Here's Where We Stand

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 7:05 PM | Holland Center

WELCOME

WELCOME TO HERE'SWHEREWESTAND!

With this performance the River City Mixed Chorus concludes our record-breaking 40th Anniversary Season. It was a magical season that included new collaborations with the Benson Theatre and our October artists’ showcase, an invited performance of John Rutter’s Gloria at the Midwestern American Choral Directors Association conference, a world premiere of the SATB version of Andrew Lippa’s Unbreakable at the iconic Orpheum Theatre, our showstopping holiday celebration in December, and tonight’s anniversary celebration. We are thrilled to be back on the Holland Performing Arts Center stage and so incredibly grateful that you have chosen to spend your evening with us.

Our 2023-2024 Season has been all about gratitude – for you, our beloved friends and family and supporters; for the small group of

brave humans that started this ensemble in 1984, determined to create music that matters; for the hundreds of singers since then who have given their time and resources to sustain and grow this organization; and for a community that boldly nurtures a vision of inclusion and equity that inspires us to gather on this stage, proudly standing for many and singing as one.

To celebrate this milestone together, please join us after the concert for a drink and a spin around the dance floor in the lobby at our after-concert dance party like only RCMC can throw. The singers won’t let their hair down too much, however, as they’ll need their rest to hit the ground running in a week as we prepare for our July 12th performance at the quadrennial GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) Festival in Minneapolis, MN. We look forward to representing Omaha brilliantly, and then we’re back for our incredible 41st Season – a launching of another forty years that’s even bigger and brighter!

Tonight’s performance adds some new favorites to RCMC’s repertoire while also celebrating highlights from previous performances, including a slate of pieces chosen by the singers themselves. We will also revisit various milestone moments, from pieces showcased

in anniversary concerts past, to collaborators on special commissions (welcome back violinist Anne Nagosky, our featured soloist from our 2017 performance of Tyler’s Suite), to a song from a concert that never happened (“What About Love” from The Color Purple, programmed on our A Pop of Color concert that was canceled as the world shut down in March of 2020). What ties this program together, though, and what has been the through-line of 40 years of RCMC performances – is the story of the LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Omaha Area, and the inevitable recognition that, through its ups and its downs, through its perseverance, its resilience, its hope, and its love, it is a community of people who can only be described as unbreakable. As we together take stock of where we stand, thank you for joining us on this journey.

We hope tonight serves as a personal moment of celebration, contemplation, and recognition of the very important place you inhabit in our wider community. And may our presence remind you that you are not alone on this journey toward a better world. YOU are more loved than you dare to know. There are open arms that you cannot yet see. Thank you for being here – enjoy the show!

Welcome to tonight’s concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of the River City Mixed Chorus. I am deeply honored to share this momentous occasion with all of you who have been part of our journey Tonight, we gather not only to revel in the music that has defined us but also to reflect on the powerful message of love, unity, and resilience that has driven the River City Mixed Chorus since its inception.

For four decades, the River City Mixed Chorus has been a beacon of hope and a voice for inclusivity. Through every note they sing, its members strive to spread joy and to celebrate the beauty of diversity. Their music has always been more than just melodies and harmonies; it is a testament to the strength and spirit of our community. Each performance is a declaration of love and a commitment to the pursuit of equity and justice.

River City Mixed Chorus’ journey has been marked by moments of triumph and times of challenge. The chorus has sung through eras of progress and periods of adversity, always with the unwavering belief that music can change hearts and minds. As we commemorate 40 years, we honor the countless voices that have contributed to the Chorus, each one adding to the rich tapestry of our shared history.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott Focht

Chair

Bill Canney

Vice Chair

Mark Van Kekerix

Treasurer

Brian Fahey

Secretary

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Scott Focht, interim

Fundraising

Travis Mullins, interim

Marketing

23/24

J. Scott Barker

Board Member

Addie Barnhart

Board Member

Amy Carey

Board Member

Maggie Ramos

Board Member

Michele Yindrick

Board Member

Eric Rodine

Membership

Cameron Koenig-Barker

Mission & Engagement

Tonight’s concert is not just a look back at our past but a powerful affirmation of our future. We stand with all who continue to strive for a world where every person is valued and free to express their true selves.

Thank you for your enduring support and for believing in the transformative power of music. Your presence here is a reminder that together, we can make a difference. Let us continue to lift our voices, inspired by the love and joy that bind us, and driven by a vision for justice and equity for all.

Here’s to the next 40 years of harmony, hope and change…of meaningful music that changes lives!

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. A. Barron Breland

Artistic Director

Eric Rodine

Chorus President

J. Scott Barker

Nominations

Michele Yindrick

Safety & Accessibility

On behalf of our entire RCMC family, I would like to welcome you to the final major concert of our 40th Anniversary Season, Here’s Where We Stand. We wasted no time preparing for this concert following our Spring Concert; in fact, we started rehearsing for this concert before performing our last one!

We sit here at the end of our 40th Anniversary Season thinking about how far RCMC has come since their humble beginnings and where we stand today. We stand on the shoulders of those that came before us, those that paved the way for us to be here in front of you tonight, acknowledging that we could not have done this without them and without all of you in the audience.

We continue to grow, year after year, with 150+ singers in our family, an amazing artistic staff and Board, our fabulous band, and all of our amazing volunteers working behind the scenes. Everyone has joined the Chorus for a different reason, but they all stem from a passion for music and the desire to support and promote the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you love to sing, are free on Monday nights, and are interested in joining this amazing family that creates the beautiful sounds that you’re about to hear, then please visit our website at RCMC.org or email audition@rcmc.org to learn about how to audition.

We are so thankful that you have chosen to be here with us tonight. Your support, applause, and donations are immensely appreciated and enable us to continue standing for many and singing as one.

Sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of our pride as we celebrate our past 40 years and lay claim to our next 40 years of making music that matters.

ERIC RODINE

Forte Sponsor:

Piáno Sponsors:

Public Support Provided by: Nebraska Arts Council & Nebraska Cultural Endowment

Mezzo Forte Sponsors:

SAME GREAT CHORUS, BITE-SIZED.

Did you know that RCMC offers a smaller ensemble, River’s Edge, that’s ready to entertain you and your guests on any occasion? Weddings, birthdays, work functions, you name it.

Head to rcmc.org to book River’s Edge for your next gathering.

735 North 14th Street

CONCERT

DR. A. BARRON BRELAND

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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 emerged as a conductor set apart from others by his eclectic skills equipped to perform music from masterworks of the Baroque and Classical eras to great contemporary works of art, including repertoire in various popular styles. Recent choral performances conducted include Considering Matthew Shepard, the Mozart C-minor Mass, Mozart Requiem, and Beethoven Mass in C; critics have praised the warmth and communicative power of his performances and choruses.

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, Norm Lewis, 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.

Currently, he is the Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where previously he was Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. He conducted their premiere ensemble, the Creighton University Chamber Choir, and taught classes in music theory, history, and conducting.

Singing from the age of 6, Breland’s first exposure to professional choral music was in 1990 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. Since 2011, he has been the Artistic Director of the River City Mixed Chorus, and in his 14-year tenure with the organization the ensemble has grown to over 140 active singing members, has headlined conferences, performed alongside Grammy-winning Conspirare, and has taken the stages of historic and iconic venues around the region. He is also the Pricipal Guest Conductor of Résonance, a semi-professional chorus whose debut album Pilgrimage was released in July 2020 on the MSR Classics label. All 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

ASSISTANT ARTISTIC

DIRECTOR

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 with an emphasis in euphonium from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s of Music degree in Conducting.

Though his musical accomplishments are long and varied, vocal music has always played a big role in Adam’s journey. He currently uses these skills to hone the talents of others in his role as Adjunct Instructor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition, he has always been involved in church music, from singing in the choir to playing piano and handbells, and now serves as the Choir Director at Countryside Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, the Christian partner of the Tri-Faith Initiative. It 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 work with Creighton University and RCMC, Adam is also a singing member of the Omaha vocal ensemble Résonance.

KEITH HART

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Keith earned a Bachelor’s degree in music education from Northwest Missouri State University and began his musical career as a public school music teacher. Eventually turning his attention to the world of theatre, he worked as piano accompanist and musical director for productions in the Kansas City area, including Starlight Theatre, Quality Hill Playhouse, and Unicorn Theatre. After completing a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, he moved to Omaha to work as a scenic designer at the Omaha Community Playhouse. In the 20+ years since then he has worked as pianist, musical director, or scenic designer for various Omaha area theatre companies, including SNAP, Shelterbelt, Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer, Stages of Omaha, BlueBarn Theatre, and the Omaha Community Playhouse. He has also been a church musician most of his life, at Dietz Methodist Church and First Unitarian Church of Omaha, among others. Keith joined River City Mixed Chorus as Collaborative Pianist in 2015.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Dr. A. Barron Breland

Artistic Director & Conductor

Adam Witte

Assistant Artistic Director

Keith Hart

Collaborative Pianist

Michele Yindrick

Technical Director & Lighting Design

Travis Mullins

Chorus Manager

Valerie Haynes Librarian

Jared Cunningham Attire/Costume Coordinator

Stephanie Vik

ASL Interpreter

Irene Hawkins

Rebecca Rotert Shaw

Dance Captains

Peter Soby

Videographer &

Video Production

Ian Aeillo

Sound Recording

Dan Brennan, O-pa

Production Manager

IATSE Local 42

Stagehands & Electricians

Corrie Suhr Photography

Event Photographer

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Anne Nagosky

Violin

Will Karpf Woodwinds

Jason Johnson

Marcus Nunez Trumpet

Shawn Bell

Trombone

Erica Nightengale Flute

Paige Nola

Bass Guitar

Colin Duckworth

Jeanne Cahill

Guitar

Vince Krysl

Drums & Percussion

Kimberly Pearce Synthesizer

SECTION LEADERS

Soprano

Alyssa Nelson

Brittany Wineinger

Alto

Mariah Frahm

Rose Uhrich

Tenor

Steven Crandall

Dr. Donald Callen Freed

Bass

John Porter

Adam Steinbach

SOPRANO

Natalia Alamdari | 2

Anne Barker | 21

Sam Bates | 8

Bridget Battafarano | 4

Jane Betterman* | 3

Katya Brunette | 11

Sarah Chamberlin | 3

Bridget Claborn* | 3

Sara Dean | 9

Amy Dirgo | 2

Arlo Foster | 3

Carolyn Gehringer | 8

Dakota Ghegan | 7

Janet Goodman | 2

Connie Grant-Leanna | 20

Rita Grossenstein | 13

Judy Hancock | 43

Naomi Harrison-Carlson | 5

Valerie Haynes* | 17

Jessi Hitchins* | 2

Kerrin Hoyer | 20

Micaela Hoyer | 19

Sarah Keeney | 4

Emily Koenig-Barker* | 17

Katie Kresha | 3

Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter | 1

Michaela Long* | 2

Erin Malm* | 2

Jillian McCall | 20

Hannah Lee Miller | 7

Alyssa Nelson | 13

Reo Newring | 23

Shaelyn Nielsen | 5

Jack Noden | 5

Erin O'Hara* | 3

Crystal Olson | 22

Heather Pash | 3

Anita Pecor^ | 5

Deanna Reilly | 5

Rebecca Rotert Shaw | 7

Caryn Scheer | 7

Sam Servellon | 4

Robin Sheldrake^ | 18

Shannon Shultz-Thomas* | 1

Lynell Stafford | 16

Suzy Stark | 18

Denneal Stauffer | 8

Brooke Sutton* | 1

Karissa Trobec* | 1

Jaimee Trobough | 4

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.

Amber Vallier* | 2

Cheyanne Vincent* | 2

Rachael Watkins | 2

Kaitryn Williams^ | 5

Brittany Wineinger^ | 8

Samantha Zarders | 1

ALTO

Jennifer Adhima | 1

Alicia Amedee | 6

Michaela Baumeister | 6

Ashe Bechtel | 5

Brittany Bowman | 3

Cian Brun | 10

Melissa Bugay* | 3

Jeanne Cahill | 4

Junie Coleman | 5

Karen Davidson-Fisher | 37

Denise Dunham | 4

Gina Durfee | 5

Kippa Duskdancer* | 2

Danielle Emsick | 12

Emily Ertzner | 17

Laura Finken | 27

Mariah Frahm^ | 18

Jody Gernandt | 24

Irene Hawkins | 7

Chole Hawkins | 13

Katherine Higbee | 11

Michelle Jansen-Griswold | 12

Gloria Jensen | 30

Claire Katan^ | 6

Madelyn Kazmierski | 4

Erika Kirby | 3

Victoria Krol | 7

Demi Kulper | 3

Laura Leeds | 17

Megan Lehr | 2

Ashley Lemke | 3

Julie Major-Frunz | 6

Deb Manning | 12

Christa McCall | 6

Joyce McVicker | 25

Alyson Meadows* | 23

Nancy Mealey | 24

Bethany Miller* | 3

Lora Miller | 2

Sara Pecor | 5

Forest Pierce | 4

Carol Ramsey* | 16

Vicki Rushlau | 27

Kjersten Schuttler | 3

Kelsey Scovill* | 8

Kayleen Serfass | 2

Julie Shaffer | 3

Julie Sharp^ | 10

Molly Slater* | 1

Katie Stockdale | 4

Carol Svolos | 5

Sally Swoboda | 2

Rose Uhrich | 7

Rachael Vacanti | 14

Alex Van Cleave | 5

Robin Welchans | 3

Amy Wolf* | 3

Elizabeth Wood* | 2

Michele Yindrick | 25

Alex Young^ | 5

TENOR

Matthew Bang | 17

Sam Barker* | 16

Mark Barta | 4

Steven Crandall | 7

Bryan Crawford^ | 26

Jared Cunningham | 5

David Ellis* | 5

Dennis Fellhauer | 14

Donald Callen Freed^ | 10

Whitney Gent* | 2

Andrea Grover | 5

Kevin Hauser* | 3

Christopher Hill | 6

Jon Holloway-Wallace^ | 25

Chris Lopez | 2

Kayla McKain | 2

LuAnn McClarnon | 12

Grayson McGregor | 3

Debbie Nelson* | 5

Micah Oswald | 6

Floyd Palser | 6

Nik Shapoval* | 8

Thomas Simons | 12

Hal Sims | 2

Nathan Stanley* | 2

Logan Steiner | 5

Stuart Stenger | 4

Justin Thomason | 3

Brodie Urwin | 3

Mark Van Kekerix^ | 37

Shaelle Velyrre | 3

Nick Weber | 5

Larry Wilson | 43

BASS

Stan Brown | 74

Dan Cameron Burgdorf | 2

Bill Canney | 21

Mitch Crouse | 2

Mark Curley | 26

Jackson Godwin | 3

Victor Hahn | 41

Keith Hale | 6

Maxwell Hobday | 2

Chris Holst | 60

Jason Hsi | 2

Donald-Brian Johnson* | 13

Noah Kihm* | 2

Cameron Koenig-Barker* | 20

Jacob Lawson^ | 4

Andy McCullough | 5

Chris Michener* | 9

Scott Miller* | 25

Stephen Moore | 11

Gedi Murauskas | 7

Michael Parke* | 2

Marcus Pennell | 1

Dylan Phelps | 6

Josh Phelps* | 1

John Porter^ | 12

Aiden Quinn* | 9

Eric Rodine^ | 12

Rob Rutar | 2

David Shreffler | 4

Steven Spencer | 8

Grae Steele | 6

Adam Steinbach | 12

Brett Toay | 15

Cody Van Dorin | 2

Adam Witte^ | 19

Tony Wredt | 10

Brian Wyant | 29

Ryan Zeigler | 7

Phil Zellner | 16 ^ River’s Edge * Leave of Absence

HERE'S WHERE WE STAND

DON'T STOP ME NOW

Words & Music by Freddie Mercury

Arranged by Mark Brymer

Junie Coleman, mezzo-soprano

40 YEARS OF AUTHENTICITY

ALL OF ME FROM A VISION UNFOLDING

Words & Music by Kyle Pederson

Anne Nagosky, violin

NOT MY FATHER'S SON FROM KINKY BOOTS

Words & Music by Cynthia Lauper

Arranged by Kevin Robison

Micah Oswald, tenor

ASTONISHING FROM LITTLE WOMEN

Words by Mindi Dickstein

Music by Jason Howland

Arranged by Mark Brymer

Samantha Zarders, soprano

BORN THIS WAY

Words & Music by Lady Gaga

Arranged by Kenter Davies River's Edge

40 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES

TESTIMONY INSPIRED BY THE IT GETS BETTER PROJECT

Words & Music by Stephen Schwartz

**CONTENT WARNING - This song contains depictions of self-harming behavior. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.**

YOU WILL BE FOUND FROM DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Words & Music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

Arranged by Mac Huff

Thomas Simons, tenor

Dylan Phelps, bass

Michaela Baumeister, mezzo-soprano

— 20-MINUTE

INTERMISSION

—

Cash bars are available in the lobbies. Be sure to check out RCMC’s raffle basket fundraiser in the main lobby on the Orchestra level to purchase a chance to win a gift basket! All raffle proceeds benefit RCMC’s Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund.

THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE STAR SPANGLED RHYTHM

Words by Johnny Mercer

Music by Harold Arlen

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

40 YEARS OF LOVE ----------------------------------------

DOS ORUGUITAS FROM ENCANTO

Words & Music by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Arranged by Audrey Snyder

Keith Hale, baritone

Jeanne Cahill, guitar

WHAT ABOUT LOVE? FROM THE COLOR PURPLE

Words & Music by Allee Willis, Brenda Russell, & Stephen Bray

Arranged by Mark Brymer

Alicia Amedee, mezzo-soprano ------------------ 40 YEARS OF STANDING FOR MANY, SINGING AS ONE ------------------

BEAUTIFUL CITY FROM GODSPELL

Words & Music by Stephen Schwartz

Arranged by Mac Huff

HERE' WHERE I STAND FROM THE MOTION PICTURE CAMP

Words by Lynn Ahrens

Music by Michael Gore

Arranged by Greg Gilpin

Shaelyn Nielsen, soprano

I'LL COVER YOU FROM RENT

Words & Music by Jonathan Larson

Arranged by Mac Huff

RIVER CITY MIXED CHORUS

Proud to be a 2023 NEBRASKA STATE ARTS AWARD WINNER for ORGANIZATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Recognizing 40 years of demonstrating the highest level of excellence in programming and community engagement.

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2

It's GAME TIME and we invite you to get out and play with us! From croquet, to card games and from I-SPY® to giant chess, compete with your family and friends, connect with nature, boost your gaming skills, and make memories together in YOUR public garden!

Summer Reading Program

June 1–July 31, 2024

Kids’ & Teens’ Program

Receive two free books when you register!

Complete any combination of 10 activities or reading/listening hours to receive a(n):

• Voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale

• Omaha Storm Chasers ticket voucher (for an 8/7 or 8/11 game)

• Chance to win additional prizes

Adults’ Program

Complete any combination of 10 activities or reading/listening hours to receive a voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale and a chance to win additional prizes. Prizes

beginning June 1, while supplies last.

Mental Health Services for

Two great bars. One incredible night! Drink Responsibly! 63rd & Military 85th & Maple

Two great bars. One incredible night! Drink Responsibly!

SUPPORT

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 volunteering her time, talent, and professional expertise in both technical production and lighting design to make each RCMC performance a success.

DEB MANNING, JOHN PORTER, AND KEITH HALE for volunteering many hours in support of our marketing and social media and helping us spread our message of inclusivity as far as the internet reaches.

TONY WREDT, NANCY MEALEY, AND CHRIS HOLST for coordinating setup and strike of RCMC’s rehearsal space every week.

PATRICK RODDY for choreography that enhances the visual element of our concert.

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

RCMC MEMBERS APPEARING IN TONIGHTS VIDEOS for courageously telling their stories, highlighting 40 years of RCMC's mission, and charting the path forward for a bright future.

NATE DODGE for providing RCMC with storage space for our stage decorations and other large items.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PASTOR MORITA TRUMAN, 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.

MIKE HOGAN for enabling us to get the word out about RCMC and our mission to your NPR audience.

ELITE TACTICAL, LLC for providing parking lot security for RCMC's weekly rehearsals.

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

COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH for the use of your venue for RCMC's Summer Singer Retreat, and for graciously hosting RCMC's combined collaboration with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in July.

THE OMAHA MAYOR'S OFFICE for proclaming Saturday, June 8th, 2024 as River City Mixed Chorus Day, and KEITH STATION, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION for presenting the proclamation at tonight's performance.

