our history
A Brief History of Heartland Men’s Chorus
FOUNDED IN 1986, BUILT ON COURAGE, COMMUNITY, AND SONG.
Heartland Men’s Chorus–Kansas City began when a small group of gay men dreamed of creating a chorus where their voices could be heard. Their first concert was held on December 14, 1986, at UMKC’s Pierson Auditorium, with 30 singers on stage.
From the beginning, HMC was more than music—it was a safe harbor during the AIDS crisis, a place where people could find community, healing, and strength in the face of prejudice.
Early Years
Even though our mission statement was formally adopted in 1996, its principles—artistic excellence, community building, and reaching diverse audiences—have guided HMC since the very beginning.
Our first concert was performed in memory of chorus member Brian McGlothlin, the first of more than 60 members honored in our beloved Ad Astra section, including founding member Frank Woltkamp, who sang in every concert from 1986 until his passing in 2008.
By the 1990s, HMC had grown into a powerful community voice. In 1994, the chorus moved into its permanent performance home at the historic Folly Theater, where we continue to perform today.
Growth and Recognition
1990s:Under the leadership of Artistic Director Reuben Reynolds III, the chorus broadened its reach and in 1997 received the GLAAD Award for visibility and artistic excellence.
2000s: With Dr. Joseph P. Nadeau as Artistic Director, HMC pioneered the Musical Documentary genre — concerts combining music, narration, visuals, and costuming to explore social issues. Productions such as The Few, the Proud (2003) and And Justice for All (2009) inspired choruses nationwide. HMC was also invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association’s 50th Anniversary Convention in 2009—only the second gay chorus ever honored with that invitation.
2010s: The chorus continued to expand, commissioning large-scale works like We, the Unknown (2018), in partnership with the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Our 30th Anniversary Tour in 2016 brought HMC to cities across Kansas, including a historic performance across the street from Westboro Baptist Church.
artistic Leadership Through the Years
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Father Ambrose Karels: Founding Conductor (1986)
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Gina Scaggs Epifano: First paid director, one of the first women to lead a men’s chorus (1987–1990)
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Reuben Reynolds III: Artistic Director (1990–1998)
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Dr. Joseph P. Nadeau: Artistic Director (1998–2014), creator of the Musical Documentary
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Dustin S. Cates: Artistic Director (2014–2019), expanded national recognition
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Shawn Cullen: Artistic Director (2019–present), guiding HMC through its 40th season and beyond
A New Era: 2019–Present
When Shawn Cullen joined Heartland Men’s Chorus in 2019, he stepped into a time of change and uncertainty. Within months, the global pandemic forced choruses everywhere into silence. HMC responded with resilience, rebuilding stronger than ever. Under Cullen’s direction, the Chorus has not only regained its size—now nearly 140 voices—but has expanded its artistry, reach, and community impact.
Highlights since 2019 include:
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Navigating the COVID-19 Era: Kept the chorus connected and inspired during the shutdown, then rebuilt the ensemble with renewed energy and purpose.
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Collaboration with David Maddux: Named Arranger/Orchestrator in Residence, Maddux has expanded HMC’s sound world through custom arrangements and orchestrations that showcase the chorus with fresh creativity.
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World Premiere Productions:
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The Music of Whitney Houston: The first full-length choral concert celebrating Houston’s impact on music and culture.
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After All: 60 Years of Cher: A groundbreaking tribute concert honoring Cher’s six decades of influence.
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My Shadow Is Pink: A world-premiere children’s musical in partnership with the Folly Theater Kids Series.
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Creative Productions: Launched bold, thematic shows such as Princes of Pop (expanded to three nights due to demand) and Y’all Means All, blending choral excellence with theatrical storytelling.
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Return to the Kauffman Center: Presented Disney Pride in Concert, welcoming new audiences and expanding visibility in Kansas City’s largest performing arts venue through a groundbreaking LGBTQ collaboration with Disney.
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Reviving The HeartAches: Relaunched HMC’s small ensemble in 2023, debuting in community performances and launching the Aha! Cabaret series in 2025.
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GALA Festival: Represented Kansas City on the international stage at GALA Choruses Festival 2024 in Minneapolis, with ~140 delegates. The HeartAches were featured in a Small Ensemble Showcase and nightly Blockbuster Concerts, and HMC joined Kansas City Women’s Chorus for a combined performance.
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Touring: Expanded regional impact with the Do It With Heart Tour (2025), bringing music and messages of love and acceptance to six communities across Missouri and Kansas: Springfield, Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, St. Joseph, and Wichita.
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Organizational Momentum: Introduced a refreshed mission and vision in 2020, affirming HMC’s role as one of the Midwest’s leading LGBTQ+ performing arts organizations.
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Mission: Through our collective voices, we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity.
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Vision: Singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance.
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In 2022, Dudley Hogue became Executive Director following the retirement of long-time ED Rick Fisher. In 2025, the Chorus added Operations Manager, Tom Dillon, signaling continued growth.
Looking Ahead
As the Chorus enters its 40th Anniversary Season (2025–2026), HMC celebrates four decades of singing with pride while looking ahead to a future filled with innovation, inclusivity, and joy — including a culminating season closing concert with guest artist Cheyenne Jackson.
JOIN THE CHORUS
Heartland Men's Chorus Kansas City is always looking for talented singers and passionate non-singing volunteers to continue our Kansas City legacy of musical excellence! We are a TTBB choral ensemble specializing in “choral theater” productions attached to our mission of building community, celebrating pride, and empowering authenticity. Please fill out the form below to receive more information about becoming a member.