Looking Back on the March 29^th Chapter Meeting

Set up crews were hard at work at 6, and special presentation work groups met as well.

Bass section leader Tom Jackson did the warm up session again and then director Joe Cerutti thanked the singers and administrators for the great Aca Challenge event on Sat in DC.  Then he went right to work on our contest music – shaping and contouring the ballad first, then pushing us to know the final part of the uptune we just got.  Contest work took us right up to the mid-way break.

But first Terry Reynolds, executive director, briefed us on some business matters: thanks again to Reed Livergood who headed up the Aca Challenge; Thursday is a full nite working on “milk” at Durant with entrance restricted to 7 pm for riser set up and people entry; Sat is the Men’s Invitational at the University of Maryland with a call time of 1:45 pm; Joe was pleading for more guys to sign up to do the U of MD show which is free for listeners at 8 pm; our Youth Harmony Festival is Sat April 9^th at Convergence Church complex and the chorus will sing; next week’s chapter meeting will be at First Baptist Church at 7 pm. (See announcements email issued by the chaper.)

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed some guys to the risers from the specialforces ranks – Mike Fasano and Mike Geipel.  TJ Jones was back with us for the evening. And Rich welcomed applicants and guests in the house this week.

Thanks to those who brought goodies to add to the storeroom for break time.  Everyone is reminded to drop some cash in the can to cover those expenses.  Thanks again.

After the break we concentrated on songs for the invitational and spent time on the last new song for “milk” and next week’s meeting. Tom Jackson provided the piano support.

In other news, the chapter recognized Tyler Sturgill last week as he is departing as our host and staff person at Durant Center.  He will be in the area and hopfully he will come sing with us someday!

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the March 26^th Aca Challenge Event

The Harmonizers hosted its third Aca Challenge at Lincoln Theater on U Street in DC (This theater was once part of Black Broadway and is a landmark.) on Saturday, March 26^th at 8 pm. This was our largest audience for Aca Challenge with over 700 tickets sold.

 

The chapter invited DC area a cappella groups to audition – many submitted materials and 6 were chosen to compete. The competitors this year were

• The District, an all-female Washington-based vocal ensemble who were in the Challenge last year;
• The JMU Overtones, founded in 1997, from Virginia’s James Madison University, have just released their eighth album, Synesthesia;
• All Natural, formed from alums of several University of Maryland a cappella groups:
• S#arp Attitude, founded in 2011 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and will make an appearance on the reality TV show Sing It On!;
• The Oberlin Overtones, founded in 1984, the only all-male a cappella group at one of America’s major music schools; and
• Catch 22, formed in 2012, North Carolina vocal band were the audience favorite at SingStrong’s 2015 Aca-Idol.

The chapter offered a $1000 first prize, $500 for second, $250 for third, and $100 for all others.  Judges for the event were Catherine Lewis, musical arts writer; Rolando Sanz, executive producer at Strathmore; and Tom Kraus founder of TBD. Also the audience was invited to vote via text during the contest for their favorite.

 

First place winner was All Natural.  They received their “big” check presented by last year’s winners Vox Pox. Second place was S#arp Attitude and third place was Catch 22. Emcee for the night was Tony Colosimo.

 

Here is a recap from producer Reed Livergood:  “The complete list of volunteers who were helpful in making the 2016 ACA Challenge is too long to mention here, but a sincere "Thank you!" to everyone who helped in some capacity for creating such a wonderful musical experience! I would like to extend, however, a special thanks to our judges (Catherine Lewis, Tom Kraus, Rolando Sanz), our own Tony Colosimo as Emcee, and the Lincoln Theater staff. Also, our production crew of Nick Leiserson (Associate Producer), Todd Ryktarsyk (Associate Producer), Scipio Garling (Talent Scout, Communications, Marketing, Program design, Script), Robyn Murane (House Manager), Greg Tepe (Stage Manager), Mike Kelly (Technical Coordinator), Ken Rub (Harmonizer venues, VIPs), Terry Reynolds (Harmonizer Executive Dir), Josh Roots (voting manager), and our dedicated riser crew staff who always willing and able to come early / leave late. Thank you all of making this year's edition of the ACA Challenge successful in every way!”

 

The song package (“America,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Yesterday,” and “Friday Night in the Castro”) was a huge success with this mostly young a cappella-fan-crowd that filled the auditorium and balcony. They particularly reacted to our presentation of “Friday Night in The Castro” from “I Am Harvey Milk” with the front row “club dancers” and the fun music.  Rolando Sanz did the solo for us on this number.

