In This Issue� Pride Preview� Director’s Note� Dining Out for Life� Cabaret Risque� Wine Lounge� Exciting New FUN-Raiser� In Memoriam� A Year in Review� Board Member Focus� Donor Recognition� Our Sponsors

Proud, Prouder, Proudest: GMC takes on 3 PRIDE eventsBy Bobby Davis, Singing Member

PRIDE is not just an LGBTParade  and weekend of eventsduring the weekend of June 23- 24.  GMC will also be singing at thefirst-ever St. Louis Fringe Festivalon Monday,  June 2, and we willalso  open the pride festivities forMetro East PrideFest on June 16."

GMC will perform at the5th  Annual Metro East PrideFestof  Southern Illinois on Saturday,June  16, at noon at ClubEscapade. That's quite a challengewhen you  realize that our first

performance of our summer concert, “ExtrABBAganza,” is the night before and thefinal performance will be later that evening.

When it is time for the Pride Festival to come west of the river, the Gateway Men’sChorus will join CHARIS, the women’s chorus, at the Monster Star Tent on Sunday,June 24, at 5-6 p.m. for the performance of the songs we will bring to GALA Festivalin Denver, CO in June.

Finally, we will end our Pride Festival activities with the closing ceremony to the firstannual St. Lou Fringe Festival.  Along with the women’s choral group CHARIS, wewill be singing at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 25 at PLUSH at 3224 Locust Street.  Thesongs we'll be performing are from our upcoming performance at the GALA FestivalJuly 7-11, 2012

“Nothing sayspride as clearlyas a group of gaymen singing,sounding ourbarbaric yawp,”said Al Fischer,artistic directorof GMC.“Nothing speaksunity across ourcommunity thangay men andwomen singingtogether with one voice.”

¯FRIENDS OF NOTE¯

Donor Newsletter May/June 2012

Dining Out For LifeWritten by Wendy Markum, Managing Director

On April 26th over 100 local restaurants offered 25%-100%of their food and drink receipts to support St. Louis Effortfor Aids as part of Dining Out for Life. The Gateway Men’sChorus was proud to host at SqWires Restaurant inLafayette Square. SqWires generously donated 50% of thereceipts for the entire lunch and evening.

The GMC crew arrived at 5:00pm and greeted guests withinformation on the event and chances to win cash and prizesfrom both Mastercard and the Gateway Men’s Chorus. Therestaurant was packed the entire evening with chorusmembers, family, friends, neighbors, and the occasional

patronwho waspleasantlysurprisedto find outtheir mealplanswerecontributing to agreat cause.

According to EFA staff, this DOFL broughtin an estimated total of $109,000

Doug Bernier, Board Member models oneof the GMC aprons.

Volunteer Vic Burnhart, Managing Director Wendy Mar-kum, and Vice-President Paul Acker dressed up to work theevent.

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Use your smart phone to signup, or emailwmarkum@gmcstl.org

Director Notes…We have come to the final concert in our 25th season schedule. I havemixed feelings about this final concert; on one hand, I have beenexcited for this concert since I joined the Chorus in October, on theother hand, it marks the end of a season filled with honors, andcelebration.

Since joining the Chorus, I have been blessed with the new friends Ihave made in the chorus and on the board. I have been given theopportunity to reach out on behalf of the Chorus and make new

connections and relationships that will help to ensure GMC will continue long into the future.

Next season planning is underway and promises to build on the upward momentum broughton by the work of the board, staff, and members this year. Amazing shows, new educationinitiatives, and enhanced member benefits will be rolled out.

The first part of our education initiative, GMC has introduced program notes, which from nowon, will provide information on the music and artists being performed, as well as correlatinghistory of the LGBT movement and culture. It is our hope to connect the music choices to ourhistory in a fun and educational way to continue to tell our story to future generations.

Peace, Joy, & Love to You,Wendy Markum

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Cabaret Risqué: An Unforgettable Night Celebrating the Gateway Men’s Chorus

By Ken Haller, Singing Member

One of the challenges for any non-profit, community-basedarts organization like the Gateway Men’s Chorus is fund-raising. While we do charge admission for our concerts, thatonly covers about half of the GMC’s expenses. Thechallenge, of course, is to come up with fund-raisers that are,well, fun.

