna | 15

Lynell Stafford* | 11

Emily Ertzner | 12

Kelsey Scovill | 5

Judy Hancock | 38

Suzy Stark | 13

Laura Finken | 22

Julie Sharp | 5

Valerie Haynes* | 16

Denneal Stauffer* | 7

Mariah Frahm | 13

Sarah Shaw* | 4

Jackie Kappes | 2

Christine Valish* | 5

Jody Gernandt | 19

Rose Uhrich | 2

Emily Koenig-Barker | 14

Halle Vance* | 1

Vicki Grunwald* | 25

Michele Yindrick | 21

Bridget Lachowsky | 11

Brittany Wineinger | 3

Whitney Hansen* | 1

PG

Sue Lively* | 16

Irene Hawkins | 2

22

Jillian McCall | 17

Nichole Hawkins | 8

Nicole McMorrow* | 1

Katherine Higbee | 6

Hannah Lee Miller | 2

Michelle JansenGriswold | 7

Alyssa Nelson | 8 Reo Newring | 18 Tianna Nitz | 4 Christina Ochoa* | 1 Cassondra Opal | 11

Nancy Mealey | 19

Gloria Jensen | 25 Claire Katan | 2 Victoria Krol | 4 Krissa Lee-Regier | 24 Julie Major-Frunz | 1

MEMBERSHIP PINS The lapel pins worn by RCMC members are symbols of pride that showcase their singing appearances. The colors correlate to the number of concerts in which the member participated.

1-5 Concerts

30-39 Concerts

6-9 Concerts

40-49 Concerts

10-19 Concerts

50+ Concerts

20-29 Concerts

SUMMER CONCERT | LOVE OUT LOUD

SINGERS

TENOR

BASS

TJ Badley* | 1

T. Zachary Huit | 2

Stan Brown | 71

Scott Miller* | 25

Matthew Bang | 12

Kayla McCain* | 1

Bill Canney | 16

Gene Moore* | 12

Sam Barker | 13

Jerry Meis* | 27

Gene Comstock | 2

Gedi Murauskas | 2

Roger Bennett* | 52

Stephen Moore | 9

Kieran Foster* | 3

Michael Parke* | 1

Jeff Bowman | 2

David Munoz | 1

Robert Fraass* | 5

John Porter | 7

Michael Claar* | 5

Floyd Palser | 2

Tom Gasnick* | 1

Aiden Quinn* | 8

Steven Crandall* | 2

Nik Shapoval* | 8

Jonas Glazeski* | 3

James Rivera | 1

Bryan Crawford | 21

Thomas Simons | 9

Victor Hahn | 36

Eric Rodine | 7

Alexander Crooks* | 1

Nathan Stanley | 1

Keith Hale | 3

Steven Spencer* | 6

Jared Cunningham | 1

Grae Steele | 2

Chris Holst | 55

Allan Stamler* | 3

Mark Curley | 24

Brent Thomsen* | 6

Adam Steinbach | 7

David Ellis | 2

Mark Van Kekerix* | 33

Donald-Brian Johnson* | 13 Cameron Koenig-Barker | 17

Adam Witte | 14

Adam Lawton | 2

Brian Wyant | 24

Dennis Fellhauer | 9

Daniel Scott Wiese | 2

Justin Fisher* | 1

Larry Wilson | 38

Donald Callen Freed | 5 Bradly Goodner | 1 Andrea Grover | 1 Christopher Hill* | 1

Jimmy Lowe | 2 Chris Michener | 7 Roy Miller | 4

Brett Toay | 10 Tony Wredt | 5 Ryan Zeigler | 2 Phil Zellner* | 12

* Leave of Absence

PG 23

CONCERT SONGS

LOVE OUT LOUD SOMETHING’S COMING/TONIGHT

MEADOWLARK FROM THE BAKER’S

FROM WEST SIDE STORY

WIFE

Music & Lyrics by Leonard Bernstein

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Arranged by Ed Lojeski

Arranged by Mac Huff

BEING ALIVE FROM COMPANY Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Arranged by Mac Huff Thomas Simons, tenor PG 24

NO ONE IS ALONE FROM INTO THE

Brittany Wineinger, soprano Elena Salisbury, soprano LET MY LOVE BE HEARD Lyrics by Alfred Noyes Music by Jake Runestad

WOODS

TAKE ME TO THE WORLD

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Arranged by Mark A. Brymer

Arranged by R. Ryan Endris

SONDHEIM! A CHORAL

SUNDAY FROM SUNDAY IN THE

CELEBRATION II

PARK WITH GEORGE

I. Not While I’m Around

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Adam Witte, baritone

Arranged by Mac Huff

II. Losing My Mind Gene Comstock, baritone III. Send In the Clowns Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Arranged by Mac Huff

— 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION — Cash bars are available in the lobbies.

