Meet Mark Plyler
Mark moved to Kansas City back in 2014, the same year he joined HMC. Music and singing have always been a part of his life and HMC was a way to jump into the community and meet new 
people. Mark is a Tenor 2 and one of his favorite things about the chorus is seeing it all come together during concert week. During a regular season, that equals three weeks a year. The excitement of the music, the production, lighting, sound, and audience reaction make for an amazing experience.
One of Mark’s jobs that he really loved, even after ten years, was tending bar at a Japanese restaurant. It may have made him a bit of a sushi snob, but eating raw fish hasn’t swayed him from the kitchen. He loves to cook and bake, which seems like a very common pastime for many chorus members. He also is big into antiquing and collecting handmade pottery; both show artistic creativity. Mark is looking forward to one day attending live theater again, and if he won the lottery, he would probably give it all away. HMC would be one of the recipients, of course.
It can sometimes be difficult to accept yourself and as a Freshman in college, Mark decided to take that step. He wanted to be true to himself and it was the best decision he ever made. His hashtag, which hopefully many who read this can relate to, is #ProudToBeMe!
part of a flight attendant duo in last years’ Making Spirit’s Bright holiday show. He’s also jumped in as a volunteer at the HMC Pride Dunk Tank, where he enjoys getting to know our audience and the community more.
come in handy reading some of the music we sing in HMC. He sang in college and when he decided to re-enter the singing world, joining Heartland Men’s Chorus seemed like a natural fit. Mike is finishing his 3rd year as a Baritone. He was looking for a group to sing with and found a place of excellence in musicianship and a community of camaraderie.
years. He had several friends who already sang, always enjoyed going to concerts and he loves to sing so it was a natural fit to become a member. Joining has enabled Brian to be part of a movement to support people of all faiths, races and political perspectives. A road trip for a joint concert with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus in 2017 allowed him to deepen his friendships with other chorus members. Sharing that experience and being on a bus for that long will do that!
provides a lot of time to listen to rehearsal tracks and prepare for upcoming concerts. You might ask, ‘Why does he travel that far?” Travis was able to check out HMC back in 2016 after a change in his schedule. When he sang with HOA Men’s Chorus he participated in a joint concert with HMC and instantly could sense the quality of the music as well as the member camaraderie. He joined for 1 concert and is still actively engaged 4 years later. Travis stays because he likes being part of something much bigger, feels like he has grown musically and personally, he’s made a forever friend with his first cycle Concert Buddy, and the impact the chorus has on our members, the audience and our community.
member. His first time on stage was for the 25th Anniversary Season and he is back on stage this year singing Bass. He has lent his talents in many capacities and joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and is the most recent past Board Chair. He has really enjoyed getting to know some great people in this community and he continues to stay involved because he believes in “who we are and what we do.” From a kid with an ‘egg route’ to being Chair of the Board, we are grateful Keith holds on to that belief and lends his talents in many ways.
something new and just wanted to meet people. Well, HMC offers about 100 possible new friendships and Troy must have found some friends since he is now in his 6th year with the chorus. As a non-singing member in our HeartLight section, you can find him behind the scenes supporting HMC at events, concerts, rehearsals–everywhere we are so are our HeartLight members.
movements we use to accompany many of our songs.
