Looking Back on the November 26th Chapter Meeting

This week the bad weather (rain and thus traffic mess) slowed down arrival, but the risers were full about 7:30.  Fun to watch the various car pool loads of guys arrive from distances away from Alexandria. 

And our director Joe Cerutti was back on duty after his hospital bout while on his cruise in Hawaii. Joe thanked everyone for their support, including his wife Bridgette who was with him for the ordeal, as well as Rick and Peggy Wagner who were there and able to make sure things moved along for transportation and housing.  Joe is looking good and was full of energy and spirit – and seemed pretty happy about the progress we had made on the holiday show songs.  He thanked all of his musical leadership staff at the chapter for keeping the ball rolling and for the solid musical progress – especially on the new songs.

This week, associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up exercises. Then we worked on the show songs, had a craft session with Tony – this week about consonants.

About 8 pm, Bob Blair took charge and conducted the weekly chapter meeting.  He was filling in for operations vp Bob Rhome. Bob B. thanked those who are getting it together and wearing their Harmonizer name tags on Tuesday nites!  Bob suggested guys stop for 50/50 tickets, White House Ornaments, scrip cards, and 2014 entertainment books (next weeks is our last chance to get them from Chuck Harner).

Shows producer Greg Tepe reaffirmed details about our gig Fri. eve, Nov. 29^th to sing at the Tree Lighting Ceremony for the City of Alexandria at Market Square.  We are to report at 5 pm for a half hour show that should end at 6:30.  Wear holiday sweaters and scarves.

Noah Van Gilder made a power point presentation about a new public brand logo for the chapter.  He explained how he and a committee had gotten to this point offering 4 samples.  A survey document seeking feedback from each member is due out on Wednesday.  Joe was key in helping the committee seek professionalism with some ties to music and such.  Everyone should respond.  Thanks to Noah and all for the behind-the-scenes work.

Many announcements were made about the show weekend including reminder to bring two colorfully wrapped large gift boxes and four dozen holiday cookies. Both can arrive on Thurs. evening at the dress rehearsal at First Baptist, 2932 King St., Alexandria VA 22302.

Volunteers are needed to haul risers and equipment on Wed Dec. 4 at 6 pm in time for the tech rehearsal that eve.  Volunteers are needed on Friday morning at 9 am on Dec. 6^th to haul decorations in and all the food and paper products, with others to come help decorate and set up the dining room and hall.

Music and performance vp Brad Jones explained the flyers about the Dec. 11^th event at the retail store, 10,000 Villages, 915 King St. 7:30-9:30 pm.  That store will donate a portion of sales that eve to the chapter. Brad has invited some quartet men to sing in the store. Others of us will help serve cider and cookies to their customers.  If you are not singing and wanna come shop, see you there.

Scipio Garling thanked all those who stepped up to the plate to provide housing for The American Boychoir that will be with us for the dress rehearsal of our holiday show and then sing on our Friday nite performance.  Seems the chapter leaders have helped the Boychoir also get a gig with the Masonic Lodge in DC.

President Alan Wile announced the Tuba Christmas event on Dec. 18^th. David Hood will be playing there too.

Alan reported on health issues for Tom Frederick’s wife and John Pence’s wife.

Alan thanked our a cappella group, TBD, for their appearance and the check they turned over to the chapter after singing at the Alexandria Arts Festival sponsored by the Alexandria Arts Forum. Alan alerted us to expect an email about a survey regarding the arts in the community.

Finally, Alan confirmed the importance of guys signing up to attend the Presidents’ Award Banquet on Jan. 25^th at Durant.  Cocktails and main course provided by the chapter.  Potluck for sides and desserts. Email Steve Murane if you have not done that yet.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds announced that the projected show on Dec. 14^th for the Knights of Columbus in Alexandria has been canceled for this year. But don’t forget the Dec. 10^th caroling at Inova Hospital followed by the Carol Crawl in Old Town.  A fun nite for all. Then we will do a holiday sing at the Masonic Temple on Tues. nite Dec. 17^th.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt introduced guests with us for the evening.

After coffee break, we worked on the rest of the holiday show music, and we ran thru the script to get a feel for the flow of the show, when chorus will respond to Jack-in-the-Box and what to expect from the various actors and characters on the stage while we sing.

Tony was most complimentary of all the men who tried out for the solos for the show and thanked them for their extra efforts in the recent weeks.  Soloists announced for “Ave Maria” will be Rich Hewitt, Edris Qarghah  and Josh DesPortes.  Soloists for “Do You Hear What I Hear” will be Drew Fuller, Mike Kelly and Don Dillingham.

Show house manager Jeremy Knobel alerted all members that an email on Wednesday would make assignments for waiters, table captains, ticket helpers, auction helpers, and more.  That email arrived for all to note!

In other chapter news, Ken White and Jeremy Richardson are visiting Chuck Hunter in Istanbul during this holiday week.  Jeremy arrived there after a month-long backpacking trip in Europe.

Steve Lingo emailed YeEd with news of his long-standing holiday season ski trip this December.  He will be at our show to say hi before they take off.

Dean Rust is helping a local community garden club with their holiday event at the Sunrise facility in Springfield.  He will lead carols for the residents there.

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.)