Be sure to also check out RCMC’s merchandise table and raffle basket fundraiser in the main lobby on the orchestra level to purchase an RCMC t-shirt or a chance to win a gift basket!

SONDHEIM! A CHORAL

A MILLION DREAMS FROM THE

CELEBRATION I

GREATEST SHOWMAN

I. Comedy Tonight

Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek &

Deb Manning, mezzo soprano Rose Uhrich, mezzo soprano

Justin Paul Arranged by Mac Huff

Bryan Crawford, tenor

Katya Brunette, soprano

Michelle Jansen-Griswold, mezzo

Danielle Emsick, mezzo soprano

soprano Eric Rodine, bass Anne Barker, soprano II. Into the Woods Bridget Lachowsky, soprano Dennis Fellhauer, tenor Alyssa Nelson, soprano Mariah Frahm, mezzo soprano III. Putting It Together Adam Witte, baritone Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Arranged by Mac Huff UNRULY HEART FROM THE PROM Lyrics by Chad Beguelin Music by Matthew Sklar Arranged by Greg Gilpin Emily Koenig-Barker, soprano Sam Barker, tenor

I’LL COVER YOU FROM RENT Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Arranged by Mac Huff FIELDS OF GOLD Music & Lyrics by Sting Arranged by Greg Jasperse YOU WILL BE FOUND FROM DEAR

EVAN HANSEN Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul Arranged by Mac Huff Robin Sheldrake, mezzo soprano Joyce McVicker, mezzo soprano Michaela Baumeister, mezzo soprano

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SUPPORT

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The River City Mixed Chorus Singers, Staff, and fellow Board Members wish to recognize and congratulate

JULIE L. ORTMAN for serving three consecutive terms on RCMC’s Board of Directors, including eight years as Board Chair.

Under her leadership, the organization has tripled in both singing membership and annual operating budget, performed at Omaha’s most prestigious venues, including the Holland and Orpheum Theater, expanded outreach to Western Nebraska and Iowa, developed our River City in the Schools outreach performances, and created a strategic plan for continued growth and development into the future.

Thank you, Julie, for your service!

FOUNDING MEMBERS for bravely putting into motion their dream of a more inclusive Omaha.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE CHAIRS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS who donate their time to ensure that our organization continues to thrive through every season.

MICHELE YINDRICK for continuing to volunteer her time, talent, and professional expertise in technical theatrical production to make each RCMC performance a success.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PASTORS AND STAFF for providing RCMC with weekly rehearsal space and storage for RCMC’s music library and other materials critical to our success as an organization.

VALERIE HAYNES for serving as RCMC’s music librarian and for the countless hours organizing RCMC’s singer retreats season after season. Val’s thoughtful documentation of process will ensure continued success in retreat planning as she passes the torch next season.

CHRIS ACKER OF MIXING ROOM STUDIOS AND HANK KUHLMANN for creating the pre-concert greeting.

SOUL & SWAG, ANGIE BAUMERT SVEC, OWNER for donating t-shirts for our Spring Retreat tie-dying activity, and for the production of our brand t-shirts.

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS for rehearsal and meeting space and use of percussion equipment.

ONPXL, MATT BROSS & CHAD EACKER, OWNERS for creating our interactive logo and brand elements for use in future marketing materials.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER for providing space and use of virtual meeting equipment for RCMC’s monthly Board meetings.

JERRY AND STAFF AT OH-K FAST PRINT for timely printing of the concert programs and marketing materials.

JULIE AND DAVID ORTMAN AND FAMILY for coordinating the raffle basket fundraiser during the concert.

STANDING FOR MANY. SINGING AS ONE.

PG 33

DONOR BENEFIT LEVELS

PRODUCER CIRCLE OF GIVING

PERFORMERS $1 – $249

SOLOISTS $250– $499

DIVAS

$500– $999

Recognition of donation in concert programs and on our website One (1) ticket each to the winter and summer concerts

Recognition of donation in concert programs and on our website Two (2) tickets each to the winter and summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs and on our website

PG 34

Recognition of donation in concert programs

PRODIGY

$1,000 – $2,499

Four (4) tickets each to the winter and summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Recognition of your support at our concerts Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs and on our website

VIRTUOSO

$2,500 – $4,999

Six (6) tickets each to the winter and summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Recognition of your support at our concerts Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs and on our website Six (6) tickets each to the winter and summer concerts

MAESTRO $5,000 +

Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Recognition of your support at our concerts Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event Dinner for Four (4) with RCMC’s Artistic Director

OUR DONORS

PRODUCER CIRCLE OF GIVING

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our allies to help us continue our mission to create exceptional musical experiences that support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities. We are so grateful for the support of our Producer Circle of Giving. If you wish to become a member of our Producer Circle of Giving, donations can be made online by visiting rcmc.org.

