Monday, July 10, 2017

Looking Back on the June 20th Chapter Meeting
(Thanks to Don Harrington for reporting on this meeting while YeEd is in Alaska.)

Heavy traffic notwithstanding, the weekly rehearsal started on time with Director Joe Cerutti teaching us a couple of tags and then helping us improve "A Place on the Risers for You," the beautiful, bittersweet song composed and arranged by the late John Hohl and words by another Harmonizer, Bob Bates, that we sing to departing members.
Standing in the center, Joe placed the chorus in various configurations without risers involving circles, marching, clapping, humming, and listening to introduce and begin working on our new up tune, "Blow, Gabriel, Blow."   Next, we worked on the Chicago medley, which we will debut in Nashville in July at Harmony University. 
Executive Director Terry Reynolds thanked the eight guys who represented the chapter at a singing gig at the Masonic temple in honor of the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Masonic Lodge.  In attendance were many notables including the Duke of Kent, who congratulated the group for its rendering of "God Save the Queen."  In a related note, Harmonizer supporter Paul Dolinsky presented the chapter with a check for $3,000 on behalf of the Masonic Lodge. 
Terry announced that Rich Hewitt is stepping down as Membership Director, after having served in this position and similar ones for many years.  Rich was honored with a round of applause and members were encouraged to consider serving as Rich's replacement. 
Terry announced that the Harmonizers will continue meeting at the Durant Center while continuing to pursue other options.  Give your suggestions to Mike Edison.  At least one alternative under consideration would require us to move weekly meetings to another day of the week.  A show of hands indicated that Wednesdays would be workable for most members present.
President Randall Eliason echoed thanks for Rich's service, then shared a note received last week from Marty Monson, BHS Executive Director.  Responding to last week's Weekly Notes reporting on the Harmonizer's 69th birthday celebration, Marty said how great it is that the Harmonizers celebrate our history.  Kudos to Jack Pitzer!
It was great to welcome several guests, including at least two returnees.
After break, we split into sections, including one for men who had committed to learn "I Was Here" by today, then returned to rehearse with everyone on both new potential contest songs.  Ike Evans, the lucky 50/50 winner, directed us in "Keep the Whole World Singing" to finish the night.
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 70th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

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