 

 The audience also cheered wildly for our own TBD modern a cappella group with their new mics and enlarged group. Currently the group includes Scipio Garling, Noah Van Gilder, Jeremy Richardson, Josh Roots, Nick Leiserson, Terry Reynolds, Kellen Herz, Troy Hillier, Todd Ryktarsyk, Joshua Desportes, Clark Chesser and Jeff Burkey. Reed Livergood is the musical leader of the group.

 

The chorus assembled about 5 pm and did warm ups with Tony outside and some prep outside in the parking lot. We did our sound check and stage check time and then went to the Walker Memorial Baptist Church around the corner on 13^th for a long practice time with director Joe Cerutti.  Our uniform was the black suit, hidden button white shirt, red tie, dress black shoes, black sox and belt – and our bronze medals.

 

There was a fun and successful afterglow down the street from the theater at the Saloon upstairs.  (Thanks to Ken Rub for locating this venue.)

 

Robyn sent a thank you to the following who helped her with the house:

 

“- Connie Lauther, Peggy Wagner, Sandi Ulibarri, Judi Kern, Martha Moncibaiz, and Ginny Wells, for ushering and welcoming our guests so graciously!

- Lydia Golden, who in addition to ushering, stocked the judge's room with treats!

- Amy Roots for timing the contestants!

- Saundra Deltac for wrangling our guests out in front of the theater, getting them into the correct line ... Tickets-in-Hand, Will Call or Groupon!

- Brigit Gilvary and Ninamarie Maragioglio for helping backstage, keeping all of the moving parts moving in the right direction!

- Keith Jones for escorting and supporting the judges!

- Carol Dangel for sitting by that open door with the brisk breeze and selling CDs! (not to mention the motorcycle noise and skunk fragrance!)

- And Christina Ammerman and Ellen Delert for processing 300 Groupon tickets, seating groups together and making it look easy!

 

You are a great team, and the Lincoln Theater staff was so impressed by your professionalism, and dedication.”

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

 

Looking Back on the March 15th Chapter Meeting

This week was another Harmonizer work session in prep for contest and the Harvey Milk concert.

Huge set up crew needed each week to do risers, chairs, av and refreshment things, guest chairs, admin tables and such.  Great that many folks pitched in including some family members who arrived before 6.  The front row was working on the stage again using the mirrors for their dance work with Carlos Barillo, and there was a choreo review in room 5 with Chuck McKeever.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups this week and was lead director this week as Joe Cerutti was out of town.  (He did visit us via Skype and offered comments and notes via email to executive director Terry Reynolds.

The work included contest songs on the risers, a review of the Harmonizer welcome song, quick run of the songs we will sing at the U of MD men’s invitational, and finally Milk music.

Terry did the announcements (here is a brief recap since they were also emailed to all members): all singers need to get in their first recording of the ballad by Mar 22, Milk rehearsal Mar 17 at 7 pm at Convergence Church, Mar 29^th will be all contest work, 31^st will be Milk with the musical director of that event at Durant, April 2 is U of MD gig, April 9 is Aca Challenge.

Aca Challenge is Sat Mar 26, chorus call is 5 pm, uniform is black suit outfit with medal. Chorus will sing at the Harmonizer Youth Harmony Festival Sat April 9^th at Convergence church.

Craig Kujawa encouraged those who have not followed his advice to officially register their room for Nashville to do it now.  Don’t delay.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Jay Sorensen for 4 years, Joe Kirkland for 6 years, Nick Leiserson for 6 years, Andrew Havens for 7 years, Joel Golden for 11 years, Tim Cash for 17 years and Chris Huber for 24 years.

Terry also announced that Ike Evans was gonna be in room 5 to take mug shots for the Harmo photo display board.

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed applicants and a guest and Joe Sawyer who stopped in to see us.

In other news, a plug for some of our guys who are in the rock group Riptide – Huber, Golden, Hertz, Cerutti Sr. who had a gig this past weekend and some other members went to see them.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the March 8th Chapter Meeting

This week the guys came in ready to go to work on the contest package as a follow up to the fun and successful retreat with Tony DeRosa over the past weekend.   Director Joe Cerutti has asked us all to bring our music in order to make notes about final changes or revisions. Joe was full of praise for the good work by the chorus on Saturday!

In the end, Joe had to be on travel.  But he was with us via Skype and went over all the points he wanted to make with us.  It worked great.

