Who’s who in the NCMC
Joining the Chorus, as either a performing or non-performing member, introduces you to a lot of really great people. You will certainly see most of these people at rehearsals, so get to know them and say, “Hello!”
Artistic Staff
Photo by Jim Greenfield | Rich Cole Artistic Director and Interim Executive Director Richard Cole has served as the Artistic Director for the North Coast Men’s Chorus since the second half of the 1997/98 season. He joined the chorus as a singer in 1989 and got actively involved from the beginning by serving on the Board for several years. In addition to the full chorus, Rich also directs The Coastliners, NCMC’s small ensemble. Rich was the Chair for the wildly successful Band and Choral events for the 2014 Gay Games hosted in Cleveland. In 2015, Rich was the recipient of an LGBT Heritage Day award by the City of Cleveland for his contributions to entertainment in the city. NCMC has flourished under his leadership and guidance. In addition to annual increases in attendance at our concerts and growth in membership, his enthusiasm, energy, and creativity have been the driving force responsible for bringing guest artists in to perform with the chorus, including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Leslie Jordan, Armistead Maupin and Bernadette Peters. Rich graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and frequently arranges and/or transcribes pieces of music for the Chorus. |
Bob Day Principal Accompanist |
Robert Day began his tenure as NCMC’s Principal Accompanist in the June 2000 “Touching Hearts, Changing Lives” concerts. Since then, he has accompanied the chorus in all concerts, NCMC benefits, at six GALA Chorus Festivals, and on their five CDs. A native Clevelander, Bob holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Otterbein University, and a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from The Ohio State University. Bob is retired from 30 years of public school teaching in choral music, but still serves as Organist at The Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights. |
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Brad Speck Production Manager Brad Speck holds a BA in Theater and Dance with a minor in Music from Ohio University. Some of his production and design credits include: Phoenix Theatre, Glendale Community College, South Mountain Community College, National Dance Authority, Kalliope Stage, and Lyric Opera Cleveland. In his spare time he plays in the Cleveland Pride Band, Cleveland's LGBT+ concert and marching band. He supports his arts habit by selling real estate and has starred in four episodes of the hit HGTV show HOUSE HUNTERS. |
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Doug Braun ASL Interpreter Doug Braun has been part of the NCMC since its beginning. Braun graduated from Oberlin College and received his sign language training at Cleveland State University. Braun earned his master’s degree in social work in 1991. He provides in-home counseling for Cleveland elders. A ham radio operator for twenty years, he volunteers with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services. |
Administrative Staff |
Andy Zupcsan Business Manager Andy Zupcsan has served as Business Manager for the North Coast Men’s Chorus since the fall of 2010. Prior to accepting that position he served 5 years on the Board of Directors, including 2 years as Treasurer. He has been actively involved in many aspects of Chorus administration since he joined as a singing member in 2002. He holds a BS in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Urban Planning from Cleveland State. He currently works in client relations and operations for Records Central, Inc., a Cleveland based information management company. When not working, he volunteers with the Gay and Lesbian Family Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and serves as President of the Madison High School Alumni Association. He also enjoys cooking, gardening, weight training, and playing Euro-style strategy games. 
Sherry Thaler Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator |
Wade Tolleson Music Librarian |
Board of Directors
Todd Narvin President and Member at Large 
Sofi Vaattovaara Vice President 
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Rob Syto Treasurer Rob Syto serves as a lawyer on the Philanthropy Institute’s Gift Planning Team of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation assisting donors in a creative process of integrating their values with their charitable, family, and financial goals. Although a California transplant, Rob has grown to love raising a family in Ohio and supporting the breakthrough and innovative research at the Cleveland Clinic. Continuing the spirit of support and since Rob does not sing within anyone’s earshot, he looks forward to supporting those that bring musical joy to the world. |
Vacant Secretary |
Shawn Belt Member Advocate |