Cabaret Risqué, suggested the theme of the evening: “Lovethat lasts a lifetime… or just one night!” Musically, of course,this is fertile ground, and the singers eagerly came up withlots of songs to address the topic. For those unfamiliar withcabaret: It’s NOT Liza in a bowler hat and fishnets, and itreally is not about just singing songs that you like or thatsound good in your voice. It IS about singing a song becauseyou HAVE to sing that song and bringing something uniqueand personal to it. By creating a “movie in your mind” foreach song, the audience can see that the singer has aconnection to the song – which can be funny, sad, angry, oranything – and that allows the audience to make their ownemotional connection to the song.

Al Fischer, the GMC’s Artistic Director, is well-versed in the art of cabaret. He hasattended the St. Louis Cabaret Conference, considered to be one of the top-tier cabarettraining workshops in the country with nationally-renowned faculty. We came up witha wish list of singers in the area, and we were thrilled when each of them who did nothave other conflicts said “Yes” and agreed to donate their time and talent. All of thesingers in this show had also attended at least one St. Louis Cabaret Conference, andeach of these singers had done a full one-person, professionally-directed show with aMusic Director. Above all, these are serious cabaret artists, the Midwest Cream of theCrop as far as cabaret goes.

My cabaret colleagues, Robert Breig, Alice Kinsella, Kay Love, Katie McGrath,Tim Schall, Deborah Sharn, Jeffrey M. Wright, were really excited about doingsomething to support the Gateway Men’s Chorus. They know how unique andimportant the GMC is to the St. Louis community, and they brought their A-game tothe evening.

And then there were the GMC volunteers. During the entire day and through theevening, 20+ GMC members worked tirelessly to set up the space, work the SilentAuction, and serve drinks and snacks so that the audience could enjoy the show incomfort. GMC member, Michael Stortz, primped tables, arranging flowers, and dressed the stage to make the fourth floor Ballroom ofthe Centene Center into the St. Louis version of The Rainbow Room.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make this sold out eventsuch a rousing success. We are excited to be able to announcethat this will become an annual affair!

Ken Haller has been a singer with the Gateway Men’s Chorus since1990 and was GMC Board President from 1998-2002. His acclaimedcabaret show, Song by Song by Sondheim, has played multiple sold outperformances in St. Louis, Chicago, and New York. His new show, TheTV Show! Songs from the Tube, premieres Friday & Saturday, June1-2, at 8:00 PM, at the Kranzberg Arts Center, with Al Fischer as MusicDirector. Tickets and information at www.licketytix.com

Raising Our Glass.By Wendy Markum, Managing Director

The members of our “Conductor’s Circle” can now enjoy a pre-show drink as wellas during intermission. The RD committee is happy to expand the Wine Loungeto pre-show as well as during intermission. Conductor’s Circle donors and theirguests can visit the lounge from 7:15-7:50 pre-show and during intermission forcomplimentary wine and treats. For shows taking place at the Edison Theatre,the wine lounge is located in the lobby of the balcony level. For performances atthe 560 Music Center, the lounge is located in the conference room just left ofthe entry. In order to enter the lounge, Conductor's Circle members will need topresent their member card. If you need a replacement card, please contact themanaging director at managing.dir@gmcstl.org. For details on becoming amember of the Conductor’s Circle, see the individual giving brochures availableat all GMC events and online on our website.

A FAN-tabulous Fling!By Wendy Markum, Managing Director

The Gateway Men’s Chorus is excited to announce a unique new eventto kick off our 26th season. The FAN-tabulous Fling is part scavengerhunt, part road rally. Teams (up to five people per car) will embark on athree-hour hunt through the City of St. Louis completing wacky photochallenges. As each challenge is completed, the teams will upload theirpictures to a special site, and the images will be retrieved in real-timeby the judging panel. Points are awarded for the completion of thechallenge as well as creativity of the photo. This timed event will beginand end at the Centene Center for Arts and Education, in the heart ofGrand Center, and will feature a kickoff party, and awards receptionwith complimentary food and drink. Cash and prizes will be awarded tothe top two teams and prizes for most spirited, best single submission,and several others. You won’t want to miss what is sure to be anevening full of adventures, laughs, and great fun, all for a “Fantabulous”cause!

Save the DateSeptember 22, 2012

Event Schedule� 5:00pm-5:30pm Team Check-in (Centene Center)� 5:30pm Greetings, Rule Announcements, prop box� 6:00pm Race begins� 9:00pm Check-in (Centene Center)� 9:00-10:30pm Team Reception & Awards

Cost to Participate$125 per car pre-registered or $150 per car day-of-race

Requirements� Each team being required to have a digital camera/phone with ability to

upload photos instantly.� Each team will need their own car and driver.� 21 and older event, participants will be carded at registration.� GMC does not condone drinking and driving, so no alcohol will be served

before the hunt. Alcohol will be served at the awards reception.� All participants will be required to sign liability release form.