Special thanks to RCMC MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THIS SUMMER'S GALA FESTIVAL in Minneapolis, MN for going above and beyond and making the trip to represent Omaha on the national stage. These members are devoting extra time and expense to put on powerful performances that support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities.

PRODUCER CIRCLE OF GIVING

PERFORMERS

$1 – $249

SOLOISTS

$250– $499

Recognition of donation in concert programs

Recognition of donation in concert programs

One (1) ticket to each of the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts

DIVAS

$500– $999

Recognition of donation in concert programs

Two (2) tickets to each of the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts

Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)

Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

PRODIGY

$1,000 – $2,499

Recognition of donation in concert programs

Four (4) tickets to each of the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts

Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)

Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

VIRTUOSO

$2,500 – $4,999

Recognition of donation in concert programs

Six (6) tickets to each of the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts

Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)

Recognition of your support at our concerts

Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

MAESTRO

$5,000 +

Recognition of donation in concert programs

Six (6) tickets to each of the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts

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

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our allies to help us continue our mission to create exceptional musical experiences to support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities. We are so grateful for the support of our Producer Circle of Giving. To become a member and take advantage of our donor benefits, make a donation online at rcmc.org

Contributions from April 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024

MAESTRO $5000+

Conor Oberst

VIRTUOSO $2500-$4999

Patricia Gromak

George Kleine & Tom Knox

Lynne Mytty & Jana Martin

Mark Van Kekerix

PRODIGY $1000-$2499

Dr. Armand Daniel Boudreau Jr & Patricia Boudreau

Mark & Ginny Curley

David & Laura Finken

Scott Focht

Lee Foster

Hank Kuhlmann & Donald-Brian Johnson

Cindy Ludwig

Penny May

Daniel McCarthy

Thomas Nielsen & Kevin Rose

Brian & Kelly Robbins

Bud Shaw & Rebecca Rotert Shaw

Dara Spivack

Raymond Vondrak

DIVAS $500-$999

J. Scott & Anne Barker

James Blachnik

Amy Bones

Don & Barbara Bredthauer

Debra & Christian Christensen

In memory of Greg Witte

Michael Collins

Randall Donner & Ron Chase

David Ellis & Mark Nation-Ellis

David & Jill Faith

Bill Gaus

Dan & Cindy Heidelberg

Raymond Hoffman

Jon Holloway-Wallace

Betsy Kimball & Don Frey

Marissa Kreifels

In memory of Greg Witte

Thomas Liefer

Todd & Betiana Simon

Thomas Stalnaker

Carol & Tom Svolos

Lawrence "Red" & Jan Thomas

In honor of J. Scott Barker

Barbara True & Sharri Fletcher

Connie Witte

In memory of Greg Witte

Jaydee Worden & Tim Held

Anonymous

SOLOISTS $250-$499

Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson

Thomas Clarkin

Thomas & Sara Dean

Vicki Grunwald

In memory of Greg Witte

Victor Hahn

Chris Holst

Kevin Leahy

Deb Manning & Bill Sukstorf

Matt, Katy, Nora, & Luke Pierson

Mark Schulze

James & Susan Tracy

Rebecca Wiegand & Marvin Van

Kekerix

Kay Worl

PERFORMERS $1-$249

Anonymous

Kate Bard

Mary Beachler

In memory of Greg Witte

Michelle Renee Beacom

Mike & Katie Beacom

Evangelos Beardall

Carol Beaty

Charles Begay

Taylor Bell

Jane Betterman

Buster Brown & Lynn Corbeil

Mariah Brown

Mary Brown

In memory of Greg Witte

Lowell Burkum

In memory of Greg Witte

Andrea Butler

Vincent Carriere

Mindy Chipman

Bridget Claborn

Javier Cruz Lara

Kirk & Catherine Cryer

In honor of Judy Hancock &

Brian Wyant

Susan P Davies

Gwendolyn Witte Dickey

In memory of Greg Witte

DO'B

Catherine Eberle

Coral Erikson

In honor of Joyce McVicker

