"Men were meant for singing! This concert embodies the feelings
of gratitude, the joy of unity, the thrill of harmony, the passion for
service."
So stated the program notes on the program for the first Kansas
Mennonite Men's Chorus (KMMC) concert in Hillsboro the spring of 1969.
It had the been the dream of early innovators--the late Vernon Wiebe of
Hillsboro and the late David Suderman of North Newton--to assemble a group
of 500 men singing together as part of Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale
activities. The offering taken would benefit Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC).
While the number of singers that first year, at 140, fell far short of
the goal of 500, the response to the concert was positive and chorus
membership the next year tallied 495. Audience interest also spiked, with
2500 hearing the concert at Century II concert hall. (Another 1000 were
turned away for lack of space.) The dream of Wiebe and Suderman was coming
to pass.
Although momentum faltered in 1972 with no concerts that year, the
following year 568 men came to sing together in Hutchinson's Convention
Hall. At present chorus membership hovers around 300.
There has been a succession of capable directors leading in area and
mass rehearsals beginning approximately two months before the spring
concerts. The first director was Suderman, then Paul Wolgumuth, Jonah
Baltzer, and now Ron Garber. There is a steering committee and contact
men to keep singers (who pay for expenses themselves) coming back, as
well as recruiting new ones.
The music used presents a pleasing variety. Some is classical and is
quite challenging to the singers themselves. There are also arrangements
of old hymns, spirituals, and pieces with a more modern sound. Special
enjoyment came with the chorus's rendition of "Dry Bones"-this
included sound effects. Much of KMMC's repertoire also consists of music
composed or arranged by directors and by J. Harold Moyer of the music
committee. There are also beautiful old German hymn arrangements by the
late Herbert C. Richert as well as arrangements by chorus members
themselves.
Director Ron Garber views the KMMC as "a choral ensemble that (has)
a message--a message of hope and optimism meant for a world wrapped in
turmoil and skepticism, a message encapsulated in our motto, 'we sing that
others may live.'"
Since the year 2000 the chorus has not only sung its message at Kansas
MCC Sale time and in surrounding states, but also has brought their songs
to Europe, Canada and California. Plans call for an East Coast tour this
summer. Before the chorus traveled, their well-received recordings had also
traveled the world. Proceeds from these also benefit MCC. (At present total
donations by KMMC to worldwide relief have passed the one-half million
mark.)
While many who participate are gifted singers, there are also those who
consider their musical abilities to be quite ordinary. Talented
instrumentalists also join the group for various numbers.
While most KMMC members are Mennonite, the invitation is open to any man
who shows "commitment to Jesus Christ, the Christian Gospel, and the
desire to help provide monetary support to the needy of the world,"
according to Director Garber.
Now put them all together--bringing an attitude of commitment--in an
atmosphere of holy discipline, with a dash of humor added. And what is the
result? Larry Hatteburg of KAKE-TV in Wichita says it this way:
"It is singing from the heart, from the soul, and it reaches deep
into the crevasses of the mind. It's as if a warm blanket is placed around
my shoulders. It is probably the blanket of God's love." (Reprinted
from the 25th anniversary history book, We sing That Others May Live, by
Carol Duerksen)
This year's KMMC spring concerts are set for (the day after the sale)
Sunday, April 9, 7 p.m., at Memorial hall, Bethel College, North Newton; and
Sunday, April 23, 7 p.m., Presser Hall, Bethany College, Lindsborg.
