FROM THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER…

“We Have A Great Season for You!”

By the time you get this letter, rehearsals will already be well underway for the 2009-2010 season of the Harrisburg Men’s Chorus, under the guidance of our Artist Director, David Walker. You will notice a number of exciting changes this year – here are a few of the highlights!

• We welcome our new, permanent Principal Accompanist, Stephen Smith!

• In addition to our traditional winter and spring concerts, we’ll be adding two new concerts, doubling our presentations for you

• All of our main performances will be held in one location – the new Studio on Herr at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center

• After several years of absence, you’ll again enjoy a cabaret of seasonal music with our unique “take” on the Christmas holiday

• Several benefit concerts out in the community

• A joint concert next spring with the New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus

• Participation in Voices United for PrideFest

There is a full schedule included in this newsletter. Please take time to mark down the dates on your own calendar!

HMC is proud to be well into our third decade as the only gay male chorus in Central PA. We have made our mark locally and continue to look for new ways to expand our audience. The current financial crisis, however, is affecting us as an organization just as it is impacting all of our lives personally and professionally. The Chorus relies heavily on the generous sponsorships and donations of our own members and patrons like you for operating expenses. Here are a few opportunities for you to continue to support us for the 2009/10 Season:

• Ticket sales are available in advance for our upcoming concerts either online at tickets@harrisburgmenschorus.org  or by calling 236-3809. We hope you’ll take advantage of the available discount by purchasing a full, four concert season subscription for a mere $50!

• Program advertising in January and our spring concert next June that will be run for every concert we do this season and again, take advantage of our season package rates.

• Corporate, individual, couple and group sponsorships – monetary donations at varying levels, many affording free tickets to the concerts.

• Underwriting specific needs for the chorus – buy us a set of music or a new group of costumes.

• In-kind donations such as printing costs for our tickets or programs or providing refreshments at an after concert reception.

More details about each of these opportunities can be found in the accompanying newsletter. We ask that you take advantage of one, two or more of these options! Your past support of our mission is greatly appreciated. Your support now and in the future will guarantee that we continue to entertain with quality presentations of music and song while offering a supportive, positive presence in and of the GLBTQ community. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, HMC will be happy to provide you with a receipt for tax purposes or a written acknowledgement for in-kind donations.

On behalf of our Artist Director, the Board of Directors and all our singing and non-singing members, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT – I’ll look to see you soon at an upcoming performance!

Sincerely,

Paul R. Foltz

HMC Board President