Contributions from June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 VIRTUOSO $2500-$4999 George Kleine & Tom Knox Mark Van Kekerix PRODIGY $1000-$2499 Mark & Ginny Curley Lynne Mytty Kathleen Smith DIVAS $500-$999 J. Scott & Anne Barker Randall Donner & Ron Chase Scott Focht Bill Gaus Michelle Jansen-Griswold Hank Kuhlmann & Donald-Brian Johnson Raymond Vondrak SOLOISTS $250-$499 Maureen Boyle-Manganaro In memory of Mike Boyle Donald & Barbara Bredthauer Thomas & Sara Dean In honor of the RCMC Board of Directors Joyce Elder & Salli Compton In memory of Brian D. Adams Lee Foster Vicki Grunwald Keith Hart Thomas Liefer Deb Manning & Bill Sukstorf Penny May In honor of Dennis Fellhauer Loren & Iola Mullins Tom Nielsen & Kevin Rose In memory of Brian D. Adams Mark Schulze Allan & Lynnette Stamler Lawrence “Red” & Jan Thomas

PERFORMERS $1-$249 Vicki Adams In memory of Brian D. Adams Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson Carol Beaty Charles Begay William Bender Nancy Brookhart Ann Coderko Patricia Cottrell In honor of Keith Hart Bryan Crawford Catherine Cryer In honor of Judy Hancock & Brian Wyant Daniel de Riancho Rose Hill Dorr In memory of Robert Dorr Margaret Elofson Coral Erikson In honor of Joyce McVicker Cleveland Evans Laura & David Finken Terry & Mollie Foster In honor of Carol Ramsey Robert Fraass Jody Gernandt DeWayne Greim Andrea Grover Louanne Gruidel Victor Hahn Keith Hale John Hall & Bob Hoppe Judith Hancock Anthony Harris & David Kresha Valerie Haynes & Dee Ramm Kerrin Hoyer Michael Hoyer Ron & Rikki Hulsebus Mia Jenkins In honor of Gedi Murauskas

Ken & Maureen Kalkowski Dan & Lisa Kammerer Dionne Kirksey In honor of Bill Canney Marshall & Barbara Kushner Paul Landry Larry & Laura Leeds Monty McClean Patricia McGuire In memory of Brian D. Adams Robert & Katherine McMeen Scott & Melissa McMullen Alyson Meadows Nancy Mealey William Miller Steven Mohr Janis Mullins Dorothy Neill Clint Pearcy Debra Rosman-Webber Caryn Scheer Myron Sikora Stephen Skelly Carole Souza Thomas Stalnaker Grae Steele P.J. Thomas Brent Thomsen & Andrew Rouillard In memory of Myron Paulsen Amy Tillman James & Susan Tracy Rose Uhrich Lauren Micek Vargas Richard White Rebecca Wiegand Larry Wilson Scott Winkler Vickie Zaura In memory of Brian D. Adams Anonymous

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BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION DONATIONS & GRANT FUNDING Amazon Smiles Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Buildertrend Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Conagra Brands Foundation (employee match) Conagra Brands LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group Deluxe Corporation Foundation (employee match) Farm Credit Services of America First United Methodist Church (in-kind)

Heartland Pride Ice Bowl Invitational Tournament Imperial Court of Nebraska Foundation Kroger Mutual of Omaha Nebraska Arts Council Network for Good Omaha Public Power District Prime Therapeutics (employee match) Sheet Music Plus Small Business Administration – Sheltered Venue Operators Grant State Farm Companies Foundation

State of Nebraska - American Rescue Program Funding Together A Greater Good (TAGG) Union Pacific Foundation United Way of the Midlands Valmont Industries, Inc Walmart

RYAN-KNICELY SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund was created to ensure that there are no financial barriers to being a member of the Chorus for anyone who wishes to sing. Chorus members in need of financial assistance can apply to the Board of Directors for help from the Fund with covering Chorus-related expenses. If you would like to make a donation to the Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund, please mail to River City Mixed Chorus, PO Box 3267, Omaha, NE 68103, or email us at fundraising@rcmc.org. Contributions from June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 PG 36

Anne Barker Bryan Crawford Laura Finken Robert Fraass Bill Gaus Andrea Grover

Keith Hale Valerie Haynes Victor Hahn Nancy Mealey Allan Stamler Grae Steele

Omaha Community Foundation - Equality Fund for LGBTQIA2S+

SUPPORT THE ENDOWMENT The River City Mixed Chorus Endowment Fund was established by the Board of Directors in 2015. Administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, the Endowment Fund is a resource that will help ensure the long-term financial health of the Chorus. The Fund is set up so that the principal is not used, but proceeds from the principal will help fund the annual budget. The balance in the RCMC Endowment Fund is currently $67,336.28. To contribute to the Endowment Fund with your tax-deductible contribution, please contact fundraising@rcmc.org or (402) 341-SING. Contributions from July 1, 2015 – May 31, 2022 Randall Donner & Ron Chase Bill Gaus Nan Knicely Estate Trust

Frank & Penny Kowal Jeff Nelson Mary Lou Ruh Estate Trust

Allan Stamler RCMC Board of Directors

IN MEMORIAM

CANTO ULTIMO

Italian, meaning “final song.” In our hearts they will always live. Their love, their voices, and their smiles are forever imprinted in our minds. The River City Mixed Chorus remembers past members who have sung their canto ultimo.

