Looking Back on the July 27th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting
This week’s Harmonizer in-person meeting started just after the CDC announced some changes in mask wearing policy on radio and tv. Our president Stan Quick issued this message earlier Tuesday afternoon: “I write this as I wait for a CDC briefing to begin in 10 minutes.
I'm not sure what they'll say, but I'd like to ask you to bring your mask with you if you're coming to rehearsal tonight. Due to the spiking delta-variant COVID cases reported across the country (including our own area), I expect the guidelines to possibly include wearing masks indoors in an effort to reduce the viral transmission rate. I know this is a frustrating, fluid situation for us - but we want to do our best to stay together singing in the safest environment we can provide. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
So the first item of business was a report from Stan that our chapter’s Covid Committee will monitor the situation. Most of the men present this week wore a mask during the evening.
There were about 60 chorus members present this week. Director Joe Ceruitti welcomed our newest member Tony Schepers in the tenor section; welcomed back Don Dillingham and Tyler Carpenter to their first in-person; and welcomed guests Lance Fisher for his second visit in the lead section, Matthew Pearce for his first visit since Covid also in the lead section, and Harry Bickford in the bass section who is a friend of Michael Berkson; and Melody Hine who sings with Tessa Walker in HOT PURSUIT. Joe also thanked the several members who joined via Zoom.
We started the session in the auditorium with Joe conducting a warm up session. Then the evening evolved into sectionals followed by reforming the chorus in the auditorium to sing the same songs. There was a choreo review of the material taught last week by Cy Wood for “Never Fully Dressed” and “Help from My Friends.” Turner Arndtwas tapped to demonstrate the moves for those guys who had forgotten or didn’t review the videos that are available of Cy teaching.
There are some inputs needed from chapter members for the fall show. Members will be invited to suggest VIP officials who might speak; to offer names of any friends or family who have died during Covid for us to recognize; to suggest names of first responders or groups of them we should honor (and invite to the show); and finally to organize a singing ensemble for the show to do a song that fits into the show theme – can be a quartet, or octet or mixed gender group or family group (there will be the need to apply and audition or such).
Mark calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24th. This event may include some food and fellowship. Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304.
There was another large crowd of folks at the afterglow at the Harmo House, 3916 N Stevens St., Alexandria 22311.
Our next Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on August 3rd, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation.
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 for the great things going on each week during the 73rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)
