Looking Back on the October 29^th Chapter Meeting (as reported by Assistant Scribe, Dave Branstetter)

The hall at Durant Center was buzzing with activity before the chapter meeting started. Ian Poulin was there for Harmonizers to pick up tickets they had ordered for the upcoming Holiday Dinner Theater. Eric Wallen was selling t-shirts in support of SAI quartet Shades of Jade and their trip to compete at International Competition in Hawaii. Dick Hall was at his normal post selling 50/50 tickets, and Sandy Stamps was there with her stash of White House Christmas Ornaments. Todd Rykstarsyk set up snacks and coffee in the break room, filling in admirably for Jack Pitzer who is in Kentucky for an FFA Convention.

Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted the warm up session. Director Joe Cerutti then reset the chorus in sections on the risers and spent several minutes reading selected comments from a very humorous facebook “discussion” on whether or not the chorus would be competing at Internationals in Las Vegas in 2014. After the laughter subsided, Joe went to work on some of the holiday music - “Little Saint Nick”, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time”, and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Assistant director Terry Reynolds announced that this was the last time we would be projecting the holiday music during rehearsal. He also mentioned that auditions for the solos in “Ave Maria” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” would be conducted during the rehearsals on November 5^th and 12^th (Terry had sent out an email to that effect on Oct 25^th).

Joe then turned the chorus back over to Tony for an excellent craft session to close out the first half of the rehearsal. Using the first few lines of “O Holy Night” as a teaching example, he had the chorus focus on “keeping our breath connected”, because using our whole voice requires “great movement of air”.

Operations vp Bob Rhome started the business meeting with a quick report on attendance for the Holiday shows. According to Groupanizer, we expect to put over 90 Harmonizers on the risers for each of the three performances – it will be quite a treat for our guests!!

Chapter President Alan Wile took over and provided an update on several Harmonizers currently experiencing or recovering from various health issues. Keep them all in your thoughts. Alan also reminded the chorus of the upcoming President’s Awards Banquet (Jan 25, 2014) and asked for RSVPs to be sent to Steve Murane. He also asked for awards nominations, so that we have something to present at the banquet. Alan also referred the chorus to emails he had sent earlier in the day covering the House of Delegates report as well as donation opportunities for chorus members. He closed by sharing some kind words he’d received from one of last week’s guests, Tom Halley, lead of last year’s M-AD quartet champs, FRANK THE DOG. The Harmonizers clearly know how to do hospitality!!

Sandy Stamps made an announcement on behalf of Roger Day, seeking volunteers to assist in decorating the hall at First Baptist Church for our Holiday Show on the morning of Dec 6^th.

Ben Roberts invited the chorus to West Potomac High School’s upcoming presentation of “Avenue Q”, an allegedly risqué bit of theater – with puppets!

Terry Reynolds returned and repeated his earlier announcement regarding auditions for the “Ave Maria” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” solos (Nov 5^th and 12^th during rehearsal). Terry also informed the chorus that he would be hosting an extra rehearsal on Nov 7^th (likely at Durant, email to follow) focusing on the non-holiday portion of our repertoire. Great opportunity for newer members!

Bob Rhome returned to remind us that next week’s rehearsal (Nov 5^th) will be conducted in the 3^rd floor Music Suite at First Baptist Church on King Street, due to Durant being used as a polling center. And he reminded us that Ike Evans was available take our mug shots for the picture board display in the meeting hall.

Membership VP Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed guests for the evening; all three had been with us before – two of which have taken the step of becoming official applicants!! Rich was proudly wearing the t-shirt and medal he received for completing last weekend’s Marine Corps Marathon – way to go, Rich!! It should also be noted that one of the two applicants, Reed Livergood, successfully passed his audition after rehearsal – a welcome addition to the Harmonizers!!

After a 15-minute break, the chorus hit the risers again – this time in our “usual” formation – for work on “Fa-La-La”, including performing the choreography under the watchful eye of Carlos Barillo, and “Hallelujah Chorus”.

The rehearsal concluded with Terry Reynolds directing “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America” in preparation for the Veteran’s Day Performance at Oakton Elementary School. Terry and Tony urged everyone, not just those participating in the performance, to take some time this week to refresh their memory on those numbers!

Afterglow at La Porta’s was as festive as ever, with a number of Harmonizers in attendance.

Til next week (after which Jack reclaims his rightful duties) - Dave