Chuck Alan Chip Jerry Kruse Jerry Peck Johnathan John Marilyn Norm Tim Joel

Brandon Vance Fritz Steven Jonathan D. Cole Ronnie Bruce Beyersdorf Mark Farmer Aleta Fenceroy Mike Maciejewski Elmorine McKiernan

Aramando E. Andrade Kathy England Craig Boetger Pat Phalen Rich Ketter Betty Dorr Nan Knicely Alexandra Nather Douglas Steinkruger Anne Boyle Duane Lundeen

Peggy Zellner Martin Hanna Dennis Pierce Brian D. Adams John Coe Michael Dantzler

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©2019, Carrie Baker, Glorious Beauties. Watercolor.

ABOUT

WHO WE ARE

OMAHA TO DES MOINES AND BACK AGAIN. Approximately 260 miles on an unexceptional stretch of I-80 that left plenty of time for life-altering discussions.

Six friends went to see the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ one-night-only performance in Des Moines. The year was 1984 — the same year that GALA Choruses, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, was founded.

That night changed everything.

On the drive home, the friends discussed the need to spread the same messages of love, unity, inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment within their own community.

They organized The Mid City Chorus with three other friends, nine men and one woman, and had their first performance at a variety show for the Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha. The reception was overwhelming. Their second performance was a Christmas concert at The Max. Around that time, the founding members officially changed the name of the Chorus to River City Mixed Chorus (RCMC) and solidified their place in GALA.

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Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to more than 130 singing members, with hundreds of performances and sold-out holiday shows. We’re determined to make you laugh, make you think, and, more importantly, give you a sense of belonging.

HOW GAY CHORUSES CAME TO BE

There are times when unimaginable acts of tragedy unleash our inner courage and fuel us to act. This was such a time.

In the fall of 1978, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in American history, and Mayor George Moscone were heartlessly assassinated in San Francisco City Hall. The event sent shockwaves through the gay and lesbian community. That evening, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus gathered on the steps of City Hall and held it’s very first public performance. At the time, the word “gay” in a chorus name was unheard of.

Three years later, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus toured the US, forever changing the lives of millions of people and inspiring the formation of many new gay and lesbian choruses.

By 1984, fourteen of those choruses bonded together to found what is now the largest gay and lesbian choral organization in the world —the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses). GALA Choruses has since grown to more than 10,000 singers from more than 190 choruses, all sharing in the common mission of empowering LGBTQ+ Choruses as they change the world through song.

It was because of that fateful day and heartbreaking tragedy that many choruses were able to find their voices.

TIMELINE 2004

Music Director Mark Kurtz was commissioned to compose original songs based on political breakthroughs and social changes in the LGBTQ+ community

1990

1984

RCMC members participated in the Names Quilt to honor members who passed away from the AIDS crisis

Mid City Chorus, now River City Mixed Chorus, was founded

1988

Music Director John Kelly co-directed RCMC and Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, helping the two choruses collaborate on performances in both cities

1991-2000

Thanks to a GALA grant and private donations, RCMC was able to commission several original works for its repertoire

2016

Puttin’ on the R.I.T.S (River City in the Schools) was launched with a series of performances in local high schools

2011

Dr. A Barron Breland was named Artistic Director and helped grow membership and attendance

2019

RCMC traveled on a mini tour to North Platte and Hastings to present its mission and message to a new audience

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL EXPERIENCES

AUDITIONS

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LOVED THE SHOW?

Found yourself bobbing your head and tapping your feet to the music? Pictured yourself on stage singing with our talented crew? You’re in luck; we saved a spot just for you.

Our next round of auditions will be held in August at First United Methodist Church. Email us at audition@rcmc.org to reserve your spot.

In the meantime, you can peruse our commonly asked questions at rcmc.org.

ADVERTISE WITH US Support RCMC and reach a wider audience by advertising your business in our concert programs.

For specific details and ad packages, email playbillads@rcmc.org or call our sing line at 402-341-SING (7464)

GET IN TOUCH contact@rcmc.org | 402-341-7476 | PO Box 3267, Omaha NE, 68103 | rcmc.org

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