Associate director Tony Coloismo was there to take Joe’s notes and help us apply them to the ballad.  We also heard that more of the contest uptune is on Groupanizer for all to get.

Bari section leader Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups for a big chorus on the risers.  The set up folks had worked hard to put a lot of chairs up for the second half of the rehearsal and the usual av equipment, guest chairs, admin tables and such.  Coffee crews had goodies ready too.

There were a bunch of meetings prior to the start of chapter meeting too: front row on the stage in prep for Nashville with Carlos Barillo; choreo review for Harvey Milk with Chuck McKeever in Room 5; Board meeting in office; and finance committee in lobby.

Important reminder of all-sectionals this Saturday 9-12 at Convergence Church Lab across the street on Crestwood. The published announcements on Wed. also included songs, uniforms and such for Aca-Challenge appearance Mar 26 at Lincoln Theater; U of MD Men’s Chorus invitational Sat April 2 on UMD Campus; and our Youth Harmony Festival Sat April 9 at Convergence.

President Randall Eliason reported on some other barbershop chapter events coming up: Voices of Gotham in NYC event March 19-20 featuring our own DA CAPA quartet plus our friend and coach David Wright; and the Fairfax Chapter 60^th annual show is Mar 19^th.  The Washington Men’s Camerata will have its spring concert at 4 pm Sun. April 3.  See David Kohls for tickets.

Randall presented another President’s Valor Award this week – this one to Bob Rhome for his decade of work as facilities coordinator getting us meetings spaces and making arrangements for chorus, sectionals, meetings auditions and such.  And in recent years in lots of other venues besides our home base at Durant Rec Center. Congrats and thanks from all of us Bob!

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to John Smith for two years; Chris Odell for seven years; Tom Frederick for 23 years; Ken Ives for 31 years and Rick Wagner for 35 years. Rick also was given his 35-year lapel pin.

Director of membership Rich Hewitt introduced our two newest applicants and this week guests.

After break, we welcomed our “milkmen” singers to work on the oratorio for the rest of the nite.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the March 5^th Retreat

Our Saturday retreat on March 5^th was fun and lots of hard work!  Coach Tony DeRosa made it fun even when he was telling you to do more, or to change things.  He had our director Joe Cerutti and all of us laughing as we worked.  The all-day work session yielded a ballad ready to work on for the months ahead.

There was coffee and donuts (thanks to Jack Pitzer and Terry Reynolds), along with plenty of bottled water for all.  Bob Rhome had arranged for us to all get into Durant early, so coffee was on and a crew had the risers and chairs set up along with the av equipment. Bob also did some repairs for our storage area under the stage.

Great to see some guys back to do contest with us such as Gene Swartz, Kris Zinkievich, Michael Fasano and Paul Grimes. All 105 singers were encouraged to get onto the risers in our traditional contest positions with the many new members finding a home for now.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups for us while Joe was getting our coach from the airport.  We did some work on the uptune during that time, but we worked all day until 5 pm on the ballad.  Coach Tony met with the music team over lunch from 12:30 – 2 while the rest of the chorus found places in Old Town to get chow (the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade was happening in the center of the city too.)

Before the day ended, the chorus was also given time to make a self recording. Chuck McKeever produced a video of the final product and has already released it to members for review.

Another fun moment was when Joe played the Beatles’ song “Day in the Life” that is the verse of the ballad arranged by David Harrington. 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the March 1st Chapter Meeting

This week’s chapter meeting was at First Baptist Church on King Street since Durant was a polling place for the VA primary.

Lots of guys helped haul in the risers and equipment to get set up for our work session.  Chuck McKeever conducted a 6 pm choreo review session for Friday Night from the Harvey Milk music.  A good crowd of guys were there to drill and reinforce their homework on it using the videos Chuck makes and sends out.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session and then turned the chorus over to director Joe Cerutti. We worked hard on the contest ballad and even allowed time for more guys to make their personal recordings to submit.  It seems we are ready for the retreat this Saturday with our coach Tony DeRosa.

And we worked on the uptune helping more guys get it under their belt for the retreat.

After the break, we returned to the risers with all our “milkmen” pals to work on the Harvey Milk music.  Joe was at the piano as well as directed with Tony as well.

Executive Director Terry Reynolds made announcements (which were emailed today to all members).  Highlights include reminder of the Thursday nite, Mar. 3 rehearsal at Convergence Church Black Box Theater; reminder of the retreat this weekend at Durant from 9-5 –donuts and coffee served.