Online Registration beginning PRIDE weekend at www.gmcstl.org

IN MEMORY OFMrs. Doreen Baker

Given by Ms. Wendy Markum

Alvin A. Erdman father of A. ErdmanGiven by Mr. Al Becker

Mary Therese HallerGiven by Ms. Carolyn Bower

Ms. Patricia CorriganMr. George DurnellMs. Deborah Dalay

Ms. Karen Schneider

Rhea JacobsGiven by Mr. Brian Edmiston

Seymour (Cy) JaffeeGiven by Ms. Marge Degnon

Mr. James W. Hicks IIIMr. David KellerMs. Wendy Reid

Mr. William Wibbing

Frederick PerryGiven by Ms. Claire Condon

Ms. Mary PevraMr. Rhodes Schroeder

Mr. Steven WhitingMr. Dick Woodhouse

David SutherlandGiven by Mr. Gary Friedrich

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sutherland

Mr. Steve SchneiderGiven by Ms. Maureen T. Smith

Mr. Jerry Woods

IN HONOR OF

Michael S. AlleyGiven by Mr. John T. Hyland

John Brancaglione & William ClugstenMs. Jean Smith

The Marriage of:Al Fischer & Charlie Robin

Rhona Lyons &David Warren.

David VoracekGiven by Ms. Susan King

John ScholzGiven by Mr. Frederick L. Perry

Stephen PhelpsGiven by Comm Service PR Council

Celebrate the Legacy of GMCby Honoring Someone Special

Consider making a charitable donation to GMC, in memory of a loved oneno longer with us, or in celebration of someone making the world a betterplace today. All tribute contributions will be listed on a special page in ourconcert programs for the entire year. Include your special someone in thecelebration marking 25 years of the Gateway Men's Chorus contributionsto the LGBT community in St. Louis and beyond.

Board Member FocusBoard Role: VicePresidentName: Paul AckerHometown:  Magnolia,ArkansasHigh School:  PhillipsExeter AcademyCollege:  University ofArkansasOccupation:  ExecutiveManagement, ExpressScripts, Inc.Family:  Partner EmeryGloe, mother Cecile Ackerof Germantown, TN, andminiature schnauzersGrayson and Reese.Hobbies:  Gardening, Reading, TravelingLeadership Goals:  Development of solid and sustainablestructure around mission and values.Best thing about GMC:  Meeting amazing and talented people;witnessing the impact the GMC voice has on our community andregionYears with GMC:  One

A Year in ReviewBy Lawrence T. Miskel II, Board President

Gateway Men’s Chous has had a thrilling year as we’ve celebrated25 years in the making, and we look forward to continue buildingthe momentum in years to come. Our current season has broughtmany accomplishments, successes, and visibility in the community.The addition of Al Fischer, Artistic Director, and Wendy Markum,Managing Director, has positively impacted the organization thisyear with the wealth of their knowledge and skills. GMC was alsorecognized throughout the year by Mayor Francis Slay, the City ofSt. Louis Board of Aldermen, GALA Choruses, and ChorusAmerica. On May 3, 2012, GMC received a What’s Right With theRegion! Award from FOCUS St. Louis in the category of ImprovingRacial Equality and Social Justice.

You may have also seen our new and improved website(www.GMCstl.org). You’ll find out about the latest GMC events,and of course, you can buy your tickets for the 2012-2013 season.

Although GMC performs concerts three weekends each year duringits season, we love to perform at public events as part of ourcommunity engagement program to further spread our mission andbecome more visible within the St. Louis metropolitan region. Someof the events and places at which GMC performed (or will perform)this year include: GroveFest, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Macy'sPride Celebration, the first-ever St. Louis Fringe Festival, theCentral and Southern Region International Public ManagementAssociation for Human Resources Conference, Out at the Ballparkat Busch Stadium, St. Louis City Hall for the Board of Aldermen,CHARIS’ performance in May 2012, and One St. Louis.

We look forward to seeing you at the next show as we wrap up our25th season, and prepare for our next season!

Thank You to our

Corporate & Foundation Donors

"CONDUCTOR'S CIRCLE" Donors"LEGACY" Donors Bequests $25,000 +

Mr. Robert Stock

Visionary Level $5,000 +Mr. John W. Brancaglione and Mr. William Clugsten

Dr. Kenneth HallerDr. John Sweet and Mr. John Forti

Impresario Level $2,500 - $4,999Mr. Paul Acker

Maestro Level $1,000 - $2,499Mr. John T AdamsDr. Patrick Dawson

Mr. Al Fischer and Mr. Charlie RobinDr. and Mrs. William Houck

Mr. Alex LeClaire and Mr. David RoellDrs. David Jaffe and David Lewis

Mr. Jason JohnstonMr. Ken and Mrs. Nancy Kranzberg

Mr. Aelred RosserMrs. Genevieve Steidtmann

"FRIENDS OF NOTE" DonorsWhole Note Level $500 - $999

Half Note Level $250 - $499

Anonymous Mr. David Montgomery

Mr. Kevin Donze Mr. Joe Nelson & Mr. John Goad

Mr. Michael Franzoni Mr. Matthew Palmer

Mr. Matt Houck Mrs. Mary Strauss

Mr. Lawrence T. Miskel& Mr. Ryan Barker

Mr. Paul and Mrs. Sue Sutherland

Thank You to Our Generous25th Season Donors

The Gateway Men’s Chorus sincerely thanks the following donors for their generous support from January 30, 2011 thru May 5, 2012

Quarter Note Level $100 - $249

Eighth Note Level $25 - $99

Mr. Mike Asbury Mr. John Overall

Mr. David Bates Ms. Mary Peura

Mr. Jason Brown Mr. Donald Posegate II& Mr. Mark Silvermintz

Hon. Shane Cohn Mr. Thomas W. Rich

Ms. Marge Degnon Mr. Don J. Riehn& Mr. Jon Goeders

Mr. Robert Eilers Mr. John Sabourin

Mr. Steven Goldberg& Mr. JD Brooks

Mr. Ryan Shaughnessy

Mr. Colin Keller Rev. Betty L. Shirley& Linda L. Mudd

Ms. Jane Knapp Ms. Jean Smith

Mr. Neil S. Koplitz Mr. James Tomlinson

Ms. Barbara Levin Mr. James Wattles

Mr. Charles J. Metz Mr. Jerry Woods

Mr. Ken & Ms. Paulette Barker Mr. John Hamblin& Mr. Jim Chamberlain

Mr. Doug Bernier Mr. Brian Hintersher

Mr. Michael Brave & Mr. Jacob Fuller Ms. Wendy Markum& Ms. Jayne Scanlan

Mr. Bryan Buck Mr. Franklin McCallie

Mr. Darren Chapman& Mr. David Watson

Mr. Danny Owen

Mr. Casey Davison Mr. Bill Rintz

Mr. Phillip Eibeck Mr. William Roth

Mr. Robert Eilers Mr. Paul Simpkins

Mr. Allan Erdman Mr. Carl Train

Mr. Gary& Mrs. Janice Friedrich

Mr. Richard Woodhouse

Anonymous (2) Ms. Judith HodgeMr. Edward Adams Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Cheri JonesMr. Brian Adkisson Mr. David KellerMr. Albert Becker Mrs. Debra Knox-DeiermannMr. Don Bergman &Mr. Willie J. Meadows

Mr. Howard and Mrs. Penny Miller

Mr. Michael Brown Mr. Craig MonsonMr. Bruce Carvell Dr. Robert Packman MDMs. Clare Condon Mr. Todd PetittMr. Gerald Dennon Mr. Ted PinoMr. Sean Dwyer Ms. Wendy Reid

Mr. Brian Edminton Mr. Jay Reiter and Mr. Richard CharowMs. Anne Elixhauser &Mr. William Hayden

Dr. and Mrs. Richard M. Ruddy

Mrs. Caron and  Mr. Floyd Farmer Mr. Michael SaxvikMr. Tim Farmer Mrs. Naomi and Mr. Saul SilvermintzMr. Jon Flinn Ms. Maureen SmithMs. Susan Hardebeck Ms. Toni L. SmithMrs. Janette Hart Mr. Daniel and  Mrs. Laura StefacekMs. Jamie Heil Ms. Nancy TonkinsMr. Andrew Hernandez &Mr. Michael Dorn

Ms. Jeane Vogel

Mr. Gordon Herzog Ms. Patricia Vogelsang &Mr. Donald W. Jones

Mr. James Hicks III Mr. William WibbingMs. Dee Hodge and Ms. Ann Petlin Mr. Joseph Wuller