Meet the outstanding men of Men Alive

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” -- Edith Wharton
 
The idea of putting someone in the spotlight suggests a need for illumination emanating from an outside source.  However, the light source is really the people within Men Alive who share their stories. Although you will ultimately determine how well the intent is realized, we hope you agree that the goal of “Man in the Spotlight” is to act as a mirror reflecting the light that each man brings to the Chorus. If you end up seeing a little clearer because of it, then so much the better.

Robb Neale (Tenor II)
Each individual member of Men Alive has his own story, his own set of circumstances resulting in the wearing of that tux, vest, and tie. Some desire to express what they have already identified as a driving creative force. Others see the chorus as an opportunity to move forward in their lives, only to find inner talent they never realized existed. Whether second tenor Robb Neale fits in the former or latter category is unimportant; what is important is that he has demonstrated both drive and talent in his tenure with the chorus.

Robb grew up in San Diego and went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. “My first glimpse of New York City opened my eyes to the world and taught me that I could see any part of it I wanted to.” After college, he lived in London, Seattle (WA), Japan, and Honolulu, where he worked both backstage and singing in front of audiences with the Honolulu Men’s Chorus as well as other local theater companies. Robb returned to California in 1999, took a sabbatical from singing, and decided to audition for Men Alive after his partner died in 2004. “I needed to meet new people and get active again. So, I decided to look for another local chorus, since I'd enjoyed Honolulu so much. I kept missing the [Men Alive] concerts for one reason or another, so finally decided just to audition sight-unseen, figuring if I didn't enjoy it, I'd just quit. Needless to say, I enjoyed it and stayed!”

The Orange County Gay Men’s chorus has benefitted greatly from Robb's presence. He has been a creative force and has not shied away from being on-stage in some memorable scenes, wearing some extraordinary costumes, having played at various times a Marvelette, a member of the Lullaby League and George Frideric Handel. Robb's favorite moment with Men Alive was having a substantial role in the conception and production of the “Wicked to Oz” concert. His dream is to one day actually set foot on a Broadway stage.

Robb has high praise for Men Alive. “Where else do we find well over 100 gay men who get together for a common purpose? I see the complete range of generations, giving a history and reality to the gay experience.”

Robb's creative effort is part of that reality.

Tim Storey (Baritone)
Spend any amount of time watching the preparation for a Men Alive concert and you’ll see that there is incredible dedication to service and excellence. This loyalty is indicative of the depth of commitment made from each member, and it is not limited to chorus functions alone. For baritone Tim Storey, commitment and dedication to service have been consistent threads throughout his life.

Tim, an Illinois native, has demonstrated dedication and commitment to his family, which includes a mother and two younger brothers. He spent a year in the pre-med program of the University of Illinois before joining the Navy, and spent many years serving his country in active duty and the Naval Reserve. With Tim’s knowledge and dedication to the medical field, he has continued to provide excellent service as a Microbiologist. Tim is currently working on a degree in Human Services and Management, and he may one day be the first person in his family to earn a Ph.D.

It has been Tim’s dedication to music and service that brought him to Men Alive. He has fulfilled many leadership roles as a member of “Shoreline Squares”, a square-dancing group, and he began working with the chorus in 2002.  “I had been singing off and on in a few different church choirs. When I went to see “This is Our Time”, I saw in the program the notice about auditions and figured I would try. I am so glad that I went.”  Tim has enjoyed being a “Sister of Perpetual Silence” and cites the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of choruses’ festival in Miami as one life experience that has been very memorable. He was also very proud to have sung with the chorus in celebrating the life of Jill De Freitas.

Tim continues to look for opportunities to serve the chorus. “Men Alive makes me proud that we have touched people making a positive difference in their lives. I feel like I’ve found a place where I belong.”

Richard Triplett (Bass)
Whether you’re straight or gay, or somewhere in-between, we all seek to be comfortable in our own skin. The search for dignity and contentment is difficult. But if we work hard enough, and if it’s important enough to us, we continue the two-steps-forward-one-step-back foxtrot slowly toward that goal. For those of us still dancing, it might be beneficial to let Richard Triplett lead for a while.

One of four children from a very independent family, Richard has taken a very pragmatic approach to his life. “I am who I am and I am not shy about it. I do not feel I need to broadcast my life to others, nor do I ever hide my orientation.” He keeps a Facebook page where his extended family and friends are able to glimpse his life without filters or masks. He sums up his philosophy by stating that the finest moment is yet to come in any circumstance.

Richard has neither been afraid to relocate when a good opportunity presented itself for personal or professional growth, nor has he allowed himself to be overwhelmed by the experiences he’s had. “During all of my adult life I had never lived in the same location for more than two years at a time until Orange County. This included various states over several sections of the country, various locations within those states, and included three, let's just say, relationships meant as educational experiences.” While employed in the banking and mortgage lending industry, he worked toward obtaining the Certified Mortgage Banker designation, a feat he lists as “the most respected and difficult designation available in my industry.”  Due to this designation, his stature in the industry has enabled him to speak, write, and teach in many media.

Richard has found contentment through music and performing. Starting as a preschooler in a tiny suit and tie, he caught the performance bug and continued playing musical instruments and performing in marching bands, eventually adding musical theatre, choral singing, and conducting to his list of accomplishments. He sang with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus for 5 years, as well as the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston, and arrived in the bass section of Men Alive in 2002.

Richard believes that the chorus “demonstrates an unparalleled image representing a slice of the community in a positive, professional manner,” and he cites an event with Men Alive as being one of his most touching. “For several years I dedicated a large portion of my time to Men Alive in a multitude of ways." During the rehearsal period for a concert in the summer of 2007, he had to tell chorus Artistic Director Rich Cook he was moving to Houston for work. “As a complete surprise to me, Rich in a very somber and emotional way announced to the chorus that I was leaving and moving to Houston. The reaction from the chorus, the complete and pure love I experienced in that spontaneous moment from the whole chorus was so incredibly emotional for me, it captured a piece of my heart forever. That moment in time -- that unabashed feeling of pure love -- will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Lt. Dan Choi (Bass)
On Tuesday July 7, 2009, Men Alive chorister First Lt. Dan Choi, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq War veteran, faced a panel of New York National Guard officers who recommended that Choi be discharged for admitting his homosexuality. Choi, a bass in Men Alive, came out in March on the Rachel Maddow show, arguing against the ban on gays serving in the military. Days later at our Spring Show, Choi moved the audience when he shared his story and his experience in fighting against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).

A California native, Choi currently serves in the New York Army National Guard, although he makes Orange County his home. He is the son of a Baptist minister. Born in 1981, he has been in the armed forces all his adult life.

Dan Choi is man of great courage and conviction in his beliefs and morals. He is an inspiring warrior, fighting for our country and fighting against discrimination. And he is a treasured friend and great singer to the Chorus.

To help Choi, please visit Knights Out, the organization of out Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) West Point Alumni at http://knightsout.org/.

Learn more about Dan Choi. Links to TV interviews and articles are below:

• The Rachel Maddow show part1 (March 19, 2009) click here
• The Rachel Maddow show part2 (March 20, 2009) click here
• The Anderson Cooper show (May 12, 2009) click here
• The Advocate: "An Officer & A Gentlemen" (July 6, 2009) click here