Looking Back on the Feb. 14^th Chapter Meeting

Even tho it was Valentine Day nite, we had a great crowd of men.  We formed the ring around Durant hall again for warm ups with associate director Tony Colosimo. He invited director Joe Cerutti to front and center to take over. Joe started with comments about why were are doing the gospel pieces and trying hard to do them correctly for that genre.

We worked on the two songs we have already started learning, and then each man was given a 5x6 inch card and a golf pencil to take notes on another new gospel song, “Roll Jordan Roll.”

We will sing “Summertime” with choreography, “There Must Be a City” and “All We Need is Love’ as our part of the evening for the Whiffenpoof concert March 5^th.  Uniform for that appearance will be the black suite with the narrow black tie. At one point this week we consolidated into a chorus formation to review the stage presence plans (that we used years ago) and taught it to the many new men who had not performed the song.

Part of the nite we also had sectionals.

Executive director Terry Reynolds thanked Reed Livergood for helping get the sound equipment up and running.

And Terry thanked all the men who sang Valentine tributes this weekend and especially those who just had arrived at Durant after singing for Alexandria City Mayor, Allison Silberberg, who was very gracious and welcoming to the Harmonizer quartet composed of Brian Ammerman, Ben Roberts, Chuck Hunter and Dean Rust. After greeting the men in the hallway, she ushered them to the front of the Council chambers and, with mic in hand, introduced them to those present and to those watching the Alexandria Comcast channel, saying the Harmonizers have been performing in Alexandria for 69 years. The quartet members were invited to introduce themselves, including the number of years in the chapter/society. They then sang two songs: “Heart Of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” At the Mayor’s insistence, they then sang a third song: “My Wild Irish Rose.” (Thanks to Alan Wile for this coverage of that appearance.)

According to Terry, there were five quartets who delivered 20 Singing Valentine gigs. He thanked all those members who sang and those who offered to sing if needed.  YeEd believes Clyde Crusenberry, Mark Klostermeyer and Joe Cerutti Sr. helped schedule those gigs.

As has been the case since 2000, a quartet composed of different singers every year called FOUR FROM THE HEART sang at two oncology units in Burke and McLean and did some telephone call gigs.

Stay tuned for a full report of our chapter’s Singing Valentine efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

ACA Challenge chairman Reed Livergood sends this message to all members: This is the 4th year we have produced the ACA Challenge with 2016 being the most attended and closest competition yet. For this year's edition, we have six highly-qualified competitors (see list below) that come from both the professional and collegiate a cappella communities. They are located around metro DC, Virginia, New York, and the Atlantic Coast. We are honored to have our own Tony Colosimo as emcee (again) this year with judges such as Catherine Lewis, Mike Rowan, John Ehrlich, and potentially Tom Kraus. As a reminder,  guys should continue telling their friends, family, co-workers, anyone who loves modern a cappella to visit Lincoln Theater's website or our Harmonizer Facebook Event page. Joe and Terry will be announcing the songs the chorus will sing as part of the program after the contestants have performed.  Call time has not been announced yet.  The contestants are Backtrack;  Blackout;  Faux Paz; Polaeris; The BlueStones and The Originals. Reed needs a number of volunteers for the house operations, back stage and such. Speak to him ASAP if you can help.

Jeff Burkey took a minute to helped all members present to get info about this event on Facebook with a step-by-step walk-thru.

President Randall Eliason reported that Terry Jordan has been in the hospital this week with new internal health problems.

Randall also explained the chapter’s angel fun to support guys who need help paying for things – like attending the Harmony University this summer with the chapter.  Both those who might need some help and those who are willing to chip into the fund should speak with Randall.

There are special plans for the Feb. 28^th meeting – the first half we will hear about a possible trip to Russia.  Jack Pinto will be out speaker.  Then after the break, all of us will go into Old Town to the restaurant that is contributing 20% of any checks that use the Harmonizer code – 310-500-050.  It is Vola’s Dockside Grill at 110 N Union – in the Torpedo Factory on the corner by the high water marks.  Hope all Harmonizers and former Harmonizers can come join in the fun that nite. DA CAPO is scheduled to sing for us too!!!

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Walter Page for 23 years; Dean Rust for 37 years and Will Cox for 39 years.

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed guests and applicants, reminded section leaders about auditions tonite, and spoke to members of his team.

Thanks again to those who brought goodies, and candy for the break.  And to those who have continued to keep making donations to the kitty.

In other news, be sure to check out the current issue of BHS's The Harmonizer magazine, which arrived in the mail this week. It contains an excellent article by Scipio Garling called "Facing Outward," about our experience performing in "I am Harvey Milk."

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 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd