Thursday, March 23, 2017


Looking Back on the Mar. 21st Chapter Meeting

All the chapter members arrived at Durant anticipating a very special nite (and found a different arrangement of chairs facing the lobby wall in the big hall).

The tag singers assembled at 6:50 with associate director Tony Colosimo.

Then at 7 pm, director Joe Cerutti introduced us to our special guest for the nite, Dr. Ysaye Barnwell.  She is an established nationwide musical leader in gospel circles and community singing events,   Her enthusiasm for a large group of men who love singing was infectious!! We sang our new gospel songs for her and a couple of our barbershop ballads too.

After some brief remarks about the roots of gospel music and a working definition, she taught us four great new songs along with some new rhythms.  After break, we were also joined by the musical director of Alfred Street Baptist Gospel choir in Old Town Alexandria.  Joe conducted a question and answer period with the members and Dr. Barnwell. It was a lively discussion.  She taught us another song and we sang more for her before we had to end the fun for the nite.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds reminded members of the call time for the ACA Challenge this weekend at Lincoln Theater. He reminded us to mark calendars for the Youth Festival on April 22 – chorus will sing that nite. He reported that a good number of men are signed up for Harmony University, tho it is still possible to register for our chorus group (contact Craig Kujawa if you need info.) If a member needs some financial assistance, contact president Randall Eliason.

Terry also announced the firm decision that the chapter will not go to Russia BUT that we will be singing at Southern Division in Reston, May 27th.  Mark your calendars.

As a reminder, the Put Together Quartet contest is next Tues. nite.  We will sing some at the usual start time, and then break for the contest!!!

President Randall spoke and updated us on the Spring2ACTion events including the April 5th evening social gathering at Virtue Feed and Grain.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a 45-year lapel pin and membership renewal card to Chuck Hunter, Jr.  Congrats.

Rich Hewitt welcomed our singer guests.

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 69th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd