Looking Back on the March 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the March 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session with both choruses on the risers in the auditorium. A riser crew was needed at 6:30 to get things ready, then while the warm up session was underway, several guys went with operation manager for the chapter, Gary Cregan, to set up rises in the cafeteria for MVs. 

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Artistic director Joe Cerutti was wearin' the green already with his bright green hooded sweatshirt.  He got some laughs and asked a trivia question about a movie.  Jerry Jayjohn got it right and won a bottle of the latest hot sauce Chris Huber had made.  Joe also reminded everyone about the meetings next week – only Metro Voices meet on Tues. and the Harmonizers will meet on Thursday for optional events – work with section leaders on a self-determined need basis at SRT from 6:30-7:30.  Then from 7-9 pm singers can gather at Lost Boys Cider at 317 Hoofs Run Drive. 

He also explained more about the plans for a Caberet night on April 26  as part of our participation in the City of Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion day of fundraising. The chapter will feature a Cabaret of individuals (or small groups) from the Harmonizers and Metro Voices performing for a live audience of friends and family and live cast to our supporters.   It will have a bit of a “Telethon” feeling as we remind those tuning in of our Spring2ACTion fundraising goals.

The music team will audition, select, and schedule the acts to perform in the cabaret.   A professional piano accompanist will be available for the event and for a rehearsal the week before on Thurs, April 20.

Auditions due Mar 21 - Members of Metro Voices and the Harmonizers are encouraged to consider performing a non-barbershop act for the cabaret.  Family members can sing with any member. You may audition by submitting a video or in person.   To arrange an in-person audition, or if you have any questions about the event or auditions, please contact Joe, Tony, Tessa or Terry or talk to them at rehearsal. 

Before the musical work began this week, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed back recent guests: Matt Gordon visiting in the tenor section;  Ian Kelly in the lead section; and Edgar Blancas in the tenor section. First time guest John Taber, a friend of Randall Eliason, sang in the baritone section. Elizabeth Robilla was a Metro Voices guest. Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

Metro Voices adjourned to sectionals and the Harmonizers worked on “I’m the Music Man,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” for singers who were ‘riser ready,” and “New York, New York.” Plus there were small group work sessions for “Wee Small Hours” with Jason Lee, Tony Colosimo, Ben Watsky and David Breen as group leaders.

During the business session with the combined choruses, Ken Rub elaborated more about Spring2ACTion for all to start making plans on who they would contact.

Joe reminded everyone that the Heavy Medal chorus from Germany will be coming to the DC area en route to the 2023 International in Louisville July 4-9. They visited with us before prior to the Nashville International. The Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) chorus will be in our area June 30-July2 and Joe asked the Harmonizers to help host the guests in homes.  Terry Reynolds will be sending out an inquiry to see how many the chapter can host.   There will likely be a few events while Heavy Medal is in the area such as singing together and maybe a social at the Harmo House.

Michael Pugh was at the afterglow at the Harmo House this week with word they he and his wife and their new baby are moving back to Atlanta to be closer to a network of family.  He will be missed!

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

ing Back on the March 7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 ing Back on the March 7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was only for the Harmonizers at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Metro Voices will have an optional meeting on Thursday March 9, at the Harmo House. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session with the chorus in the auditorium seating area. 

Joe also explained more about the plans for a Caberet night on April 26  as part of our participation in the City of Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion day of fundraising. The chapter will feature a Cabaret of individuals (or small groups) from the Harmonizers and Metro Voices performing for a live audience of friends and family and live cast to our supporters.   It will have a bit of a “Telethon” feeling as we remind those tuning in of our Spring2ACTion fundraising goals.

The music team will audition, select, and schedule the acts to perform in the cabaret.   A professional piano accompanist will be available for the event and for a rehearsal the week before on Thurs, April 20.

Auditions due Mar 21 - Members of Metro Voices and the Harmonizers are encouraged to consider performing a non-barbershop act for the cabaret.  Family members can sing with any member. You may audition by submitting a video or in person.   To arrange an in-person audition, or if you have any questions about the event or auditions, please contact Joe, Tony, or Terry or talk to them at rehearsal. 

Before the musical work began this week, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed Harmonizer guests: Matt Gordon visiting in the tenor section;  Sean O’Brien in the bass section; and Edgar Blancas in the tenor section.  Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.” Yuhan Roh was back from Indiana where he was working for a number of months.

The Harmonizers worked on “Wee Small Hours,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “New York, New York,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Plus there were sectionals for “Wee Small Hours.”

During the business session, chapter secretary David DesPortes recognized Dean Rust for his 42 years of membership. 

Joe reported that the Heavy Medal chorus from Germany will be coming to the DC area en route to the 2023 International in Louisville July 4-9. They visited with us before prior to the Nashville International. The Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) chorus will be in our area June 30-July2 and Joe asked the Harmonizers to help host the guests in homes.  Terry Reynolds will be sending out an inquiry to see how many the chapter can host.   There will likely be a few events while Heavy Medal is in the area such as singing together and maybe a social at the Harmo House.

In other news, the 75^th anniversary committee met via Zoom on Monday and provide a couple dates for the Harmonizer family to post on their calendars: on June 13^th the chorus will sing at the Alexandria City Council meeting as part of a ceremony proclaiming June as Alexandria Harmonizer Month; and a big party to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of our chartering will be on Tuesday, June 20, at Scottish Rite Temple.  BHS president John Santora, and a fellow Harmonizer, will be one of the guest speakers that night. (John is the fourth Harmonizer to be elected as Society president – Wilbur Sparks, Darryl Flinn, Alan Lamson and John.) Chapter general manager Susan Fitzpatrick has added a whole section to the Harmonizer website about the 75th anniversary. 

Will Cox won the 50/50 this week.  A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow – this week featuring Italian food donated by Mark Klostermeyer who had won the meals from a restaurant where he had put his business card in the bowl at the counter. He got it from the restaurant and brought it to the Harmo House to share. 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). There were a lot of singers on the risers at the 7 pm start time and Maggie McAlexander did a warm up session for the combined choruses. The singers had fun with the round she taught, “Whose Pigs Are These?” 

Artist director, Joe Cerutti, reminded singers that Metro Voices is not meeting next Tuesday but will have a gathering on Thursday, March 9.  He asked what the Harmonizers did last Thursday when they had a social evening and Turner Arndt reported on the trivia game the attendees played at the brewery in Alexandria.

Joe also announced plans for a Caberet night on April 26 – as a wrap up to our spring2ACTion day of fund raising. Anyone can audition to sing on that evening’s program – any kind of singing other that barbershop.  Auditions will be March 21. Speak to Terry Reynolds, Tony Colosimo or Joe if you have questions, and if you would like to audition.  Maybe get out your old guitar or ukulele or invite your partner to sing with you, or maybe your kids.  The chapter will even have an accompanist for the event.

 

Before the musical work began, Ben Watsky welcomed guests.  He announced that Sofie Clarke passed her audition for the Voices, and that Matt Ambler passed his audition for the Harmonizers.  Matt was given his Harmo casual shirt with the logo.  Other Harmonizer guests included Matt Gordon for his third or fourth visit in the tenor section;  Sean O’Brien for his first visit and as a guest of Duncan Peacock and the other Georgetown Chimes guys; Chad Ross for his first visit after deciding he wanted to get back into singing and looking us up online;  and Edgar Blancas who was a member in 2010 and also wanted to get back to singing.  Terry directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.” 

At this point, Metro Voices moved to sectionals in various rooms in the Temple and the Harmonizer worked on the risers in the auditorium. First song was “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” with just those men who self-assessed at level 5. Joe offered many performance points for that song, and encouraged singers to take notes of them.  

Joe invited all the Harmonizers back onto the risers to work on “I’m the Music Man.” That was followed with sectionals for “Wee Small Hours.” When the sections returned to the risers to work as a whole on this classic Harmonizer ballad from our 1998 gold medal year.

Rehearsal time ended with rehearsal of “Impossible Dream.”  Joe was a happy man after a whole night of wonderful singing!

Metro Voices retuned to the auditorium for the chapter business meeting period conducted by communications director Steve Murane.

Chapter secretary David DesPortes recognized Harmonizers who had rejoined since last time.  He presented a membership lapel pin, as is the chapter’s custom for milestone years, to Don Thompson for 30 years and to Will Coxfor 45 years.  Membership cards went to Clyde Crusenberry for 13 years; Joe Cerutti, Jr. for 22 years; Brad Jonesfor 31 years; and Dennis Ritchey for 31 years.

Steve White presented a detailed report about the chapter’s plans for the 75^th anniversary so members would have an idea of what to expect in the months ahead.  Some of the plans had been shared by the music team and the chorus is hard at work on songs for the big show in Sept. The general committee for planning the anniversary include Steve as chairman and Mick Stamps as vice chair.  Others include Susan Fitzpatrick, general manager for the chorus; Joe Cerutti, Jr., artistic director; Randall Eliason, executive director; Bruce Roehm, past president; and Jack Pitzer, past historian. In addition to this committee, there is considerable overlap with the chapter’s Operations Team for things like shows, history, membership, communications and development.

Steve showed the new 75^th anniversary logo – inspired by the chorus photo taken at the International in Toronto – coordinated by Randall.  That logo will be available for the chapter to use in many ways, including on merchandise like mugs, caps, decals, all of which can be ordered from the chapter’s store on the website. Brian Ammerman is the go-to-person on the store project.

Some anniversary activities are already underway, such as the ‘throwback Thursday’ messages prepared by Martin Banks, historian emeritus for the chapter, and distributed on Facebook.  Mike Kelly continues to prepare Harmonizer features that are on the YouTube channel. Steve Murane is preparing articles for publication. 

The first big anniversary event on the horizon is the Tuesday, June 20, 2023, celebration of the chartering of the chapter.  This event will be held at SRT for all of the Harmonizer family to attend. Carl and Kathy Kauffmann are in charge of this party that will include a brief program, and then refreshments.  The actual date of the charter is June 29, 1948.

The anniversary show will be Sept. 9, 2023, at Schlesinger Hall, with a large afterglow event following the performance. Joe Cerutti Sr. and Janet are producing this show.

There will be a huge 75^th Anniversary Gala in October of 2023 that Ken Rub is managing as one of the major fundraising efforts during this anniversary year. 

Throughout the year, the chorus will be making Sing-Out-Alexandria appearances starting with a major one with the singers from Alfred Street Baptist. 

Steve wanted members to have these things on their calendars and to make plans to attend, plus to be willing to step up and help or volunteer.  This milestone anniversary is clearly bigger than just a show of great singing.  Alumni members can also be of great help in making this a wonderful year.

Don Harrington won the 50/50 this week. A crew put the risers back stage in the auditorium and in the cafeteria.  A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow with pizza, snacks and tag singing.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meetings

 Looking Back on the Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meetings

The Alexandria Chapter meeting on Feb. 21 was for Metro Voices only. They met at the Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) and worked on “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and “I Can See the Light.” 

The Harmonizers did not meet on Feb. 21and instead they will gather at the Aslin Brewery, 847 South Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304, at 7 pm  on Thursday, Feb. 23. 

A riser crew set things up before the meeting which was held in the auditorium at SRT. Cy Shuster set up the sound for their session, and Terry Reynolds was on hand to coordinate the evening. 

Assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, welcomed the Metro Voices singers on the risers and conducted the warm up session.  Interim director Tessa Walker conducted the music work session for the ensemble. 

The Metro Voices singers checked in and made name tags before going into the meeting room. There was one guest this week.

The alternative Alexandria Chapter meeting for the Harmonizers was on Feb. 23 and was held at the Aslin Taproom Brewery on South Picket Street. This was a special event for the Harmonizers organized by membership director Jacob Broude starting at 7 pm. About a dozen men made it out for the evening. It was Trivia night, and the Harmonizer team did pretty well! 

There was an “office hours” gathering at the Harmo House earlier in the evening, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, for anyone who wanted to work on music or get help from the music team on current songs. Lance Fisher and Jason Lee plus Sophie Clarke from Metro Voices were there to help the half-dozen Harmonizers work on their music.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb. 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voice included some fun Valentine greetings to each group. Some members dressed in red and were festive for Valentine’s day.  

Next week Metro Voices meet at Scottish Rite Temple and the Harmonizers will not meet on Feb. 21. Instead they will gather at the Aslin Brewery, 847 South Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304, at 7 pm  on Thursday, Feb. 23. Stay tuned for final details for both groups’ final plans for that week.

There was a lot of barbershop activity on Tuesday with this week’s meeting and  Valentine’s Day Quartet Singing. We sent six volunteers (Dean Rust, Rob Barnovsky, Bob Blair, Ken Rub, Nic Petersen, and Don Thompson) into the community for prearranged visits to spread holiday cheer. 

We reached around 250 people in total –  in the afternoon, mostly for seniors, highlighted by a Lee Center luncheon by the Successful Aging Committee. We also visited Woodbine Healthcare and Sunrise Alexandria.  While singing for Mayor Wilson’s staff at City Hall –  we were joined by Council Member Sarah Bagley, City Manager James Parajon, and City Clerk Gloria Sitton, who had been drawn out of a meeting by our singing.  

In the evening we visited several restaurants, highlighted by singing for a private party at Chadwicks comprising the national leadership of the Salvation Army. The evening guys also sang at a private residence on Lee St in response to a request from the person’s partner who is on an extended study trip abroad.  

Thanks to Terry Reynolds for organizing the quartets and to Dean Rust for scheduling. All the singers testified how much fun they had singing for folks. The quartets wore dark suits with the Harmo red tie. 

A riser crew set things up before the meetings, which included risers in the cafeteria and the auditorium for the two ensembles. 

Associate director, Tony Colosimo, welcomed the singers on the risers and lead the warm up session this week.  

Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked all the Valentine singers and shared several announcements. He had brought a collection of barbershop “things” from Terry Jordon’s estate that members were welcome to take.   He also showed some photos of the first appearance by the Harmonizers for a Kennedy Center Honors show. 

He reminded attendees about the afterglow invitation which included a February birthday celebration this week.  February birthdays included  Mary Cooper, Ed Allen, Frank Fedarko, Brad Jones, Howard Nestlerode, Terry Reynolds, Dennis Ritchey, Rick Savage, Ben Watsky, and Steve White. 

Before starting the actual singing, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed first time Metro Voices singer Mary Cooper, and returning Harmonizer singers Matt Ambler and Matt Gordon. Terry Reynolds directed the “Chapter Welcome Song.”

Joe also announced that development director Ken Rub reports that the chapter is well on its way to raise the second $75,000 for our anniversary year from major donors. The first $75,000 has been received from one major donor – David Wilt. David was an officer in the chapter years ago and was in Charlotte for the third place finish by the chorus. 

At this point, Metro Voices moved to the cafeteria where they worked on “It Don’t Mean a Thing” with Tessa Walker.

The Harmonizers took major time to work on “I’m the Music Man,” “New York, New York’ and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” For the last song, Tony directed and Joe coached and made suggestions. The chorus was doing a great job on the song.

At the end of rehearsal time, the Harmonizers joined the Voices to hear them working on their song.

A chapter business session was conducted at this time for all members.  Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a membership renewal card to Don Thompson in honor of his 30 years.

President Noah Van Gilder announced the deadline of Saturday, Feb. 18^th for submitting suggestions of members to be honored with the chapter major awards.  All members were sent a message with descriptions of those awards. 

Membership director Jacob offered to get chapter name tags for anyone who needs one. 

Joe got a message that the burial at Arlington Cemetery for Royal Geis will be June 12^th.  The chorus will sing for this service. 

A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow and birthday cake.

In other news – here is a report on the Harmonizer family participation at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter in Daytona Beach from reporter, Dixie Kennett with inputs from Keith Jones.

There were many folks from the Harmonizer family involved in the 2023 Midwinter. Wednesday and Thursday Chris Buechler and Steve Tramack participated in the Society Contest and Judging Committee (SCJC) meeting.  Thursday morning was the Society Board meeting where John Santora was installed as Society president.  Alan Lamson did the installation.  Also attending the board meeting was Bill Colosimo representing the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association.

 

Thursday afternoon was the NextGen youth quartet contest with Joe Cerutti emceeing.  Joe also announced the results of the youth chorus contest on Friday. Chris Buechler and Steve Tramack were on the judging panel for the chorus and seniors quartet contests.

 

There were several involved in the All Chapter Chorus that served as the mic tester chorus on Friday.  Tony Colosimowas one of the co-directors with Katy Dane.  Singing with the chorus were Mick Stamps, Gary Mankin, Rick Wagner, Ken Fess, Jim Gammon, Andrew Havens and John Rettenmayer.

 

Terry Reynolds said he went just to have a good time — no responsibilities! He celebrated his birthday there too!  Other Harmonizer family attending included Sheryl Berlin, Keith Jones, Tom Gannon and Bob Hirsh. Lynn Hineman sang with the Heralds of Harmony on a show, Rick Taylor was there with HFI, and Paul Wietlisback sang in the seniors quartet contest.

 

FIRST TAKE with Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens sang on the Friday night show, as did THROWBACK with Sean Devine.  FIRST TAKE also joined GQ on the Saturday night show with an 8-part arrangement of “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

 

Erin Odell Cook gave the keynote address for this year’s Midwinter outlining how her accident in 2012 changed her life and how the barbershop community was so important in her recovery.  She mentioned the terrible effects of traumatic brain injuries and how each brain injury is different.  She focused on how important it was to have a goal and a plan and then to work the plan.  It has taken ten years, three and a half of which were spent working with a program in North Carolina, to get to where she is today.  And throughout, she described how individuals and groups of barbershoppers, including those on Caring Bridge, supported her throughout her journey.  

 

Erin also directed a combined youth chorus which included the quartet contestants and the chorus contestants from the convention.

Until next time – editorjack!

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(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb.7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb.7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was just for the Harmonizers.  Metro Voice will meet on Thursday at the Harmo House.  Looking ahead, the Harmonizers will not meet at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) on Feb. 21 but will gather at the Harmo House on Thursday, Feb. 23. 

Associate director, Tony Colosimo, welcomed the singers on the risers and lead the warm up session.  A few members who lived in DC arrived late – likely because of the many street closings in DC for the State of the Union address. 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti and assistant director Terry Reynolds were in Florida at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter Convention.  Tony will go there on Wed. and sing with his medalist quartet, FIRST TAKE, on Friday at the convention.  He will also be directing the “Every Member Chorus” in Daytona Beach with Katy Dane from Austin, TX.  Our chapter will have some 

representatives in that chorus – reportedly, Mick Stamps, Gary Mankin, Ken Fess, Rick Wagner, and Bede Bender that YeEd has learned about.  

Turner Arndt coordinated this week’s meeting for Terry, and Tony kicked off the rehearsal. This week’s plan was to do small group work on “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” Tony took a minute to explain the purpose of the small group work and explained the octet singing exercise that would be held after the meeting for those who wanted to get personal feedback. 

He thanked the men who joined the smaller ensemble of Harmonizers  who sang at the SRT in DC on Feb. 4. Some of the singers mentioned the great food too!  Former community representative on the chapter board, Paul Dolinsky,orchestrated this performance at their installation banquet in exchange for fees when the chorus used their auditorium in December. 

Before starting the actual singing, membership director Jacob Broude announced that Stephen Gudauskas was our newest member, and presented Stephen his own black casual camp shirt. He joins the bass section!

The first song to work on was “New York New York.” Next the riser singers worked on “Sit Down” and part of the time Tony has them sit on the risers and take notes for their music.  He set the stage for work in small groups in order to strengthen understanding for the underlying rhythm. Then it was a short work period on “I’m the Music Man.”

There were nearly 60 singers on the risers by the time the chapter business session began which was monitored by communications director Steve Murane. Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a membership renewal card to congratulate Doug White for his 17 years.

The chapter will be sending out quartets to do Singing Valentines as public thank you messages to organizations and friends of the chapter on Feb. 14. The project coordinator, Dean Rust, needed one more lead and Bob Blairvolunteered.  We will likely hear more about those quartet appearances on that Tues. night.

Jacob welcomed two singing guests and Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song – Ian Kelly for a return visit, and Matt Gordon for his first time.

After the business work, singers were assigned to small group work sessions in various places in SRT with music team leaders Ben Watsky, Lance Fisher, Ryan Mextorf and Turner Arndt. 

When the groups returned to the risers in the auditorium, Tony had them review and put it all together to confirm what they had worked on. 

Bob Blair also won the 50/50 this week. There was no formal afterglow 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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 31, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Jan. 31, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter warm up session this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voice started with a session for both ensembles on the risers with associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, and concluded with more warm-up work with assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander. Tony included singing the “Harmonizer Welcome Song” as part of his session.  Maggie taught a fun round “Whose Pigs Are These?” 

When artistic director Joe Cerutti took over, he invited the Harmonizers to welcome the Metro Voices singers, and for the Metro Voices to welcome the Harmonizers. Joe announced that Harmonizer Michael Pugh and his Metro Voices wife, Kirstin, have a new baby named Ramona.  

Cheers of congrats were raised for operations director,  Gary Cregan, who becomes a civilian on Wednesday! Joethanked him for his years of military service

Joe thanked Craig Odell for inviting the chorus to the celebration of life for Linda on Saturday.  It was a wonderful celebration with many current and former members there to honor her. It was great to see their son, Ryan,  again who sang one year with the chorus for contest, and to see daughter Erin and her husband Dan Cook, also a former Harmonizer. 

As announced last week, an ensemble of the Harmonizers will sing at the SRT in DC on Feb. 4 to thank them for the use of their hall for one of our holiday performances. That group met after the meeting to review their songs. 

The chapter will be sending out quartets to do Singing Valentines as public thank you messages to organizations and friends of the chapter.  Singers from both ensembles were invited to sign up for one of three quartets to make appearances on Feb. 14 in the Alexandria Metro area.  There were small Valentine candy boxes on a table and volunteers could choose one of those boxes marked with the voice part needed, eat the candy and write their name on the bottom and leave the box. That is how they signed up to participate.

Ben Watsky welcomed the guests for both ensembles and Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song for Metro Voices attendees and  two singers guests for the Harmonizers – Stephen Gudauskas for his fourth time, and Matt Ambler for his third time.

At this point in the evening the Metro Voices moved to another room in SRT to work with Tessa Walker, Maggie andTony on “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Keep the Whole World Singing,” and the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

The Harmonizers worked with Joe in the auditorium on “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” This new song will be taught and learned using the 7-Step process as outlined and discussed by Joe. A part of the evening was devoted to sectionals on this new arrangement. Next week there will be small groups working on that song; and then on Feb. 14, singers will need to be ‘riser ready’ to sing it.

Joe did announced to the Harmonizers that “Music of the Night” will not be sung on the show this year, but the contest ballad, “Wee Small Hours” from the 1998 gold medal package will be used for any contests and for the show.  He also shared that “New York, New York” will be the uptune for the contest package. 

The Harmonizers also reviewed “Help from My Friends” – one of five songs from 2022 that will be used on the April road show in Newport News.  Joe invited the guys to do a push-out-quartet event for this song for some fun.

At the end of the meeting, the two ensembles of the chapter reconvened in the auditorium for the business meeting, hosted by communication director Steve Murane. Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to Harmonizers who have paid BHS dues recently: Gary Cregan for 6 years; Nick Murane for 16 years; Frank Shipp for 21 years; Bruce Roehm for 22 years; Drew Fuller for 33 years; Mark Klostermeyer for 42 years.

Joe took a count for pizza for the afterglow at the Harmo House, 3916 N Stevens, Alexandria 22311, following the meeting.  A good crowd made it to the house. Nick Murane won the 50/50 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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 24, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Jan. 24, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices was at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) and started with a warm-up session for both ensembles with associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, and concluding with more warm-up work with assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander. Because of an up-tick in COVID cases, masks were worn by all attendees.

When artistic director Joe Cerutti took over, he welcomed several folks back on the risers including Zak Sandler andChris Buechler.  And he welcomed the Metro Voices singers and their friends in the auditorium.  Joe also congratulated Ryan Mextorf, a new dad in recent weeks, who was back to sing.

Joe also announced the memorial service for Linda Odell, wife of Craig, that will be held at 1 pm at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home on Sat. Jan. 28 at 1 pm.  The Harmonizers will not sing but will join other barbershoppers in singing “Irish Blessing.”

Joe also announced that word had been received that 1986 past president Royal Geis died on Tuesday. No other details have been received as of this time. He was 85. His wife, Geri, remains in FL.  She was the stage presence coach, choreographer and teacher for the Harmonizer “gold medal years.”

As announced last week, an ensemble of the Harmonizers will sing at the SRT in DC on Feb. 4 to thank them for the use of their hall for one of our holiday performances. Joe invites a few more singers to join this group and encourages those volunteers to speak with Terry Reynolds. 

Great news that David Breen will be the new bass section leader for the Harmonizers.

Joe announced there would be a birthday celebration at this week’s afterglow for those Harmonizers who celebrate a Dec. or Jan. birthday.  (He also acknowledged the Metro Voices members who celebrate in those two months and had raised their hands at his request.)

The December celebrants are Martin Banks, Bob Bates, Bede Bender, Clyde Crusenberry, David DesPortes, Troy Hillier, Ian Poulin, Frank Shipp, and Samantha Whiteoak. January celebrants are Clark Chesser, Gary Cregan, Dave Cureton, TJ Donahue, Randall Eliason, JJ Jackson, Matt Kahn, Lou Manfre, Chuck Powell, Mike Pugh, Antony Takahashi, Noah Van Gilder, and Mike Wallen. 

Chapter secretary David DesPortes congratulated the following Harmonizers who have renewed their membership recently. When he announced how many years the singers have been members there was group 1 clap for every year!  For 4 years, Devin Gerzof; for 7 years, Michael Berkson; for 11 years, Tessa Walker; for 12 years, Reed Livergood; for 20 years, Antony Takahashi; for 21 years, Frank Fedarko; for 29 years, Brian Ammerman; for 39 years, Terry Reynolds; for 43 years, Don Harrington; and for 49 years, Rick Savage. 

The chapter will be sending out quartets to do Singing Valentines as public thank you messages to organizations and friends of the chapter.  Singers from both ensembles were invited to sign up for one of three quartets to make appearances on Feb. 14 in the Alexandria Metro area.  There were small Valentine candy boxes on a table and volunteers could choose one of those boxes marked with the voice part needed, eat the candy and write their name on the bottom and leave the box. That is how they signed up to participate.

Membership director Jacob Broude welcomed the guests for both ensembles and Terry directed the chapter welcome song. There were 11 or 12 Metro Voices attendees and four singers guests for the Harmonizers – Norman Barth, AJ Singletary, Todd Minners and Matt Ambler.

At this point in the evening the Metro Voices moved to another room in SRT to work on vocal placements with Tessa, Maggie and Tony.  The Harmonizers worked with Joe in the auditorium on “I’m the Music Man.” Then after that they worked on a new arrangement of “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” by David Wright. This new song with be taught and learned using the 7-Step process as outlined and discussed by Joe. A part of the evening was devoted to sectionals on this new arrangement.

At the end of the meeting, the two ensembles of the chapter reconvened in the auditorium for the business meeting, monitored by communication director Steve Murane. Chapter development director Ken Rub made a plea for anyone with experiences at running a silent auction event to speak with him. The 75^th anniversary gala will be in Oct. and it will include a silent auction and a live auction for major items like a cruise or condo time share, for example.  Ken’s appeal was for anyone in the chapter family – significant others, relatives, co-workers or fellow musicians. 

Joe took a count for pizza for the afterglow at the Harmo House, 3916 N Stevens, Alexandria 22311, following the meeting.  A good crowd made it to the house and enjoyed the birthday cake. Frank Shippe won the 50/50 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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 17, 2023 Alexandria Kickoff Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Jan. 17, 2023 Alexandria Kickoff Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter had taken a break from regular chapter meetings after the December holidays and into the first few weeks of January.  No meeting was held on Jan. 3 or 10. It is the tradition to launch the new year with reports from the music team and artistic director, Joe Cerutti. The evening was interspersed with tag singing taught by David Breenand guests Ian Kelly and Maggie 

McAlexander.

This year’s kickoff session was unique in that it was a kickoff session for two ensembles – the Harmonizers and Metro Voices. Joe set the stage with his opening remarks that “we are at a rare moment for the chapter with the launch of the 75^th anniversary of the chapter and the launch of the Metro Voices ensemble. For the anniversary, the thrust is to focus on the significant past that previous singers have created and then build upon that for the future such as by adding new ensembles to the chapter such as a youth and a senior chorus.” The point was made repeatedly that both of these ensembles are part of the same chapter with plans to add additional ensembles.

Joe shared the new 75^th anniversary logo via projection thanks to the tech support of Dennis Ritchey this week. Joewas assisted by Terry Reynolds as well for the presentations.

There were two new guests this week for the Harmonizers – Ian Kelly, a tenor from the Seattle area who lives in MD now and sings in the Army chorus; and Matt Ambler, a friend of Ben Watsky with whom he had sung outside barbershop.  Stephen Gudauskas, bass, was back for his third visit.  It was also great to see some members back in the hall that we have missed including Jim Kirkland, Chris and Dixie Buechler, Clyde Crusenberry, Calvin Schnure and Zak Sandler. There was also a large number of members on the Zoom connection this week too.

The Metro Voices “project chorus” ended in December and this night was the formal launch for that group as an ensemble in the Alexandria Chapter organization. There were about 20 singer guests who registered for Metro Voices. Those singers will be auditioning over the next month or so, and once accepted, will join BHS and the Alexandria Chapter. They will be members of the chapter but not the Harmonizer chorus. The near term priority is to get MV established musically, and in the not-too-distant future some of their members will serve on chapter leadership teams. 

The Metro Voices music team will be headed by Joe as artistic director for all ensembles. Tessa Walker will continue as interim director with a goal to move over to direct the youth chorus (she is a music educator currently and that is a good fit for her skills). Joe praised and thanked her for dedication and hard work to get the project chorus rolling.

The new musical director for Metro Voices will be Samantha Tramack.  She is currently a music educator in NH and will finish out her contract there and move to our area in the summer.  The assistant director will be Maggie McAlexander.  She has a quartet gold medal in Harmony Inc. and has moved to the area recently from Nashville. 

The 2023 musical team for the Harmonizer chorus will be headed by Joe as artistic director, Tony Colosimo as associate director, and Terry Reynolds as assistant director. Randy Lazear will be tenor section leader.  Ben Watsky and Lance Fisher will be co-section leaders for the leads. Jason Lee will be section leader for the baritones.  Then there is a vacancy for a bass section leader at this time.  Tyler Carpenter will fill a new role as bass section admin coordinator.  The plan is to add a similar admin person for the other three sections.  Turner Arndt will be visual leader again. 

Joe thanked Ryan Mextorf for his leadership as bass section leader in recent years. Ryan and his wife just added a new baby girl to their family.  Joe also thanked David Breen for his work in leading the bass section.

As mentioned above, there are plans to establish the Capital Force seasonal (Sept. – Jan.) youth chorus starting in September 2023. Then as early as 2024, the chapter will establish a Seniors Chorus that would be a day-time group. This expansion and growth leads to “a singing organization for all people within our community.”

The plans and schedule/calendar was shared and certainly shows that the singers will be busy during 2023.  For the Harmonizers, the calendar was shared in more depth in an email that went to singers as they prepared for their annual interview with Joe. The interviews will be held from Jan. 20-Feb 22 – either at the Harmo House or via Zoom. Board member Dave Kohls will be an observer for the interviews.

Here are some highlights of the year for the Harmonizer chorus - some of these events will include other ensembles: 

·      a bus trip to Newport News, VA, for show at Christopher Newport University,  April 22; 

·      a talent cabaret will be added to the Spring2ACTion activities; 

·      annual Crawfish Boil at Harmo House for all members

·       there will be a retreat at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD in June (there will be an annual retreat even in years when the chorus does not compete at International);

·      there will be a celebration party for the members and family to recognize the chartering of the Alexandria chapter in mid-June;

·      host Heavy Medal chorus from Germany in the DC area prior to their sing in Louisville at BHS contest

·      outdoor concert at Franconia (formerly Lee) District – a Fairfax County Park Concert on Telegraph Rd.;

·      75^th Anniversary Show – Sept. 9, Schlesinger

·      Launch of Capital Force seasonal youth ensemble combined with annual youth harmony festival – Sept. 10

·      Mid Atlantic District Contest/Convention – Sept. 29-30

·      75^th Anniversary Gala – Oct.

·      Veteran’s Day sing out – Nov. 11

·      Holiday Carol Crawl Tues Dec. 12 – promote holiday show

·      Holiday Show – Dec. 16-17 

There were a couple business announcements during the evening: the SRT in DC offered to waive the rental fee for the holiday show the chapter had there it we could have a group sing for them Feb. 4^th.  Terry Reynolds is working to collect names of available singers.

Craig Odell announced that the funeral service for Linda will be Jan. 28^, 2022, at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. Barbershoppers will join in singing “Irish Blessing.”

John Sifuentes was selling swag shirts for FIRST TAKE quartet promotion at Mid-Winter convention this month. 

Terry also presented a proposed meeting night options plan for both ensembles. These options will mean that rehearsal time and the space in SRT is well used. That plan also could mean some alternative locations some nights.  Some events will be included in these additional nights such as the annual Put Together Quartet Contest.

The board of directors for the Alexandria chapter includes Noah Van Gilder, president; Cy Shuster, secretary; Terry Reynolds, treasurer; Devin Gerzof and Tuner Arndt, members at large; John Greene, Dave Kohls, Carolyn Griffin, community members at large.  Carolyn will also be vice president.  There is one vacancy on the board at this time. Steve White is 75^th anniversary chairman. This board concerns itself about budgets, policy and oversite plus comparison with the strategic plan.

The day-to-day operation for the entire chapter (all ensembles) include:

Executive Director – Randall Eliason,

General Manager – Susan Fitzpatrick

Artistic Director – Joe Cerutti, Jr.

Music Team Admin – Terry Reynolds

Membership Director – Jacob Broude

Contest Director – Craig Kujawa

Chapter Secretary – Dave DesPortes

BHS Finance Director – Dave Welter

AHI Finance Director – Carl Kauffmann

Communications Director – Steve Murane

Director of Shows – Doug White

Operations Director – Gary Cregan

Education Director – Sheryl Berlin

Volunteer Activities Director – vacant

Archivist/Historian – Don Harrington

 

Each of these directors needs a team of helpers.  Any members interested should volunteer or offer their name to Randall.

 

Ken Rub presented the important money raising or development plan that will enable the chapter to launch new ensembles, conduct anniversary events, and expand chapter programs.  In short, the chapter has confirmed a major donation in honor of the 75^th anniversary, then the chapter plans to raise a match to that donation from monies from the members, then the chapter will also raise a match to that donation from monies collected from non-members.  Some of those matching amounts will be received in already existing programs such as Spring2ACTion, dues replacement, Giving Tuesday Campaign, the anniversary GALA, grants, plus shows and concerts. 

 

The final announcements from the music team shared the repertoire for the anniversary year.

For the Harmonizers, a few songs will be kept from 2022 for the early April performances, but work will begin immediately on returning songs, “I’m the Music Man” and “New York, New York.” Other songs to be added include “Music of the Night,” ‘”San Francisco” from “I Am Harvey Milk,” and a new arrangement of  “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

 

Metro Voices will work on “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “I See the Light,” and “If I Were A Bell.”

 

A couple new songs will be sung by both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices – “Defying Gravity” and “Why We Sing.”  

 

As part of the 75^th year, the music team has been working to have 3-5 song commissioned for this anniversary year. Composers were invited to write original songs. There will likely be 3-5 of those for the Harmonizers, and 1 for Metro Voices.  This project was funded as a memorial for Sandy Stamps by her husband, Mick, and the family.

At the end of this long evening, Joe invited folks to the Harmo House at 3916 N Stevens St., Alexandria, VA, for the afterglow. The 50/50 winner was Randall Eliason. The other half of the funds go to the Mid Atlantic District Endowment Fund. 

Until next time – editorjack! 

 

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)