Looking Back on the June 4^th Chapter Meeting

As you would imagine, all Harmonizers arrived at our meeting place full of excitement after the past weekend’s hugely successful retreat with David Wright.  And everyone was eager to demonstrate his retention from the weekend.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and director Joe Cerutti turned the chorus loose to demonstrate how they were doing on the fantastic package.

 

Before the 7 pm chimes to start, there was presentation review on the stage with Chuck McKeever including work on “Great Day” which is one of the songs for the Jefferson Awards show June 19.

 

Speaking of the weekend, there were some Special Forces guys who stayed over the weekend to be here for Tues. before returning to their homes in other states.  And the Mascot of the Class of 2013 was on display with candles on a yellow/orange scarf!  Some say it has been named “Lead” – you had to be at retreat to get the gag!

 

When Joe got the floor he also thanked Rich Hewitt for his leadership as class president for the 2013 gang.  And Joe recognized Dr. Brian Miller for his super efforts to perform and entertain without seeing the director or any other performers on stage!

 

The nifty sign, “It’s Showtime” was back in place to help all of us focus on 5^th row center!  Thanks Chuck.

 

We also sang thru other songs for the Jefferson Awards show.  And watched an Ambassadors of Harmony performance of “If You Loved Me” to see how another large chapter works on the risers with faces and eyes and bodies.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting period of the evening.  President Alan Wile thanked all the members for their efforts to make the retreat a success.  He congratulated new member Duncan Woodbury who graduated last week!  And Alan recognized Ben Roberts who was nominated as a lead actor in a musical for CAPPAs awards in DC.  Ben will perform one of his songs from “Young Frankenstein” at the awards event at the Kennedy Center.

 

Alan reminded all that he is accepting contributions for angel support that we can give to any member who needs financial assistance for the Toronto convention.  That might be money, hotel reservation, convention registrations, scrip to pay for hotel, or miles for flights.

 

We took an abbreviated break this week so we could get in more singing.  There was the usual opportunity for taking care of matters at break like uniform purchases and getting a button from the FRIENDS IN HARMONY who met this week.

 

After the break there were more announcements such as caring for the contest and show uniforms, and a reminder that next week we will meet at 6:30 at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. for a recording session until 7:30 and then a coaching session with Cindy Hansen in the church hall til 10:30.  A riser crew was recruited for then too.

 

And just as a teaser, the tickets are already on sale for the holiday shows in early Dec.!  Ian Poulin has them for sale along with the scrip cards to use in paying for hotel rooms at the Royal York in Toronto.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented new member materials from the BHS to Joe Krzysko and a Man of Note pin to Sam McFarland for his 23^rd member!!  Way to go Sam. And welcome Joe. Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Jeremy Richardson welcomed each of our guests for the evening including a couple applicants, some family and friends of members visiting and some former members in to see the package.

 

When we went back to work on the package, Joe invited Sean Devine, a certified presentation judge, to offer comments and to help the front row.  Great to have one of our guys up front to work with us.

 

Before the end of the evening we did several reps of the package. Joe put out a 15-minute-per- day challenge – for each guy to spend that much time on the music and personal commitment.

 

After singing KTWSS, the guys loaded av equipment and props onto the Harmo truck for next week at the church.  The risers were returned to their nifty storage spot under the stage in Durant.

 

A good crowd came over to La Portas for an afterglow!

 

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 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the 2013 Pre International Chorus Retreat

There has already been a lot chatter about the weekend – likely one of the most powerful retreats in Harmonizer history.  (And how appropriate during our 65^th year – which we celebrated Saturday nite with cake and a reflection of Harmonizer tradition.)

 

The change to start on Friday nite worked great – probably now a Harmo tradition!  The music and admin teams were well organized.  Coach David Wright was ready to teach, inspire, motivate and cajole from the first minute.  It was so good to have him back with our Harmo family – he knows a lot of the guys by name and has fun with our chapter.  And the 25 or so guys who had never worked with him were blown away too.

 

For sure, assistant director Terry Reynolds had every minute of rehearsal planned and well organized (And he took notes all weekend to share with the directors and the singers in follow-up. No surprise.  YeEd discovered that the clip board Terry was using had all the words of each song on them and space for notes and suggestions. Thanks Terry!!)

 

Retreat chairman Chuck McKeever, and his team, were perfect hosts and also well organized so no details needed attention.  Bob Blair and Gary Fuller drove the Harmo truck up and college students helped haul in the risers, front row props and av equipment so our guys could set them up in the rehearsal hall.  Keith Jones, TJ Jones, Jack Cameron, Len Dornberger helped register our guys, pass out keys, take notes during the weekend, and assist Chuck with video work.  Doug White was the sound guy for the weekend and was plenty busy with all the mics needed for coaches and musical leaders. Gotta add Jim Lake to the list as he was a mighty busy pitch-pipe man for the whole weekend. Phil  Ashford was busy taking pixs all weekend too.

 

John Pence prepared the weekend’s printed agenda and retreat booklet. Thanks JP.

 

As usual the facility and staff at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, were great for us.  Just a little over two hours away, the suites were clean and ready. The main hall for rehearsal was cool and comfortable and spacious, and convenient to all of our meals too.  A good crowd of guys got to Westminster Fri. nite in time to get some chow on the local main street. All modes of transportation got over 100 guys there – cars, pickups, motorcycles, car pools, and one guy via rental car cause his car wouldn’t start after work in DC.

 

We had several visitors from the Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus and some family friends who came to watch our rehearsals.

 

And yes, the gold/orange bandanas of the Class of 2013 were everywhere with all 27 guys present and accounted for with bandanas!

Carlos Barillo
Lou Bergner
Dave Branstetter
David DesPortes

Josh DesPortes

Sean Devine

TJ Donahue
Randall Eliason

Dave Ellis
Tom Frederick
Gary Fuller
John Greene
Bob Griesemer
Rich Hewitt
David Hood
Peter Hubbard
Kevin McKenzie
Stan Quick
Ben Roberts
Calvin Schnure
Dean Sherick
Steve Szyszka
Shawn Tallant
Mike Vlcej
Harold Weinberger
Doug White
Duncan Woodbury

 

The risers we full at 6:50 pm when the chimes rang out for the start Friday! Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm ups. There was a sign on the wall to indicate front row center – “It’s Showtime!” Obviously the work of ever-driving McKeever to help us get the focals correct!!

 

Director Joe Cerutti took over up front and first off welcomed all the guys to the “Anything Goes Retreat Weekend” and quickly welcomed and presented our coach David Wright.

 

We sang the set one time thru and turned David loose to help us. And help he did!  We worked totally on the ballad Fri. nite. Mid evening, there was a break with brownies and cookies and sodas for all with time to sit and relax a bit.

 

As usual, there were announcements and other details for guys to take care of such as paying $32 for and picking up the new white shirt for Toronto from our hard-working uniform chair Tom Kern.  Also guys could see Nick Murane to buy tickets for any family members and friends who will be in Toronto and attending the chapter Togetherness Meal (actually a luncheon this year, not the traditional breakfast, since we sing so late in the afternoon).

 

Breakfast on Sat. started at 7:30 am and we were on the risers for warm up at 8:30.  There were a few sleepy eyes of guys who stayed up visiting, and some guys who came Sat. morning from DC because of work conflicts and such. Some of our guys worked in the rehearsal hall Fri. nite to modify the front row props, and they too got to bed late. YeEd heard that crew included TJ Donahue, Doug White, Craig Kujawa and Mike Vlcej.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did warm ups for Saturday morning. Terry announced that we had 108 of the 111 guys present who are expected to sing in Toronto. Mid morning there was another break with goodies while the first and second rows stayed on the risers to coordinate some uniform change efforts.

 

Joe announced his travel plans for Sat evening to get to Nashville for Wayne Grimmer’s wedding with plans to be back at midnite.  Joe’s Dad, Joe Sr. was pressed into service to make the airport run Saturday noon.

 

When the chorus broke for lunch, the front row held one of the several extra rehearsals they had during the weekend for their visual routine. The hard working 15 men in the 2013 front row are Ben Roberts, Ken White, Scip Garling, Doug White, Randall Eliason, Peter Hubbard, Carlos Barillo, Steve White, Josh Roots, Ken Rub, Terry Reynolds, Chuck Hunter, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa and Chris Clark

 

After lunch, the whole chorus was right back to work on the risers! David taught the “authorized” version of the “Friends” tag so we could all sing it on Sunday and then associate director Tony Colosimo took over director duties for the rest of Saturday.

 

We spent the rest of the day and evening rehearsal sessions on the uptune! That included many reps including huge amounts of dancing by the front row.  Our in-house choreography team, including visual row leaders, facial coach and the front row captain, worked to improve accuracy and facial expressions all during the singing time. David never let up on that aspect. In fact he spent a lot of the weekend giving emphasis to both left brain and right brain efforts to make the package complete.  He paid a special tribute to Carlos Barillo for the creative visual plan.

 

After dinner, we were issued the gold scarves for the uptune and Carlos helped us practice a few times at how to fold them and when to put them on.  Doug White was in charge of distribution (and YeEd found out Doug actually did a lot of the sewing on them as part of the team with FRIENDS IN HARMONY who had measured all of us and made the scarves).

 

When the evening’s rehearsal concluded, Jack Pitzer gave a tribute for the 65^th anniversary and we adjourned for a break from singing to relax in the hall with David presenting an abbreviated version of his now-famous “History of Barbershop” class from the BHS Harmony University. Then the spread of food and drinks arrived while we watched a video of the 5^th place comedy chorus routine from last year’s contest in Portland.

 

And then it was time for the presentation by the Class of 2013.  They had been challenged to show they could sing – so they helped us all prepare for our trip to Toronto and sang “O Canada” with class president Rick Hewitt as director.

 

Then for their skit, they created a stage for a Jeopardy game with contestants Tony Colosimo, chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer and Chuck McKeever.  It was wildly funny and we all got into the act as the contestants tried to answer the questions – such as “what precise measure of  tonal accuracy did David suggest during the weekend (answer – onion skins). They got worse after that!! And we all laughed when K12 couldn’t answer one of his questions about a substance that has the same name as a singing part – “lead” as in metal or paint! [Old timers suggest it will become the new “hark” that is yelled out each week and has been done so for many many years after Will forgot his line in a show – “hark”.] Good job by the 27 guys who will sing with us for the first time as a Harmonizer in an International chorus contest – the Class of 2013.

 

Sunday morning we were up early again and turned in our room keys to Chuck and his team as we entered the breakfast hall.  We got on the risers with two more of the 111 guys who had made it in. Tony did the vocal warm ups using the suggested technique David had shown us earlier in the weekend.

 

Joe was back on campus and had a little time to be briefed by Terry (including a video of the skit from the nite before). Joe thanked Chuck, Terry, David and Tony for keeping things flowing.

 

We worked a couple hours Sun. on the package, including a fun chance for the chorus to demonstrate to Joe what we had done with the uptune.  His facial expressions of pride and surprise were worth a million bucks to us singers on the risers.

 

At the end of our work session on Sun., Joe introduced and spoke a little about each of the seven 2013 Special Forces guys who are singing with us in Toronto and have made over-and-above efforts to be with us for preparation – Bruce Roehm, Sean Devine, Mike Wallen, Kevin McKenzie, Bob Wilson, Mike Geipel, and Dave Ellis.

 

Chuck thanked his team and the Class of 2013.  Jack Cameron and Bob Blair presented the class a mascot trophy which they get to name and keep until the next class is named. Chapter president Alan Wile thanked all the chapter members who worked to make this weekend so successful and he invited David up front so we could express our cheers and long and loud applause of thanks. Music and performance vp Brad Jones officially thanked David and gave him a Terracotta Warrior statue from our chorus trip to China – where we sang some of David’s arrangements.

 

As is our tradition, we ended the retreat after David’s farewell challenge when the chorus locked  arms on the risers and sang the “Friends” tag.

 

Everyone helped reload the Harmo truck and we all headed back to our homes, eager to get back at it on Tues. at Durant.

 

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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 28^th Chapter Meeting

 

Well A hard driving rain didn’t seem to reduce the attendance this week – tho some of the guys were soaked when they got into Durant.  Especially the many guys who walked from the King St. Metro Station.  (Like Ken White who shed his shoes and sox vs. sloshing around in water-clogged gear!)

 

And the usual drive and hard work attitude was in place all around.  You couldn’t help but note the orange bandanas on the Class of 13 guys – everywhere.  The funniest use of the scarf was as a sling for a pretend broken arm by Dave Hood. Two new guys got their bandanas this week– Josh DesPortes and TJ Donahue -- swelling the class to 25.  Two more prospects include Dave Ellis and Sean Devine who will get their scarves at the Retreat this coming weekend for a total class of 27.

 

Also congrats to the class president Rich Hewitt who rallied his classmates to work hard and answer the trivia questions posed to five classmates. Each of them was allowed to get a guy off the risers to help answer the questions, but the 2013 guys had worked on the questions and had their answers ready.   Good job. Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer has given the class more challenges for the retreat weekend, so stay tuned!!  Literally.

Carlos Barillo
Lou Bergner
Dave Branstetter
David DesPortes

Josh DesPortes
TJ Donahue
Randall Eliason
Tom Frederick
Gary Fuller
John Greene
Bob Griesemer
Rich Hewitt
David Hood
Peter Hubbard
Kevin McKenzie
Stan Quick
Ben Roberts
Calvin Schnure
Dean Sherick
Steve Szyszka
Shawn Tallant
Mike Vlcej
Harold Weinberger
Doug White
Duncan Woodbury

The risers were up by six tonite (and the electric fans were out to keep the air moving) and a good crowd of guys worked on their stage moves with Chuck McKeever. We listened to our fellow chapter members in VAUDEVILLE as we took the risers to get to work for the contest. We had a good crowd of listeners too including many FRIENDS OF HARMONY who were in the building to sew new uniform parts for the contest. They are also selling a convention button for $1 each. 

 Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups this week. Later in the evening Troy Hillier conducted a presentation craft session.

 For the first half of the nite we worked on the contest songs – fixing things, adding new things and even making some changes.  Lots of coaching from our director Joe Cerutti and Tony made it a challenge vs. just work.

 Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting before break.  Retreat chairman Chuck McKeever reminded us that we could check in at 3 pm at McDaniel College but need to be on the risers at 6:50 pm Friday nite, May 31^st.  Everyone should get dinner before they get on the risers! Chuck promised an email with directions and many details.  (Which we all received on Wednesday.)

 President Alan Wile recognized our Operation Harold Hill membership team from last year – Steve White, Shawn Tallant and Phil Ashford –with a silver award from the BHS.

 There were reminders to get 50/50 tickets, pay Normandy fees to Mick Stamps, a bass meeting in Room 2 at break, front row meeting in the office, and get refreshments during the break.

 Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented Man of Note (#3) to Bob Blair for bring new member Dean Sherick who received his membership certificate and other new guy papers, including the chapter’s history book.  A renewal membership card for 21 years was given to Mike Gilmore.

 Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from barefoot Ken White welcomed the guests – some from other chapters in the area, an applicant and a couple first-timers.

 After break, we sang thru the songs for the Jefferson Award performance at 9 am on June 19^th at Arena Stage.

 And then back to work on the contest package.  Joe spoke a lot about our individual performance responsibilities.  We watched a Dallas Vocal Majority performance as an example of personal commitment to the song and performance.  We added more of the visual plan for the ballad. We worked a little past 10.   

 Crews worked to load the Harmo truck to take props, av equipment, risers and such to the retreat.

 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 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 21^st Chapter Meeting

 

Well there was a lot of action and singing and business matters all set for this week.  The risers were up right after 6, so the front row could practice in the configuration of the risers as well as lean to place new props in the correct spots.  There were also guys on the stage working on stage moves with Chuck McKeever.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups. And director Joe Cerutti, fighting a terrible case of poison ivy, worked on “God Bless America” that we will sing on the Jefferson Awards show at 9 am June 19^th.  Joe asked associate director Tony Colosimo to help with directing for the nite.

 

Before we got too far into the evening, chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer introduced the Class of 2013, which included all those members who have never competed at an International convention with our chorus. They were presented bright orange/red/yellow bandanas with the instruction to have then visible on their person any time they are at a Harmo function.  The list will be expanded when additional men are given their scarves to wear.

 

Carlos Barillo
Lou Bergner
Dave Branstetter
David DesPortes
Randall Eliason
Tom Frederick
Gary Fuller
John Greene
Bob Griesemer
Rich Hewitt
David Hood
Peter Hubbard
Kevin McKenzie
Stan Quick
Ben Roberts
Calvin Schnure
Dean Sherick
Steve Szyszka
Shawn Tallant
Mike Vlcej
Harold Weinberger
Doug White
Duncan Woodbury

 

We worked hard on our contest songs. At one point, Joe had the AV team play some clips from past champs choruses and after discussing their most obvious qualities, we worked to apply those points to our music. (We listened to the Ambassadors of Harmony, Westminster, and Vocal Majority.)

Joe and Tony worked as a team all evening and used several educational techniques to help us understand. 

 

Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting period and started with reminders to buy scrip for Toronto, get a 50/50 ticket, to turn in your retreat fee payment to Howard Nestlerode, order a Toronto shirt from Roger Day, and turn in your payments for the Normandy trip.

 

Ellen Dellert announced that the FRIENDS IN HARMONY are selling a convention button for $1 each.  Many men got their button before the nite ended.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a Man of Note pin to Mike Kelly for bringing Duncan Woodbury to the chapter.  And Mike presented Duncan his new member packet.

 

There are a bunch of men who have recently renewed their membership – always glad to acknowledge our men who renew.  (There are a few others Chris is bugging to be sure they get their dues paid before Toronto to be eligible to sing!)  Renewal cards went to Rich Hewitt for 2 years; Pete Hubbard 2 years; Kellen Hertz 3 years; Lou Bergner 6 years; Nick Murane 8 years; Craig Kujawa 10 years; Tom Berkey 16 years; Scipio Garling 17 years; Jim Lake 20 years; Bob Wells 22 years; Chris Buechler 28 years; Bob Eckman 29 years; Austin Cotton 38 years; Howard Nestlerode 38 years and Mike Wallen for 41 years.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Ken White welcomed a long line of guests – some family members, some fans, several first timer singers and an applicant.

 

We had a good break (Bob Rhome alerted all that the coffee each week is decaf – for those who need to know!) and the Class of 2013 met to start planning for their year, and the basses worked in the lobby on a couple music spots.

 

After break, Joe invited Chuck Hunter to coach and offer suggestions. Chuck addressed his ideas as choices we could make on word sounds, breathing and tone production.

 

Tony and Joe worked as a team til closing.  We worked on some of the non-singing time points too. There was time for guys to sing for their “listener” for final approval.  And before we ended we did complete sets with the front row. 

 

In other news about chapter members: several Harmonizers will be on the faculty of Harmony College East, June 13-16 in Salisbury, MD, including Bill Colosimo, Mike Kelly, Dean Martin, Bob Wachter, Mike Wallen and Steve White.

 

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 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 14th Chapter Meeting

This week the music team decided to use the rehearsal time for recording another song for a possible CD.  So the meeting was at First Baptist Church on King Street in the music suite on the second floor.  Last week, director Joe Cerutti had encouraged everyone to come tonite as the musical leaders planned to use the nite for contest preparation in addition to recording.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did warm ups and turned the ready-singers over to Joe. We went right to work on “Drunken Solider” and after a short sectional to check some spots, it was recorded.  Then we moved on to “Great Day” and followed the same routine.

 

Then to work on the contest package for a good chunk of time.  Special Forces guys present this week included Kevin McKenzie, Mike Geipel and Dave Ellis. We finished our first work period with time for guys to make self-eval recordings of both songs, and also for the last few guys to sing for their “listeners” and get personal feedback.

 

Joe had warned us to dress for summer temps since we turn off the ac and extra lighting in the music suite at First Baptist for recording.  It was warm!!!   So we took a brief break to clear the room and get some air.

 

Since the chapter is so busy with preparations for Toronto and usual chapter matters, there was a quick business meeting conducted by operations vp Bob Rhome.  His reminders included (1) getting Normandy payment to Ken Fess tonite; (2) there is board meeting on Wed. of this week at Durant at 7:30; and (3) buy scrip cards to use in paying for your Toronto housing from Carl Kauffmann. 

 

President Alan Wile reported that Terry Jordan had to have an emergency gall bladder removal, and is recovering in the hospital and hoping to go home in the next day or so.

 

Alan also reported that Ben Roberts school theater group had been honored for their good work and will be performing at a Kennedy Center gala, June 9.  Ben will perform a duet on stage that nite!

 

Finally, Alan presented a donor’s check for $800 to the treasurer that will be made available as an “angel” fund for helping guys with the trip to Normandy.  If anyone needs help, they should speak to Alan or Joe.  Or if you know of someone, you can speak for them.

 

Don’t forget – make plans to be ready for the kick off of the retreat in Westminster, MD, on Fri. eve May 31^st. by 6:55 pm!  Payments for retreat fees can be given to retreat chairman Chuck McKeever tonite and Howard Nestlerode, other nites.

 

Be certain you responded accordingly to the email about new contest shirts for Toronto!

 

Here are important calendar clarifications for a couple June dates: The chapter will be meeting at First Baptist again on June 11^th – working with Cindy Hansen on the contest package. We will use the social hall not the choir suite.  Then we will be back at First Baptist on June 18^th for a recording session and a contest work session.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reminded all members with dues expirations in the next two months to pay on time or early, to be eligible to sing in Toronto.

 

He presented a Man of Note pin to Craig Kujawa for bring James Sutton to chapter membership.

 

And Chris presented membership renewal cards to Dave DesPortes for 2 years; John Oswald Greene for 2 years; Steve Murane for 11 years; Harold Weinberger for 19 years; and Bruce Lauther for 27 years.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer welcomed our applicant guest.  And Ken White announced that Carlos Barillo had become a United States citizen today – which brought all the men to their feet for a great salute to Carlos! Congrats and welcome.

 

Back to singing and visual work sessions including the ballad. Troy Hillier continued barbershop craft sessions with more Visual Maxims – Your Face Matters, and now adding Your Body Matters.  Troy and Joe suggested that everyone, and especially newer singers, watch some videos of recent chorus contest winners to see what they are doing personally in their packages.

 

To conclude the nite, Joe presented motivational gifts to two – Ben Roberts for his hard work as the newest front row man and catching up to the others so fast; and Mike Geipel for his “totally in the game” efforts at practice tonite.

 

Carlos directed “Keep The Whole World Singing” before we policed the hall and left for the nite.  Some of the regulars went to the afterglow for some chow, some cold drinks, for some visiting and debriefing the meeting, and for some tag singing.  Come join the fun sometime soon.

 

Sequestration has taken its toll on some of our singers. Several men have lost their jobs.  Two actually got new jobs right away – but they can’t get off work at their new job to go to Toronto.  And there are some guys still looking for jobs.  If you know of some job openings in your company – speak with Alan Wile or YeEd.

 

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 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)