Thursday, September 18, 2008

Looking Back on Sept. 16th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on September 16th 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.)

The troops were ready and had the room set up in fine style early. Usual pre-meeting events were underway in every corner.

After warm up, it was on to work for some songs for the shows coming up. And lots of congratulations from Director Joe for the show in St. Marys.

Lots of faces back and that felt good – Wayne and Tom in the bass section. And some guys we have not seen in a while – Tom Griffith and Jim Shoenhard.

In the member recognition period, Tom G and Alan Wile got a 21-year card. And Terry Reynolds was presented his 25-year pin, as is the Harmonizer tradition. The newest member was introduced – Tom Hutton, who sings tenor.

Roger introduced other guests present – one from England who lives here now and is a barbershop singer, former members, local guys who are interested in singing. Roger gave a plug for the official “guest” nite on Oct. 28th. We should really surprise him and have about 30 guys from him to have to introduce that nite.

After the busy break, Bruce Lauther presented the chapter treasurer with the $4700 check for the St. Marys’ show. Thanks all around to Bruce for his salesmanship!

There was considerable “push” to get more guys signed up for the Erie road show this Sunday.

And Ammerman was given a chance to fully plug the fall show – especially ticket sales. He has worked hard on this show and we need to get behind this new member and make it a sales success.

Then Director Joe took over and concentrated on the new ballad most of the rest of the nite. Good work. He pledged that Brad would put the new (and final) interp onto the website so all could have a review before the show this weekend. He intends to do it that way in Erie.

Can you believe Roger Day won the 50/50 two weeks in a row!!!!

Until next time – editorjack!

Looking Back on Sept. 9th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on September 9th 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.)

Lots of men were ready and eager for the meeting to start this week and were already sitting on the risers when the call went out for “RISERS!” from the team.

A hard working and successful warm up session was conducted by Will. Director Joe jumped in a few times as did our coach Rick Johnson, who is from St. Charles, MO. He is a singing judge – the one who gave the chorus the effective and educational comments at Southern Division contest last spring.

Joe was fired up and gave hints as to the busy schedule for the rest of this year – the shows and extra rehearsals, the contest, and unique all-day event for us all (it is labeled leadership but deals with individual involvement in the hobby). Mark your calendars for November 15th.

When Rick got up front, he worked on proper standing posture, stressed getting an awesome breath from an awesome posture – all the time.

Front row guys had to redesign their routine for “Happy Feet” since a smaller number of them will be at the St. Mary, MD, show. It was good to hear the song again and see the action by the troops.

I noticed several of the new guys on the stage before the chapter meeting learning moves to the songs we sing on shows currently.

Rick again did some reminders for the awesome breath concept and the addition of artistry by Joe and the chorus.

It was also fun to hear “I Love You Truly” again with the powerful interp we had in Nashville.

During the member recognition period before break, Eric Wallen was given an 11-year membership card and Ken Rub a 17-year card. Dick Hall stopped by and report on the good progress of Carolyn in rehab.

Roger Day introduced two guests – Josh Roots and Chris Cunningham.

After a busy break with time for some snacks, important sign-ups, 50/50, Entertainment book sales, the launch of the 09 White House Christmas Ornament sales by Sandi Stamps (and wow the guys were hauling them out by the bag full), some visiting, some uniform matters for new guys, etc., it was time for the official chapter meeting period.

President Stamps asked all to sign a get well card for a long time show patron. Jack Cameron appealed for guys to pick up and pay for Intl pictures.

Brian Ammerman gave an appeal for ticket sales. It is just 2 ½ weeks away. He was all fired up about the show, props to collect, ads to sell and of course the ticket story.

FRiDAYS! quartet sang for us as they head for the fall contest in Wildwood. Scott Kahler, always on top of things, had a good mic for them to use.

After that it was full blast on the new contest ballad with the coach and Joe pushing and pulling. A couple of great changes were made on notes. And some terrific interp was added to make the song really tell the story.

That filled the rest of the nite right up until five til 10.

Until next time – editorjack!

Looking Back on Sept. 16th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on September 16th 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.)

The troops were ready and had the room set up in fine style early. Usual pre-meeting events were underway in every corner.

After warm up, it was on to work for some songs for the shows coming up. And lots of congratulations from Director Joe for the show in St. Marys.

Lots of faces back and that felt good – Wayne and Tom in the bass section. And some guys we have not seen in a while – Tom Griffith and Jim Shoenhard.

In the member recognition period, Tom G and Alan Wile got a 21-year card. And Terry Reynolds was presented his 25-year pin, as is the Harmonizer tradition. The newest member was introduced – Tom Hutton, who sings tenor.

Roger introduced other guests present – one from England who lives here now and is a barbershop singer, former members, local guys who are interested in singing. Roger gave a plug for the official “guest” nite on Oct. 28th. We should really surprise him and have about 30 guys from him to have to introduce that nite.

After the busy break, Bruce Lauther presented the chapter treasurer with the $4700 check for the St. Marys’ show. Thanks all around to Bruce for his salesmanship!

There was considerable “push” to get more guys signed up for the Erie road show this Sunday.

And Ammerman was given a chance to fully plug the fall show – especially ticket sales. He has worked hard on this show and we need to get behind this new member and make it a sales success.

Then Director Joe took over and concentrated on the new ballad most of the rest of the nite. Good work. He pledged that Brad would put the new (and final) interp onto the website so all could have a review before the show this weekend. He intends to do it that way in Erie.

Can you believe Roger Day won the 50/50 two weeks in a row!!!!

Until next time – editorjack!