Looking Back on the October 15^th Chapter Meeting

Fall season has set in – darkness coming on early as guys get from work to Durant.  Many members arrive via the convenient King Street Metro Station and walk the three blocks to Cameron Street and Durant. The usual work crews had the hall ready with av and risers, work tables, and chairs for guests.

The pre-song to get us headed toward the risers was “I Am the Pirate King” which hints at the theme for the holiday show.  It was shared that assistant Will Cox will be the Pirate King in the show – and he did the warm up session for us.

When director Joe Cerutti took over the chorus, we went right to work on new holiday music “Little St. Nick” and “Fa La La La La.”

Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted a barbershop craft session expanding on his maxims for the chorus.

Tony and Joe worked with the chorus on more of our holiday show songs such as “O Holy Night” and “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Mid-evening, operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the weekly business meeting with a start off thank you to the many guys who accepted his challenge last week to wear name tags.  HINT:  put it in your car or briefcase, or inquire about buying a second name tag.

President Alan Wile announced another senior citizen outreach opportunity Thurs Dec. 12^th at 6:30 pm. He asked for a show of hands so planner would have a feel for how many singers might make it.

Alan reports that John Hohl is recovering from his surgery very nicely and is up and about. Alan also reported that Jack McKendree’s wife, Nancy, fell recently and broke bones.  They live in Williamsburg.

Alan asked for all members to consider offering nominations for chapter awards to be presented at the chapter’s annual awards banquet in January 2014  – see the email you got from him a while back.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds asked guys to sign up for the three holiday show events on Groupanizer for Dec. 6 and 7 as well as the upcoming holiday show at the Knights of Columbus shows on Sat. Dec. 14^th  south of Alexandria just before Ft. Belvoir on Rte. 1.

Terry announced that auditions for solos in the holiday show are coming soon. Stay tuned for emails with dates and solos available.

Finally, Terry confirmed that we will have “Monks” again in this year’s holiday show, so there are opportunities for folks to take part – especially good idea for new members who have not had time to learn all the holiday music. Email Terry if you or someone you know is interested - Terry.reynolds4@gmail.com. It requires a few extra practices but no singing. Costumes are provided.

Bob Rhome reminded everyone to email Scipio Garling with their plans for elf or toy costumes.

There will be a board meeting Wed., Oct. 16^th at Durant.

Secretary Chris Buechler reported that Tony Colosimo and Dan O’Brien were judges at the Southwestern District contest that includes Dallas.

Chris presented a Man of Note award to Stan Quick for bringing Garrett Garner; Garrett received a Man of Note award for bringing his son, Tommy.  The Garners received new member materials.

Membership renewal cards were presented to John Pence for 29 years and to Jack Pitzer for 48 years.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer, with help from Rich Hewitt, welcomed several guests including a couple applicants and at least one first-timer!

During coffee break, there was brisk business to buy 50/50 tickets from Dick and Carolyn Hall, to make inquiries about the trip to Normandy from Ken Fess and Mick Stamps; and to pick up a supply of White House Ornaments to sell to friends, neighbors, co-workers.

Alexandria Harmonizers are selling White House Ornaments at $20 each.  The WHO makes a great present for a person who is hard to buy for, makes a great Thank You gift, a hostess gift or just that little something for a friend. It is just the right size to put in a suit case for a Thank You.

Members and Friends in Harmony may take some on consignment and not pay for them until they are sold. Sandy Stamps is distributing and selling them at every Tuesday night rehearsal.

 

There was a growl from the risers when Terry Reynolds won the 50/50 for the second time in three weeks.  He took us out singing “Keep the Whole World Singing.”  He did not make it over the afterglow to share in his winnings! So the crowd at LaPorta’s was on-their-own to pay their bills. Actually, the chapter’s half of the 50/50 goes to the chapter’s endowment fund.

 

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.)