Looking Back on the May 24th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting
Wow – what a great rehearsal and Harmonizer time! Even though we were wearing masks again this week, there was lots of excitement and eagerness to work on the contest songs.
Everyone knew that our coach this week, Cy Wood, was coming to work on the choreo plan for “42nd Street.” He had submitted a video for all to study in advance – and it was clear the men of the chorus did indeed prepare themselves. Artistic director Joe Cerutti was thrilled and the men themselves were proud of their work to demonstrate their knowledge of the plan. Lots of progress was made this week.
Associate director Tony Colosimo kicked things off with warm ups at 7 pm . There was a new riser chart to help guys find their likely standing spots for this version of the chorus. After listening, a few changes were made and then the rehearsal began!
Joe reminded everyone of the upcoming schedule – David Wright coaching on May 31 (singers must self-evaluate at level 5 for this – Joe explained the details of how this can be determined); the retreat is June 3-3-5 (singers must self-evaluate at level 5 for this); Cy is back on June 14; Chuck Hunter is coach for June 21. Our traditional sendoff is on June 28th at SRT – a chance for family and friends to hear and see the Harmonizer package and give a cheer as the chorus heads to Charlotte for the International contest. There will be a couple extra rehearsals on June 23 and 30.
When Cy got to hear the musical progress of the chorus, he was super excited! And he went right to work reviewing the earlier materials and clarifying things he had taught a couple years ago during COVID. He thanked Turner Arndtfor his efforts to help the chorus know the oldest material.
And by the time the night ended, and the whole song was ready – it was a great treat to hear and see it call come together.
Our traditional chorus retreat before going to an international contest will be June 3-4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Coaches for that weekend will be Jim Henry and David McEachern. Starting times for the retreat have been announced so guys can plan ahead. Friday night June 3 will not start until 8 pm so guys have time to get to Westminster, get some dinner, check into their hotel room, and be ready to work on campus at McDaniel College. Housing for the retreat will be at the Best Western Hotel.
Saturday June 4th breakfast will be free at the hotel, then retreat will continue on campus at 8:30 am. Both lunch and dinner will be on campus followed by an afterglow and “party” time. The Sunday June 5th session starts after guys check out of the hotel and eat breakfast there and get back to campus from 9-11:30 am.
For sure, guys should start organizing car pools – there will not be a bus or group transportation provided. And for those who will arrive early on Friday evening, we have often found a lot of our fellow Harmonizers having dinner at O’Lordans, a restaurant offering Irish dishes, at 14 Liberty Street in Westminster.
During the business session, president Noah Van Gilder announced that the chapter is establishing an “angel fund” to help any Harmonizer who needs some financial support for going to the contest. Donations of any amount should go to the chapter. Men who might need help should speak with Noah in person and express a need.
Noah also announced the need for an ensemble to sing for a lady’s 101st birthday on June 25th
Membership chairman Jacob Broude welcomed first-time guest Mike Multer, a co-worker of Dave Des Portes, and he welcomed the several guys on Zoom this week including Ian Poulin, recovering from his retina issue and Keith Jones from FL. Terry Jordan was in the hall again this week, too. Terry Reynolds directed the chorus in singing our traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”
Secretary Des Portes presented membership renewals to celebrate Mike Fasano, 25 years, and Dave Welter, 46 years!
At the afterglow this week, there was a good crowd that ate every bite of the five pizzas ordered!! The members enjoyed talking to Cy around the dining room table and the eager tag singers held forth in the basement.
Alan Wile and Walt Page continue their weekly efforts to get guys to participate in the 50/50 drawing – half of the proceeds goes to create our chapter’s donation to the M-AD Endowment Fund, and the other half goes to the member with the winning ticket. This week’s winner, Steve White, donated his winnings to the kitty that pays for pizza and drinks at the afterglow. Thanks, Steve.
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 74th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)
