Looking Back on the June 30^th International Send Off for 2016

The venue at Providence Presbyterian Church was packed with a huge crowd of fans which included many non-competing members, former members and family friends and our guests from Barbershop in Germany (BING). There was excitement in the air!

The 103-chorus singers arrived in their contest outfits and were on the risers at 7 pm for a good warm up session with associate director Tony Colosimo. Great to have the Class of 2016 on the risers - tenors: Jay Sorenson, Masahasa Takahashi; leads: Casey Belzer, Jason Lee, Art Medici; baris: Jeff Burkey, Jim Kirkland, Antony Takahashi; basses: Tim Cash, Matt Doniger, Tom Jackson, Steve Spar.

The singers from BING mostly all had just arrived at Dulles and came to the venue with their Harmo hosts. They warmed up in a separate room.  The chorus is called Heavy Medal and are all medalist quartet singers in their organization.  Their chorus will rehearse in Alexandria on Friday in preparation to sing on shows in Nashville.

Director Joe Cerutti took over the Harmonizers in prep for tonite’s demo of the contest package.  He first welcomed everyone, thanked our friends from Germany for coming, and set the stage for how the nite would unfold. He particularly thanked the chorus men and their families for the dedication to the package in the last couple months. After he finished his warm up time, the chorus took a break to regroup uniforms and all.  AND since the crowd for the send off had grown so large, more chairs were brought in after the warm up.

Soon executive director Terry Reynolds announced the start of the contest send off demo.  He encouraged cheering and welcoming the chorus to the risers.  The Harmonizers performed their set – “Yesterday” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” both arranged by David Harrington.

After the first run-thru, Joe invited Heavy Medal to sing for us.  Their singing stimulated a couple standing ovations!

President Randall Eliason thanked all those who came to support us, thanked the riser and set up crews and thanked Robyn Murane and her uniform crew. He also explained that the Harmonizers will honor director emeritus Scott Werner as part of their contest package where he will appear as part of the Sgt. Pepper number and even direct a part of the song.  Scott is an icon in the BHS world having directed the Alexandria Chapter to earn its four gold medals.

Soon it was time to cheer again and the chorus performed the contest set again.

To wrap up the nite, the two choruses combined and sang “Tribute to World Peace” as a fitting conclusion to the great nite of barbershop harmony.

Two Harmonizers have had to cancel their participation in Nashville – Jack Pitzer is recovering from gall bladder surgery and Phil Ashford is recovering from a serious car accident.  Both made it out to cheer on their chorus pals.

Other reporters (Dixie Kennett and Keith Jones) kept track of the many other non-competing Harmonizers in the hall for the send off (of course they have their fingers crossed that no one was missed!).  That list includes Martin Banks, Geoff Berman, Chris Buechler, Larry Dennis, Len Dornberger, Mike Everard, Paul Greiner, Dick Hall, Al Hanenbaum, Don Harrington, Al Herman, Troy Hillier, Ross Johnson, Terry Jordan, Matt Kahn, Dave Kohls, Lew Klinge, Walt Page, Rich Payton, Ron Precup, Dave Reyno, Ben Roberts, John Smith, Bob Sutton, Greg Tepe, Bob Wachter and Joe Wagovich. Some former member spotted in the hall included Chuck Botts, Sean Devine, Dave Ermick, Bob Hoffman and Dean Schienbein. Mark Medrik, one of the “milkmen” was also with us. Great to have their support on this important 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 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the June 28^th Chapter Meeting and Charter Nite Celebration

This was a milestone nite in Harmonizer history – celebration of our chartering as a chapter 68 years ago – and right here in Durant Center!!  There were 19 guys who signed on that nite.  Jack Pitzer spoke briefly about that charter nite in1948. Director Joe Cerutti spoke about where we go from here based on the foundation of those great barbershoppers. (YeEd wonders how many other chapters are still meeting in the same hall where they got their first charter?)

Martin Banks and John Smith prepared a historical display for all to enjoy including the actual charter signed by O C Cash, and Bob Blair with help from Kevin Kaiser had “birthday” cake for all served in the lobby, Joe brought another cake made by SAI member Ashley Miller featuring our medals and logo and historical points. All yummmmy.

But of course the chapter was also hard at work in preparation for our trip to Nashville for the International convention and contest.

