Thursday, December 22, 2016


Looking Back on the Dec 20th Chapter Meeting

This annual “pub crawl” event is really fun for all of us.  We met at Durant at 7 pm as usual.  A little warm up time for the singers, and a little admin time for any chapter announcements.

 

A major one – there will be no chapter meetings on  Tues. Dec. 27th nor on Jan. 3rd but come back on Jan. 10th for major announcements about plans for 2017 and beyond.  Director Joe Cerutti hinted that there are some major events on the horizon that are new to all. Also watch for the weekly announcement email so you can sign up for the annual Presidents’ Banquet that is on Sat. Jan.28th at 6 pm at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.  See Art Medici to make your reservations. . Let’s all attend this year to kick off things for 2017.

 

Note that there is a guest nite on Jan. 24th at our chapter meeting that nite.

 

And mark your calendar to attend the BLAST party Tues Dec. 27th hosted by Dundalk MD Chapter – fun tag singing, pick up quartets, guest quartets, cold drinks and hotdogs to eat.  There is a $15 fee at the door. It goes from 7:30 to midnite at Michael’s 8th Avenue club, 7220 Grayburn Dr., Glen Burnie MD.  It is fun and there are always a lot of our guys and their guests there.

 

So about 7:30 pm everyone headed down into Old Town Alexandria and re-assembled at Market Square.  Bob Blair brought the Santa hats for guys to wear. Then we followed chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer from restaurant to restaurant where we sang two holiday songs and then left right away singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”  Mark and Joe Cerutti Sr. were downtown early and prearranged for us to make the stops, but this year, some of the firms called and wanted to be sure we were coming this year again, so they could alert their favorite dinner customers to be there.  Every year the customers in the restaurants are really happy to see us and hear us and sometime join in on the songs.

 

Alan Wile noted that all the members of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts were at Virtue Feed & Grain when we stopped to sing there.  Also the director of the arts for the City of Alexandria was there with them. 

 

After singing in six or seven places, those that wanted a little afterglow time stayed at our last stop to unwind.

 

It was great to see Ian Poulin up and about this past weekend for the show and at this week’s sing after the recent knee surgery.  Great to have Lew Klinge come along and sing with us this week too.

 

President Randall Eliason reports two items of family news:

 

Dennis Malone posted on Facebook that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He is currently on a "leave of absence" from the Sound of the Rockies. He will be remembered by many of our longer-time members; he was a musical leader in the chapter for 10 years back in the '90's. He was a member of the SIDE STREET RAMBLERS gold medal quartet in 1983. In his typical style, Dennis posted: "Been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.. got my first shot of a hormone loaded with estrogen. Estrogen shrinks the prostate and the cancer along with it. Side effects include hot flashes and having to buy a training bra. There is no cure but is manageable."

 

Terry Jordan's wife Ginger had what the doctors have diagnosed as a "full bore" (Terry's words) stroke this weekend. She has been moved from the hospital to a rehab facility, HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of NoVA in Aldie VA.  Meanwhile, Terry is still unable to walk or drive, so things are complicated. Friends and neighbors have helped get him to the hospital.

 

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

 Looking Back on the Dec. 16-17th Holiday Show for 2016

This year’s holiday show was a great success with lots of musical diversity with our outside-the-chapter talent groups. The shows were at Harris Theater on the campus of George Mason University on Friday nite, Dec. 16th at 8 pm; and on Saturday, Dec. 17th at 2 pm and 8 pm. The bad weather on Saturday morning was a bit of a challenge, but things worked out.  The parking garage hassles caused us to delay the start of our shows for a few minutes so more guests could make it into their seats.

 The theme was “A Family Christmas with the Harmonizers” and the show included The Reen Family Singers from the Ohio/Indiana area, the VINTAGE MIX QUARTET  from WI, guest baritone soloist Jobari Parker-Namdar; and percussionists Josanne Francis playing the steelpan and Kelton Sherry on drums.  Members of the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline Chapter sang with us on some special numbers, as well.  Our own a cappella group TBD sang in each half of the show. Harmonizer soloists for the show were Mickey Robertson, Jeff Burkey and Andrew Havens; plus Heather Krones from POB.   Mick Stamps was producer for this major show.

The stage was decorated with lighted trees, and many wrapped gift boxes plus some lighted box pieces.  Gift boxes also lined the path from the parking garage to the lobby.

The chorus wore red, green or blue sweat shirts with a white felt scarf in the first half, and our black suits with a solid red tie for the second half.  When the SAI members joined us, they wore black with red accent pieces.

There were some funny moments in the shows – Will Cox and Mickey Robertson did a gag bit with Mickey teaching Will how to use a cell phone while the chorus vamped during “Text Me Merry Christmas;” and Mike Edison, dressed in his auto repairman garb, explaining to show emcee, Terry Reynolds, why the chapter needs a new truck (as a hint to the audience to contribute).

There was a very special moment in the afternoon show when Joe dedicated a song to Dick and Carolyn Hall who were able to attend the matinee thanks to former chapter treasurer Bob and Sally Hoffman.  Joe said “no chapter meeting was complete without a handshake from Dick,” and then Joe left the stage and did a handshake exchange. Tough to sing a ballad after that tender moment.

Robyn Murane thanked the following volunteers for their help in making the lobby and house run smoothly; “Saundra Deltac, with help from her husband, Don Dillingham and Randall Eliason coordinated a very successful raffle, with four prizes at each show. She did a great job and put over $1000 into the AH bank account!”

 “Carol Dangel and Sandi Ulibarri sold CDs; Sandy Stamps sold White House Ornaments and fluffed the trees on the stage; Mike Mullen and Kristen Colby helped the chorus arrange their scarves; and Peggy Wagner hosted the Reen Family. Carol Fuller, Krissi Folsom, Ginny Wells, Ninamarie Maragioglio, Patti Edison, Naida Harrington, Judi Kern, Charity Struthers, and Lydia Golden sold raffle tickets, stuffed programs, sold raffle tickets, answered patrons’ questions and sold raffle tickets. Sam McFarland acted as goodwill ambassador. This year's Holiday Show volunteers did their very best, in a very cold lobby, and made each patron feel welcomed!!!”

 

Thanks to the members who donated or solicited items for the raffle.

Rich Payton and his family hosted VINTAGE MIX for the weekend too (at one point the Reens joined them so there were 17 kids all at one table!).

 

In addition to all the guys on the risers (plus producer Mick Stamp and production assistant Ben Roberts), attendance-meister Keith Jones reports the following current or former chapter members attended one or more of the shows: Dennis Ritchey, Tim Buell, Jacob George, Shawn Tallant, Phil Ashford, Mike Moncibaiz, Jeremy Richardson, Sam McFarland, Dean Sherick, Walt Page, Martin Banks, Bill Colosimo, Austin Cotton, Ken Fess, Ross Johnson, Lew Klinge, Dave Reyno, Joe Wagovich, Bede Bender, Len Dornberger and John Thompson

 

This weekend was the first performance (and definitely their first Holiday Show) for Johan Westberg (bari) and Derrick Smith (bass).

 

Thanks to our music team for helping us prepare for the show and for creating another great musical experience for our families, friends and patrons: Joe Cerutti, director; Tony Colosimo, associate director; Carlos Barillo, choreographer; Terry Reynolds, assistant director and executive director; the section leaders; and Reed Livergood, musical director for TBD.

There was a fun afterglow on Saturday nite at Oh George Tap and Tables across the street from the campus.  There was lots of tag singing, performances by our guests and good food and fellowship. Ken Rub made arrangements for the location.

Here is the historical record of the songs on the show:

Act I

armonizersHHarmonizers – “Welcome Christmas,”  “What’s This?” with Jeff’s solo and “Let It Snow”

Vintage Mix – three songs

Harmonizers – “Text Me Merry Christmas” (We had fun with this one – many chorus members played with their cell phones and texted each other during the song!)

TBD – “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”

Harmonizers – “White Christmas”

Act II

Reen Family – a variety of vocal and instrumental numbers including  “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (boys barbershop quartet THE REEN BROTHERS)

 Reen Family and Vintage Mix together for “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

 Harmonizers – “O Come O Come, Emmanuel,”It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” followed by audience sing-along “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night,” “Gloria” with Mickey solo, “Mary Had a Baby” with Jobari solo

 TBD – “We Three Kings”

Harmonizers – “This Little Light of Mine” with Jobari and SAI, “Kyrie” with percussion and SAI

All – “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” with curtain calls

The riser crews worked hard to get things set up Friday nite despite traffic with many members lending a hand on stage for set up and take down. Matt Doniger was Harmo truck driver for the weekend.

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Monday, December 19, 2016


Looking Back on the Dec 13th Chapter Meeting

This week’s chapter meeting and tech rehearsal for the holiday show was at Harris Theater on campus of GMU.  Guys had a challenge to beat traffic and find their way on campus but there was a full chorus before chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer gave the familiar, “Harmonizers on the Risers.” The truck and riser crew set up the new set for the show.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo was director up front for the nite and show producer Mick Stamps helped navigate the many non-singing details the chorus had to practice such as entrances and such.  The staff at the theater seemed to be on top of things too.

 

Mick has done a good job of sending our reminders and details for us all.  And a suggestion we tell our show patrons the tips he offers for parking. (Free in Lot K, or if you use the pay parking deck, exit on the third level to exit right toward Harris Theater.) The chapter announcement emails also informed  us about call times (5:30 pm Fri nite and 11:30 Sat morning). Suggesting pay attention to details about avoiding evening rush hour traffic, and eat before you arrive.  Dressing space is not really available, so wear slacks and shows and just plan to change shirts back stage.  Don’t bring anything you don’t need!  BUT two wrapped empty boxes, in colorful paper, for stage decorations should be brought in Fri eve.

 

Be sure to check your red, blue or green sweat shirt and white scarf.

 

Tuesday was the last time to turn in unsold WHOs to Sandy Stamps.  Rick Wagner was issuing consignment show tickets too. Robyn Murane was helping with getting guys their sweat shirts, and Tom Kern getting uniform parts to our newest members who are doing the show.

 

Great to see Ian Poulin on the risers (with a crutch to support the knee/leg where he had an operation last week). 

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reports the following men have renewed – guys who are not able to attend chapter meetings, so good to see them still members!

 

Ross Johnson 40 years - with a new lapel pin

Larry Walker 37 years
Jeff Ashford 32 years

Vince Cazenas 30 years - and a lapel pin

Bert Phillips  8 years

 

Chris also sent this note: “Thanks also to the many men who sent notes and cards wishing me a speedy recovery. I’m getting around slowly but improving each day. Still need a kidney transplant, but this procedure is keeping me going for awhile.”

 

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Friday, December 9, 2016


Looking Back on the Dec 6th Chapter Meeting

We got to use the new risers tonite.  Thanks to the crew that helped haul them in and set them up.  Very comfortable.  And no squeaks!! The large chorus went right to work on the holiday show music after warm ups by associate director Tony Colosimo.  Director Joe Cerutti was excited about the show and he prompted us to be ready for a busy nite with guest artists for the show who would be coming to Durant. He also welcomed the many ladies from the Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus who fought their way to Durant thru traffic on a cold and really rainy nite!

 

Past President Rick Wagner arrived early to continue issuing consignment tickets for the show.  And Sandy Stamps was issuing White House Ornaments to salesmen Harmonizers. An new team was on hand too for selling 50/50 tickets – Bob and Sandy Ulibarri and Walt Page.

 

Executive director Terry Reynolds reported more donations from the “6th Row” campaign.  He also reported several thank you notes received from the Ladies Club some of us sang for last week.  Terry also thanked the guys who made the trip out to Fairfax Country Club for the lunch time gig. As always, there was great response to Will Cox reciting “The Night Before Christmas” in his comedic delivery! Thanks to Chris Huber’s wife, Judy, who introduced us at that show (and brought two yummy chocolate cookies for each guy after the show.)

 

Holiday show producer Mick Stamps reported a decent tickets sales progress and reminded all that consignment tickets must be returned or you pay for them. He reminded us that next Tues nite is a tech rehearsal for all of us to attend.  He needs a riser crew at 5 pm at the GMU venue. He promises maps and a detailed call-time schedule for show weekend.

 

President Randall Eliason reported a couple family matters: Ian Poulin is having knee surgery on Wednesday.  We wish him fast recovery.  Randall also heard that Chris Buechler was in recovery room following his kidney operation today.  Again our best wishes to him.

 

Randall explained the road trip to Lake George NY to sing at the Northeastern District convention the weekend of May 6.  He asked for a show of hands and almost 100 % of the men on the risers said they would want to go.  Sooo – we are off on a road trip.  Has been a long time since we did one.

 

Next, Randall announced that Art Medici is taking reservations for the Presidents’ Banquet on Jan. 28th, 2017.  Tickets are just $25 each.  Certainly hope all of the members will come to celebrate our year, honor our award recipients, and socialize with the gang.

 

Mr. President thanked the new 50/50 team and also reminded everyone to drop in a buck or so in the coffee fund container at break. (The response was good – many thanks all!)

 

For those marking their 2017 calendar, don’t forget to set aside July 23-30 to go to Harmony University with the chorus in Nashville, TN.

 

Terry returned to the mic offering to collect any pledges from guys for the matching fund campaign for a new Harmo truck.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed guests and applicants.

 

After the break we worked more music including with the male soloist for two songs.

 

Before we closed the hall for the nite, we sang farewell to Mike Moncibaiz who is going to work in Mexico for the State Department.  He will be missed in the bari section. Mike directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” as our sign-off for the nite.

 

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Sunday, December 4, 2016


Looking Back on the Nov 29th Chapter Meeting

The large chorus working on the holiday show music was back on the risers this week at Durant.  We had some applicants who did their auditions and passed!!

 

Past President Rick Wagner did a brisk business issuing consignment tickets for the show.  And Sandy Stamps was issuing White House Ornaments to salesmen Harmonizers.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti launched the nite’s singing on the holiday songs.  During the nite we auditioned three soloists who were all great on the “What’s This” number. Joe also explained some of the plans for transitioning between songs, how the audience sing-a-long with work, and what the guest artists will be doing.

 

Chorographer Carlos Barillo taught us a plan for “Text Me Merry Christmas.”

 

Executive director Terry Reynolds started the announcement period with a terrific heartfelt letter from director Emeritus Scott Werner thanking all for including him in the Nashville contest package.  He called it another championship for him!

 

Terry offered apologies for the hundred plus emails each guy got today because of a computer glitch.

 

Jeff Burkey did a demo for each man to do with his cell phone top promote our show via FaceBook.

 

Tom Jackson thanked the members for their support during this period after his Mom passed.

 

Terry gave more details about the show on Thurs Dec. 1st and promised final details via email.  Call time is 10:45 am at Fairfax Country Club, 5110 Ox Rd.. Dress is holiday sweater or tie if possible, no jeans or tennis shoes.

 

President Randall Eliason is eager to get nominations from everyone for the chapter’s distinguished service awards.

 

Next Tuesday we are at Durant and will run the show with the guest talent. Then Tues Dec 6th is at GMU.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler announced his is having kidney operation on Tuesday and thus not singing in the show.  We all wished him well for the serious situation. 

 

He presented a 49-year membership renewal to Chuck Harner.

 

Liz Birnbaum, chair of the chapter development effort, announced that monies members give in an end-of-the-year donation toward a new Harmo truck fund, will help raise a fund that will be challenged to the show patrons to match.  You each man’s gift could be doubled.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed guests and applicants.

 

After break, it was more work on the music. (Speaking of break – the coffee collection cup is getting pretty low, so please drop in a buck or five as you pass thru the kitchen.)

 

Before we left, Joe announced that the terms of our section leaders are about to expire.  So applications are being accepted for anyone interested including those who are currently section leaders.  This is part of a new plan to refresh as needed.

 

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Sunday, November 27, 2016


Looking Back on the Nov 22nd Chapter Meeting

The early-bird Thanksgiving exodus meant the guys had a hard time getting to chapter on time. Not many were there at 7, but eventually the place was full and the circle had to be enlarged to the outside walls of the hall.

 

Director Joe Cerutti did the warm ups and then worked with the chorus on the holiday show music.  He auditioned a couple men for solos and told us more about the some of the plans for the show including sharing his excitement for the guest male soloist for the show.

 

We worked on the show songs til the end of the night with a chapter meeting and break in the middle.

 

Executive Director Terry Reynolds reported on several donations from Sixth Row supporters, and he reported on the thank you from the recent Red Cross Fundraising show chair person.

 

He stressed that guys needed to be certain their Groupanizer response for the Ladies Club morning show on Dec 1st was correct.

 

Don Dillingham shared his experiences with SIGNATURE quartet last week in visiting schools in the DC area telling them about a cappella singing and our youth festival. He was excited to find such enthusiasm from the young singers. They visited 9 schools and about 350 students.

 

Holiday show producer Mick Stamps reported on a few more details (everyone was glad to see him back up to par after his scare last week). Stay tuned for details about extra rehearsals and tech nite and such.  We will be wearing the colorful sweat shirts like last year.

 

There will not be an auction at the show but a possible raffle event.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler reported that John Adams renewed for his 59th year of membership.   John lives in NC.

 

President Randall Eliason reported that Tom Jackson’s mother died this weekend. Our condolences to Tom.  Also Dave Branstetter’s mother-in-law died recently – our condolences to Dave and Tena.

 

Randall also is seeking input/nominations from members for the annual Distinguished Service Awards that the chapter will make at the annual Presidents’ Banquet on Jan. 28th.  That event will be at the Elks’ Club in Fairfax.  Stay tuned for sign ups.  Hope everyone attends.

 

A proposed bus trip to upstate NY (Lake George area) has come to the chapter in a request to sing at a Northeast District contest show the first weekend in May.  Stay tuned to sign up.  We have not done a long bus trip for a long while. Should be fun.

 

Craig Kujawa took orders for holiday scrip card needs with promised delivery on Tues Nov. 29th.  Likely if you email him, you can get in on that order or a possible pre Christmas order.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed applicants.

 

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Thursday, November 17, 2016


Looking Back on the Nov 15th Chapter Meeting

The chapter returned to the music suite at First Baptist on Nov. 15th to work hard on the holiday show music – especially on the new songs.  Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and director Joe Cerutti pushed the chorus to sing their best. We took time for sectionals too.

 

A big push was made by show producer Mick Stamps telling us more details about the show plan.  Rick Wagner is issuing tickets on consignment to the members.  He was busy all evening.

There are discounts for seniors, half-price for students, and a group rate for those who call. Mick announced that the dress rehearsal for the holiday show will be at Durant and then there will be a tech rehearsal at Harris Theater on GMU campus.  There was a good supply of the colorful show flyers in poster size and postcard size.

 

Sandy Stamps was also busy issuing White House Ornaments to Harmonizers to sell to their customers.

 

Executive director Terry Reynolds reported that board member Steve Sutton has an appendix removed recently.  Terry presented the new chapter logo on the screen for all to see.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Gary Mankin for 44 years; Clark Chesser for 7 years; and Don Harrington for 37 years.

 

The Dec. 20th chapter nite will start with us singing at Casey Blezer’s school before we do the carol sing on the streets in Old Town.

 

Director of Membership Rich Hewitt welcomed more applicants and guest singers.

 

Next week we are back to Durant.

 

Before we ended the chapter meeting, Joe reported on the behind-the-scenes work some of educator team is working on this week.  Our quartet friends from FL, SIGNATURE, who medaled in Nashville, are back in our area singing at schools to invite students and music educators to your youth festival next spring.  AND to encourage them to discover a cappella singing. They expect to meet and sing for thousands of  students. This is a continuation of the grant the chapter received from the Harmony Foundation.

 

Joe also was excited to share the great successes by BHS at the recent meeting of the National Association for Music Education.  It was in Dallas and the Vocal Majority sang and did some of our top quartet.  Jim Henry, director of the Ambassadors of Harmony, spoke to the group too and was a hit with his youthful approach.

 

In other news, here is a special invite from Dave Kohls for another set of Holiday concerts: The Washington Men's Camerata will be presenting its holiday show on Saturday December 3, Sunday December 4, and Sunday December 11. The performance on December 3rd will be held at the Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King St., Alexandria VA, at 8:00 p.m.; the December 4th show will be at the Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, 6601 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD, at 4:00 p.m.; and the December 11th show at St. Columba’s Church, 4201 Albemarle St., NW, WDC (Tenleytown) at 4:00 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for students, and $60 for a family of four ("family" is very loosely defined, basically any group of 4 people who show up together), and are available at http://camerata.com/concerts/ or from Dave Kohls.

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Nov 8th Chapter Meeting, Wounded Warrior Event and Veteran's Day Sing, Red Cross Fund Raiser

The chapter returned to First Baptist on Nov. 8th since Durant was used as a polling place for the election.

 

On Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6th, about 25 of us sang at the Old Dominion Boat Club at the end of King Street.  The event was to help a local non-profit group raise monies for Wounded Warriors.  Joe Cerutti was out director.  We did mostly patriotic tunes plus a couple of the Beatles songs.  We sang twice and both times had great audience response including some sing-along time.

 

Thanks to Alan Wile for the notes from the following events while YeEd was in NYC.

On Friday, Nov. 11th we sang again at Oakton Elementary School for the all-school assembly to honor Veterans Day: 24 Harmonizers participated; Terry Reynolds directed. Riser crew at 8:00 a.m. Set up three risers. Rehearsed in the Library before joining the 830 students, guest veterans, teachers, et al in the gym. Ms. Kathleen Marshall originated the program following her experience in 9/11/01 - 16 years ago – she highlighted this and ran the show this year as she has in the past. Veteran guests included reps from all three services, with several flag and general officers. One student’s father, a BG, visited on Skype. We sang three songs: “Armed Forces Medley,” “Stars and Stripes,” and “God Bless America.” The last of these we sang through twice, asking all to join in … which they did. And did they sing!!! A great experience. Gerry Fuller drove the truck and supervised the unloading and reloading of the risers. After the show a few of the veteran participants enjoyed free lunches at Applebees.

That same day was a memorial service at the Mount Vernon Unitarian church for former member Jim Stockton. A total of 17 active and inactive members of the Alexandria Chapter participated with the Harmony Heritage Singers/Mount Vernon Chapter chorus, together with a number of former Harmonizers. Drew Fuller is the director and directed four of the songs; Bob Wachter directed one song; Mike Everard introduced one of the songs.. Following the service, there was a reception for all at the church.

On Sunday, Nov. 13th. 41 Harmonizers performed at the seventh annual (first for us) First Presbyterian Church of Arlington musical benefit program – this year to benefit the American Red Cross flood relief effort, primarily in the southeastern United States. The program consisted of 15 vocal and instrumental selections by quite a renowned list of musicians. We sand two songs (during which director Joe Cerutti  encouraged the audience to sing out). We received a boisterous response at the conclusion of our set. Most of us remained for the balance of the program and several enjoyed punch and snacks in the social hall afterwards.

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 68th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd