Looking Back on the June 18^th Chapter Meeting

The Harmonizers continued the hard work in prep for their contest appearance on Friday eve, July 5^th in Toronto. No surprise then that the hall was full early as men came to attend the presentation review session, buy things, get uniform parts and help set up the room.

 

Chuck McKeever’s 6 o’clock session on the stage included a review of the enHANSENMENTS from last week.  And he helped new guys learn the moves for “Great Day” so they could sing it on Wednesday.

 

 Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups.  Dick Hall gave one of his now-famous annual pep talks. And Chuck alerted all that, for the rest of the rehearsals before Toronto, visual questions should go to him or the row leaders; only very general visual suggestions like focal or facial reminders will come from out front; and if you are not up to snuff the visual team will invite you out to the lobby for a private session.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo and director Joe Cerutti then worked as a team of coach and director while the chorus performed both songs. They continued the plan of incorporating barbershop craft maxims all evening.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting and called president Alan Wile up first for announcements.  Alan reported on the successful Harmony College East in Salisbury this past weekend.  There were several members present as students and as instructors.  DE CAPO, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, SURPRISE!, GRAND OLDE TYME, and MONORAIL FOUR  quartets were there too.

 

While at HCE, Alan was given a check from the Mid Atlantic District for support of our chorus trip to Toronto.  He handed the check to treasurer Dave Welter, along with a check for monies earned from online contribution plans.

 

Show producer Greg Tepe announced final details for the Jefferson Awards performance on Wednesday June 19 at Arena Stage.  Chorus call time is 8:30 am; uniform is tux with white tie/vest/pocket stuffer.

 

Greg also invited all singers to get the new tie and stuffer that will be worn in Toronto from Tom Kern. 

 

Bob Rhome had Toronto info packets for each member going to International (the Harmo schedule for the week and a general info book about visiting the city). Jack Cameron is eager to get each man’s photo order form and payment this week for any chorus photos they want. Roger Day had the Toronto shirts for those who ordered them.  And many guys had to get more parts of uniforms from Tom for the contest uniform and for the tux outfit.

 

YeEd found out the props were painted their first coat by Doug White and TJ Donahue.  A second painting crew was solicited for this weekend.

 

Scipio Garling encouraged members to order tickets for the Holiday Show that they might want for family or friends – cause sales are going well and you won’t wanna miss out.

 

Rick Wagner thanked those who brought items to use in the Harmo Hideaway (hospitality room in Toronto on Friday nite and Saturday nite). The hours of the suite are included in the published schedule for our week. The room will also be open on Friday for any members who are staying at a different hotel than the Royal York, and will need a place to dress and make up.

 

The rehearsal this Thursday, June 20^th, is at Kena Temple on Arlington Blvd. at 7 pm. Riser crew is due there at 6:30. We will be in the main ballroom of the Shriner Temple (not the annex we have used other years). Address is 9001 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, 22031.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Don Dillingham for 4 years; Edris Qarghah for 5 years; Tony Colosimo for 20 years; Ken Rub for 22 years; Ike Evans for 26 years; Martin Banks for 30 years; Al Herman for 30 years; Dave Welter for 37 years; and Dick Hall for 49 years.  Martin and Al will also receive a 30-year membership pin as is the custom in our chapter.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Ken White introduced and welcomed a group of guests including Bert Szabo; a college student in town as an intern; several applicants; and friends of Mark’s from Germany.

 

During the break, many guys continued conducting business matters. The front row worked on their amazing contest package in front of the risers so they had enough space.

 

After break we watched the Toronto Northern Lights contest package they used for the contest in Philly. 

 

And then we worked long and hard on the contest package.

 

Just before closing we sang thru the songs for the Wednesday show.

 

Also before closing, Bob Wachter announced his disappointing news that his health would not allow him to compete with us in Toronto!  There was a standing o in tribute! He recited his annual rendition of the poem he has lived by and served by in the military, government and barbershop leadership. Bob is a 61 year barbershopper.

 

The gang put all the equipment away, including the oh-so-welcome electric fans, onto the truck for Thursday nite.  We were asked to bring our black suit coats Thursday too.

 

Joe did a shout out to Dave Hood who was married to Katie last weekend in NC. Congrats to them both!

 

There was a bandana check for the Class of 2013.  All passed!  AND yes, we did notice their class mascot, named LEAD, on display.

 

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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)