Thursday, August 14, 2008

Looking Back on August 12th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on August 12th Chapter Meeting

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)

When the guys arrived last nite, there was an ample supply of leftover goodies from the Sunday potluck. So some men got an early start and some had dinner since they came from work.

Right on the nose at 7, Tony, with the short hair, conducted a solid warm up session and soon, turned a “ready” chorus over to Director Joe. Joe spent a huge chunk of time on rep songs that will be used on upcoming shows. Then he concentrated on “Clap” to clean up things, to respond to suggestions from judges in Nashville, and to improve unit sound. Section by section, he had guys come down front and work to improve their unit sound. It was interesting to watch.

Just before break was the membership recognition period: Chris and Roger presented new member materials to Ron Nelson. And a 15-year card to Tony Colosimo, and a 26-year card to Gary Bibens.

Our two guests both turned in membership applications last nite – Josh Roots and Tom Hutton!!

The rest of the food disappeared during the break!!!

During post-break chapter meeting, Jordan thanked people for their work to make the 60th Anniversary celebration a success.

Chuck Harner made financial presentations from our Mid Atlantic District to FOUR ACES, CRUNCH TIME and to the chapter.

Producer Paul Grimes plugged the fall show and introduced Brian Ammerman who is the business manager. He announced that the Murane brothers are set to take ticket orders. AND that the flyer has gone out to patrons, so you can start pushing ticket sales now. He will also be in touch with folks about adv sales.

There is a chapter board meeting on Wed., Aug. 13th, at the Lee Center.

Back to work on the risers, Chuck Hunter directed an impromptu tag sing so guys could apply some of the things taught in the first half of the rehearsal.

Joe then used the rest of the nite for hard work on interp and good singing for “Second Star” and “From This Moment” so that we could be ready for coaching soon.

The singing ran right up to the last minute, Randy Lazear won the 50/50 and a chocolate cake left from the Sunday potluck! Good to see Carolyn Hall up and about after a little hospital time recently.

Until next time – editorjack!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Looking Back on Aug. 10th 60th Anniversary Event

Looking Back on August 10th 60th Anniversary Celebration

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)

Over 100 folks attended this fun event as a midyear celebration for our anniversary. Many former members, some inactive members, some from far away, and a bunch of new members were on hand for a great potluck. The HARMO family has always put on a great “feed” at these kinds of events.

The FRIENDS group did the decorations – red, white and blue theme with fresh flowers on each table. Terry Jordan and his wife Ginger also worked extra hard in making the celebration a success.

The extensive historical display was set up by Bob Eckman and his wife Maggie for all to enjoy. Bob Blair hauled it to the Rec Center. It was created for our 50th year – so we could do some updating to add the last ten years.

After the meal, table-teams had fun trying to identify the men in a 1995 Miami International chorus picture. The team headed by Klostermeyer and Rust claimed victory. After this fun, was the Talent Show. Rules – just no barbershop. (Luckily tho we did sing a PoleCat song and “I’ll Be Seeing You” before it was all said and done.) Scott Kahler came thru with the sound equipment and stage set up with help from Dennis Ritchey.

There were five talent acts who performed on the Durant stage. Jordan was MC who added some history facts and quiz questions during the show.

First act was Paul Ritchey, who lives now in PA, who sang all verses of the National Anthem. Then we had a surprise appearance of Crosby/Stills/Nash and/or Peter Paul and Mary (Will Cox, Max Kieba, Dan O’Brien). Magic California Kyle (Blomgren) tricked a couple volunteers from the audience, such as Director Joe and a youngster with Nick Murane, with his magic show. Joel Golden sang and played his guitar sharing two coffee-house songs. Dick Dangel did “Sweet Georgia Brown” on his squeeze box. The final act was April Wagner, daughter of Rick and Peggy, clowning it up on stage. She is a recent grad of Clown College.

Everyone pitched in for clean up and put away.

Until next time – editorjack!