Looking Back on the August 19th Chapter Meeting and Market Square show

The weather was awesome for this year’s Market Square show on Friday, Aug. 15^th at 7:30 pm in Old Town.  A huge crowd – some of us think it was the biggest in years – was there to hear us sing our hearts out in competition with the airplanes headed for the airport.

 

When we finished, Joe challenged the guys to go and meet all those guys in the audience and round up some guest singers for next Tuesday!  When the chorus arrived at 6:30, the riser and truck crew had done their work already and sound checks for emcees and soloists were underway. The front row worked on some last minute details inside the City Hall and the chorus did their warm ups in the lobby.  Thanks to John Pence again for bringing the song board for the stage. Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer helped us all get our parking lot tickets approved for free parking! Quite a few guys who are working on getting enough songs learned were in the audience too, as well as many family members.

 

Also the chapter had its first All Sectionals rehearsal on Saturday, Aug. 9^th at First Baptist Church. Other All Sectionals are scheduled for the rest of the year, so check the Harmo calendar.

 

This Tuesday nite rehearsal was pretty regular with lots of work on new music, and continued quick reviews of songs we will sing for the Dog Days of August show in Manassas.  It is the annual event hosted by the Bull Run Troubadours at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas 20112.  The program starts at 7 pm with other choruses from NoVa singing a few songs each.  The Harmonizers sing last, so even if you can’t get there at 7, come on out.  Plan ahead for traffic as well as getting rides since no Metro out there. Plenty of parking tho. And great refreshments.  We will wear black travel shirt, jeans, and black everything else.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo warmed up the chorus for director Joe Cerutti.  Chuck McKeever conducted stage presence reviews before the meeting began.  Operations vp Bob Blair conducted the chapter meeting. 

 

Show vp Nick Leiserson announced that the tickets for the holiday dinner show will resume sales online on Monday, Aug. 25^th at 7pm. The show is Dec. 5 and 6 at First Baptist. There is some urgency for members to be sure to get their orders in before the show is sold out.

 

Kris Zinkievich, who sings with us and also directs the Germantown, MD, chapter, announced that their chapter is having their fall show on Sept. 13.  Kris has tickets.

 

Assistant director Terry Reynolds confirmed that the new songs are online including revised editions of “Welcome Christmas.”  Terry also announced that since we will be singing “Undecided” with the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline chorus (that Joe also directs), there will be some combined rehearsal – Mon. Oct. 6 in Baltimore and Tues Oct. 28^th here in Alexandria.  The show is on Monday, Nov. 3^rd.

 

Clyde Crusenberry announced for Shawn Tallant that members need to make their reservations for  the hotel for Wildwood, NJ, for the fall contest

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Rusty Orvik for 10 years.

 

Rich Hewitt welcomed and introduced guests for the evening.

 

After a good break, we worked hard on the new contest ballad and transitioned into doing the contest set.

 

Before we left, Joe lead us in singing “A Place on the Risers for You” to Ben Roberts who is headed off to college in Philadelphia.  His family was on hand for the farewell too!

 

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

 

Looking Back on the August 12th Chapter Meeting

A good riser full of guys was on hand to work on their music for the upcoming shows and fall contest.  There were traffic challenges that made the drive in take twice as long, and the early start at 6:30 pm is tough for many guys. 

 

Director Joe Cerutti and associate director Tony Colosimo did vocal warm ups and got the chorus ready to sing and perform.  Choreographer Carlos Barillo helped us get our “game on” too for performance. Chuck McKeever conducted a review session on the stage at Durant at 6 pm for those wanting to catch up for contest.

 

This Friday nite is the annual appearance at Market Square in Old Town by the court house. Chorus call is 6:30 for the 7:30 show. Parking is under the square for new guys who have not been there before – bring your parking ticket with you for validation by the city staff. Family and friends in the audience will want to bring some chairs for comfort.  This is a good chance to invite potential show patrons to get a taste of our showmanship.

 

Shows producer Greg Tepe was at the meeting to remind us as to uniform and other such details.

 

We did quick reviews of songs for the show – sometimes just getting them off to a good start – with the various directors for the songs, with soloists and choreography changes for the front row for this particular performance.

