Looking Back on the May 21st Chapter Meeting
Though our director was at his office in Nashville, this week’s meeting and rehearsal were full of energy, musical excitement and Harmonizer tradition.
Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and was in charge of the music work for the nite. He asked Jacob Broude to help with some movement routines for all to do.
Tony took a minute to remind everyone about the important special rehearsal on Sunday, May 25th from 1:30-5:30 pm at Scotish Rite Temple. Our visual coach Cy Wood will be with us for that session and then work with the front row guys too.
There have been lots of good comments about the extra rehearsals held recently. There is another one May 30th at Convergence.
The music work for the nite was in preparation for the Supreme Court performance on June 3rd, and for the session with Cy on Sunday.
Before the chapter meeting period, SILVER ALERT taught another tag for the chorus – “Bet You Never Knew You Broke My Heart.” Then after the chorus sang it, four volunteers sang it as a quartet – Brian Ammerman, Kevin McKenzie, Don Thompson, Sam McFarland.
President Shawn Tallant saluted those who competed last weekend at the Central Division contest in Reading, PA: TAYLOR MADE quartet with Rick Taylor was first place; Mike Kelly’s quartet, PERCUSION, was fourth but first in the senior contest of the weekend. Mike Fasano competed in two choruses. Joe Cerutti and Tony Colosimo served on the judging panel.
Then Shawn recognized the quartets that will be competing in the Southern Division contest in Baltimore, MD, on May 31st. Each quartet received a check from the chapter to help cover convention registrations.
CLYDE’S CHORBUSTING CHORISTERS, singing 4th, Joe Cerutti, Clyde Crusenberry, Brad Jones, Tyler Carpenter
GET IT TOGETHER, singing 5th, Brian Ammerman, Ben Watsky, Jim Kirkland, Terry Reynolds
SILVER ALERT, singing 13th in seniors contest, Rick Savage, Mike Edison, Will Cox, Steve Murane
SIXTH SENSE, singing 15th, Aaron Simoneau, Brian Miller, Joe Cerutti, David DesPortes
BREAKFAST BLEND, singing 16th, Mike Geipel, Scott Beach, Jerry Candrilli, Vinny Capaccio
VOICES IN MY HEAD, singing 19th, Cavan Potee, Tim Buell, Joe Chilcoat, Alex Burval
MISS OTIS REGRETS, singing 20th, Mario Sengco, Jordan Haedtler, Chris Leyan, Ken Rub
QUIRKS OF ART, singing 22nd, Bob Wilson, Roger Tarpy, Hardman Jones, Mike Wallen
Next Shawn kicked off a farewell tribute to Ken Fess who is moving to Austin, TX. Joe offered his tribute via Skype. There was a historical display prepared by historian Martin Banks. And after many comments, we sang “Place on the Risers for You.” Ken did speak to the members expressing his appreciation for teamwork and fellowship and fun during his years as a leader, show producer, and mentor.
Steve Murane conducted the announcement portion of the meeting. Watch for a detailed memo to come out about the Supreme Court show. Call time is 7 pm. Entry via the Maryland Ave. door. Dress and assemble in the Lawyer Room. (Prior to this week’s meeting, the operations team lead by Gary Cregan changed our risers to a straight line format for that show and we practiced on them.)
Shows director Joe Cerutti Sr. announced a plan for a fun nite for the Harmonizer family and friends – a karaoke nite on June 29th from 5-9 pm at Convergence Theater building. We have invited the Alexandria Singers to join in the fun. Watch for details such as BYOB and snacks to share.
There was talk about the Scotland trip for the chapter and Jack Cameron spoke about his recent trip there. If anyone still wants to go, a couple has had to cancel, so speak to Brad Jones if you are interested.
President Shawn reported his conversation with Alan Wile as a good one, and his visit with Mick and Sandy Stamps who are make recovery and helping each other at home.
Shawn also reported that Cindy Hansen fell last Tuesday nite after chapter meeting leaving the meeting place. Joe and Tony helped her get to the hospital, and then she was on a flight the next morning to get home.
Shawn announced that Bob Wells will become our Sunshine Committee Chairman. So if you hear about a Harmo family member who is ill or having health issues, please let Bob know.
Shawn reported that Glenn Phillips, who installed our officers at the Presidents’ Banquet, is the new Dean of Harmony College East (HCE). He is working with our education director, Sheryl Berlin, to manage the 2019 HCE. The registration website is now live! The annual summer education program will run from June 13-16, Father's Day weekend, on the beautiful campus of McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Glenn reports also that there are some new courses and new instructors on tap this year, plus all of the best from years past to offer. Bring your quartet, or come by yourself to learn, sing, and have a great time! You may access the HCE website at www.MidAtlanticDistrict.com/HCE.
Shawn also reported that he presented a 2018 Harmonizer Honor Award to long time Harmonizer Tom Kern. Tom was unable to attend the Presidents’ Banquet and has a schedule that doesn’t allow him to get to chapter meetings on a Tuesday. So Shawn invited Tom to lunch and made the presentation in Alexandria earlier today.
This award
recognized Tom in particular for his
service related to many years and unending work as the Harmonizer “uniform
guy.” For 15 years he has taken ownership in the unglamorous role as our uniform
guy. He has kept track of our large inventory of costume and uniform items,
ordering more as needed so we always had a supply on hand. His job became much
more difficult a couple years ago when we lost our big storage room in Durant.
After that he had to use a remote storage facility as well as keeping as big
supply of uniform pieces in his “rolling closet,” otherwise known as his
personal car, so he would have them handy at performances or rehearsals. Though
he has recently relinquished the reins, the chapter thanks Tom for his
consistent efforts to keep the Harmonizers “looking amazing.”
Ben Watsky introduced several guests present this week: Luqman Fulmer, Conor Van Slyke, Justin Davis, Quinn Roberts, and John Kear. Justin is director of the Wilkes-Barre, PA, Chapter and he and Quinn and John are in town as members of the Chamber Singers from Marywood University in Scranton.
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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