Thursday, December 23, 2010

Looking Back on the Dec. 21st Chapter Meeting

A hearty gang of singers came out this week to go caroling in Old Town. We met at Durant at 7 and there was a lot of getting White House Ornaments to guys who needed them from guys who had extras. Some guys came out to be sure and extend holiday greetings to their buddies.

A big cheer went up when Chuck Hunter arrived. He was ending a 72-hour ordeal to get to the U.S. from his post in Damascus, via the closed airports in London. Chuck was here to get in some tag singing and see everyone. He returns to his post on Jan. 4th after a brief visit with his family in CA.

At 7, Tony Colosimo got up on the stage and we gathered standing on the floor for warm ups. Then Joe worked for a few minutes on the 2011 uptune. (This allowed our reconnaissance team of Klostermeyer and Van Gilder to go make arrangements with restaurants for us to sing for them)

But Director Joe had a lot of news to pass along to the guys. First – CAPITAL FORCE is doing great in their prep for their singing in Vegas in January. Joe reports that Tony is doing a great job as director of the group and he also expressed appreciation for the admin leadership for CF from Patrick Kim. The group has two young guys, age 11, who are holding up the tenor part for the group. There are young guys from several chapters around the metro area who are in CF.

Then second, Joe announced big news that the Harmonizers will appear as one of the feature groups in the Cherry Blossom Parade this spring. Stay tuned for details on this one. (This is a result of good work on July 4th for the producer of the event we sang early that day in Philly!)

Joe also welcomed the Russian film crew who will go with us on our caroling trek tonite.

At about 8:15, Joe got a text that the “recon team” had things lined up downtown. So we synchronized watches and agreed to assemble at Market Square. Many guys had Santa hats and other neat hats or scarves.

As usual, we started with Gadsby Tavern, but this year we had to do two sets there since it was full in every one of their dining rooms. Then we walked toward the river and stopped at three places before ending our nite at Chadwicks. The film crew worked hard to get great shots of guys in the various eateries. They also filmed us singing as we walked among the lights on the street outside the Christmas Attic store.

A few interested prospects were given chapter business cards during the various stops. Was great to see our buddy Rob Korsan manage getting into all the restaurants – and great to have the guys give him a hand in getting his chair right into the center of the action! Dennis Ritchey’s son, Adam, was a second-time guest and came along for the sing too.

After we got back to our cars, many of us went back to Theisman's for an afterglow to end our 2010 year!!!

In other news, YeEd reports that Alan Wile was MC for the recent Potomac Harmony Sweet Adeline show last weekend. Chris Buechler was MC for the Alexandria Singers holiday performances.

Don’t forgot – we are not meeting at Durant on Dec. 28th but we are all invited to attend the BLAST on Tuesday nite, Dec. 28th, 7 – 11 pm at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 77220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie MD. It’s just $15 for ticket at the door to include your beer or sodas, snacks and hotdogs. Quartets sign up and sing. CAPRI will appear, as will TOUCHSTONE (Steve White’s quartet that just won the district contest.) Get a car load and go over. YeEd went for the first time last year and it was a blast. There were over 30 Harmonizers there last year.

AND FINALLY – save the date for the annual Holiday Harmonizer Heat Glo, Sat. nite Jan. 8th at Jack Pitzer’s home. The music team is working to line up a sing out prior to the party. Save the date and stay tuned for this event for the whole Harmonizer family

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Looking Back on the Dec.14th Chapter Meeting

It was freezing cold in Alexandria again this Tuesday nite, but we had a good crowd of guys come out to sing in the Put Together Contest. The hall was set up with the risers facing the stage.

Early arrivals settled up on show tickets, WHO sales, and Entertainment Book sales; bought scrip cards and snacked on the spread of goodies. (Thanks Joe for bringing in a carload from the caroling party.)

There was also a buzz in the hall as we had a camera crew from a Russian television station in house filming the rehearsal and speaking with several members on camera including Joe and Rob Korsan.

Will Cox did warm ups and then Director Joe went right to work on the contest uptune. He sent the singers into sectionals to work on it more.

Meanwhile, the crew set up for the chapter quartet contest. Eric Wallen has taken on the duties as Mr. Put to assemble quartets and line up details for the contest. He had 18 quartets registered in advance! He invited Scott and Nancy Disney (he a district quartet champ several times and former Harmonizer, she in CAPRI); Michael Gellert (our vocal lesson coach); and Geri and Royall Geis (she our visual coach and he a former Harmonizer and past president) to be judges. Jack Pitzer was judging secretary. Lew Klinge was MC for the contest. The technical crew set up the mics and all and took photos. The contest is named in honor of its creator, Wilbur Sparks.

The judges ranked quartets as either regular or comedy. And then they kept track of the guys who sang in the most quartets for the George Azzam Memorial Award. Actually Matt Barnes and Joel Golden both sang in five!

Comedy quartet winners: 1st was ALTAR BOY with Rick Savage, tenor; Patrick Kim, lead; Will Cox, bari, Rob Korsan, bass. 2nd was ALMOST LIKE BEING IN TUNE with Rick Savage, tenor; Joe Cerutti, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Steve Lingo, bass. 3rd was QUARTERASIAN with Joe Cerutti, tenor; Patrick Kim, lead; Phil Ashford, bari; Eric Wallen, bass.

Regular quartet winners: 1st was GUMBY, DAMIT! with Tony Colosimo, tenor; Eric Wallen, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Will Mudd-Simmons. 2nd was THURSDAYS! with Randy Lazear, tenor; Chris Susalka, lead; Ken Ives, bari; Rob Korsan, bass. 3rd was ONE LEG DOWN with Drew Fuller, tenor; Kevin Roth, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Steve Lingo, bass.

We held our chapter meeting prior to the start of the contest. Mark Klostermeyer did the usual run down on birthdays this week. Steve Lingo (who also brought in a huge crockpot of hot barbeque meatballs for the goodie table) offered quarteting opportunities for Christmas Eve Day at National Harbor.

Alan Wile continued his work on the Harmo Hero books.

Mark announced the board meeting on Wednesday nite, the music committee on Thursday nite and CAPITAL FORCE rehearsal this weekend.

NOTE: NEXT WEEK WE MEET AT 7 PM AT DURANT FOR A BRIEF WARM-UP, TEND TO CHAPTER BUSINESS AND SALES MATTERS, AND THEN HEAD IN TO OLD TOWN TO SING CAROLS AT DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS. It is great fun and is a new tradition for the chapter. Come out and join in the fun.

THEN also mark your calendar for the BLAST on Tuesday nite, Dec. 28th, 7 – 11 pm at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 77220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie MD. It’s just $15 for ticket at the door to include your beer or sodas, snacks and hotdogs. Quartets sign up and sing. CAPRI will appear, as will TOUCHSTONE (Steve White’s quartet that just won the district contest.) Get a car load and go over. YeEd went for the first time last year and it was a blast. There were over 30 Harmonizers there last year.

AND FINALLY – save the date for the annual Holiday Harmonizer Heat Glo, Sat. nite Jan. 8th at Jack Pitzer’s home. The music team is working to line up a sing out prior to the party. Save the date and stay tuned for this event for the whole Harmonizer family.

Craig Kujawa reminded all participants in the weight-loss campaign before Kansas City that there is a weigh in on Feb. 1st.

Sandy Stamps, who with Mick, heads up the huge effort to sell the White House Ornaments, asked guys to alert her if they have a supply they may not sell or need help selling. She is willing to help direct them to guys who are looking for more to sell. Do it this week as the Stamps are going out of town. AND note that we all must settle up on our sales with her by Jan. 11th.

Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to our newest guy to join – Jim Kirkland. Jim also sings with the Mt. Vernon Chapter. Chris also presented a membership renewal card to Bruce Roehm for 10 years!

Bruce was filling in for the vacationing Ken White and welcomed our guests for the evening. Jeremy Knobel was back after a hard-working session in his law school work.

President Newton alerted the membership to a possible opportunity in June when we will do a Masters’ Class at our District’s Harmony College East in Salisbury. We would be there on Saturday and also be coached by a team Joe helped select. This is in addition to the usual retreat and a huge show at George Mason again with Dundalk, Pride of Baltimore and headliner quartets. Stay tuned. YeEd hears that the board is gonna make the final call on it.

Dick also hinted that the board is considering hosting the Southern Division contest over Memorial Day weekend. He asked to see hands of guys who would help work and there were many!!

In other news from around the Society: the BHS has a new preferred number for you to use when you call them in Nashville. It is 615-823-3993. Don’t use the 800 number any more in order to save costs for the BHS.

The new Harrisonburg, VA, Harmonizers Chorus has at least four of our guys singing there now too – Gary Bibens, Dewey Feuerhelm, Michael Calhoun and Alan Durick.

Do you wanna be a BHS judge? If so, contact Chuck Harner, who is in charge of helping guys in our district sign up. Time is short tho, as the opening for new sign-ups ends on Dec. 31st.

Hope we see some of our college members next week for caroling or at the Blast on the 28th.

After the Put Together Contest, we rushed to get all the materials away and a large crowd headed over to Theisman’s for the chapter afterglow.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Looking Back on the 2010 Holiday Dinner Shows Weekend, Dec. 3-4

The Harmonizer annual Holiday Dinner Theater shows played to cheering audiences who got to laugh and sing and join in the fun that the Harmonizers created. In addition the ticket holders got a great meal of salad, lasagna, green beans, bread, and tons of holiday cookies.

As has become our tradition, the chorus dug out their elf or toy costumes for this show weekend. And Jack-in-the-Box, Terry Reynolds, was the MC and audience friend. Jacque Frost, Scipio Garling, and his assistant mime, Tom Kraus, keep the gags going and the audience responded. There were some costume standouts among the 80-plus singers on stage such as Victor Hills’ toy soldier garb, Steve Murane’s “Super Mario” outfit, Steve Lingo’s cowboy gear, and Rob Korsan’s Christmas tree (he had the students in the class he teaches, help make it for him).

Word is that Scipio Garling and Josh Roots had a lot to do with the fun script for the show.

There were actually about 100 of the members around making sure all parts of the operation were handled well. The music team had the guys ready to sing and had added a new song this year, “Blue Christmas.” The production team also used various ensembles to sing some songs needed to carry the story line – two newly organized chapter quartets, THE BLANKS and FREE AGENTS; TBD a capella group; and CAMERON STATION group.

The soloists for the show were Will Daniel Mudd-Simomns, Phil Ferguson and Tony Colosimo for “Ave Maria”; Brian Miller, Jim Lake and Brad Jones for “Let All Mortal Flesh”; Frank Fedarko, Ken White and Drew Fuller for “Do You Hear What I Hear?”. The “Twelve Days of Christmas quartet was Bob Mattes, Alan Kousen, Bill Curtis and Dave Welter. The “five golden rings” quartet was Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Joe Cerutti and Mike Kelly.

Also need to thank Joe’s assistant directors for their work on the show – Mike Kelly, Will Cox and Tony Colosimo.

For the Saturday nite performance, Will Cox did his always popular, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” routine and kept the audience in stitches.

Bob Mattes was producer and his organizational skills helped make things work. He was especially mindful in providing the singers with details as to their duties and schedule.

Roger Day coordinated decorations for the hall and a big crew of members and FRIENDS members worked much of Friday getting the church hall converted into a holiday scene – candy canes, lighted trees, snowflakes, wreaths, and a ton of wrapped gift boxes, which the chorus guys brought in. (For the third or fourth year, the Potomac Harmony Sweet Adeline Chorus hauled away the wrapped boxes and used them for their holiday show.

The chapter hired the church crew to cook the food, but our guys bought it from a supply firm and hauled a truck load of lasagnas and such in on Friday. Then Keith Jones and Ken Rub coordinated a million other details such as setting the tables, and then delivering the food to the tables by the singing elves. It worked great!!!!

Santa and Mrs. Claus, Bruce and Ginny Minnick, were on hand for the shows and picture taking which was coordinated by Scott Kahler.

Technical crew included Dennis Ritchey, Dixie Kennett, Scott Kahler and other helpers.

The FRIENDS group sold our CDs and Harmo mugs and White House Ornaments for us. They also sold a ton of holiday ornaments which the customers could have special messages added to. There were also some Harmo bears decorated in the elf costumes too.

Don Dillingham and his wife coordinated the silent auction at each show.

Ken White and a crew of new members like Adam Bradley and Chris Clark collected the pink signup slips collecting email addresses for folks who would want info about our Singing Valentine effort. We did a drawing at each show and awarded one free SV. Joe Wagovich is now working to get the emails posted and materials sent out.

This year we started the last set, which is sung as carolers wearing scarves and sweaters and such, by entering as we sang “Silent Night” and carrying candles. It was a highlight for some of our customers. Thanks to Alan Wile for helping get the candles from his wife’s Sweet Adeline chorus, Potomac Harmony.

There were six guys who had never sung with the chapter before in a show who appeared over the weekend. Many of them also volunteered to help with props and food delivery and Santa pictures. Dave Kohls helped Steve Murane, our terrific ticket chairman, with the box office operation.

Poor Director Joe was sick all weekend, but he mustered the courage and strength to be with us. He and the guys really made the audience laugh and enjoy themselves when we did the Twelve Days of Christmas sing along. Biggest laugh was when the group of audiences singers (coaxed by some of our guys) sang “Six Golden Rings” and beat the Five Golden Rings quartet at their own game of hamming it up and stealing the show.

Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis, our stage presence coaches, were both at the show on Saturday nite. There were a lot of Sweet Adelines in the audiences, especially on Friday nite. Top tickets salesmen were Dick Hall, Brad Jones and Alan Wile.

The actual show theme or story was “A Christmas Song Countdown” radio show.

The singing waiters cleared tables and reset for the shows and then Saturday nite, put it all away and hauled it back to storage.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Looking Back on the Dec.7th Chapter Meeting

It was freezing cold in Alexandria Tuesday nite, but we had a good crowd of guys come out to sing more and practice on contest and other music – after our really successful and fun-for-the-singers-and-the-audience show over the weekend.

Director Joe was feeling better after being really sick all weekend, and making it thru all three shows. He was proud of the gang and please with the singing and production and dedication.

More than one person has observed that it was a great Harmo success because all the guys and many of their family members chipped in to get all the jobs done. Show chair/producer was inspired by the dedication and contributions. Record keepers report we had over 80 singers on the show. With the non singers in the kitchen and back stage and such, there were 100 of us on duty. And six guys sang their very first show with the Harmonizers this weekend. Welcome aboard, gents.

Joe was tickled that after the Fri nite show, we made virtually no adjustments to the shows for Sat. Tho the addition of the actors for the radio commercials was a great idea. And fun.

Tonite, after Tony Colosimo did the warm ups, he turned the chorus over to Joe for work on the contest uptune. But Joe was like a little kid with a new toy. He had gotten the contest ballad and played it for all to hear and savor. YeEd reports there were a lot of smiles on the faces of the men and an excitement to start learning and singing it.

Joe also reported that Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis (who were both at the show on Saturday nite) worked with our musical and visual teams on Sunday afternoon to create the full contest package. It will be fantastic. They make a powerful team!

During the business section of the chapter meeting, Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Bert Phillips for 2 years; Jeremy Richardson for 14 years; Matt Kahn for 22 years; and Vince Cazenas for 24 years.

Ken White introduced our guest and prompted all to bring Harmo business cards to the show on Saturday at Market Square.

We are due there at 12:45, wearing caroling outfits for warmth and color. We will sing songs from the show.

Alan Wile explained that he has begun collecting Harmo Heroine stories and has them in a pink binder for all to view. All will also be on the website.

Alan also gave his annual plug for Tuba Christmas at the Kennedy Center on Wed this week.


Director Joe gave a strong plug for the Put Together Quartet contest next Tues nite at Durant. He urged guys to get things prepared in advance. And then he asked for hands of guys who wanted to be in a quartet but were not. He asked them to come down front. And he formed quartets on the spot from among those guys or with volunteers off the risers. It was a Harmo moment of togetherness.

Ken White proudly reported that we had collected about 700 emails addresses from show patrons who might be interested in more info about Singing Valentines. He and Joe Wagovich, who is heading up the SV program, asked for helping in entering the emails. Hands went up right away and the job is underway to get them info. We did a drawing from the pink slips we used to collect the emails, at each show, and three people won a SV performance.

A fun left-over from the show was the huge supply of those chewy chocolate brownies we served. Plus the cupboard is stocked for the next few weeks for coffee break time! Mike Stamps sold a few left over lasagnas too. And there was big pile of lost and found things from the show for guys to retrieve.

Since it is so close to Christmas, White House ornament sales were brisk as were scrip card sales. Also it is time to wind up sales of Entertainment books with Chuck Harner.

After the meeting period, we worked more on our contest songs and even took a stab at the tag on the new ballad.

Then we put things away early so quartets could prepare for next week’s chapter contest. If you are not a regular, come out for the fun next week. Then join us over at Theismans after chapter for an afterglow time.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Looking Back on the Nov. 30th Chapter Meeting

The sales tables were busy tonite when guys got to Durant – lots of guys and FRIENDS members buying scrip cards for gifts, or placing an order with Dick or Carolyn Hall for pick up. Others are buying the cards to use for their own purchases this season. All helps the chapter earn cash.

White House Ornament sales were good too.

Everyone was glad to see Alan Wile back. He is taking it a little easy for a few weeks and won’t be standing on risers all weekend for the show. He got put to work by Director Joe to take notes of things Joe wanted to remember to tell the chorus later in the evening.

After warm ups, the music team and show team started the show and we ran it from top to bottom. Joe didn’t make suggestions for singing or interp at this time. The script for the show is funny and will be great entertainment for our audiences. Thanks to actors Jack-in-the-Box (again!) - Terry Reynolds; Radio Show Producer Jacque Frost – Scipio Garling, assistant mime (Lassie), Tom Kraus; “technical director,” Mark Klostermeyer and Junior, Joe Cerutti. YeEd hears that the script was a product of Scipio and Josh Roots. Credit was also given to Joe Sawyer and Scott Kahler for preparing the radio commercials that will be used during the show.

Before Joe got too far into the songs for the show, he referred to the list of ticket salesmen he had received from ticket chair, Steve Murane. He invited all the guys whose name was on the list down front. Top salesman so far was Dick Hall, with 74 tickets. Brad Jones was second and Alan Wile was third.

Besides the chorus, there will be several Harmo ensembles on this show – a couple newly formed chapter quartets THE BLANKS and FREE AGENTS, CAMERON STATION, and TBD. All of the guys singing solos in the various songs all demonstrated for us. Thanks to them for volunteering.

The chorus was briefed about costume changes, candlelight procession while singing “Silent Night,” food serving procedures, how we do “Twelve Days of Christmas,” the operation of the candles (on loan from another singing group) was explained, and then show chairman, Bob Mattes, provided a wildly detailed handout for each man regarding the whole show weekend. Great job, Bob!! He also sent it out via email also.

The pre-break meeting time included welcoming Dana and Kirk Riffer, in town for a visit. It was noted that it is time to get in your money or buy Entertainment 2011 books before second Tues of Dec deadline.

Secretary Buechler presented a new member kit to Scott Friend and the Man of Note for his sponsor Scott Kahler. Chris also presented membership renewal cards to Lew Klinge for 9 years and Chuck Harner for 43 years. Also Chris offered some Harmo clothing items for discount prices.

Alan Wile continued the work of getting all the Harmo Hero forms submitted.

Carl Kauffmann pushed for guys to get him their room and registration plans for the International in July in Kansas City.

Chuck McKeever gave an update on the health status of John Pence. JP is making good progress, but was back in the hospital for a few days with a little snag. He expects to be home again at the end of the week. Chuck suggests we can call JP’s cell then.

Final show announcement from chairman Bob:
Sign up tonite for table crews
The uniform for the second half is caroling outfits – sweaters, scarves etc.
Thurs is a dress rehearsal but without makeup. Be at church at 7 pm, dressed in first half elf outfits.
Bob Blair sought volunteers for taking risers to the church as well as a second run to bring holiday show props and decoration. He got a good number of guys to raise hands and offer to help.
Roger Day reminded us all to bring two boxes wrapped in shinny gift wrap and to bring then on Thurs nite. He also asked again for guys to come on Fri to help decorate starting at 10 am.
Jack Pitzer reminded guys to bring 4 doz holiday cookies for the desserts platters. Bring them with you on Fri for the show and give em to Jack.

Then it was back to work on the music for the show.

Just before closing we were reminded by Eric Wallen of the chapter Put Together Quartet contest set for Dec. 14th at Durant. Also watch for details about the “B Blast” on Dec. 28th in Baltimore area. We need to all go – it was such fun last year.

Kirk Riffer took us out on the closing song. Then guys got right to work putting things away, as usual. We did get a good crowd for an afterglow at Theisman’s.


Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Monday, November 29, 2010

Looking Back on the Nov. 23rd Chapter Meeting

Lots of buzz in the hall Tuesday – show talk, guys looking for Saturday nite tickets from other guys who might have extras, and of course pre Thanksgiving chatter.

Some guys were already en route home to see family like Jeremy Richardson in WV. Ken White skipped the afterglow to head up to MA very early Wednesday morn. Lots of guys admitted that they would be doing a lot of the cooking for Turkey Day. And some guys got to come to the afterglow (we were back at Theisman’s again) cause they didn’t have to work on Wednesday like Steve White and Rob Korsan.

We had a little scare during the meeting when Alan Wile was helped from the risers. He sat for a while and then signaled for some guys to help him go to hospital. He was dizzy and had been told by a doctor to get help if he had that happen to him. By break time, the guys who helped him were back from the hospital and reported that his wife was with him, he is fine and that someone had taken his car on to his house. Thanks to those guys who stepped up and helped get him to the hospital.

Musically this week’s meeting and rehearsal was largely preparation for the holiday shows on Dec. 3 and 4. Tony and Will did chorus warm ups and turned the singers over to Director Joe. He took a shot at prompting guys to sell tickets to fill up Fri nite and Sat afternoon!!!

Show chair Bob Mattes asked each man to sign up on the yellow sheets he had out for table servers. A must for all.

He also reminded us all to bring 4 dozen cookies for dessert platters. Bring them to Jack Pitzer when you come to sing on Friday. Bring two wrapped large boxes in shinny paper. Bring them on Thursday when you come to the dress rehearsal at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alex 22302.

He also asked guys to step up the ticket sales. And don’t forget to look for some things to contribute to the silent auction. Let Don Dillingham know of items you will offer – make a home cooked meal, a quartet appearance, a silver tray full of homemade candy, a fancy holiday decorated cake, a holiday sweatshirt or apron or t-shirt or cap, etc.

Scipio urged guys to get busy planning their costumes and hinted at some of the fun the script and actors have in store for us and our audiences.

During the break, we enjoyed left over cake from the Pride of Baltimore chorus from their party in honor of MAXX FACTOR. And many goodies guys and FRIENDS had brought in to share.

President Newton announced funeral details for Terry Jordan’s mother in WV – Sat. Nov. 27th at 11:30 at First Baptist Church in Dunbar. Viewing from 10:30 – 11:30. Donations in lieu of flowers to Harmony Foundation in the name of Madeline Jordan.

Chuck McKeever reports that John Pence will likely be coming home from the hospital t his week. He suggests we give JP and his wife a few days to adjust before calling.

Carl Kauffmann asks all the guys to fill out their survey about their plans for the International convention in Kansas City, MO, next July. Deadline is in soon for chapter to place order for tickets and rooms.

In Alan’s absence, Mark Klostermeyer reminded guys to turn in their Harmo Hero forms.

And Eric Wallen nudged all the guys to start forming quartets for the chapter’s Put Together Contest on Dec. 14th. Don’t just wait til that nite to grab four guys in the hall. Pick a new song, or write some funny lyrics or get some crazy costumes. There are awards for comedy quartets too!! No time limit but just one song.

Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tom Kraus for 4 years; Ken White for 12 years, Bob Sutton for 27 years and Steve White for 34 years.

Ken White introduced many family members and Harmo friends in the house this week of Thanksgiving. Also good to see Jon Abel and Pete Frank.

After break it was back to work on holiday music. CAMERON STATION sang one of their holiday songs for us as they will be on the show this year. Director Joe explained the fun way we do “The 12 Days of Christmas” song with the audience.

He was also pushing things along as he was excited to work more on the 2011 contest up tune. We got in about 15 – 20 minutes of fun with it.

At 10 we wrapped it up, put the tons of stuff away and headed for the afterglow. Tho YeEd noted a lot of quartets singing in corners and other rooms of Durant. Some are chapter quartets that are singing on the show too.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Monday, November 22, 2010

Looking Back on the Nov. 16th Chapter Meeting

As usual, when the 6 pm early-arrival-guys got into Durant, they went right to work in preparation for this week’s meeting and rehearsal. Bob Rhome was adding a protective tape on the bottom of our new risers to protect the floor (at least YeEd suspects that what it was for).

Other guys got up the tables, screen, guest chairs, av equipment, and refreshment set up.

Will Cox was warm up man, and he prepared the chorus for Director Joe to take over. Joe, as promised, pulled out an octet to sing the new holiday song. (Joe was like a kid at Christmas with the laser pointer he got as a gift from Roger Day. He could point to notes or words on the screen, or to a singer, or the lights on the ceiling, or a tile on the floor --- well you get the drift!

The first half of the nite was hard work in preparation of the holiday show music to be sure it is at a Harmonizer top quality level.

Our director asked the guys to sell more tickets for the Dec. 3 and 4 shows – 7:30 pm on Fri, 12:30 and 6 pm on Sat. Some of us have found the best way to sell this show is to go ahead and buy 10 seats or a table. Use your credit card. Then you will be motivated to get out and sell them to someone, and they can pay you. Director Joe promises big prizes for top ticket sellers for all three shows!!! (And he is setting the example by selling three or four whole tables aleady.)

Before break, there was a report on the $1000 raised in the 5K multiple myeloma run in support of John Pence. Tom Griffith and his kids, Mark Klostermeyer, Jim Shoenhard and Bob Eckman did the route as did some Sweet Adelines who are friends of JP’s wife. Chuck McKeever gave an update on his health care status too.

Ken White alerted all that the afterglow has to move to Joe Theisman’s tonite.

Then Ken introduced four guests who were singers on the risers with us for the evening.

There was a nice break time. Many thanks to those Harmo families who have brought in things to share. Others of you can do it too in order to keep the cupboard full. A 100-man chorus can eat a lot of cookies or chips or pretzels in 10 minutes!

Besides chowing down on coffee and goodies, the guys were in line to order show tickets, pick up a supply of White House Ornaments to sell, singing a tag or song with three others guys, visiting and relaxing before the call back to the risers.

Mark Klostermeyer convened the meeting time after break. Alan Wile coordinated more Harmo History work.

Bob Blair reported that he, Carl Kauffmann, Joel Golden and Ike Evans sang a pick up quartet gig at a local senior’s place on Veterans’ Day. They presented the chapter the $50 donation they received.

Chuck Harner pushed for guys to take some 2011 Entertainment coupon books to sell. The 2010 books have expired, so customers are able to use the new books now!

The CAMERON STATION group is working to prepare for the holiday show.

Tony Colosimo thanked the Harmonizers for their support of CAPITAL FORCE and those who have made extra financial donations.