Even with the large crowd of family and friends and other barbershop guests, the front row worked on their routine in front of the risers in the main hall. At 7 pm, associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups.  (He got a lot of cheers of congrats for his quartet appearance singing the National Anthem this weekend for the ball game.)

When Joe took the helm, he welcomed some long time members with us this week and also welcomed the early arrivals from BING who will be singing with us at the send off on June 30^th. He then had the chorus start each contest song three times in a row to get the juices flowing. He and his team used every minute to refine and remind and rekindle excitement.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about the send off on Thursday at the Providence Presbyterian Church on Little River Turnpike.  Chapter singers due there at 7 pm dressed in contest uniform.  Actual performance for guests will be at 8 pm.

Our convention director Craig Kujawa covered a few last minute points: he will be passing out remaining convention registrations; Mark Klostermeyer is coordinating chorus photo sales; every Harmonizer is welcome to attend the Togetherness breakfast on Friday in Nashville and should get a  ticket for it from Steve Murane or buy a guest ticket from Jacob George on Thursday nite; there will be a Harmo Hideaway on Wed and Thurs nite in Nashville at our hotel; the combined hospitality room with other M-AD choruses will be Sat nite in our hotel

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reminded all members to alert him if there is an change in contact info or address if you move. Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed our guests and we sang the Harmo welcome song to all.

The coffee and goodies for break were a welcome treat for all – especially those who had to rush in early from work or dodge the rain storm to get to chapter.  Thanks to those members who brought in some goodies to restock the cupboard for break 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 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on a Compilation of  June 16-June 23 Events with Harmonizer Participation

(Thanks to all those who sent messages and took notes to help record while YeEd was out of commission for surgery – YeEd)

This report covers:

1^st  - Harmony College East weekend June 16-18

2^nd  - Rehearsal June 21st

3^rd  - Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd

4^th  - CROSSROADS in DC on Capitol Hill

5^th  - Extra Chorus Rehearsal June 23rd

First - Alan Wile reported on the M-AD organized Harmony College East (HCE) weekend June 16-18^th at Salisbury University in MD.  DACAPO was there and a number of our members were there for classes or to teach, coach or provide admin support for the weekend or receive coaching in preparation for the International quartet contest. Former member Mike Louque was on the faculty again for the youth program. Alan did his usual good job as arm twister to get guys to contribution to the M-AD Endowment Fund that provides scholarships for HCE each year.

Second - the rehearsal on Tuesday June 21^st at Durant was, of course, a major work session in preparation for the chorus going to Nashville. Coach Cindy Hansen was in town to push us forward in our performance efforts. Director Joe Cerutti and his music team continued to help us refine and improve the contest package. Some time was also used to refresh our music for the “I Am Harvey Milk” class in Nashville. SAI quartet CLASS RING sang for the chapter. And the chorus got a sneak preview of the costumes for the front row in the uptune.

Third - Mike Everard reported on the Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd . This was a celebration for the 20^th anniversary of the Mt. Vernon Chapter and a salute to Bob for his dedication from the beginning as their director.  He recently became director emeritus and Drew Fuller was named director.

Bob spoke and shared his thoughts and joys from the successes of HHS. Harmonizer John Adams came to town for the event as he had been instrumental in promoting the formation of the day-time chorus. Marty Monson sent his regards as CEO of the BHS. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented plaque awards.  A good number of Harmonizers attended the luncheon at Ft. Belvoir Officer Club.  Chuck McKeever did a video of the event.

Fourth – Harmonizer Joe Cerutti was on Capitol Hill on June 23^rd with CROSSROADS quartet for their recognition as 2016 Stand for Music Award winner from the National Association for Music Education (WAfME). The quartet was specifically honored for their efforts as advocates for music education.

Fifth – the extra rehearsal on June 23^rd was at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax VA 22031. Since Joe was on Capitol Hill, associate director Tony Colosimo was at the helm for the nite. He stimulated hard work and help singers prepare for Nashville.  He asked octets to come down and do the uptune several times. There was a large crew of chapter fans sewing uniform parts for the contest package too. Past Harmonizer president John Adams was in the house too.