 

We also dug into the two new songs recently released to us for learning – “Undecided” which we will sing with the Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus on the fall Harmony on the Harbor show; and “Welcome Christmas” which will be a new song for our annual holiday dinner theater show.

 

Operations vp Bob Blair conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  Secretary Chris Buechler reminded us all that it is not enough to report contact info changes, or other personal info, to BHS or on Groupanizer – if you want it correct in the chapter directory.  You need to give Chris an alert too for he can publish correct info in the rosters.  Thanks to Chris for doing that periodically for the chapter. 

 

Secretary Chris presented membership renewals to Duncan Woodbury for 2 years, Ben Roberts for 3 years; Greg Tepe for 23 years; Alan Wile for 33 years; Mike Kelly for 34 years’ and Carl Kauffmann for 42 years.  Ken Fess received his 30 year renewal card and the traditional lapel pin our chapter gives members for milestone years of membership. Alvin Figer was presented his new membership certificate and materials package from the BHS; and Carlos Barillo received a Man of Note for bring Alvin.  Ben Roberts received a Man of Note award for bring David Jarzen.

 

Rich Hewitt introduced this week’s line of guests to the chorus.

 

After break (thanks to Ben for baking the great chocolate cake/brownies and Dick Dangel for the watermelon!), we concentrated on the two songs for fall contest.  Also we are expecting to have coach Cindy Hansen come help us soon, so it is good to get off the music all the way.  Most of us are. 

 

Joe did leak word that the new uptune arrangement by Clay Hine has arrived and will be issued soon.  We will be learning it in preparation for Pittsburgh in 2014.

 

We sang our farewell song to Jeremy Knobel who has finished law school and moving to start his law career in NYC with a large firm up there.  It is always tough to sing “A Place on the Risers for You” when we send off a friend from the chapter. Incidentally, he had the winning 50/50 ticket this week, so he directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” as we ended our nite together.

 

Jeremy and a large crowd of guys were at the afterglow at LaPorta’s on Duke Street.  Director Joe was there too as well as some of our guests. Lots of tag singing too for those who like it, or just visiting and getting some chow.

 

Any Harmonizers who travel long distances to attend chapter meetings or shows are welcome to contact Peggy Wagner about a Bed and Breakfast sort-of plan if they ever need to stay overnite before going home the next day.  This might be good if weather is bad, the show goes late, etc.

Peggy is also eager to hear from any members who are willing to offer a room now and then. Sooo -if you need a place to stay, contact her. If you have a room to spare, contact her at Plw.ged@gmail.com  703-626-1836 or 703-754-0935

In other news, sadly must report that Nancy McKendree, wife of long time Harmonizer and former treasurer and bulletin editor Jack McKendree died August 8th after a battle with cancer.  They retired to Williamsburg VA and often came up for shows and major Harmonizer events.  She was 78.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 3PM, at Bruton Parish Church, 331 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Interment will follow in the church yard.

 

Gary Mankin reports he has been taking Burt Stueve to the doctor recently as Burt is about to get prosthesis after his recent surgery.  Gary says Burt says hi to all!

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

 

Looking Back on the August 5th Chapter Meeting and a Report from HU

As you might expect, the Harmonizers were well represented at Harmony University on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville from July 28-August 3. YeEd’s reporters sent word that it was great event (and the new campus, different from past years, was well received).  Joe Cerutti was dean of the school in his capacity as a BHS staffer (filling in for Mike O’Neal who left the staff recently to take a music educator position).  Joe was emcee for each morning’s general session.  By the end of the week, he was being called “Headmaster Cerutti.” 

 

Tony Colosimo and Carlos Barillo were coaching quartets and choruses during the week.  Mike Kelly was teaching a class on how to use technology at the chapter level and of course was always there for sound and av support at all sessions..  Terry Reynolds was teaching chapter leadership as part of a team to help those chapter choruses there for musical coaching also to address their organizational development.  Chris Buechler and Rich Hewitt attended the director’s college at HU.  Drew Fuller and Randall Eliason were student attendees. 
Drew sang in the Brigade Chorus on Saturday nite. Randall and Rich received Harmonizer scholarships to attend with the pledge to return service to the chapter. They both sang in the “green” rookie chorus that took the rookie chorus championship (everyone who was at HU for the first time got a ribbon designating which rookie chorus they would sing in).

 

About 700 students attended HU including music educators, women barbershop singers, youth as well as quartets and choruses.  It is a huge event and a powerful way to improve as a singer and barbershopper.

 

Besides the HU event, candidates to become certified BHS judges attended a school to help them prepare.  Chris Buechler was on the faculty.  Jay Butterfield is a new singing category candidate.

 

And in other news: our chapter visual team met last Sunday nite at Chuck McKeever’s home.  Carlos was back from Nashville to help Chuck.  The team includes Joe Cerutti, musical leadership (he was not back from Nashville);  Bruce Roehm and Craig Kujawa, front row leaders; Randall Eliason, faces coach; Keith Jones and TJ Jones, assistants to Chuck; and eight row leaders including Don Thompson, Carl Kauffmann, Dave Branstetter, Chuck Powell, Don Dillingham, Ian Poulin, Nick Leiserson and Bob Blair. 

 

This week the 6:30 start was hard for many to make it on time, since the DC area was in gridlock from the big meeting of African leaders in Washington.  But the risers ended up being full about 7 or so.  The welcome music to get us on the risers was one of our new songs.

 

Director Joe Cerutti did the vocal warm ups.  He was fresh back from Nashville and Harmony University – see above.

 

We went right to work on review of show songs since we have another outdoor concert, Friday, August 15^th, at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria. Be sure to invite friends and family to come to this one.  Bring some chairs for comfort.  Make plans for after the show in Old Town.  Metro riders might want to check out the trolley shuttle from King Street station.

 

 

 

Then we also worked more on the new contest ballad as well as some spots in “Anything Goes.”  We are still looking to confirm more singers for the fall district chorus contest in Wildwood NJ during weekend of Oct. 24-26.  Goal is 115 and we are getting close. Members should be sure they have signed in on harmonizers.groupanizer.com that they are gonna sing in the contest.

 

Operations vp Bob Blair conducted our chapter meeting and thanked chapter historian Martin Banks for the displays this week.

 

Bob thanked Calvin Schnure for his work on the successful Put Together Quartet contest last week.

 

Shawn Tallant reported that we have good numbers signed up to use rooms in the chapter’s hotel in Wildwood.  He also indicates we will have a chapter hospitality room in that property if some guys step forward to manage it.

 

Rick Wagner is accepting offers from members who are willing to host a fellow chapter member that needs a place to sleep some Tuesday nites after rehearsal – especially when weather is bad or when we have to be some place early in the morning in the DC area.

 

Ike Evans gave out the Harmo logo brief cases that guys ordered.

 

Several chapter leaders spoke about up-coming calendar items: all sections sectional on Sat. Aug 9^th  at 9 am at First Baptist; Market Square show on Fri. August 15^th; show with other DC area choruses on Tuesday August 26 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manassas; Cindy Hansen coaching us in Alexandria on Tuesday Sept 2 with emphasis on the new ballad.

 

Carlos Barillo is inviting men who want to be in the front row to speak with him ASAP.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Carlos Barillo for 3 years; Don Dillingham for 5 years; Tim Buell for 10 years; Ian Poulin for 11 years; Craig Odell for 45 years; and Don Johnson for 46 years.

 

Rich Hewitt welcomed guests this week.

 

At break time, we all enjoyed a big container of banana bread (rumor has it Don Dillingham brought it in for us – Thanks Don). Other folks have also brought in goodies to share including Rick Wagner, Sam McFarland, Dean Rust, Chris Huber, Randall Eliason and Ellen Dellert. (YeEd figures he has forgotten someone – sorry but thanks too.)

 

After the break we had an important presentation by president Terry Reynolds about the future of the chapter – in summary: the board is considering how to transition us into an arts organization and not just a barbershop chorus. We were assured that we would continue to be a member group of the BHS and we would continue to participate in BHS contests and events.  The recent change in chapter bylaws by the BHS board will make some of the transition possible. There was also adequate time for questions and discussion with the chapter membership.

 

A good crowd was at the afterglow again this week with some good tag singing and lots of jokes and stories from Harmony University with some of our rookie faculty guys sharing “tales out of school.”

 

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

 

Looking Back on the July 22^nd Chapter Meeting and John Carlyle Show

It has been a busy week since last Tuesday nite.  The board met on Wednesday July 16^th.

 

Thursday nite July 17^th was our outdoor concert at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria by the Patent Office.  A big chorus 70 guys was there to entertain and perform for a nice audience of fans and family who had brought chairs and blankets to sit on the lawn.  One couple, who had seen some of us at the afterglow last Tuesday and to whom a quartet sang “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” was right down front cheering for us.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups behind the stage as cars drove by looking at us and facially wondering “what is going on?”.  Greg Tepe, show producer had things lined up and the show ran smoothly.  We were welcomed to the stage by a city staffer.  Emcees for this show were Ross Felker, Terry Reynolds and Chris Huber.  Mike Kelly did his bit in “Jersey Boys” too and Tony and Doug White did the solos in that song.

 

Director Joe Cerutti was back from Nashville for the show and was joined up front by the assistant directors for some of the songs.  Our a cappella group, TBD, sang on the show featured one of their new members Josh DesPortes. Thanks to John Pence for the song boards up front so we would know what song was next! 

 

Thanks also to the crew who came early to set up the risers – thankfully it was not terribly hot this year: Phil Ashford, Bob Blair who drove the Harmo truck, Dave Branstetter, Peelee Clark, Clyde Crusenberry, Josh DesPortes, TJ Donahue, Randall Eliason, Gerry Fuller, Paul Grimes, Bob Rhome, Ben Roberts, Todd Ryktarsyk, Shawn Tallant, Harold Weinberger and Doug White.  Doug, Josh and Todd helped Mike Kelly with the sound equipment set up too.

 

Then on Friday morning, we gathered to say farewell to Roger Day at his memorial service at National Memorial Park in Falls Church.  There were 65 current Harmonizers there to sing for Roger including some guys we don’t see regularly like Burt Stueve, (who is recovering from his surgery and the loss of part of his leg), Michael Calhoun, Al Herman, Al Hanenbaum, Mike Everard, Geoff  Berman, Tom Kraus and Bill Colosimo.  Former Harmonizers Royall Geis, John Hall, Dean Schienbein and Larry Silva also attended. What a wonderful tribute! Joe served as master of ceremonies for the memorial service and the interment with Terry Reynolds directing at the graveside ceremony when we sang “Danny Boy” which Roger has requested.  Roger was buried with his gold medals and “I Sang with the Harmonizers” button.  His email address said it all – onegr8rday.

 

Tuesday nite July 22^nd was another busy one as many guys were trying to get in a rehearsal or sing-thru at least with their quartet for the Harmonizer Put Together quartet contest on Tues. July 29^th.

 

Quartet promotion chairman Calvin Schnure reminds everyone to push on with forming a quartet for the contest at Durant.  He especially needs to know the name of the quartet and who is singing in it. Hopefully, you found all four parts at this week’s rehearsal. This contest has always been fierce competition for those all important trophies!!!  Get you one.

 

Musically, the chapter worked on the new ballad a bunch and did some review of “Anything Goes” for contest this fall too.  Chuck McKeever did visual reviews on the stage before chapter to help new guys catch up.

 

Tho we didn’t work on songs for the upcoming summer concerts, everyone should mark their calendar  for the one at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria on Friday, Aug. 15^th; and the very important gig on Tuesday Aug 26^th.  It is called Dog Days of Summer and hosted by the Bull Run Troubadours, Manassas Chapter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas 20111. 

 

Important to be there for this one as several other chapters in the NoVa area come to sing on the show with us as the last chorus to do a mini show for our fellow barbershoppers.  There are refreshments, tons of parking and it is a fun nite.  Plan ahead for carpool rides – especially from Metro stops.  The traffic can be tough, but we sing last so you can make it. 

 

The event is designed to add a special event during those hot dog days of summer for barbershoppers.  It is a blast.

 

Ops vp Bob Blair ran a chapter meeting this week.  Shawn Tallant reminded guy of the need to make a hotel reservation in the next week or ten days at Blue Palms.   Alexandria Harmonizers is the code to the get the rate.

 

Project manager Ken Fess gave some updates, and promised an email, about the Harmony on the Harbor show, Nov. 3^rd, just prior to the Sweet Adelines International convention.  His main point was that tickets are already selling fast and if you or your patrons wanna go, get online an place an order.

 

President Terry Reynolds announced a generous gift from the Federal Lodge #1 to the chapter.  The presentation to us was done at the John Carlyle show. 

 

Terry also offered to collect any donations to the Harmonizers in honor of Roger Day.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Steve Szyszka for three years; Craig Kujawa for 11 years; Martin Banks for 31 years; and David Welter for 38 years.

 

Membership vp Jeremy Richardson thanked Rich Hewitt for his dedication to welcoming and introducing guests in recent weeks while Jeremy’s work taking him away.  We had another long line of guests this week.

 

After the break (where we consumed Scipio Garling’s birthday cake), it was back to work on the contest ballad.  We had a sectional too on the new song.

 

A good crowd were at the afterglow again

 

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

 

Looking Back on the July 29^th Chapter Meeting and Put Together Contest

Hi all - Rick Wagner prepared this Looking Back report for us. Thanks to him and Todd Rykstarsyk for filling in while I am on vacation. Jack – YeEd

Subject: RE: Put Together Result

Though the crowd was not huge, it was energetic and the Harmonizers presented another successful Put Together Quartet contest. Bob Blair with assistance set up the hall for the contest by 6:30. Quartets were madly prepping for the contest from 6:30 to 7:30 with last minute rehearsals, quartet member changes, making up names, etc. The contest started at 7:30. The event was "put together" by Calvin Schnure. Lew Klinge served as MC for the Contest providing some history on Wilbur Sparks and the origin of the Put Together Contest. All toll twelve separate quartets competed and everybody did a fine job. Awards were handed ou t for best comedy quartet and third, second, and first place quartets. Our special guest judges were "THE MONORAIL FOUR", current Southern Division Champs. They were Bobby Seay, Phil Ferguson, Andrew Havens, and Kellen Hertz. The judges did a great job and entertained the crowd with a couple of selections after the contest. A good time was had by all. The results of the contest were Best Comedy Quartet was M*A*S*H Q with Randy Lazear, TJ Donahue, Nathan Ritter, and Calvin Schnure who entertained the crowd with a clever parody, "Something About A Shoulder". The third place quartet was "Brigade Island Boys" with Doug White, Kevin Mckenzie, Joel Golden, Calvin Schnure, singing "Where the Southern Roses Grow". They were preparing for Harmony Brigade and did a fine job with one of the Brigade numbers. The second place quartet was "Cool Cats" with Doug White, Will Cox, Jacob George, and Joel Golden, who gave us a "jazzy" version of "My Wild Irish Rose". Taking top honors was "Coney Island Hot Dogs" with Carl Kauffman, Clyde Crusenberry, Joel Golden, and Steve Murane who gave us a rousing rendition of "Coney Island Babe" with skimmers and all. The evening was ended with Doug White directing "Keep the Whole World Singing".


Regards,

Rick

 

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

 

Looking Back on the July 15^th Chapter Meeting

Well highway traffic was BAD this week and it took some guys two hours to get to chapter meeting and thus they missed dinner or arrived late.  The Beltway was a parking lot.

 

But it was a good crowd in the end and we worked hard. The invitation song to get on the risers at the new start time of 6:30 pm was “Danny Boy” as sung by the Harmonizers from one of our earliest CDs titled Having Fun.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then launched our musical work time on songs for the Thursday nite outdoor concert at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria – just a few blocks from the King Street Metro.  BTW – encourage your friends, family and fans to bring chairs for this outdoor venue.  Casual black camp shirt with jeans and any black shoes. Chorus call is 6:30 pm for the 7:30 show.

 

Greg Tepe has sent an email with details and he was at chapter meeting to brief us on them.

 

Director Joe Cerutti was in Nashville to prepare to head up the staff for the BHS Harmony University the  last week of July.  But we connected with him via FaceTime and he was able to coach us on the parts of the new contest ballad that we are working on as we launch the song.  It was fun to see him, hear him well and have him hear us.  He will be back in town for the Thursday show and for Roger Day’s funeral on Friday.

 

Joe spoke about Roger and what he has meant to the chapter and welcomed former members to come and sing their best with us.  President Terry Reynolds has provided information by email.  Many of the details were suggested by Roger himself, including singing “Danny Boy.”  Chorus call is 11:45 Friday at the National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hway, Falls Church 22042. Wear a suit and tie. Visitation is at 12:30; service at 1; interment at 2.  A reception will be held at the Trio Grill, 8100 Lee Hway.  Donations may be made in Roger’s name to the Harmonizers.

 

Operations vp Bob Blair conducted this week’s chapter meeting. Ike Evans assured all that the order for shoulder briefcase bags with the Harmo logo were ordered and due soon.

 

Shawn Tallant announced he had done some digging and found a hotel in Wildwood NJ that could provide a room block for the Harmonizer contingent for the fall district contest weekend, Oct. 24-25-26.  Stay tuned to sign up for the great room rates he got for us!!

 

President Terry Reynolds congratulated John Santora upon his election to the BHS board of directors. Without fanfare, he also reminded us all that celebrating the life of a fellow Harmonizer is why we all belong!!

 

Ken Fess thanked Peter Hubbard who was one of the major team members in planning for the trip to Normandy.  Peter was on travel when it was first announced. 

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Peter for 3 years; Tony Colosimo for 21 years; Brad Jones for 22 years; Mike Edison for 23 years; and Ken Rub for 23 years.

Rich Hewitt announced and welcomed our guests for this week.

 

After break, Tony conducted a great barbershop craft session. And then he and the assistant directors worked on songs for the show.

 

Terry reminded the board of their meeting on Wed. nite this week at Durant

 

In other news, Dan O’Brein sent word to all of us about his relocation for a year of professional development. “I am taking a year's leave from the Harmonizers. I am moving to Bloomington, IN, soon to teach, write papers, etc. at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University for the 2014-2015 academic year. I am looking forward to my break from the "daily grind" of Washington to enjoy "all the things you are, Bloomington IN." We will miss you Dan O!

 

YeEd wanted to report a couple more things from the International convention in Vegas:  the chapter sponsored a great ad on the Jumbotron in the contest arena with a title “from Normandy to Vegas” saluting our competitor friends; and when Alan Lamson gave his retirement remarks from the BHS board, he said he had had many wonderful experiences in his years as a barbershopper, but none could top his singing in Normandy with the Alexandria Harmonizers!!

 

There was another big crowd at the afterglow at LaPorta’s this week. Some good tag singing, some good chow and fun visiting.  Several guests have been coming too. There was more talk at the afterglow about singing in the chapter quartet contest coming up too.

 

Calvin Schnure reminds everyone to push on with forming a quartet for the chapter’s annual Put Together Quartet Contest to be held on Tuesday July 29^th at Durant.  There will be special refreshments that nite too – we have finally eaten up all the left over cookies from the freezer!

 

A top-notch quartet from our area will be the judges, and the popular emcee hired for this event will be worth the admission fee!  Here’s hoping for some comedy numbers this time again!!  Tell Calvin you plan to sing, the name of your quartet or that you need another part.

 

For those new guys in the chapter, you heard them call Calvin “Dr. Put Jr.” on Tuesday nite -- and here is why.

 

“This contest is dedicated to the memory of the late Wilbur Sparks. Wilbur created the Put-Together Contest some 30 years ago, and organized it every year until his passing.  Affectionately known as “Dr. Put,” Wilbur was well known for recruiting unsuspecting chorus members to sing in quartets for the contest.  He also had a knack for finding creative and funny names for quartets that were not quick to name themselves.  Over the years, the Put-Together Contest has become a part of the Alexandria Harmonizers’ tradition, and we celebrate it again this year in Wilbur’s memory.”

 

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

 

Looking Back on the 2014 Las Vegas International Convention

 

The Alexandria Harmonizers did not compete this year because of our trip to Normandy and Germany in June; but Harmonizers were there in large numbers to sing, medal, work, attend meetings, cheer for our friends from M-AD, meet old friends and hang out with each other without the stress of rehearsals and early wake calls!

 

The MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS from New Zealand won the quartet contest as many expected, tho the finals round was still close.  FOREFRONT from OH/KY/IN area came out of the pack to take second and that pleased a lot of our guys who were cheering for them.  MAIN STREET took third with our coach and Harmonizer friend Tony DeRosa singing lead and dancing with them. Our own Sean Devine was in the seventh place quartet, THROWBACK with a young new bass singer, Michael Skutt, who was also in the championship collegiate quartet, THE ACADEMY.

 

Two other quartets with Harmonizers in the contest were LAST MEN STANDING with TJ Barringer, Drew Feyrer, Ed Bell and Mike Kelly, ranked 29^th; and MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Pookie Dingle, Mike Pinto and Ken White, ranked 33^rd.  MAYHEM sang second in the contest and sang “I Am What I Am” as their ballad.  LAST MEN STANDING sang last in the first round of 53 quartets – a play on their quartet name it seemed.

 

Unfortunately, DA CAPO had to withdraw for health reasons, but they got a mention by the crazy guys in LUNCH BREAK, who were as amazed as anyone that they made the finals round.  So when they started their finals package, they thanked DA CAPO and a couple other quartets for taking a year off!!

 

Other M-AD quartets included ROUND MIDNIGHT, 12^th; UP ALL NIGHT, 31^st; and GIMME FOUR, 40^th.

 

The chorus contest this year was a barn burner with Dallas Vocal Majority coming out on top over Masters of Harmony from CA. This was the first time those two powerhouse choruses had met head-to-head.  Greg Clancy, a former Harmonizer coach, directed the VM and on the Saturday nite show, he thanked his dad and let him direct one song as tribute to his many years at the helm.

 

The Great Northern Union from Hilltop, MN took the third place chorus medal with a holiday winter uptune song featuring an ice skater on a “pond” on stage.  This year we had ice skating, dancing in water (Singing in the Rain) on the stage, fire explosions from inside the chorus, a circus tent, and a pirate ship.

 

The pirate ship was created by the Denver chorus who took fourth.  They built the whole thing in the same time it took the men to get on stage.  Our own TJ Donahue, who is back in CO now (tho in Alexandria for the summer working at the National Science Foundation) designed the set and props and made it all work so smoothly.  The chorus made some fun of the other competitors and so invited two of our guys to do walk-on parts – Terry Reynolds “walked the plank” as Justin Miller from the Masters and Ken White “walked the plank” as Aaron Dale from KVU.  The whole fun package was choreographed by Carlos Barillo. Congrats to our guys.

 

Our M-AD chorus rep, Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen NY, were 15th. They too sang “I Am What I Am” in a medley with “My Way.”  It was great to see all of our friends from their chorus.  Some Alexandria guys attended the very well done VoG session during the convention about marketing and brand building for their chorus.

 

The Toronto Northern Lights chorus did a terrific swan song as outgoing chorus champs while the judges’ scores were tallied for the chorus contest.  They did a snippet from each of their famous contest sets and it was terrific.  And then they concluded with a love song to all of us in the audience.  It was an emotional high for all barbershoppers!!! 

 

And no surprise, there were 15 former or current Harmonizers who appeared on stage with various choruses.

 

Before the convention started, Joe Cerutti was in Vegas helping his fellow staff members prepare for the convention and especially the collegiate quartet contest. He also made some stage introductions and directed the youth chorus on the Saturday nite show.  Bill Colosimo headed up the meeting of district presidents.

 

Carlos Barillo was producer for the Saturday nite Spectacular which featured some great Vegas style entertainment, some great video interviews and a super presentation by CEO of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Marty Monson.

 

At the Society board meeting, Chris Buechler helped as a parliamentarian.  Gary Plaag is wrapping up his term as a board member and Alan Lamson is outgoing past president.  John Santora and Ken Fess were among the four members nominated to be new board members and John was elected.

 

Chris was also busy as contest administrator of the contests all week along with Chuck Harner as assistant administrator. Chris serves as chairman for that judging category.

 

Keith Jones and Dixie Kennett helped keep notes on members, former members and coaches in Vegas.  If you read down the list and the notes below, you get a terrific capsule look at how the Harmonizers were present and involved at the 2014 International convention.

 

Jorge Acevedo – enjoyed week with wife Cathy

Carlos Barillo – producer of Saturday nite Spectacular

Lou Bergner – sang with Toronto

Chris Buechler –judging panel, category specialist, contest administrator, attended judging committees

Bob Caldwell – enjoyed the week

Joe Cerutti – BHS staff, managed collegiate quartet contest, directed Next Generation chorus

Dwain Chambers – president of Dixie District

Bill Colosimo – moderator of district presidents council, chair of BHS Music & Perf  Committee

Bill Conway – sang with Palmetto SC chorus

Dan Cook – enjoyed week with wife Erin

Steve Delehanty – arranger for us

Larry Deters – former Harmo music team, former Dixie District president

Sean Devine – sang with Masters of Harmony and THROWBACK

Pookie Dingle – sang with MAYHEM

Ron Dionne – enjoyed the week

TJ Donahue – sang with Denver Sound of the Rockies

Dave Ellis – enjoyed week with wife Cindy Hansen Ellis, our coach

Ike Evans – YeEd guesses he was the tuba player for Dixieland Band event

Ken Fess – candidate for BHS board

Thom Faircloth – enjoyed the week

Darryl Flinn – former BHS ex director and Society president, coined Breathless Moments title

John Flynn – sang with THX chorus from Florida

Jim Gammon – sang with Hawaii chorus in World Harmony Jamboree and with THX, FL chorus

Tom Gannon – enjoyed the week (former Harmo House owner)

Jim Haggerty – sang with Masters of Harmony

Chuck Harner – judging panel, member of Harmony Foundation Inc. board of trustees

Andrew Havens – enjoyed the week

Bob Hirsh – enjoyed the week

John Hohl – enjoyed the week and hearing Senior Champs quartet sing his arrangement of “It All Depends on You”

Chuck Hunter Sr. – Chuck’s dad and mom enjoyed the week

Ray Johnson – sang with Masters of Harmony

Ross Johnson – enjoyed the week with wife Susan

Keith Jones – reporter for this copy

Kevin Kaiser – enjoyed the week

Mike Kelly – sang with LAST MAN STANDING, and did video work for the Harmony Foundation such as the Sing With The Champs activity

Ryan Kileen – sang with Nashville chorus, with TNS quartet, works on Harmony Foundation staff

Craig Kujawa – enjoyed the week

Alan Lamson – enjoyed the week as retired BHS president with wife Janet

Richard Lewellen – judging panel

Mike Louque – collegiate contest judging panel

Denny Malone – sang with Sound of the Rockies

Bob Mattes – enjoyed the week with wife Sandy

Dick Newton – enjoyed the week with wife Nancy

Mike Pinto – sang with MAYHEM

Jack Pitzer – enjoyed the week and YeEd

Gary Plaag – BHS board member

Bill Power – sang with Masters of Harmony

Ken Potter – sang with Masters of Harmony

John Rettenmeyer – member of Central States District Board

Terry Reynolds – attended BHS meetings and appeared with Sound of the Rockies

Jeremy Richardson – enjoyed the week

Mark Rodda –sang with ZERO HOUR from Carolinas District.  His dad Brian was bari in the NOVA CHORDS.  Mark’s mom, Ceil Rodda, was at her first convention in 30 years.  She was the first president of the Harmonettes – the chapter auxiliary in 1966

Ron Rogers – sang with Vocal Majority

Ken Rub – enjoyed the week

John Santora – elected to BHS board

Larry Shelton – enjoyed the week

Greg Tepe – enjoyed the week

Steve Tramack – arranger and coach for us

Terry Traylor – sang with Spirit of Phoenix chorus

Rick Wagner – enjoyed the week with wife Peggy

Eric Wallen – enjoyed the week

Mike Wallen – enjoyed the week

Ken White – sang with MAYHEM and appeared with Sound of the Rockies

Paul Wietlisbach  - sang with Nashville

Alan Wile – Harmony Foundation committees

David Wright – arranger and coach for us with wife Sandy and our many Ambassador of Harmony friends

Kirk Young – arranger and coach for us and collegiate quartet contest judge

 

As usual, it was a great week for meeting old friends and making new ones, for singing some great songs and for the proud moment of singing our National Anthem and the Canadian Anthem! Great to see the new generation of singers on stage and the many old timers still hanging in there on stage and at the convention. The store was popular and after a while, we all got so we could wander right on past the casino.  The webcast was fun and we know some Harmonizers watched here in VA.  YeEd heard that Bob Wachter watched the whole contest and shows!

 

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