Ken White, speaking as 2011 shows vice president for the chapter, reported that next year’s Spring Tonic will not include a chorus. Instead we will all work to produce a performance series of “Forever Plaid” – a musical with four guys singing. Auditions will be held from the chorus and other singers. We will be set producers, costume helpers, ticket sales people. Dates and venue have not been confirmed at press time.

The chorus will, however, be doing some other big shows during the early part of the year.

Brad Jones promised an important email coming to all members about the possible China trip and about the chapter endowment efforts.

Here are more show details. (1) Roger Day wants us all to bring two big boxes wrapped in shiny paper without bows for the show. Bring em on Thursday for the dress rehearsal. Also come help on Friday for decorating the hall, riser set up, table setting and such.
(2) Bring four dozen holiday cookies with you to the show on Fri. nite and give them to Jack Pitzer for the dessert platters.
(3) Sell TICKETS. And buy the ones for your family and friends now cause the front row tables are starting to fill up. Fill out a form and give it to Steve.
(4) Contact Austin Cotton if you would like to buy a Harmonizer holiday music CD so you can review many of the songs we are doing on the show.
(5) There are a lot of solo spots in the show auditioned those who volunteered during the second half of the rehearsal.
(6) Get your costume (toy or elf) ready. Don’t wait. Ask the veterans for ideas. They can’t be in bad taste, should not be Santa and can’t be so cumbersome you can’t walk around and serve food or help.
(7) Respond the emails from Don Dillingham about the silent auction or raffle. He is asking for help and items.
(8) Speaking of help – new guys who don’t know all of the songs can help at every show – box office, cookies, set up, welcoming guests, helping senior citizen get into their seats, serving and taking stuff down at the end. Or any of us can sing some sets or parts of sets and then go help with other show details. Ask how you can do a little something extra.

Other news YeEd has to report: some of our guys were in a seven-car accident this past weekend. Steve White, Nick Aiuto and Ed Cazenas were in a rental car headed to sing with their FULL TILT bari, Pete Frank, and appear on the Erie, PA, show. They ran into a lake-front ice storm and escaped injury or even car damage. All other cars in the mishap were towed away and many of the other people taken to the hospital. Lucky boys!

YeEd suggests all of the guys mark their calendar and save Tues nite, Dec. 28th – we won’t have a chapter meeting, but we all should go to the “BLAST” in Maryland. We can car pool. Last year we out numbered about every other chapter in the greater DC/Baltimore area. It is also a great chance for quartets to sing. Watch for details.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Looking Back on the Nov. 9th Chapter Meeting and a Busy Harmonizer Weekend

YeEd has a lot of news to report from the past weekend with Harmonizers singing and providing leadership and education from Dallas to DC.

Starting in DC, our youth chorus called CAPITAL FORCE sang their debut show as part of the DC chapter show Sat. afternoon and evening at the Greenberg Theater, part of American University. Tony Colosimo was their director, and they were a big hit! One star of the show was Alan Wile’s 11-year old grandson, Thomas, who sang tenor with Ryan Griffith.

A bunch of under-30 Harmonizers make up the 20-man group along with guys from Dundalk and DC chapters. They sang three songs, were dressed in jeans and long-sleeved white shirts and had fun on stage. They are working hard to make a good appearance at the Mid-Winter youth chorus contest in Vegas in January, 2011.

Also appearing was DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams. They were hot and YeEd is predicting a strong hit at the prelims contest March 11-12, 2011 in Harrisburg, PA. That is where a quartet has to score a high enough point level to be eligible to sing at the International quartet contest in Kansas City in July. (Interesting other point about the quartet – they cannot sing in the Southern Division contest nor compete at the district level since three of them sang together in a past district champ quartet, IGUANAS IN FLIGHT, 2005.)

Several Harmonizers sang in the DC chorus (Bob Wells, Bob Hirsh, Don Dillingham) and in some of the chapter quartets on the show – Kevin Roth, Bob Hirsh, Bruce Minnick and John Grant. And a good contingent of fans were there to lend support. Dixie Kennett was technical director.

Then in Dallas, TX, we had another contingent of Alexandria guys at the Society’s District Leadership Forum. This is a weekend session where officers of all 17 districts get specific training for their job. Two of us were faculty – Chris Buechler taught secretaries and Joe Cerutti taught chorus director development officers. Then the follow guys were there for training – Bob Eckman in the treasurer class, Chuck Harner in the chapter support vice president class, Keith Jones in the secretary class, Dan O’Brien in the membership services vice president class, and Gary Plaag in the Youth in Harmony vice president class. Several former members who serve as leaders in other districts were also there like Jack Stevens, John Rettenmayer, Steve Plumb and Larry Deters.

Tuesday nite – besides our busy work in preparation for the holiday show the first weekend in Dec. – there was a buzz thoughout Durant about the news the guys brought back from the Dallas school. (And it was confirmed on the Internet too!) Dallas Vocal Majority has decided not to compete in Kansas City.

Back in Virginia over the weekend, another crew of our chapter leaders was involved in the Mid-Atlantic District southern area leadership academy. It is one of three held to train chapter officers for their work next year. As you might expect, many of the instructors were from our chapter: Dick Newton taught the treasurer class, Bob Wachter taught the vocal production class, Terry Jordan taught the program officer class, Brad Jones taught the presidents class, and Scipio Garling and Steve Lingo did a special presentation regarding marketing.

Attendees from our chapter were Steve Murane and Phil Ashford. Both are new officers we just elected. Most of the other officers we elected have served before and/or were teaching the classes.

Now to report on Tuesday nite, Nov. 9th!

We were a little slow in filling up the risers at 7 but about 7:30 they were full. All the usual details were in play – get the risers out from under the stage, set up sound, screen, projector, welcome station, chairs and tables. And the usual crew of sales folks were in place including Steve Murane busy with getting guys the tickets they need for the Holiday Show!!

The chorus worked on the music for the show too (and a little time was spent on the up-tune for contest). Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and turned over the chorus to Director Joe for work on the new song for the show. He kept things moving, demanding good vocal production and meaningful interpretation. He used various tools all evening like pull out quartets or small groups, sent the gang out for sectionals, had guys taking private coaching lessons from Michael Gellert, who was with us for the evening, and provided the holiday music on the screen for all to use. Terry Reynolds had mouse duty. And assistant directors Tony, Will, and Mike helped Joe on certain songs.

Before break, operations guy Mark Klostermeyer recognized the birthday guys. Secretary Buechler presented the Man of Note pin to Phil Ferguson, his first YeEd thinks, for sponsoring Dave Kohls.

Membership guy Ken White introduced another crop of guests and welcomed some guys back we have not seen for a while like Roger Day, Bob Hirsh, and Phil Ferguson. Also former Harmonizer Jim Gammon was with us – he was a member ’73-’80, went to Hawaii, and is now in FL. He sang in a number of our chapter quartets.

For break we had a lot of goodies left from guest nite and a great birthday cake for somebody named Martin – not one of us but was a free cake from the Giant (thanks to Dick and Carolyn Hall).

After the break, Alan Wile continued the Harmo Hero project. Craig Kujawa reported on the weight loss project leading up to International. Music vp Terry Reynolds explained some details about music availability for the show.

Chuck McKeever and Tom Griffith updated us on John Pence’s health status and that he is progressing in the chemo treatment plan for multiple myeloma. They also reminded guys of the 5-K run on Sunday and that you could sign up to be on a team in support of our JP. He is at Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Rd. Rm. 964, Falls Church, VA 22042.

The chorus is not doing the Veteran’s Day sing out.

Final auditions for the CAPITAL FORCE is this weekend. See Tony.

The retreat for the outgoing and incoming chapter boards in this Saturday at Ken Fess’s office.

After the announcements, it was back to work on the show. One effort was to explain and drill the candlelight walk in singing “Silent Night.”

Here are more show details. (1) Roger Day wants us all to bring two big boxes wrapped in shiny paper without bows for the show. Bring em on Thursday for the dress rehearsal. Also come help on Friday for decorating the hall, riser set up, table setting and such.

(2) Bring four dozen holiday cookies with you to the show on Fri. nite and give them to Jack Pitzer for the dessert platters.

(3) Sell TICKETS. And buy the ones for your family and friends now cause the front row tables are starting to fill up. Fill out a form and give it to Steve.

(4) Contact Austin Cotton if you would like to buy a Harmonizer holiday music CD so you can review many of the songs we are doing on the show.

(5) There are a lot of solo spots in the show and those interested need to talk to Joe – next week is the try out time.

(6) Get your costume (toy or elf) ready. Don’t wait. Ask the veterans for ideas. They can’t be in bad taste, should not be Santa and can’t be so cumbersome you can’t walk around and serve food or help.

(7) Respond the emails from Don Dillingham about the silent auction or raffle. He is asking for help and items.

(8) Speaking of help – new guys who don’t know all of the songs can help at every show – box office, cookies, set up, welcoming guests, helping senior citizen get into their seats, serving and taking stuff down at the end.

Speaking of Santa. Bruce Minnick and Ginny are going to be our Mr. and Ms. Claus again this year. And Scott Kahler is managing the photos with Santa project.

Other news YeEd has to report: some of our guys have been working behind the scenes to scan all past issues of the chapter bulletin, The Echo, for historic purposes. Don’t know if I have a complete list of workers, but for sure Myles Glancy, Scipio Garling, Bert Phillips and Phil Ashford.

First Aid alert: if you need a help with first aid during a chapter meeting, be sure to ask for help from Kyle Blomgren. That is his work and he is prepared to assist. We have had our share of guys get hurt lately by dropping things on their foot or spraining an ankle!

Great to have Phil Fergeson back after his being gone a few weeks – and darn if he didn’t win the 50/50.

As usual there was a race to put things away, sing some tags, complete an audition or help a new guy prepare for an audition. And then we were off to the afterglow around the corner at Ernies.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Looking Back on the Nov. 2nd Chapter Meeting

Streets were crowded around Durant with all the voters going in to cast their ballots. And traffic was bad. But by 7:15 or so – we had the risers full of guys ready to go to work in the all-purpose room of Jeff Houston School next door.

Usual action was going on before the singing began – guys trying to get down some dinner they had stopped and brought along, guys buying tickets for the shows, guys checking in with others guys about committee work or quartet schedules, and the usual work to unload the truck and set up for our meeting and rehearsal.

Lots of visiting too. Several guys were asking Victor about his college application process. Sandy and Mick Stamps were visiting with folks about the food service aspects of the holiday show. Several guys checked on Carolyn Hall when they bought some scrip cards for the upcoming holiday season.

Steve White shared with YeEd the details about the musical wedding over the past weekend for Pete Frank and his wife, Missy, in Erie. A bunch of our guys (Tony Colosimo, Joe Cerutti, Joe Sawyer, Bill Stewart and Steve) were on had to sing as a mini chorus and to support Pete when he sang for his bride during the ceremony. Steve was honored to have been asked to preside over the ceremony (which he was able to do in PA).

And many of us congratulated Bruce Roehm for having completed his second Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday. He came in 9,000th or so out of the 29,000 or so runners. He did the 26 miles in 4 hours, 31 minutes and 6 seconds. He was sporting his beautiful medal around his neck at chapter meeting. He was proud to have made it. He shared that the first 20 miles or so were really fun, but the last 6 were a little tougher and complicated because of the cold weather on Sunday. Congrats from all of us, Bruce!!!

When Mark Klostermeyer called the chorus to the risers at 7, Will Cox was on tap to do the warm ups. Then he passed the baton to Director Joe who launched right into work for the holiday shows coming up in Dec. He started with the new song “Blue Christmas” which is coming along great.

But it was pointed out that we only have four Tuesday nite rehearsals left before the show. So all the new folks are working hard at home too. In fact, several times Joe just asked the veterans to sing a few of the measures, or the key change to help all the new guys. New guys can also get or borrow one of our holiday CDs since many of the songs were on it.

Librarian Bob Mattes had prepared special holiday music books for guests and really new guys. Much of the holiday music is taught or reviewed from pdf pages from the computer on the screen. Thanks to Joe Sawyer who had mouse duties this week!

Joe alerted everyone to start working on toy or elf costumes for the Fri., Dec. 3rd (7:30 pm) and Sat Dec.4th (12:30 pm and 6 pm) shows at the First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302. [If you don’t have such a costume, see some of the guys you stand near on the riser for ideas and sources of getting something. Don’t delay, in case you decide to order something.]

While the chorus was singing some of the holiday songs for the show, Joe also was happy to report that a good number of our singers had volunteered to be considered for the many solo spots in the show. Way to go, guys!

Before break, Joe moved into the new contest uptune for 2011 and surprised the guys by introducing coach Kirk Young who had slipped into the hall after the chorus was on the risers. Joe was tickled to have the guys demo their progress on the tag in Kirk’s arrangement. Kirk got all fired up and offered a few good pointers and explained briefly his intentions for some of the chords and swipes and such. It was great.

Klostermeyer started the pre-break meeting then with Secretary Buechler. Chris had a new Harmo name tag for returning member, Will Daniel Mudd-Simmons, who is at his fourth year of membership.

Chris also offered to order jackets from Lands End with the Harmo logo. The colder weather prompted several guys to dig out their Harmo jackets.

Jack Cameron reminded guys to pick up their chorus photos from the district contest.

Jack Pitzer substituted for membership vp, Ken White, who was en route to New York for a work event. We had several returning guests including some from last week’s event.

President Dick Newton was absent for a work event too. Tho he is still hobbling around after dropping something on his toe.

After break, additional announcements included a push from Tony Colosimo to sell the last few tickets he has for the DC show this weekend, featuring our youth chorus, CAPITAL FORCE, and our new quartet, DA CAPA. An anonymous member has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar all the tickets sales the “FORCE” generates for the show. So when you buy one of the $15 tickets, you are earning them double. Show starts at 7:30 at Greenberg Theater at American University, 4200 WI Ave, NE, in DC.

Alan Wile continued his work to get all of us to complete a Harmo Hero form to put up on the website.

Eric Wallen alerted us that there will be another Put Together Quartet contest after the holiday show. So start getting foursomes ready to sing, and start writing those funny parodies!!!

Chuck McKeever asked for the floor to report on the health situation for John Pence who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. JP has a tough 2-3 weeks ahead with a hospital stay most of that time. Keep JP in your thoughts.

Bob Mattes is also chair of the Holiday show. He offered a stack of color flyers for us to use in promoting ticket sales. Steve Murane has the box office open for business at chapter meetings, and the box office is also open online at www.harmonizers.org.

The flyer explains the three holiday shows are dinner events featuring lasagna dinner with salad, rolls, holiday cookie platter, served by the singers Harmonizer waiters. There will also be an appearance by Santa and Ms. Claus.

Bob explained how the serving will work and Joe worked on the song we sing to deliver the meals to the tables.

Roger Day was in the house and everyone was glad to see him back. Roger has agreed to coordinate decorating the church hall for our show again this year. Sooo – everyone is asked to bring in two or more large boxes wrapped in shinny paper. No bows or ribbons needed. Boxes like ten reams of paper come in are just right. Bring them to the dress rehearsal on Thurs. nite, Dec. 2nd. Mark your calendar for that too!

Roger is also eager to get some of us to help on Friday afternoon to transform the hall into holiday wonderland. Step up and let him know you will be there.

Besides wrapped boxes, each guy is asked to contribute four dozen holiday cookies to use as special desserts. You can bake or buy holiday cookies and bring them on Friday nite when you come for the first show and give them to Jack Pitzer. His team will use them to assemble the cookie platters that will go to each table near the end of the show along with the coffee. Try to get colorful and fancy cookies if you can.

Don Dillingham will manage the silent auctions at the shows that weekend. So we need to all be looking for gifts that can be put out for that – wedding presents you have never used that are still in the gift box; services you can offer such as picture framing, music arranging, a quartet appearance at a private party; a basket of goodies such as coffee things or bath things or cooking things; tickets for an airline or hotel rooms or restaurant meals you can get from some place you trade a lot. At some point we all need to alert Don what we are contributing, so he can prepare the auction sheets. The actual auction items will be brought to the show site when you come.

Then it was back to work on the music. Joe and the musical team have revived some of the fun stage moves for the show songs and have added some new wrinkles to give the show some surprises.

We worked right up til 10, then rushed to load it all back on the truck, so we could get to the afterglow at Ernies Crab Shed around the corner from Durant.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Looking Back on the October 26th Chapter Meeting and Guest Nite

Everyone agreed – last nite was a great Harmonizer evening. The guests just kept rolling in. Ken White, membership guy, had enlisted help from Steve Lingo to coordinate the nite’s activities. Steve and his buddies in the Men of ’10 class did a great job. In fact all the chapter members helped in many ways by bringing guests, bringing goodies, spreading the word about the chapter and meeting guests during the evening and singing tags with them.

Director Joe did an awesome job in conducting an exciting and fun rehearsal and helping all have an enjoyable evening of singing. Even non-singing guests enjoyed it all.

One neat thing Joe did, after he got all the 100+ guys on the risers, was to ask a series of questions to help guests learn about who we are: how many had never sung barbershop before; who drives more than an hour to sing with the chapter; who has been a member over 20 years; who has been a member less than a year; who can sight read music etc.

After warm ups, Joe started work on “Blue Christmas” with members and guests all singing – by using the projection system with Terry Reynolds working the computer mouse! We then sang more of the standard holiday songs in prep for our Dec. holiday dinner shows.

Joe taught the guests “Sunshine is Bidding the Day Goodbye” tag along with the chorus. All evening he worked on good singing habits and didn’t just do gang singing for the guests.

Ken White introduced each guest by name and enlisted Lingo and Klostermeyer to pass out “I Sang With the Harmonizers” buttons. The guest crowd included former members, retired guys, family members of current singers, next generation of kids who will be Harmonizers some day, some folks who found us on the web and just happened to come on guest nite, barbershoppers from other chapters in the great metro area, show customers of some of the guys, and guys who don’t sing now but always stop be to check in and get a dose of Harmonizer pride!!

Secretary Buechler presented new member packets to Clark Chesser, sponsored by Alan Wile; Dave Kohls, sponsored by Phil Ferguson; and Chris Clark, sponsored by his uncle, Bill Clark.

Before we went to break, Brad Jones alerted members that they would be getting an email survey about the possible China trip for the chapter.

Operations guy, Mark Klostermeyer welcome guys to take a 15 minute break and enjoy all the homemade goodies brought in by the chorus members to share with our guests. He also invited the members to find a guest and sing one with him after raiding the chow table.

After the break, the guests all assembled in the main hall of Durant and the members adjourned to Room 2 to changing in to uniforms. The hall was crowded with so many people, all the risers set up back to the stage, the usual sales tables, refreshment area, piles of briefcases (the chorus manger had brought in coat racks for the guys uniforms).

We also put out the history display boards on tables in the lobby for guests (and our members) to review and enjoy.

Steve Lingo spoke to the guests and used a handout to review our history, our contest records, a few words about the BHS, and how singing can get into the chapter. He was brief and highlighted important points. He invited Sandy Stamps to welcome FRIENDS of the chapter and invited them to help support the chapter.

DA CAPO quartet, Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams, taught the guests a couple tags to sing for the chapter.

Then the chorus came back from the dressing room onto the risers and did a mini show for all. The guests sand their first tag and then the chorus sang “Ob Li Di Ob Li Da,”
“Hello My Baby” [complete with full contest uniforms and tear away vests and yellow shirt and tie] and “Stars and Stripes.” Between songs DA CAPO sang two songs for us – great to officially welcome the foursome to our show team. MC duties for the mini show went to Scipio Garling, Dennis Ritchey and Steve Lingo.

Lots of guys helped do things around the hall like the usual crew who set up the risers along with tables and chairs, Scott Kahler was doing photo shoots for the PR guys, Dennis Richtey managed sound, Director Joe and some Men of ’10 set up the display boards in the lobby, FRIENDS gave out the sodas and water, and truck driver Bob Blair was load master to get it all loaded up at the end of the nite.

A couple quick things were offered at the end of the nite for all to note. First – Tony Colosimo has tickets for the Sat., Nov. 6th DC chapter show featuring our youth chorus CAPITAL FORCE and DA CAPO. We need to support this show as a way to offer financial support for “the FORCE” and their trip to the BHS midwinter event in Vegas. The tickets are only $15 each. We should fill up the hall.

Second – our chapter meeting and rehearsal will be in the Jeff Houston School adjacent to Durant on Tues Nov 2nd as it is election nite, and Durant is a voting place. Plan ahead for parking.

Third – YeEd got a note from Geri and Royall Geis. They recently spoke with Congressman Jim Moran. They reminded him of the time the Harmonizers gave is new baby boy a Harmo t-shirt. He says that son is 21 now, 6’5”, 300 lbs. and playing football for Yale. Congressman Moran did express his appreciation to our chapter for doing so much for the Alexandria community.

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Monday, October 25, 2010

Looking Back on the October 19th Chapter Meeting

(Thanks to Alan Wile again for preparing the column this week while YeEd is in Indy.)

Risers were magically erected by Bob Blair and a team of others. Mike Kelly worked the sound. Carolyn and Dick Hall and Sandy Stamps greeted and sold. Dixie Kennett took attendance. Ken White manned the membership desk ... and the guests (and the four who recently passed their auditions -- Clark Chesser, Chris Clark, Thom Faircloth, and Dave Kohls) kept coming in!! All this while an artist reception was taking place in the lobby.

Assistant Director Will Cox took us through a variety of warm-up vocal and hand-slapping gyrations before turning the chorus over to Master Director Joe Cerutti (who headed off to the SAI convention in Seattle the next morning). Joe introduced “Blue Christmas.” Next it was the two sections of “What Do I Need With Love” (would you believe he actually picked on the baris!). He then turned the sections over to their leaders to work mainly on the latter song. [For the record, Joe picked on the baris a second time later in the rehearsal. What is the world coming to?]

Following, the chorus went rapidly (and not so) through a number of holiday songs (with help from Music VP Terry Reynolds at the projector): “The Chipmunk Song,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Ave Maria” ... with seven remnants of Cameron Station out front singing the counter melody.

At the break, VP Operations Mark Klostermeyer announced two birthday boys -- a pair of Jacks -- neither of whom were in the house: Jack McKendree and Jack Pitzer. Scrip-man Bob Eckman announced that chapter members purchased over $10,000 worth of scrip to pay hotel bills at the district convention in Lancaster ... netting over $800 for the chapter! Huzzah!

Chapter Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership cards to Kyle Blomgren (5 years), Thom Faircloth (12 years), Rob Korsan (5 years), and Josh Roots (4 years). Membership VP Ken White introduced six guests, including Dick Hall's brother Bob (from the Ambassadors of Harmony) and former member Will Mudd-Simmons (who'll likely be in the area for the foreseeable future and intends to re-join). Also welcomed was member Joe Wagovich, whom we've not seen for a while. Joe says he expects to be back full time now, too! Will Cox led us all in welcoming the guests ... and then it was time for refreshment (overseen by Victor Hills and his mother ... many thanks!).

The next round of Harmonizer Hero names were pulled from the boater: Chris Buechler, Brad Jones, Mike Kelly, Chuck McKeever, Brian Miller, and Alan Wile.

Chapter President Dick Newton announced that Noah Van Gilder had been hit by a car while riding his bicycle the previous night. He spent some time in the hospital for tests but they found nothing (you should take that as encouraging, Noah). Steve Lingo whipped up the crowd in anticipation of next week's guest night. Some changes in uniform requirements and other details will be out soon.

Back on the risers, Joe took the chorus through (or over) more holiday music, together with much uncharacteristic levity, including “Let It Snow” (WATCH OUT FOR THE TRIPLETS which Joe insists is the most difficult construction in music ... and wants us to get it right!), “Let All Mortal Flesh” (Joe's admitted favorite carol), “Jingle Bells,” “Do You Hear What I Hear” (for which there are two breaths in the entire song), “Caroling Caroling,” and “Silent Night.” Joe reminded us that our audiences come to the holiday shows to hear music they know and love and it is our responsibility to make each and every performance of every song memorable for them.

Scott Kahler was brought off the risers to take us out with “Keep The Whole World Singing.”

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Looking Back on the October 12th Chapter Meeting

(Thanks to Alan Wile for taking notes while YeEd had to slip out for a couple hours for an important board meeting.)

We had a great crowd for our annual meeting and election of officers.

The guys had a little trouble getting the risers out from under the stage where we store them. So some of the guys had to ride the “riser car” back under the stage with tools to tighten some wiring that had gotten loose and was hooking up on the risers. But the crew fixed it and we are back in action.

Dick and Carolyn Hall were back at their stations, (Yeah.) selling scrip cards. Chapter members and family members should plan ahead for Thanksgiving and other holiday needs and use the scrip cards from the chapter – for the holiday ham or turkey, gifts to send out of town, home repairs before the holidays, trips to visit relatives, or just to treat yourself whenever you pass a Starbucks!

Entertainment books were on sale. Sodas and water on sale by the chapter FRIENDS group.

Good to see Patrick Kim on the risers during the run of the musical, Altar Boyz, which he is appearing in at Gunston Theatre in Arlington. And great to have Terry Reynolds with us after a marathon work session for the last few weeks or so. He reports the project “went live” and so far all is going great! Congrats. The “masked man” was TJ Jones who didn’t want to spread his cold. Good idea.

Michael Gellert was with us tonite to provide private voice lessons again as part of the chapter’s musical education program.

This week’s chapter meeting period was the annual meeting and election of officers. The meeting was conducted by current president, Dick Newton. The nominating committee was chaired by Immediate Past President Brad Jones and committee members were Ken White, Will Cox, Mark Klostermeyer and Dennis Ritchey. Secretary Buechler confirmed there was a proper quorum and that no additional nominations had been received. Brad introduced the slate, listed below, who were properly elected. Congrats to all!

President – Steve Murane
VP Chapter Development – Phil Ashford
VP Operations – Mark Klostermeyer
VP Music & Performance – Terry Reynolds
VP Shows – Ken White
VP Marketing and PR – Steve Lingo
Secretary – Chris Buechler
Treasurer – Dave Welter
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Noah Van Gilder (actually completing his term)
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Phil Ferguson (actually completing his term)
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ken Henderson
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ian Poulin
Immediate Past President – Dick Newton


The 7 pm start time launched the singing session with assistant director Tony Colosimo doing the official warm ups. Director Joe was cheered for coming back from his “hard duty” in Hawaii.

Our musical directors took the chorus thru the songs for the show this weekend in St. Mary’s County, MD. Several visual team guys also helped remind guys of the presentation plans – TJ Jones, Chuck McKeever.

Before break, Mark Klostermeyer recognized the birthdays and welcomed the FRIENDS group back from their meeting. He also plugged the show this weekend and the special afterglow at Dave Reyno’s home on the way home from the show.

Show producer Greg Tepe was on hand to give all the details about arrivals, uniforms and routes and such for the Sat. show.

Secretary Buechler presented new member materials to Adam Bradley.

Before introducing the group of guests who had arrived, Ken White reminded all about the important guest nite on Oct. 26th with the emphasis that we should bring singers, fans, supporters, sponsors. Ken welcomed Jerry TePaske who had to leave early.

Break was busy with guys lining up quartet rehearsals, guests meeting other members and working on getting auditioned, and everyone raiding the goodies table and coffee. (Don’t forget to bring in some cookies for the guest nite. The cupboard is empty.)

After break, President Newton encouraged all members to be prepared to pay for their registration for next summer’s International convention (it will be in Kansas City). We need to all pay for our registrations so that the chapter can order a huge block and get the early-bird prices of $139 each for adults. Carl Kauffmann is contact for this effort. Don’t delay.

Alan Wile continued the Harmo Heroes project and pushed for guys to get in their info who are behind in submitting.

Tony Colosimo spoke about the upcoming rehearsal and appearance of CAPITAL FORCE – the youth chorus we support. They are gonna appear on the DC chapter show Nov. 6th. Some of our guys also sing in the youth chorus. CF plans to compete at the youth chorus festival at the BHS midwinter convention in Vegas, Jan. 2011. One way to help support the cost of getting them to Vegas is to buy tickets for the DC show – see Tony. He had a huge handful of tickets with him.

Other announcements were about the weigh-in for the 7-11 weight loss program this year leading up to Intl. and a reminder of learning materials available online.

The second block of chorus rehearsal for the evening was mostly work on the contest uptune, “What Do I Need With Love.” We did run thru the zany Ed Sullivan piece.

Joe also reflected more about his visit and coaching session in Hawaii. There are a lot of current members of our chapter who have sung with the Sounds of Aloha Chorus.

Coach Michael Gellert directed the closing song, “Keep The Whole World Singing” to close out the nite.

While most of the guys chipped in to put stuff away in the meeting hall and load the truck to go to MD this weekend, there were guests practicing in quartets and some lined up outside the kitchen area for their turn to audition. Another good crowd adjourned to the afterglow at Ernie’s Crab Shack. There was a buzz when Joe arrived at the afterglow with news that the three guys who auditioned passed!!!

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Looking Back on the October 5th Chapter Meeting

You would have thought it was a guest nite on Tuesday! Every time YeEd looked over at the sign-in station, Ken White was making another name tag. Lots of good singers in the wings working on auditions and preparing to join us on the risers.

Ken introduced 8 guests who are in all stages of membership and audition – some first timers, several guys back again for multiple times, some guys new to the area and some guys who come to see us whenever they are in DC area for work. It was good to see former member, Larry Fagley, in the guest seats too.

Will Cox did the musical warm ups and then Tony Colosimo took over as director for the nite. Our Joe is coaching in Hawaii!!! Music vp Terry Reynolds set the stage for the evening of hard work for the up coming show in St. Mary’s County.

Terry also gave an abbreviated “numbers and charts” show reporting how our scores and rankings from the district contest last weekend stacked up with past years. The guys give him a hard time about it, but we all like it. The outstanding scores in the singing category were most impressive in comparison to other years.

Terry then recognized our own Steve White who was inducted into the Mid Atlantic District Hall of Honor. Many guys recognize that Steve had done a ton of work in support of our chapter – especially in the musical arena and in show production. But he has made just a much of a contribution to operations and programs at the district level. Not the least of which is his fourth district championship this past weekend. Well deserved!!

The previous Looking Back column YeEd sent out gives a full report on the contest weekend – chorus contest, quartet contest, meetings and events. But President Newton gave more details from the Sunday morning House of Delegates meeting. The Harmony Foundation (HF) has a program called Donor Choice. All those who contribute by joining the Presidents’ Council (for $1000 each year), or by supporting Ambassadors of Song for $10 a month can designate up to 30% of the contribution to be given back to the district and/or a chapter.

Thru this process, Sean Devine, representing the HF, was able to present a check for $1,242.70 to our president during the delegates meeting. Dick reports it is the highest amount earned by any other chapter in the district.

Before the break last nite, Mark Klostermeyer announced birthdays and some events on the calendar including the memorial for Walter Latzko on Oct. 9th.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reported that the shirt order had been received from Lands End. He also reminded members that any nominations for officers or board for next year that were not part of the nominating committee slate must be given to the chapter secretary before the end of the meeting.

Chris presented membership renewals to the following: 7 years, Ken Henderson; 11 years Bob Blair; and 26 years, John Pence.

Membership vp Ken White encouraged guys to come to the new afterglow location tonite after our meeting – Ernie’s Crab Shack just around the corner from Durant.

Steve Lingo is coordinating the guest nite on Oct. 26th and encourages all active and inactive members to support the event by inviting singers, prospective sponsors or advertisers, or even former members who might want to sing again. We will wear the contest uniform with the yellows. AND everyone is encouraged to bring cookies and brownies and such to share. (Any left overs will go in the cupboard for our weekly coffee break.)

The cupboard was a little low this week, but a few folks came to the rescue with some things. Please help.

After the break announcements included the continuation by Alan Wile of the Harmo Heroes project; explanation by Craig Kujawa of the 2011 weight loss program leading up to the International contest in Kansas City (info was in our emails when we got up this morning); and an invitation from Tom Griffith who is organizing a Harmo team of runners to participate Sun., Nov. 14th, in the multiple myeloma run in honor of our own John Pence.

President Newton saluted the chapter quartets and chorus for the work this past weekend and displayed the shiny trophies earned by all.

Dave Reyno sold 563 White House Christmas ornaments last year. So he came to offer suggestions to guys on how they could increase sales too. Basically he takes huge numbers on consignment and then works with local stores and shops to place the ornaments on consignment with them. He uses flower shops, hardware stores and gift shops. He also had stationed himself outside the Giant in his community. He offered some forms he uses to set up the consignments and flyers he posts on stands at stores. For more details, see Sandy Stamps. And thanks Dave for leading the way.

Musically, the whole nite was work on the show songs for Oct. 16th. We are dusting off a bunch of tunes we have not done for a while. Tony and Will had director duties. Mike Kelly helped launch the holiday music and directed our first holiday show song for this year.

TAKE NOTE. An important chapter meeting is coming up soon – the annual meeting and election of officers. It will be Oct. 12 at our regular Tuesday nite meeting at Durant. ALL of the 200+ members and FRIENDS are encouraged to attend, have a cup of coffee with the gang, and sing with the chorus. The election will be conducted by current president, Dick Newton. The meeting was announced recently by chapter secretary Buechler and included the slate from the nominating committee. That committee was chaired by past president Brad Jones and committee members were Ken White, Will Cox, Mark Klostermeyer and Dennis Ritchey.
President – Steve Murane
VP Chapter Development – Phil Ashford
VP Operations – Mark Klostermeyer
VP Music & Performance – Terry Reynolds
VP Shows – Ken White
VP Marketing and PR – Steve Lingo
Secretary – Chris Buechler
Treasurer – Dave Welter
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Noah Van Gilder
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Phil Ferguson
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ken Henderson
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ian Poulin
Immediate Past President – Dick Newton

Until next time – editorjack!

(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.)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Looking Back on the 2010 Fall District Contest, Lancaster

The Alexandria Harmonizers won their 23rd M-AD championship this past weekend in Lancaster, PA.

And our quartets took 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 23rd.

As is often the case, there was evidence of our chapter around every corner. At the first event of the weekend, Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the semi-finals round of the quartet contest.

Nine quartets with Harmonizer members sang in that first round: and four made it to the finals:

TOUCHSTONE with Steve White won first
CRUNCH TIME with Eric Wallen took second
TRIBUTE with Ryan Griffith and Tony Colosimo was third
DOWN A FOURTH! with Joe Cerutti, Joe Sawyer, Wayne Adams and Troy Hillier got seventh

YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT with Mike Wallen was 13th
ON THE ROAD with John Reece and Chris Yates was 17th
DOWNTOWN with Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko and Arthur Louis was 18th
FRiDAYS! with Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane was 19th
BELTWAY BLUES with Kevin Roth was 23rd

TOUCHSTONE made an amazing rebound after coming in fourth in the first round and moved up to first during the finals Saturday nite. Steve sings with three other guys from around the district who also have been district champs before – Rob Seay, Rich Gray and Jay Butterfield. This is Steve’s fourth time to be in a district champ quartet.

And YeEd is proud to report that Steve was named to the Mid Atlantic District Hall of Honor earlier Saturday afternoon following the chorus contest! He is welcomed to that group by 16 other Harmonizers who have been so honored. Tony’s Dad, Bill Colosimo, was also named to the Hall of Honor.

Some “fun” moments in the quartet contests: people barking like dogs whenever FRANK THE DOG quartet appeared; when the fire alarm went off and we had to empty the hall, come back in after just a few minutes and have the quartet start their set again; DOWN A FOURTH and their Chinese food set sung while in inflated Sumo wrestler outfits (and the point when one of the suits seemed to deflate!); having Ryan Griffith get to sing with his Dad in TRIBUTE; CRUNCH TIME leading the pack after the first round but ending with their second, 2nd place at district; and HIT PARADE, who ended up being the first place senior’s quartet, singing “End of the Road” – an original song by John Hohl and Scott Werner about a guy ending his career as a singer.

After the Friday nite quartet round ended and while the judges were doing the paperwork to report who would sing in the finals Saturday, there was a tribute to the recently deceased Walter Latzko. His wife Marjorie was present during the visual and musical tribute. He was recognized as a life member of the Alexandria Chapter. Marjorie then came to the Harmonizer rehearsal on Saturday and thanked the members for their support and expressions and for the years of including them in our chapter events at International.

For the Saturday International prelims chorus contest and simultaneous district chorus contest, the Harmonizers sang 10th in order of appearance. Alexandria was the largest chorus with 88 singers. Our score was just a point or two lower than Philly but we were really pleased with the high numbers were earned in the singing category. The work paid off!

Hamilton Square, NJ, Brothers in Harmony was second place chorus and repeated their tribute to the 50,000 names on the Viet Nam Wall which they had done in Philly. Dundalk was third place with 81 singers and directed by our joint member Rick Taylor. Hell’s Kitchen, NY, was fourth. We had some of our current and former members singing in other choruses this weekend also such as DC, Dundalk, Richmond, and Fairfax.

The FRIENDS of Harmony came to the early rehearsal Saturday morning and gave each guy a memento to take on stage. YeEd noticed they brought ironing boards and helped get uniforms ready as needed. John Hohl brought a copy of the original sheet music of “I Get Along Without You Very Well – Of Course I Do” for Joe’s collection.

Tony Colosimo and Will Cox did warm ups before Director Joe started the review and reminder period. Joe welcomed Geri Geis (and Royall) who stayed with the chorus then to help prepare them for their presentation on stage.

Likely the chapter leaders will extend their appreciation and thanks to many guys who did behind the scenes work such as the riser crew who worked hard Friday eve, the truck drivers, and of course Bob Rhome who did so much of the admin work for registrations and housing. YeEd was proud to see our chapter banner hanging in the convention hall too!

Chuck Harner, in his capacity as contest vp, had the pleasure of reading the contest results after each session. Mike Kelly and Mary Ann were doing the video recording of contests and Dennis Ritchey also worked back stage.

After the chorus contest, all of the guys attended the contest evaluation session with one judge from each category. In the breaks between the evals, Joe thanked the guys for their work and recognized the 15 or so guys who had never won a district chorus contest with the chapter.

The Saturday show after the quartet finals ended was emceed by Gary Plaag. The top three choruses sang and Joe was able to thank the district attendees for their support this past summer and this weekend. The chorus is proud to represent the great M-AD at the International chorus contest next summer in Kansas City. He also recognized Majorie and Geri during his remarks. We sang the contest package and “Stars and Stripes Forever” and welcomed the standing ovation from the crowd.

The evening ended with the chorus of past district quartet champs, MADAQC, singing as the trophies were presented to the top three quartets. TOUCHSTONE guys each got a personal trophy and a quartet champ trophy that is about 5-ft. tall! (YeEd tried to get the names of all the Harmonizers on stage as past champs in MADAQC – Steve White, Mike Kelly, Gary Plaag, Rick Savage, Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer, Wayne Adams, Rick Taylor, Will Cox, and Mike Wallen. Chapter secretary Buechler offers more trivia – there have been 16 district champs from our chapter. They are listed in the back of the chapter directory.

Everyone adjourned to the many hospitality rooms around the hotel. We had all enjoyed some good food in restaurants around the hotel including goodies from the Amish market across the street.

Altho YeEd did not attend, he knows that chapter president Dick Newton was planning to attend the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday morning. That is a body with a representative of every chapter in the district. They make recommendations to the district board and carry out suggestions the board has for chapters. Several of our guys are officers of the district too: Gary Plaag is president, Bob Eckman is treasurer, Keith Jones is secretary, Dennis Ritchey is member-at-large, and Alan Wile is BHS Society representative (and was the official delegate from the BHS this weekend). Chuck Harner is district vp for contest and judging matters, Alan Wile is district vp for financial development, and Mike Kelly is chief information officer.

Just for fun – here are names of current and former Harmonizers seen during the weekend and not mentioned above who did not sing on the risers: Jim Herrick, Pete Frank, Dean Martin, Lew Klinge, Royall Geis, Steve Matuszewski, Bill Sowers, Scott Kahler, John Parkinson, Bob Wilson, Bob Wells, Paul Laurenz, Paul Lensch, Richard Lewellen, John Grant, Scott Disney, Fred Womer, Joe Eckert, Bob Hirsch, Michael Calhoun and Mike Geipel. [Anyone who can add to this list gets a free copy of coffee at the chapter meeting on Tuesday!]

Until next time – editorjack!

(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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Looking Back on the September 28th Chapter Meeting

The gang worked hard to be ready to start the chapter meeting and rehearsal last nite. The new risers are not as fast to set up it seems to YeEd, especially as the gang tries to be gentle with them and with the new flooring in the Center.

A fun thing that was going on as the guys gathered – finding the owners of the tearaways that were gathered up off the floor in haste to clear the stage last week at the Lawyer show. Fun.

Will Cox did the warm ups and Director Joe put the gang right to work on some serious singing such as the new one, “No More Sorrow.” He said he could give “a little theory lesson on a point, but honestly, the leads are just flat!” It got a good laugh and set the stage for a solid nite of learning and improving.

All those skills were put to use in the work the singers did on the contest package for this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend.

As you all know the Mid-Atlantic District Contest/Convention is this coming weekend, October 1-3 in Lancaster, PA. Besides the chorus contest which we have been working so hard for, a bunch of our guys have been practicing with their quartets to compete. Quartet promo guy, Eric Wallen, reported nine chapter quartets qualified: ON THE ROAD with John Reece and Chris Yates; DOWNTOWN with Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko and Arthur Louis; FRiDAYS! with Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane; YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT with Mike Wallen; BELTWAY BLUES with Kevin Roth; TOUCHSTONE with Steve White: CRUNCH TIME with Eric Wallen; TRIBUTE with Ryan Griffith and Tony Colosimo; and DOWN A FOURTH! with Joe Cerutti, Joe Sawyer, Wayne Adams and Troy Hillier who sang for us last nite. YeEd won’t spill the beans about their very funny contest set for the weekend. You gotta go to the contest to see it!!

There is an extra rehearsal Thursday, Sept. 30th next door at the Jeff Houston school, 7 pm. Mandatory for singers!!

Bob Rhome, our contest weekend coordinator, prepared a very useful booklet fulllllll of details we all need to know in order to make our contest weekend fun and easy.

Before the break, chapter secretary, Chris Buechler, presented membership renewal cards for 16 years, Ryan Griffith; 33 years, Phil Ashford; and 41 years, Jack Cameron. He also reported renewals received from Mike Geipel, 19 years; and from Bob Ulibarri for 28 years.

Membership vp, Ken White, reminded everyone about the new location for the tonight’s afterglow – Ernie’s Crab Shack, just around the corner from Durant and across from the King Street Metro. Then he introduced six guests – some as applicants and a first-timer. He also welcomed Ian Poulin’s parents who were visitors.

After break (which could also be called the weekly cookie harvest!), we continued the chapter meeting period. Alan Wile extended his work on Harmo Heroes and announced that a hardcopy notebook is on display by the Harmo Photo board.

Last minute reminders came from Bob Rhome in reference to the handbook. The chorus is invited by Joe to attend the judges’ evaluation session after the chorus contest Saturday. He asked for a riser crew at 6 pm Friday.

President Dick Newton held up the traveling trophy that is given to the district chorus champs each year. The actual piece of hardware was donated by our chapter in 1995 in honor of those men in our district who had directed an International championship chorus – Lew Sims, DC Chapter; Dave Mittelstadt, Dapper Dans of Livingston, NJ; Bob Johnson, Dundalk, MD; Fred King, Dundalk, MD; and Scott Werner, Alexandria, VA.

Then it was back to work on the contest set. The evening included some detailed review and drills of the stage presence moves, the focal points, and then combining that with great singing. Joe would not go on until both parts were solidly in sinc! He made special mention of thanks to Chris Buechler and Rob Korsan who were not on the risers in Philly and will be on the risers in Lancaster.

The workout session ended at 10 pm and the hall cleared. Reminder was given about the extra practice on Thursday.

A crowd of 40 or so was at the new afterglow spot.

TAKE NOTE. An important chapter meeting is coming up soon – the annual meeting and election of officers. It will be Oct. 12 at our regular Tuesday nite meeting at Durant. ALL of the 200+ members and FRIENDS are encouraged to attend, have a cup of coffee with the gang, and sing with the chorus. The election will be conducted by current president, Dick Newton. The meeting was announced recently by chapter secretary Buechler and included the slate from the nominating committee. That committee was chaired by past president Brad Jones and committee members were Ken White, Will Cox, Mark Klostermeyer and Dennis Ritchey.

President – Steve Murane
VP Chapter Development – Phil Ashford
VP Operations – Mark Klostermeyer
VP Music & Performance – Terry Reynolds
VP Shows – Ken White
VP Marketing and PR – Steve Lingo
Secretary – Chris Buechler
Treasurer – Dave Welter
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Noah Van Gilder
Member At Large 2010-2011 – Phil Ferguson
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ken Henderson
Member At Large 2011-2012 – Ian Poulin
Immediate Past President – Dick Newton

There may be others of you who have an interest in one of the board positions. If so, please notify our chapter secretary no later than the October 5 chapter meeting. All nominees must agree to serve if elected. Per Society rules there can be no nominations from the floor on the night of the election. Proxy or absentee voting is not permitted in chapter elections. These are Society rules and not local ones that can be waived. The 2011 board takes office January 1, 2011.

Until next time – editorjack!


(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.)