Looking ahead: Tues June 28^th is charter nite celebration for our 68^th year; International send off is Thursday June 30^th at Providence Presbyterian Church (guest can attend at 7 or wait til closer to 8 to see the contest package); we are hosting German barbershoppers this week 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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the June 14, 2016 Chapter Meeting

 

A riser crew began to assemble by 6:00 p.m. A new riser configuration was used with two sections of six risers, each, arranged at opposite ends of the hall, facing each other (one for stage left; the other for stage right), with a sizeable amount of floor space between them. As usual, Ginny Wells helped put the visitor chairs out – this time in the middle of the room, facing the open space between the risers. Chuck McKeever held a choreo review session in a separate room. Director Joe Cerutti, Choreographer Carlos Barillo, and the front row blocked some uptune moves/positions from the risers and to/in the open floor space. Carolyn and Dick Hall set up their 50-50 positions at tables on the opposite side of the room from the guest chairs. Big changes all around that created quite a stir … until explained.

Associate Director Tony Colosimo conducted the warm-ups and taught a tag in the process: “Somewhere she’s all alone without you.” After a few words by Joe, Carlos provided needed choreo instruction for segments of both the uptune and the ballad, after which Joe worked the chorus on the ballad (bubbling, single voice, duets, three part, and full chorus).

Executive Director Terry Reynolds conducted the business meeting. He announced (1) that Education Director Vickie Dennis has taken the position of musical director of the Upper Chesapeake (Sweet Adelines International) Chorus; (2) that information about upcoming special rehearsals and the chorus’ sendoff (with a German chorus) would be coming out this week; (3) that Contest Director Craig Kujawa is in need of a second member to drive the Harmo-truck to Nashville; (4) that there will be a “Togetherness Breakfast” on Friday morning, prior to our contest appearance in Nashville – that there will be no cost for Harmonizers and a $30 charge for guests; and (5) that orders for chorus photos (taken on the international stage following our contest set) are being taken by Chorus Manager Mark Klostermeyer.

Joe announced that the two Joe Ceruttis were producing a golf tournament to benefit veterans and wounded warriors on July 15^th at an area resort. Volunteers are invited to pick up and contribute to housing the participants at the resort (cost: $380).

Continuing, Terry (6) highlighted a message from Chapter President Randall Eliason (currently traveling) about a proposal to have a joint hospitality room with the other competing M-AD choruses on Saturday night of the convention weekend; he asked for a show of hands of those who would support/attend such an event with/without guests and received a positive response; (7) that there would be rehearsals for our “Harvey Milk” class on Friday night of the convention weekend following the chorus results “call off” and again on Saturday morning prior to the presentation later in the day … with a song list coming soon; (8) that Ike Evans is continuing to take pictures for the Chapter picture board; and (9) that cake celebrating Steve Murane’s birthday (6/13) would be served in the lobby during the break.

Membership Director Rich Hewitt first called out the Class of 2016 to ascertain whether each member had his scarf on his person. Evidently each did. Then he introduced the current applicants and guests, asking section leaders to be prepared to attend auditions later in the evening.

Finally taking a break, while chorus members and guests enjoyed coffee, goodies, and cake (prepared by Kevin Kaiser), Don Dillingham conducted a brief HAKA rehearsal on the stage.

Following the break, Joe had the chorus sit down and listen (LISTEN) to recordings of the Westminster and Ambassador of Harmony Choruses which illustrate clean, precise, singing produced without distractions, consistent energy, melody vs. phrase singing, and micro dynamics. Asking the chorus to sing the ballad, he directed the volume levels while Tony did the same for the energy level (which should always be at a “10” regardless of the volume). He emphasized the need to avoid “flat-lining” (not a new concept but one that needs more attention).

We then did a couple of set run-throughs for recording and for videoing – be sure to check the latter out when Choreo Coach Chuck McKeever posts them!

Joe announced that we are hiring a Piano Professor from Vanderbilt University for our “Harvey Milk” program in Nashville; singing the part of Andrew Lippa (Harvey) will be the choreographer from the Voices of Gotham Chorus; and introduced Heather Krones who is “filling in” for Kristin Chenoweth. We then sang though “Leap,” followed by “San Francisco.”

Joe mentioned that his wife, Bridgette, is working at a Karaoke bar in Occoquan, VA. After Joe sang “New York, New York” a gentleman approached him, congratulated him for his fine singing, said he sang in a barbershop chorus, and suggested Joe visit. He was a bit taken aback when Joe told him he is the director of the Alexandria Harmonizers.

We understand David Jarzen receive (another) “Cappie” for his performance in West Potomac High School’s production of “Starlight Express.” Congratulations, David!! Cappie stands for “Critics and Awards Program.” David received his award at the Awards Gala, June 12^th, at the Kennedy Center.