President Randall Eliason explained the chapter’s angel fund that helps anyone needing some financial assistance with chapter matters such as dues or convention registration. Anyone in need should speak privately with Randall, and anyone who can make a contribution to help our brothers should also talk to Randall.

Personal announcements regarding Harmonizer family include the recent passing of Will Cox’s father who was 94; the sudden passing of Brian Miller’s wife Michelle; and a health update that Frank Fedarko is on the mend.

Congratulations to fellow Harmonizer Rick Taylor who joined Harmony Foundation International in early February as National Development Manager. Based at his home just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Rick will be representing the foundation at chapter meetings and events all over the country.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Joe Cerutti for 15 years; Tom Kern for 18 years; Calvin Schnure for 21 years; Walt Page for 22 years; Keith Jones for 38 years; and Bob Wachter for 64 years!!!

Director of membership Rich Hewitt introduced our guests,  current applicant and newest member, Jay Sorensen.  Rich also was asking for volunteer help on planning and operating the afterglow following the Aca Challenge.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Feb. 23^rd Chapter Meeting

Special NOTICE:  chapter meeting will be at First Baptist Church on King Street next week, March 1^st since Durant will be a polling place for the VA primary.

This week’s meeting was an important nite as we prepare for the Harvey Milk show in April.  We spent nearly the whole nite on Castro with choreographer Larry Keigwin.  Director Joe Cerutti conducted the music, our choreographer Carlos Barillo helped us polish the moves, Strathmore executive producer Rolando Sanz and his accompanist Isaiah Shim were with us to help with the music.

We did our warm ups on the risers with associate director Tony Colosimo and Carlos up front.  And we sang the whole nite on risers with all of our “milkmen” singers joining us there.

After break and some announcements, we did work on the contest songs, and one or two other Milk pieces.

Special guests for the nite were the men of SIGNATURE quartet, current district champs from FL and Sunshine District.  They are in Alexandria to sing for and introduce fun singing to about 1,000 choral music students in the area. They were making two appearances each day in a school and singing with a chorus each nite. Their program is all part of the CHOYCE program we are conducting as part of the BHS grant the chapter received.  Director of Education Vickie Dennis is coordinating along with Bill Colosimo who will be head of our Youth Harmony Festival this spring. They are staying at Jack Pitzer’s home.  Both Bill and Joe have been going with them to their school appearances.  The Harmonizers loved hearing them sing a couple songs at chapter and presented them with a Harmonizer lapel pin. They also joined a large gang of folks for the afterglow this week!

It was great to have Ross Felker and Peter Hubbard visit us for the nite as both were back in town this week.  Membership director Rich Hewitt also introduced our guests and applicants for membership as well as called down the “milkmen” for all to welcome again.

Major announcements included a plug to kick it into gear on ticket sales for the Aca Challenge show; everyone needs to heed the instructions to register for your room at International this summer per Craig Kujawa; and Joe shared some plans for the songs we will sing on the joint concert at U of MD.

Chapter president Randall Eliason announced a President’s Valor Award to Clyde Crusenberry, Calvin Schnure and Ninamarie Maragioglio for their work in organizing the Singing Valentines efforts for the chapter.

In other news, Don Dillingham is teaching the chorus how to perform the “Haka” that we will do for our New Zealand barbershop friends at the International convention in Nashville this summer.  Don spoke with Matt, the bass of the MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS at last year’s convention, and the two of them came up with the idea that our choruses would do the cheer to each other.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Feb. 16^th Chapter Meeting and Singing Valentines Performances

Chairman Calvin Schnure submitted this report to YeEd about Singing Valentine performances:

“The Friday evening gang called themselves "THE CONEY ISLAND HOTDOGS", which I think is quite fitting. Saturday evening was pre-formed from TBD. The rest I put together from the volunteers. Singers are listed from top to bottom – tenor, lead, bari, bass.