Cleveland Evans

Jason Evert

Mary Focht

Toni Furmanski

Adam Gehringer

Jody Gernandt

James Graf

DeWayne Greim

Andrea Grover

Louanne Gruidel

Sara Hahn

Keith Hale

Rita Hamele

Chole Hawkins

Valerie Haynes

Cat Henning

Jacob Herr

Bob Hoppe

In memory of John Hall

Judith Hovinga

In memory of Greg Witte

Carol & David Johnson

Loralee Johnson-Berke

In memory of Greg Witte

Lori Justman

Michael Katan

Jeffrey Kazmierski

Gwendolyn Ketter

In memory of Rich Ketter

Susan Koenig

Gordon Krentz & Tom Simons

Judy Kulper

Spencer Magee

Carol & Michael LaCroix

Larry & Laura Leeds

Sherryl Lilley

In memory of Jerry Kruse

Dinisha Loomis

In memory of Greg Witte

Jeffrey Lulf

Michael & Karen Markey

Beatriz Martinez

Monty McClean

Erika McColley

Patti McCoy

In memory of Greg Witte

Robert & Katherine McMeen

Patrick McNary

Mary Lou Mueller

Janis Mullins

Loren & Iola Mullins

Gedi Murauskas

Dorothy Neill

Loyd Neve

Deirdre Offarrell

Evan O'Keefe

Patricia Olsen

In memory of Greg Witte

Susan Patchen

Anita Pecor

Sharon Peters

In memory of Greg Witte

Josh Phelps

John Porter

Dorri Ryan

Austin Sailors

In memory of Greg Witte

Caryn Scheer

Amy Schindler

Deetta Schmierer

In memory of Greg Witte

Myron Sikora

Don Slaughter

Corey Stafford

Allan & Lynnette Stamler

Eileen Stark

In memory of Greg Witte

Suzy Stark

Grae Steele

Adam Steinbach

Lindsay Stobbe

Melissa Taylor

Justin Thomason

Amy Tillman

Donna Trombla

In memory of Greg Witte

Jerry Tyrrell

Patricia Weber

Keith Weeces

Joann Wellsandt

In memory of Greg Witte

Laurie White

In memory of Greg Witte

Pamela Wiese

Doug & Pat Witte

In memory of Greg Witte

Jerry Woolstrum

Lindsey Wylie

RYAN-KNICELY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION

DONATIONS & GRANT FUNDING

Amazon Smiles Foundation

Augustana Lutheran Church

Benson Theatre

Boys Town

Buildertrend

Conagra Brands LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group

Countryside Community Church

Deluxe Corporation Foundation (employee match)

Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska

Farm Credit Services of America

First National Bank of Omaha

First United Methodist Church (in-kind)

Heartland Family Services

Imperial Court of Nebraska Foundation

Kroger

Land O'Lakes (employee match)

Mutual of Omaha

Nebraska Arts Council

Omaha Community FoundationLGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund

Omaha Public Power District

Sheet Music Plus

Together A Greater Good (TAGG)

Tri Faith Initiative – Unity Walk

United Women in Faith St Paul Benson

Valmont Industries, Inc

Walmart

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. Contributions from April 1, 2023 - May 31, 2024

Thomas Clarkin

Jody Gernandt

Valerie Haynes

Raymond Hoffman

Laura Leeds

Adam Steinbach

SUPPORT THE ENDOWMENT

Justin Thomason

RCMC Concert Raffle Basket Fundraisers

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.

Contributions from July 1, 2015 – May 31, 2024

Randall Donner & Ron Chase

Bill Gaus

Andrea Grover

Valerie Haynes & Dee Ramm

Nan Knicely Estate Trust

Frank & Penny Kowal

Gedi Murauskas

Jeff Nelson

Mary Lou Ruh Estate Trust

Allan Stamler

Carol Svolos

RCMC Board of Directors

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, s ix 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.

Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to more than 160 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.

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 July 28-29, 2024 at First United Methodist Church Omaha. 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 marketing@rcmc.org or call 402-341-SING (7464)

GET IN TOUCH

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

Since1971,ourUnitarianUniversalistfaith hassupportedLGBTQrights.Wecelebrate individualsandfamilieswithallidentitiesandstructures, providingaliberalreligiouscommunitythat embraces you onyourfaithjourney.

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

Peggy Ryan

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

John Hall

Tim Smith

Frank McKee

©2019, Carrie Baker, Glorious Beauties. Watercolor.