Although Mike Gilmore will be competing with us in Nashville and we’ll see him several times between now and then, I believe tonight was his last regular chapter meeting as a local resident. He and Gigi are moving to Ohio.

It was good to see Bede Bender back from his new home in Vero Beach, FL for a visit.

The George Washington Middle School Choir put on a wonderful program on Monday night – the first “Clash of the Chords” by members of eleven groups of singers in grades 6, 7, and 8. The students picked their own songs, developed their own choreography, and selected their own props … and performed without a care in the world. Well done Casey Belzer, GWMS Choral Director!

Carl Kauffmann directed “Keep The Whole World Singing,” as he took home the “50-50” prize money.

One other thing. Please note the brand new gate installed at the entrance to the back door – installed to facilitate load-in/-out. The Durant Staff (principally Center Director Cheryl Anne Colton) is very pleased with this addition.

 

Until next time – Alan Wile (subbing for 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 June 7^th Chapter Meeting and Welcoming Scott Werner, Director Emeritus

(Thanks to Clark Chesser for taking notes for this report and to Kevin Kaiser for getting the coffee and break refreshments ready this week.  – YeEd)

The rehearsal started with a vigorous warm up by Tony Colosimo.

Director Joe Cerutti introduced our special guest and director emeritus, Scott Werner, who was here to practice his portion of our uptune, “Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The crowd erupted in a prolonged applause that was extremely heartfelt. We jumped right in and started practicing the uptune, and Scott must have been practicing his bit, because he picked it up extremely fast! Before we took our break, we started honing the ballad, “Yesterday,” incorporating the things we learned with David Wright at last weekend’s retreat at McDaniel College.

 

Before we took our break, chapter executive director Terry Reynolds, welcomed all our many guests who had come to see Scott including Mike Everard, Al Hanenbaum, Al Herman, Bill Sowers, Bob Wachter, Joe Cerutti Sr., TJ Jones and Martin Banks who had prepared a special history display for the nite.

 

Terry also welcomed back new dad, Josh Roots, and announced the birth last of his and Amy's daughter, Hope Elizabeth Roots - born May 30th and weighing 5.3 oz! Josh treated the chorus to several boxes of Dunkin Doughnuts Munchkins for break time snacks! Yum!

 

Terry reported that Jack Pitzer was one of the citizens honored tonite by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors with the title Lord Fairfax in recognition for his volunteerism in the county including as a member of the chapter.

 

An extra rehearsal was announced for Thursday nite June 9^th at 7 - 10 pm at Convergence sanctuary.  Joe will be there to help us with a vocal studio for the uptune – come when you can for as long as you can.

 

Carlos Barillo reminded the guys to check their uniforms and make sure that everything fits, and if it doesn't to consult with Tom Kern - the chapter uniform maestro. Joe announced that we would not be wearing makeup at international.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Beuchler announced the following renewals: Dave Welter 39 years; Bob Bates 38 years; Martin Banks 33 years; Al Herman 33 years; Mike Edison 25 years; Anthony Colosimo 23 years; Dave Branstetter 11 years!; Edris Qarghah 8 years; Don Dillingham 7 years; Marvin Evans 6 years and Stan Quick 5 years.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed a bumper crop of guests and our newest applicants Litic Murali, Devon Thompson and Mickey Robertson.

 

After break, Joe led us in singing the tag "It's a Great Day;" then we launched right into drilling the ballad. We then went back to the uptune and ran though it a couple more times, then did a complete run though of the contest set - that really sounded fantastic.

 

The last part of the rehearsal was spent going over some of the songs from "I Am Harvey Milk", in preparation for our “master class” at International.  Any new members who want to sing in our Milk performance in Nashville and who did not sing it at Strathmore should speak with Terry.

 

Here is a chance to offer support for Casey Belzer’s middle school chorus concert - Mon, June 13^th at 7:30 pm, George Washington Middle School.  Doors open at 7 for early crowds.

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 2016 International Retreat June 3-4 Westminster MD

This year’s retreat was a huge success from every aspect. 

Coaches David Wright and Cindy Hansen were top-notch and taught us all so much more to do in making our performance exciting.  We also learned more about our arrangements and the music we sing and how to use our instruments to produce the best barbershop harmony. Our songs, for the record, are “Yesterday” with verse based on “A Day in The Life” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”  with “I Get By With A Little Help from My Friends” – both arranged by David Harrington.

Supporting these coaches was our top-notch in-house crew: director Joe Cerutti, associate director Tony Colosimo, assistant director Terry Reynolds, choreographer Carlos Barillo and riser coach Chuck McKeever.

Retreat chairman Chuck McKeever and his team made it all run so smoothly.  The staff at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, was a great help too in setting up breaks, preparing for our arrival in the dorms and having the cafeteria open early each meal .  We stayed in the air conditioned suites again this year. There was plenty of food for sure.

Chuck’s crew included Doug White, who worked hard all weekend to mic the coaches, and help show videos and other AV matters; Jack Cameron, Bob Blair Sam McFarland, Ian Poulin and Keith Jones and Bruce Minnick who helped with retreat admin details; and Gerry Fuller who was the Harmo truck driver to the retreat. Many of them helped get things set up for the early start on Friday nite!!  Keith and Ian provided visual performance support during the retreat too.

This year we officially started at 8 pm Friday nite.  A bad rain storm hampered some guys trip to the retreat, but a large contingent of guys ate at the Irish pub in town.

Joe did the warm up session and officially welcomed our coaches. We started right off doing a run-through of the set for the coaches to see and hear how we were doing so far.  Cindy and Carlos did a work session for the uptune.

We took a break to watch a great YouTube piece that Joe wanted us to see – about the development of “Over The Rainbow” as an arrangement.

We ended Friday with announcements from Chuck about registrations and payments and key turn in and a bandana check for the Class of 2016! (There was one performance of “I’m a Little Teapot” for the one guy who didn’t have his scarf.)

Saturday morning’s kick off at 8:30 am following breakfast in the cafeteria and some housekeeping announcements. Then Joe did a long and solid warm up session for us. He also proudly welcomed our coaches and told the newer guys more about the barbershop backgrounds of David and Cindy.

After that it was solid singing and working on making improvements all day.  There were some mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks, and lunch of course. Often there were meetings of small groups such as the front row, the past presidents of the chapter, or the Class of 2016 (that is the guys singing with us in Nashville who have never sung with the Harmonizers at an International – which means some are brand new barbershop singers and some have earned medals with other chapters and are new to our chapter). Their president this year is Casey Belzer.

The official class list is tenors: Jay Sorenson, Masahasa Takahashi; leads: Casey Belzer, Jason Lee, Art Medici; baris: Jeff Burkey, Jim Kirkland, Antony Takahashi; basses: Tim Cash, Matt Doniger, Tom Jackson, Steve Spar.


Executive director Terry Reynolds served as emcee for the weekend and coordinated announcements during the weekend.  There were some guests during the weekend including Bill Sowers, Bob Echman, and Rob Langston who was there to do photography.  


 Before dinner David refreshed the “Friends” tag that we would use at the end of the weekend. We also viewed a couple more videos to help us in our personal motivation.

About 8:30 pm on Saturday nite we relaxed for the annual party at our retreat.  The college provided a good buffet of warm and cold things and plenty of liquid refreshments for all.

The Class of 2016 did their skit for us all to enjoy.

Joe remarked about the many wonderful highlights of our recent appearance at Strathmore and our work on “I Am Harvey Milk” and briefed us on the class we will present in Nashville about that experience.

Then for a new retreat event, we  got to ask questions about from our coaches – each one took about a half hour of questions from the guys about their experiences, memories, fun stories and personal life.  It was fun for all and helped us all learn more about the Society, our music, and our fellow barbershop singers.

Sunday morning, we turned in our keys to Chuck and crew before entering the cafeteria for breakfast.

And then back on the risers at 8:30 to recap and continue to polish points that had been discovered on Saturday. Tony did another good warm up for the tired voices. Sam took Cindy back to Dulles for an early departure, so David worked with us all morning.

Chuck did some parting remarks and thank yous to crews who helped make the weekend flow.

Then Terry began the wrap up remarks for the weekend including leading the applause for Chuck and his crew.

We concluded the session, locked arms, sang the “Friends” tag (that is for those who could sing it and not get too emotional doing so)!

Everyone pitched into haul the risers, av things, props and signs out to the truck. Then they headed to their homes – with some stops for chow or ice cream en route.

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 May 31^st Chapter Meeting and Southern Division Contest May 27-28

We all knew there was plenty to do in order to be totally prepared for the retreat this coming weekend with David Wright and Cindy Hansen (a recent addition to the coaching staff this weekend), so guys arrived early and filled the risers.

Good crowd of guys came to the presentation review with Chuck McKeever.  Set up crews had the room ready and the AC was working overtime that caused some folks to grab jackets (but no one complained).

Choreographer Carlos Barillo spent the opening part of the evening helping us get a handle on the emotions of the ballad.  He used a new exercise which included playing instrumental music and we suggested our thoughts as to the message of the song (this does not do justice as an explanation of the successful exercise – YeEd). 

Following this we worked on the contest songs with Director Joe Cerutti  – mostly as a follow up to the recent vocal studios that each member attended at Durant with Joe or associate director Tony Colosimo.

Carlos had another chunk of time teamed with Joe on the songs.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting time: watch for an email from retreat chairman Chuck McKeever and be there for the 8 pm start on Friday June 3^rd at Mc Daniel College in Westminster MD.

Director Emeritus Scott Werner will be with us on Tuesday, June 7^th, to practice the 20-years-ago-today entrance in our package. 

The vocal studios mentioned above were useful, so there will be optional studios on Thursday June 9^th  at Convergence Church at 7, 8 or 9 pm  Stay tuned for details.

Casey Belzer, president of the Class of 2016, invited us all to attend his middle school choir concert on Wed. nite June 1^st at Washington Middle School at 7:30 pm.

Recent visitor and fan of the chapter, Rob Langston, is taking photos for us during these weeks leading up to International.

President Randall Eliason reported on the results of the Southern Division contest.

Thanks to Alan Wile and Dixie Kennett for gathering Harmonizer news at the M-AD Southern Division contest held in Reston at the Hyatt weekend of May 27-28.  The chapter did not have to sing this year as we have earned a bye as current district champ headed to International this summer.

But we did have some quartets in the contest with Harmo members. Third place quartet was HANDSOME REWARD with John Reese, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch and Michael Gilmore. MISFIRE was seventh in the contest with Jay Sorenson, Brian Ammerman, Litic Muirali and Matt Doniger.

Some of our guys sang in choruses on Saturday including John Santora, Bill Colosimo, Al Hannenbaum, Jim Lake and Austin Cotton. Division chorus champ is Anne Arundal chapter directed by TJ Barranger.  Fun to see so many former members in quartets, in the choruses and helping manage the contest and convention.

Chapter members helping operate the contest included judges Chuck Harner and Tony Colosimo; contest emcees Shawn Tallant and Dennis Ritchey; operations team members Carl Kauffmann and Mike Kelly; and M-AD board members Bill Colosimo, Dennis Ritchey, Bob Eckman, Keith Jones, Chuck Harner.

Thanks to our neighboring chapter, Fairfax, who served as hosts for the weekend.

During the chapter meeting on Tuesday, chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tim Buell for 12 years and to Howard Nestlerode for 41 years.

Before our break, director of membership Rich Hewitt  introduced our guests and applicants present.  He also called for the Class of 2016 to come forward so we could do a bandana check – they passed with 100% of them showing their colors!!

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 May 21st Armed Forces Show and May 24^th Chapter Meeting

Our third Armed Forces show was held Saturday afternoon at 2 pm at Fort Meyer Memorial Chapel.  This event is held for and in honor of local service members, veterans and their families. Associate director Tony Colosimo was director and assistant director Terry Reynolds did the warm ups and helped with the concert. 

There were 55 singers there for the show for a good crowd of veterans, military folks and chorus family and friends. We sang our standard patriotic package.

Greg Tepe was package show producer (and this was his last time to perform that duty.  He has served in this capacity for ten years. Many thanks – Greg.)  He recognized Todd Ryktarsyk, Shawn Tallant, Ike Evans, Randall Eliason and Bruce Lauther for lots of behind-the-scenes preparation work.

Bill Colosimo was emcee. President Eliason welcome the guests. Mark Klostermeyer helped us line up and as chorus manager.  A crew of men moved risers, Doug White drove the truck and got the sound system working, Rich Hewitt produced  the slide show slides during the finale of our concert.

We had assistance from the Sea Cadets who served as ushers, color guard and hosts for those veterans who needed assistance. There was a WWII re-enactor just outside the chapel for guests to see. 

Bruce Lauther, our chapter bookings man, worked hard to get guests to the concert and had invited folks from the Armed Forces Retirement Center in DC, The Fairfax at Belvoir Woods near Ft. Belvoir, Vincent Hall in McLean, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda. Many thanks Bruce.

It was good to see Bob Wachter, Martin Banks and Don Johnson in the house.

On Tuesday nite the 24th, we found out director Joe Cerutti was home sick.  But we had a great workout and made lots of progress on the contest music.

Associate director Tony Colosimo was at the helm for warm ups and directing.  He worked a large part of the nite with choreographer Carlos Barillo on refining the presentation plan for the uptune.  It was great to have enough time to work on the whole song.

Great to see Frank Fedarko and Mike Kelly back with us.

Before the meeting started, the usual set up crews worked hard to get ready.  Chuck McKeever led a stage presence review at 6 pm and the front row used the space in front of the risers for their drill for the uptune with Carlos.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting.  He reminded guys about the vocal studios in the evenings this week (and pointed to the list of assignments posted on the wall). He acknowledged Bruce Minnick was accepting payment for the retreat in Westminster MD.

Terry announced that former director Scott Werner would be with us on June 7^th.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Craig Kujawa for 13 years; Ian Poulin for 16 years; Michael Gilmore for 24 years; Bob Wells for 25 years; Ike Evans for 29 years; and Al Herman for 33 years.  Bob also received a 25-year lapel pin.

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed a large group of guests including a French horn player from the Strathmore show orchestra.  Rich also introduced the Class of 2016 and their president Casey Belzer. The class includes tenors: Jay Sorenson and Masahasa Takahashi; leads: Casey Belzer. Jason Lee and Art Medici; baris: Jeff Burkey, Jim Kirkland and Antony Takahashi; basses: Tim Cash, Matt Doniger, Tom Jackson and Steve Spar.  The class was presented the traditional neck scarf to be worn and visible at every official chapter function until they are told to discard them during International week.

Earlier in the evening the class met to get some briefing about what international week would be like – Harmo schedule, what to expect for the contest and convention schedule, uniform matters.

President Randall Eliason presented monetary support to two quartets that have Harmonizer signers and will compete this weekend at the Southern Division contest in Reston:  MISFIRE and HANDSOME REWARD.  MISFIRE sang for the chapter earlier in the evening.  Good luck 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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the May 17^th Chapter Meeting

Everyone was excited this week to work with coach Cindy Hansen Ellis on the contest package. She did not disappoint and gave us a lot of suggestions, helped us understand the flow of the package and motivated us to excel.

She helped director Joe Cerutti with the warm up session with her remarks about our work and performance at Strathmore.  Then we worked on the uptune for the whole first half of the nite. Her work enhanced the already developed plan from our choreographer Carlos Barillo.

Executive director Terry Reynolds spoke about the Armed Forces Show this Saturday with emphasis on the method of entrance for us to Fort Meyer. The chorus call is 12:30.

Terry alerted all that volunteers are needed to take on some one-time jobs for our week in Nashville this summer.  Watch for the email – tasks like truck driver to and from Nashville, togetherness breakfast ticket sales, etc.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Kellen Hertz for eight years.

Reminders were announced for all to pay their retreat fees to Bruce Minnick and to be sure to sign up on Groupanizer.

Vocal studio sign up sheets were in the hall for those who have not done so yet. 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed two applicants and a couple guests. Always great to have new singers join us on the risers.

Before break, the chapter surprised Joe and presented him a huge framed poster that was used to promote the Harvey Milk performance at Strathmore.  Thanks to Clyde Crusenberry for asking the venue staff for the one existing poster.  And to Mark Klostermeyer for his usual great job as our official framing guy.

After break and many items of business, we worked more with our coach and combined the uptune with the ballad.

In other news, several members competed in the M-AD central division contest this past weekend n Harrisburg, PA. Tom Jackson and Kellen Hertz sang with the new Dundalk Baltimore Vocal Corps 17-man ensemble directed by Rick Taylor to win the chorus contest. Mike Fasano sang with Queen Anne’s County chorus that took third.  The new Philadelphia chorus was second.

Congrats to Noah Van Gilder who had his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday in DC; and congrats to Jeremy Richardson and Andy Woo who celebrated their wedding on Saturday in Luray. It was a pleasure for many fellow Harmonizers to share in these important life-events for our brothers.

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