 

 

Friday afternoon	Friday evening	Saturday afternoon	Saturday evening	Sunday afternoon
Jeff Berman	Carl Kaufmann	Aaron Simoneau	Scipio Garling	Brian Ammerman
Randall Eliason	Clyde Crusenberry	Brian Ammerman	Noah Van Gilder	Ben Roberts
Ken Fess	Joel Golden	Harold Weinberger	Jeff Burkey	Chris Odell
Calvin Schnure	Steve Murane	John Smith	Terry Reynolds	Dean Rust

“Friday afternoon we sang for several senior activities groups, centers, nursing homes etc. Many were having parties and loved the cheer we brought. We also sang for a group of after-school kids at the Charles Houston Center. In addition to several polecats (we toned down the old schmaltzy songs for the kids) we showed how each part contributes its harmony to "My Wild Irish Rose", then sang with all four together. We even brought one girl up from the audience to sing a tag with us. She did a great job on the post of "When I leave the world behind" ("be-HIIIIIIIIINNNND!).

 

“Two noteworthy items were the Old Dominion Boat Club that the “Hot Dogs” did, and on Saturday evening, the quartet from TBD did many restaurants and clubs in the Old Town area.

As usual, FOUR FROM THE HEART, also sang Valentines over the weekend.  Bruce Lauther is the organizer for these appearances.  Friday’s foursome included Bruce , Bob Rhome, Joe Wagovich and Mick Stamps. They sang at two schools and also sang for Chuck Harner just as he was about to check out of the hospital after his open heart operation, and for Jean Wachter who was at home recovered from her recent heath matters.

On Saturday Bruce sang with his registered Society quartet, FOPAS.  Then on Tuesday, another version of FOUR FROM THE HEART including Bruce, Austin Cotton, Drew Fuller and Ken Fess did the annual appearance for the Kaiser Permanente Oncology department in Burke and McLean. 

After a snowy and icy start to the day on Tuesday Feb. 16^th, the Durant Center was open and we were able to meet as usual.  It was a work-on-our-music nite.  The first half we did contest music on the risers. Reed Livergood did the vocal wam ups.

Important announcements were emailed to all members on Wed, but the major ones included: a reminder that we are the ones who have to sell tickets for the Aca Challenge event Mar. 28^th; next Tues will be all work on “milk” music and will include choreography training; then finally, two important reminders about contests – Sat Mar 5 is contest coaching with Tony DeRosa and each guy needs to submit a recording and self evals for Phase 1 of the qualification process.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Jacob George for 6 years and Dean Rust for 36 years. Membership director Rich Hewitt introduced singer guests and new applicants.

And after break we did the music for the oratorio.  Rolando Sanz, executive producer for the Strathmore performances, was with us to help us get a feel for the flow of the music with the orchestra. Great to have so many extra singers to join us.

In other news, the widow of Past Society President Wilbur Sparks, Ibbianne, died on Wed. Feb. 10th. She was 96 and resided at Goodwin House West in Northern Virginia. Her daughter Nancy reports that the family will honor Ibbianne's wishes and hold a private grave side memorial service at a later date. Nancy's email is nancyssparks@gmail.com. As most members will recognize, she and Wilbur were the an inspiration for members and their partners working together for the chapter – one major history note is that they mimeographed the chapter bulletin, The Echo, for many years and folded it and stamped it for mailing.  She was the major worker on the mailing project.

Carl Kauffmann was recently elected to the district honor club, DELASUSQUEHUDMAC  in recognition for his service to MAD. He was congratulated by many fellow Harmonizers who are already in that group at the chapter meeting this week.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Feb. 9^th Chapter Meeting and Extra Rehearsal

The snow held off and another huge crowd of members got to Durant for the usual start time of our rehearsal nite.

The extra rehearsal on Thursday, Feb. 4^th was at Convergence Church in their theater building.  After an hour of work with Tony on the Harvey Milk Oratorio, we stayed on to watch the movie, “Milk” about Harvey Milk and his activism before and after he was elected to the city council.  Randall Eliason brought a popcorn popper and sodas for all to enjoy during the movie time. Bob Rhome worked hard to get the theater space ready for us.

Tonite’s work was serious to help us all advance on the contest package and the “milk” music. Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups.  Associate director Tony Colosimo was at the helm for the music direction.

During the first half of the nite, Tony had us work on the ballad and then we took a stab at the uptune music we have so far.  We also we able to self record the ballad for our own review and possible submission.

Executive director Terry Reynolds did a presentation to further explain the qualifications requirements for contest and how we can submit our recordings.  Michael Gilmore will do the admin work for this process. Watch for email details.

Announcements have been mailed to all members by director of communications Scipio Garling, but here is brief recap: there is no extra rehearsal on Feb. 11^th; an all-sectionals rehearsal on Sat. Feb. 13^th runs 9-noon at First Baptist Church; all members need to sell tickets for the ACA Challenge on Mar. 26^th   at Lincoln Theater in DC; the Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc., has received approval as a 501 (c) 3 organization; Chuck Harner is in Fairfax Hospital recovering from a planned open heart surgery.

Chairman Calvin Schnure met with Singing Valentine quartet men and prospects to fill out the quartets needed for community appearances this weekend.  YeEd heard some quartets guys rehearsing songs in the lobby before the meeting started.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented  membership renewal cards to Aaron Simoneau for 3 years; Matt Doniger for 4 years; Clyde Crusenberry for 6 years; Mike Moncibaiz for 11 years; Bob Rhome for 15 years; Brian Ammerman for 22 years; Chuck Powell for 22 years; and Bruce Minnick for 39 years.

Director of membership Rich Hewitt with help from Jack Pitzer made permanent name tags for the “milkmen” who are joining us for that show.  Rich recognized this week’s birthday men and welcome prospective member guests and applicants.

After break, we worked on the “milk” music until closing time.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the Feb. 2^nd Chapter Meeting

There was a huge crowd at Durant for this week’s meeting after the big snow weekend.  All of the risers were full for the first half of the nite to warm up vocally with director Joe Cerutti. Then for the second half where we sat in chairs facing the stage and piano (accompaniment by Tom Jackson), the crowd was so large we had to scare up some extra chairs and/or some singers decided to stand.

Membership director Rich Hewitt had his hands full welcoming all the “milkmen” for the oratorio as well as several men seeking membership in the chapter.

After warm ups using the tag from “Mary Had a Baby,” Joe went right to work on singing the new contest ballad.  He ended that session declaring, “We have a ballad to work on now.” 

During the work on “I Am Harvey Milk” we were proving to ourselves that we are getting closer to doing several of the movements by memory.  Joe encouraged everyone to come to the extra rehearsal for this work on Thursday Feb. 4^th at 7 pm at Convergence Church, 1801 N. Quaker Lane in Alexandria  (rehearsal actually in their lab theater across Crestwood Street); then stay for the showing of “Milk” the movie with Shawn Penn.  Popcorn and sodas too.  Joe also told us that a choreographer for the April performance will be at Durant on Feb. 23^rd.

Executive director Terry Reynolds did a presentation about the qualification process for contest this year.  It includes an evaluation phase in Feb-Mar and then a qualification phase late April and May. There will be consideration for vocal, visual and valor categories (valor – how much you chip in to help with the chapter operation).

Announcements by Terry were published on Wednesday by communications director Scipio Garling and sent to all members – major items needing attention are (1) follow up on your room reservations for the 2016 International contest (Craig Kujawa); (2) quartet singers needed for Singing Valentines gigs (Calvin Schnure); and not-singers who could help with videography are needed (Scipio Garling).

Terry shared some info about how the chapter was involved at the recent MidWinter convention in Reno, NV.  This list from Alan Wile gives you a hint at how many current and former chapter members were there to work, attend meetings, work as staffers, leaders or committee/board members or just enjoy and have fun:

Duane Gunn – part time staffer of Chapter Leadership Education; Ryan Killeen – Harmony Foundation Inc. (HFI) Director of Development; Carlos Barillo – show director for the convention and BHS Show Producer; Joe Cerutti – BHS staffer for Outreach/Chorus Director Development; Mike Kelly – audio visual support; Rich Payton – Deke Sharon escort for the convention

Darryl Flinn – Former BHS Executive Director (1996-2004) and Harmonizer coach who captured the term “Breathless Moments”

Terry Reynolds – Harmonizer Executive Director and Scipio Garling, chapter communications director, both represented us at a chapter leadership exchange

Dennis Ritchey – M-AD Executive Vice President; Chuck Harner – secretary of HFI Board of Trustees; John Santora – Society Board Member

Chris Buechler – Contest Administrator for contests held at Reno; Ben Roberts – sang in “East Coast Sound” (which won the AAA Plateau (with a score of “Superior”); Mark Rodda – (sang with the chapter when he was in high school with his father) – sang baritone in FINAL COUNTDOWN (an North South Carolinas Seniors Quartet – finished 17th); Mike Wallen – tenor in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT in the Seniors’ Quartet contest (finished 8^th)

Other attendees included John Adams, Sean Devine, David Ellis, Tom Gannon, Ross Johnson, Jim Lucey, Sam McFarland, Bruce Minnick, John Rettenmayer, Chuck Roots and Paul Wietlisbach  

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd