Looking Back on the June 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting After the City Council Appearance; Funeral for Royall Geis

 Looking Back on the June 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting After the City Council Appearance; Funeral for Royall Geis

It was an especially busy week for the Alexandria Chapter.

 

The chapter started the Tuesday , June 13, evening with an appearance at Alexandria City Hall at 7 pm to sing in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Justin Wilson issued a proclamation recognizing June as Harmonizer Anniversary Month.  The proclamation honored the chapter’s commitment to represent the City of Alexandria around the world and especially in the Greater Washington DC Metro Area. It also recognized the addition of Metro Voices to the Alexandria Chapter. A large chorus of Harmonizers and Metro Voices filled the Chamber to sing “Why We Sing.”

 

It was not a surprise that the song touched the emotions of the Council members. Sarah Bagley read the proclamation for all to hear and Mayor Wilson called for the vote and it was “so ordered.” Chapter president Noah Van Gilderaccepted the honor and expressed appreciation for the recognition.  Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked the Council too and directed the chorus.  (He mentioned that we have had Council members sing with the chapter – one of the first was past chapter president Frank E. Mann, who was president in 1951-52.)

 

Chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, was key to organizing this event including welcoming local media to cover this important part of the chapter’s 75 Anniversary Year Celebration. 

 

In respect for the Council’s busy schedule, the singers left the Chamber immediately and then gathered on the steps outside at Market Square to the sing for crowds of people there.  Artistic director Joe Cerutti led “Why We Sing” and Tessa Walker from Metro Voices directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

 

At this point everyone returned to the chapter meeting space at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) to continue work on the current repertoire. Metro Voices met in the library to work on “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “If I Were a Bell,” and “I Can See the Light.”  Tessa and assistant director Maggie McAlexander were at the helm for them.

 

The Harmonizers met in the auditorium and went right to work on “Calling Dream.” Joe thanked the chorus for their retention and continued work on this new song for our anniversary. Associate director Tony helped coach this material.

 

Next the chorus worked to review the visual plan that was created and taught at the retreat by David McEachern for “Something’s Comin.”  Turner Arndt stepped up to help with this review in a team with Joe. A recording of the retreat session is on FaceBook – the Sunday session.

 

The work on visuals prompted Joe to announce that Cy Wood would be in Alexandria soon to teach the plan for “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.”

 

Joe and Tony tag-teamed leadership for work on “Wee Small Hours” to capture the improvements made at the retreat.

 

After Metro Voices joined the Harmonizers on the risers, Joe confirmed that the Class of 2023 had a leader – it was unanimous that Chad Ross was their president.  So Joe asked Chad if the class could have a bandana check – they earned a pretty good report (only one person failed and so he didn’t get any pizza at the afterglow – just kidding.) But there were two new members to add and they were given their red bandanas to wear every time the chapter meets – Nic Petersen and Sylvia Skelty.  That boosts the class to 22! 

 

The chapter business meeting was coordinated by communications director Steve Murane. The first item was from the chapter historian, Don Harrington.  He formally thanked Kaj Vaisanen for his work as a chapter intern and especially in scanning boxes of documents from the chapter’s history storage.  As a token of appreciation, the history committee provided financial support for Kaj to attend Harmony College East in Westminster, MD, this coming weekend.

 

Membership director Jacob Broude welcomed five new members to Metro Voices – Charlyne Chuck Miller, Sylvia Skelty, Carey Fagerstrom, Lenna Jawdat and Elisabeth Cosh. Two singing guests with Metro Voices returned from last week – Dana Richardson and Ashley Merryman. Terry Reynolds sister Karen was welcomed too. Will Coxdirected the chapter “Welcome Song.”

 

Joe took a count for afterglow pizza before “Keep the Whole World Singing.” There was another lively session of story-telling outside on the patio at the Harmo House.

 

In other major chapter news, on Monday, June 12, the Harmonizers were proud to have sung at the funeral for Royall Geis at Arlington National Cemetery.  The chorus gathered at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer just outside the gates of the cemetery for the service and sang “I’ll Walk with God.” 

 

There was a large number of singers that came to honor 1987 chapter president Geis and support his wife, Geri, who was a long-time artistic coach for the Harmonizers – especially during the gold medal years.

 

After the service, the military ceremonial units walked to the gravesite and were followed by friends and family in their cars. To conclude the gravesite service, Bruce Reahm read a scripture passage and then the chorus sang “I’ll Be Seeing You.” It was threatening rain the whole time, but it did not really rain until we were back in our cars.

 

In addition to the many current members who came to sing, there were a number of familiar faces who came to join the chorus and pay tribute too – Ken Fess, Bob Wilson, Al Hanenbaum, Mike Geipel, Bob Bates, Dave Ermlick, Bill Conway, Sam Brothers, Geoff Berman, Chuck Hunter, Bob Wells and Doug Smith. 

 

 

 

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 June 9-10-11, 2023 Retreat Weekend

 Looking Back on the June 9-10-11, 2023 Retreat Weekend

The Alexandria Chapter retreat for 2023 was at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices attending.  It was a different retreat than past years, since neither ensemble is headed to the International contest in July (which was the situation in the many previous retreats).  The weekend teaching sessions were also offered via FaceBook for anyone who could not attend.

 

Coaches for the weekend were Rick Spencer, associate director of Music City Chorus in Nashville, and David McEachern returning to help us at retreat from Toronto.

 

Most singers arrived Friday evening and after checking into the dorms on campus, gathered at O’Lordans Irish pub in Westminster. There was some tag singing on the patio outside the rehearsal space and name tags for folks to wear so the two groups could get to know more names. A good crew of guys unloaded the truck which Dennis Ritchey drove to the retreat with risers and sound equipment. Risers were set up for both ensembles.

 

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted warm up exercises for the combined choruses all on the risers.  He taught the “Friends” tag that the chapter has traditionally sung to end the retreat weekend.

 

Music team administrator Terry Reynolds welcomed all Friday night singers to the 2023 retreat.  Ken Rub, event manager substitute for Craig Kujawa, spoke about keys and wrist bans for meals; name tags to use; location of rest rooms and cafeteria; and offered some yoga equipment he brought for those who might want to use it during the weekend.

 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, added his welcome to this special retreat with Metro Voices.  He set the stage for a great experience for vocal improvement and for comradery. He shared the plan to welcome our Metro Voices singers to all the traditions of the chapter!

 

Next Joe announced and explained the Class of 2023 tradition.  Each of the 20 new members were given a bandana to wear at every chapter event and promised there would be bandana checks now and then! Joe also thanked Tyler Carpenter for making them – the red bandanas had the logos of the ensemble on them – 14 for Metro Voices and 6 for the Harmonizers.

 

Mark Klostermeyer helped pass out the bandanas to Sheryl Berlin, Patricia Chow, Sophie Clark, Elaine Cooper, Mary Cooper, Elisabeth Cosh, Carey Fagerstrom, Cadence Flaherty, Jeanne Hillinck, Lenna Jawdat, Heidi Krukowski, Maggie McAlexander, Charlyne Chuck Miller, Samantha Tramack, Steve Gudauska, David Hillinick, Sean O’Brien, Chad Ross, John Taber and Kaj Vaisanen. 

 

Then the coaching began on “Why We Sing” with the two ensembles. The work session ended at 10 pm.  There were ice cream treats for everyone back in the dorms.

 

Samantha Tramack, new director for Metro Voices, was welcomed by Joe and she did the warm up session at 8:30 am on Saturday after breakfast.  There was coffee for those arrivals who came on Saturday morning. And there was a bandana check.   Craig Odell arrived to sing too.

 

Metro Voices worked in Hill Hall adjacent to the main Forum facility where the Harmonizers worked on “Wee Small Hours” arranged by Walter Latzko and where everyone had meals.

 

After lunch  there was a review of the “Friends” tag.  And Joe announced the chapter would settle on tenor, lead, bari and bass for labels on the parts of all music. He also reported that Zak Sandler and Lenna Jawdat were married last Saturday – which brought cheers from all their fellow singers in Metro Voices and the Harmonizers. 

 

The two ensembles each sang for the other to share the song they had worked on in the morning – Metro Voices sang “It Don’t Mean a Thing” with Tessa Walker directing; and the Harmonizers sang “Wee Small Hours” with Joedirecting. 

 

Saturday afternoon included work sessions with the coaches for each ensemble, a cookie break at 3 pm, and then a switch of songs. At about 4:30 pm, the rehearsals ended and the Class of 23 had a group photo taken and then the class had time to work on planning a skit for the Saturday night party.

 

Mike Fasano bought out a collection of barbershop ‘things’ from the Terry Jordan estate – free for the taking.

 

Dinner was at 5:30 and then at 6:30 the two groups started working again until about 8 pm. Rob Barnovsky arrived to sing – the chapter extended their support to Rob when they learned that his father had died in recent days. 

 

Work ended about 8 pm when the traditional party began.  There were munchies and drinks available for all.  Most folks enjoyed the time to mix and mingle out on the patio area adjacent to the rehearsal space. 

 

The evening’s events began with a bandana check and then the skit from the Class of 23.  Chad Ross was organizer and seemed to keep the class in line and energized. They did a take-off on a typical chapter meeting – including real onion skins peeled off a big onion which Stephen Gudauska gave to Tony as a memento!  They ended their ‘meeting’ with “It’s Great to Be a Demonizer” cheer!

 

Joe welcomed retreat organizer Chuck McKeever who came to celebrate with old friends – he lives now in the Westminster area. The Harmonizers sang “Wee Small Hours” for him. Next Joe explained three videos that were played for all to enjoy and to see what “used to be” – “Wee Small Hours” gold medal performance; “New York, New York’ on stage; and “San Francisco: from “I Am Harvey Milk.”

 

Next things got fun crazy when Jason Lee and Tyler Carpenter were game wranglers.  First they asked four members to come up and the chorus had to vote which member was the correct answer – questions like who was the youngest, how many states have you been to, how many first cousins do you have, what age did you start singing, what’s the largest audience you have sung for, how many eggs can you eat. The chorus voted by standing behind the member they thought was correct. 

 

Then they switched to a “To Tell the Truth” game – Jason invited three or four members to step out of the room with him and he gave them a message such as “I was a DJ on a Howard Stern radio show” or “I Taught German Shepherds.” Then Tyler invited each of the four members to state their story and answer questions from the chorus.  The chorus voted for the member they thought was telling the truth. Probably the best “lies” were told by Joe Cerutti when he said he was run over by a car as a kid.  He fooled everyone who thought he was not telling the truth.

 

The fun ended with a quartet appearance by PRAXIS who sang three songs – Francesco Logozzo, Kevin Clark, Lance Fisher, and David Breen .

 

Socializing continued at the hall and then back in the dorms.

 

Breakfast on Sunday came early!! Keys and linens were turned in and all the singers assembled in the Forum for warm-up directed by Maggie McAlexander.  There was one more bandana check.  Metro Voices worked with Rick Spencerand the Harmonizers worked with David McEachern to add a visual plan to “Something’s Comin.”  Those instructions were recorded so our in-house crew can teach and review them.

 

To wrap up, Joe thanked coordinators Craig Kujawa and Ken Rub; Dennis Ritchey for bringing our equipment; Jason Lee and Tyler Carpenter for the game fun; Doug White for help with the party bar; Jack Pitzer for the ice cream treats; and Chad Ross and the Class of 23. He invited Samantha Tramack to summarize her first retreat. He thanked the members for their hard work and willingness to stay focused, and for their dedication to improve our music.  He also welcomed input or suggestions from anyone with ideas for future retreats.

 

Joe alerted the singers that a fantastic finale number for the Sept. 9 anniversary show is coming soon for a combined performance by both ensembles singing the piece from “Wicked.”  He also reminded Harmonizers about the funeral for Royall Geis on Monday at Arlington.

 

Finally, Joe expressed appreciation to both coaches for their efforts to make us better and to help us know more about our music and our personal performances. Both David and Rick spoke with sincere remarks about the chapter and this weekend.  The chapter was happy to give them  a new 75^th anniversary mug.

 

The finale was singing the “Friends” tag – always an emotional event in the life of the chapter.

 

Everyone joined in to load the risers and equipment onto the truck, bid farewell to each other, and headed home.

 

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 June 6, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 6, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices was a busy one leading up to their first combined retreat June 9-11. Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, conducted the warm up session for the combined ensembles in the Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) auditorium on the risers. She taught them a fun round about an alligator in a water spout.

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti took over the program and congratulated the contestants and organizers of last week’s Put Together Quartet Contest.

 

He was excited to kick off plans for this weekend’s retreat at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.  See the recent message and agenda from chapter contest coordinator, Craig Kujawa, about check in, outline for the housing and meals, and the schedule. Take his advice and bring your own towel, soap and a pillow, and at least a sheet for the bed.

 

Friday evening arrivals can check in between 4 and 8 pm. Riser helpers are needed at 4 pm too.  Tradition has been for many of us to go to O’Lordans Irish Pub for dinner. (YeEd checked and confirmed it is not graduation on campus this weekend. Yeah.!)

 

Rehearsal Friday night is from 8-10.  Coaches this year are Rick Spencer and David McEachern.  Joe is excited to work on some of our new songs for this year.

 

Saturday rehearsals start at 8:30 am (breakfast at 7:30 and coffee service will also be in the rehearsal room at The Forum at 8 am.  Lunch at Noon, then more rehearsal, some breaks, and after dinner more rehearsal ending with a social time in the meeting space.

 

Sunday breakfast at 7:30 am with a mid-morning break and wrap up at noon.  Everyone helps take things out to the Harmo Truck.

 

Joe also outlined details for next Tuesday night’s appearance at the Alexandria City Council meeting when the Mayor will proclaim June as Harmonizer month.  Singers from both ensembles should arrive at City Hall in Market Square at 6:45 (already warmed up) to sing “Why We Sing.”  Then after the brief time in City Hall, they will sing on the Square.  And then adjourn back to SRT.

 

Communications director Steve Murane hosted the chapter’s business session. 

 

Steve White, chairman of the 75^th anniversary committee, promoted the anniversary celebration party and ceremony on June 20 at SRT.  He hinted at some of the surprise guests, explained the general plan for the night including the singing and goodies to share.  There will be great history displays and videos.  Current members of both ensembles should attend, as well as any alumni. Anyone that still needs to RSVP can contact organizer Carl Kauffmann directly at carlkauff@comcast.net.

 

Sheryl Berlin, chapter education director and dean of the M-AD Harmony College East, encouraged singers to attend the event the weekend after our retreat back up at McDaniel College. The deadline is Friday, June 9.

 

Michael Berkson invited anyone who needs help with signing onto SLACK to meet him tonight.

 

Gary Cregan thanked the work crew that helped move chapter storage to a new location on South Picket Street in Alexandria - Randall Eliason, Terry Reynolds, Kaj Vaisanen, Stan Quick, Dean Rust and Jack Pitzer.  This is a major cost savings effort. 

 

Ben Watsky welcomed guests. Dana Richardson and Ashley Merryman from the Mount Vernon area in Alexandria came to sing with Metro Voices. Doug White brought his daughter Aria White (a recent high school graduate) and her friend James Rasser from Nebraska.  David Breen’s mother, Maddy, was with us from Ohio and sang too. Ellen Dellert, a long-time fan and booster was in the hall this week. Mick Stamps and Steve Beach were back too.  Jamie Patricia was with us for the last week of his temporary assignment in the DC area. Sam Brothers and Dave Ermlick, both active in the chorus in the past, have rejoined and were singing on the risers for the new songs. Kevin Mendez and intern Kaj Vaisanen were back to sing in the bari section.

 

Will Cox directed the chapter’s “Welcome Song.”

 

Both ensembles worked on “Why We Sing” to start the night.   Riser ready singers stayed on the risers and all others sang from their seats in the auditorium. Everyone was encouraged to take notes on their music during this work session.  Singers returned to the risers with a chance to self-record in order to seek comments from music team leaders.

 

At this point the Metro Voices adjourned to the cafeteria to work on their songs – “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “If I Were a Bell,” and “I Can See the Light.” 

 

The Harmonizers remained in the auditorium to work on “San Francisco” from “I Am Harvey Milk”  Joe asked the Harmonizers to bring this music to the retreat for more work time. Then they also worked on “Wee Small Hours” which will also be worked on at the retreat.

 

Finally, Joe and section leaders worked with the four sections on “Calling Dreams” and then those groups regrouped on the risers.

 

The singing part of the evening ended with “New York New York.”  

 

There were announcements about the internment for Royal Geis at Arlington on Monday, June 12. Watch for an email with final details. Dress will be coat and tie. Be sure to have the necessary pass to get onto the Post for the service that will proceed the graveside service. The chorus will sing “I’ll Walk With God” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.” The call time will be 12:30 pm  at the chapel.

 

The two ensembles combined for final announcements such as getting a crew to put risers into the truck to take to the retreat.

 

Joe took a count for afterglow pizza before “Keep the Whole World Singing” after  the 50/50 drawing! There was a lively session of story-telling outside on the patio at the Harmo House.

 

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 May 30, 2023 Alexandria Chapter 2022 Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony

 Looking Back on the May 30, 2023 Alexandria Chapter 2022 Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony 

 

The Alexandria Chapter has seven Distinguished Service Awards to present each year.  In addition, some Meritorious Service Awards are often presented by the president. The 2022 chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, conducted the annual awards ceremony as part of the May 30, 2023 chapter meeting at Scottish Rite Temple. 

 

Traditionally the awards were at the start of the new year. These awards recognize the service and dedication of the awardees for 2022. Award candidates are nominated by any member of the chapter, and are voted on by the chapter Board of Directors.

 

Noah chose to award these four Meritorious Service Awards:

 

Our first award is given to a new member – although not a new barbershopper – he has been exceptionally generous with his time and energy in his time with us so far. He has been unfailingly warm, supportive, and willing to help however needed. His spirit of  dedication has even extended to service as secretary of the chapter. board of directors, where he is an unfailingly active and engaged presence. I present this Meritorious Service Award to Cy Shuster.

 

The next award is given jointly to two members who've made a big impact in their time with us. They have done outstanding work as soloists on our shows and as members of the music team. They have also reinvigorated the culture of tag-singing in the chapter, reliably staying up late at afterglows and conventions to keep the spirit of extemporaneous barbershop singing alive. I am pleased to present this Meritorious Service Award to Lance Fisher and David Breen.

 

The fourth award is given to a stalwart member of the chapter who has been key to our successes for over 40 years. He served as long-time tenor section leader, guiding that section to new heights. He also served as uniform chair, helping to refine our visual style and polish our image. He has been a successful competitive quartet singer and dedicated, reliable member of the chorus. It is my distinct honor to present this Meritorious Service Award to Rick Savage.

 

Next Noah announced the seven Distinguished Service Awards:

 

New Note of the Year Award: given to a member who has contributed outstanding service to the Chapter in their first year of membership.

 

This new member jumped in with both feet. He began leaving an impression almost immediately, joining our front row dancers shortly after he joined the chorus, making a big contribution to the successful visual package for "42nd Street" that won a medal at the convention in Charlotte. He was 2022 Class President at that convention too. He also gave a memorable performance as "The Grinch" at our recent holiday show. Perhaps most importantly, he has been a dedicated performer and a warm, ebullient presence on the risers. Unfortunately, his time with us was cut short as work and family obligations took him to Atlanta, but in that time he served as a model for enthusiasm, commitment and the joy of performance. This year's New Note of the Year Award is presented to Michael Pugh.

 

Harmonizer Honor Award: Given for service above and beyond the usual service expected during the past year.

 

This award is given to a member who rose to a major challenge. Last year, as we prepared for the International convention in Charlotte, he stepped in to serve as our visual coach and provided other support to the contest effort. He mastered the visual plans, provided support and feedback in rehearsals, and led additional sessions for those who needed extra work. This effort contributed to one of our highest contest scores in history, and more importantly, made an extraordinary impact on the audience. He has brought his signature brand of focus and dedication to everything he does, and we hope he will continue to do so for years to come. This year's Harmonizer Honor Award is presented to Turner Arndt.

 

Dick Hall Spirit of Harmony Award: Presented to the member who during the past year best exemplified the qualities of congeniality and good character, and worked hardest to encourage participation in vocal harmony.

 

Our next awardee has worked extremely hard--perhaps harder than anyone in recent memory--to build community within our chapter. He has striven relentlessly to make new singers feel welcome, encourage their participation, and to prepare them for both the commitment and the fun of being a member. This has been especially important given our recent influx of new members, the launch of Metro Voices last year, and the upcoming launch of our youth and seniors choruses. This work has been essential to making our chapter experience fun and rewarding for everyone, and to creating the relationships that keep members coming back for years to come. I am pleased to present this year's Dick Hall Spirit of Harmony Award to Jacob Broude.

 

Ibbianne and Wilbur Sparks Award: Given to a family team of two or more people, to recognize their contributions to the success and well-being of the chapter.

 

Our next awardees exemplify what it means to be dedicated teammates, both for the chapter and for each other. One has performed years of service as our audio-visual technician and a key member of our IT team, ensuring our voices are heard far and wide. The other has lent extensive support to our shows on the day-of-event, and coordinated our holiday silent auction fundraiser. Both have been generous with their time and effort, and many a show would not have been possible without their help. This year's Ibbianne and Wilbur Sparks Award is presented to Kristin and Mike Kelly.

 

Oz Newgard Award: Given to the member who has made a significant contribution to the musical program of the chapter during the past year.  The contribution need not be highly visible or of a technical musical character, but it must be related directly to the musical program.

 

Our next awardee has been a key member of our music team for almost his entire time with us. He distinguished himself as bass section leader, ensuring that our largest section has remained the rock-solid foundation on which our sound is built. He has also been a stalwart presence at music team meetings, and a friendly, accessible source of musical support and leadership. While his growing family has led him to step down as section leader, I have every confidence that he will continue to make important contributions to our sound and musical direction. This year's Oz Newgard Memorial Award is presented to Ryan Mextorf.

 

Sandy Stamps "Open Arms" Award: Recognizes an individual who promoted the value of a welcoming and inclusive environment for all singers.

 

Our next awardee has been a welcoming presence at just about every Harmonizer rehearsal and other event I can remember. While much has been said about his long and distinguished history of service, not nearly enough has been said about his equally extensive efforts to build community in our chapter. For example, he has hosted our annual winter "Heat Glow" social event at his home for many years. He convened an informal "brain trust" of our most experienced members to make sure their voices are heard by chapter leadership. He has added a birthday recognition event to the chapter program and bakes a cake to celebrate members’ birthdays. He never hesitates to introduce himself to a new member and helps to make certain all are welcome into the Harmonizer community. For all these reasons, and many more, I proudly present the Sandy Stamps "Open Arms" Award to Jack Pitzer.

 

Memorial Award: Given to the member who, during their entire period of membership, has devoted themself most unselfishly in rendering outstanding service to the chapter. It is the highest recognition which the chapter can bestow on a member.

 

I've said a lot this evening about leadership, dedication, service, and hard work. Everyone we've honored here today has exhibited those qualities, as have many others we were not able to honor. But this member has exemplified those values, to such a great degree and over such an extended period of time, that we would simply not be where we are without him. As chapter president, he provided steady, thoughtful, and decisive leadership. As executive director, he shepherded our operations team through more accomplishments than I can count: meeting the challenges of COVID-19, the hiring of our first paid executive staff, and enormous increases in our charitable fundraising, to name just a few. So many of our recent successes would simply not have been possible without his dedicated efforts. Between his service as chapter president and executive director, he has been in a leadership position continuously for more than seven years. I can say without hesitation that we are immeasurably better for his extraordinary service. It is my great pleasure to present the chapter's highest honor, the Memorial Award, to Randall Eliason.

 

Each award recipient was presented a plaque or a silver tray as recognition and the chapter members present for the ceremony gave each one a standing ovation in tribute.

 

Noah thanked Alan Wile for his help in ordering the awards and for helping make the presentations.

 

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 May 30, 2023 Alexandria Put Together Quartet Contest

 Looking Back on the May 30, 2023 Alexandria Put Together Quartet Contest 

 

Members of the Alexandria Chapter had a fun time at this week’s meeting with the Put Together Quartet Contest and Chapter Awards presentation.

 

To get things started, associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted a warm up session for the combined ensembles in the auditorium on the risers – to get all the singers ready for the contest.

 

Administrator Terry Reynolds made a few announcements with details about next week’s music work plan and an outline of how this week’s schedule would work.  He also reported that Michael Berkson will conduct Slack webinars/office hours over the next week! Michael sent out a follow-up email with details on how to sign up. 

 

Chapter president Noah Van Gilder then presented the annual service awards for 2022 (he did acknowledge that this presentation was a little later than normal).  A complete report of the award recipients will follow this report in a day or two.

 

After the awards ceremony, there was an extended break so quartets could warm up and be ready to perform.

 

Chairman for this year’s Put Together Quartet Contest was Tyler Carpenter who announced the order of appearance before the break started and the contest stage was set up.

 

Emcee for the contest was Kevin Mendez.  Jack Pitzer was secretary for the judging panel and introduced this year’s panel of five members we don’t see often.  Sam Brothers was in the front row for ten years.  FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND quartet filled the rest of the judging panel spots. The quartet name was first established in about 1975 with Randy Lazear, Rick Savage, Alan Durick and Rick Loveland.  The name was created one night at a Geno’s afterglow. (Rick brought the paper napkin that was used to note the new quartet name.). Randy still sings tenor. Bob Bates sings lead. Larry Walker is baritone and Dave Cureton is bass. The quartet meets weekly and has continued to meet and sing for over 20 years.   

 

After the contest ended and while the scores were tabulated, FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND sang two songs including one called “New Math” to explain how they had created their scores!

 

This year’s contest had seventeen quartets! There were combinations of singers from the Harmonizers and from Metro Voices.  There were three categories of performances – regular or traditional song, a comedy number, or a tag – which was a new category for this contest. Winning quartet singers were each presented a medal with a red, white and blue neck strap. Tyler announced the winners and presented the medals.

 

First place quartet for comedy was DOOT WHOPPERS with Cy Shuster, Calvin Schnure, Joel Golden and Rob Barnovsky.  Second place was JOE, RICK AND THE NELLIES with Joe Cerutti, Rick Savage, Ken Rub and Matt Ambler.

 

First place tag quartet was FOUNDING FATHERS with Tessa Walker, Kaj Vaisanen, Maggie McAlexander andJason Lee.  Second place was FOUR STAND INS with Maggie McAlexander, Josh Myers, David Breen and Kevin Mendez. Third place was ONE HIT WONDER with Elisabeth Cosh, Sheryl Berlin, Sophie Clarke and Mary Cooper. 

 

First place traditional quartet was ILLUMINATED NOCHES with Josh Myers, Devin Gerzof, Lance Fisher andDavid Breen.  Second place was THIRD TAKE with Jason Lee, Lance Fisher, Josh Myers and David Breen. Third place was WHY WE SING with Michael Berkson, Jason Lee, Maggie McAlexander and Turner Arndt.  

 

Tyler presented a ribbon to David Breen who sang in the most quartets in the contest!

 

After the winners were announced, artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked Tyler and all the contestants. After the 50/50 drawing, Joe welcomed everyone to come to the afterglow at the Harmo House for pizza and more tag singing.  He wrapped up the fun evening with “Keep the Whole World 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 May 28, 2023 Community Sing and Harmonizer Recognition of Military Appreciation Month

 Looking Back on the May 28, 2023 Community Sing and Harmonizer Recognition of Military Appreciation Month

The Alexandria Chapter held a community sing in recognition of Military Appreciation Month on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at The Bike Club in Alexandria from 3-5 pm. Special guests were Mo Field and Amelia Charnock of Beatles-A-Day pandemic fame. When the Pandemic hit, they came up with the idea to record and post a Beatles song every day.  It was a success and they continued to post 600 times!

Members, families and music friends filled the space and cheered and sang on Sunday. 

Emcee was Joe Cerutti, chapter artistic director.  He welcomed the crowd and introduced the guest singers who had driven to Alexandria from Toronto. Amelia and Mo (with her guitar) coaxed everyone to get into singing and playing their “instruments” that were issued to everyone – sticks, kazoos, egg shakers, tambourines. 

Singers who needed lyrics looked them up on Google as needed.  

There were trivia questions and some of those in the crowd were Beatles fans and knew answers about album covers, songs released on which album, or details about the individual Beatles. Some Harmonizers knew most of the answers!

After the first sing-along set, the chapter did a tribute to veterans during this special month.  An ensemble of Harmonizers sang “Armed Forces Medley” – Rick Savage, Kellen Hertz, Gary Cregan, Carl Kauffmann, Frank Fedarko, David Welter, Terry Reynolds, Ken Rub, Frank Shipp, Howard Nestlerode, Dean Rust, and Clyde Crusenberry.  All attendees were welcome to stand or wave when “their song” was sung.

Joe shared the moving story of the chapter’s trip to Normandy, France, and to Les Ventes, France, to honor Billie Harris and meet his widow, Peggy.

Dean Rust was the major organizer for the event with help from general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick and Joe.  Kaj Vaisanen, the chapter’s summer intern and Susan staffed the complimentary bar.  There were cheese and meat platters for refreshments too. The staff at The Bike Club helped with audio visual issues. 

The Alexandria chapter gratefully acknowledges the program support it receives from the Commission for the Arts of Alexandria, Virginia. Partial funding for performances is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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 May 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices was a busy one with a good number of singers present.  Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up session for the combined ensembles in the auditorium on the risers.

Artistic director Joe Cerutti was just off the plane from Germany where he was a judge for Barbershop in Germany (BinG) contest. He was happy to welcome Dave Ermlick and Adam Afifi back to the risers. 

Joe prompted the chapter members to get the free tickets for the sing-along on Sunday, May 28, 3-5 pm at The Bike Club in Old Town – 99 Canal Center Plaza #110.  Dean Rust has also organized a tribute event to honor veterans at that event.  A group of Harmonizers will sing “Armed Forces Medley” to recognize our special guests.  The sing-along will be hosted by Mo and Amelia with lots of Beatles songs.  Mo Field was a coach for the chapter a few years ago.

He also added another major event to the chapter’s schedule – the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) fall contest and convention will be the weekend of Sept. 29-30 in York, PA.  Both ensembles will compete there. Members should add these dates to their calendar and stay tuned for more details.

Joe encouraged participation in the annual Put Together Quartet contest which will be next Tuesday night, May 30, at SRT – he even offered to sing with any contestants that need a fourth.   Quartets are encouraged to form and prepare a traditional song, a comedy number or even a tag. Guest judges will choose winners that will be given trophies! Registered quartet singers can compete but have to sing a different part in this contest.  Tyler Carpenter is coordinator and he offers to “put together” a quartet for anyone who wants to sing but does not have a quartet yet. Singers from both ensembles are encouraged to enter this fun chapter contest. (Word leaked out that Metro Voices will have several entries!). 

Finally Joe lead the applause to recognize May birthdays in the chapter for Jorge Acevedo-Gierbolini, Scott Beach, Geoff Berman, Vinny Capaccio, Will Cox, Mike Geipel, Mark Klostermeyer, Nick Murane, Craig Odell, David Reyno, Bob Rhome, Zak Sandler, Tessa Walker, Johan Westberg, Doug White, and several Metro Voices singers.

Both ensembles worked on “Why We Sing” to start the night.  (Joe thanked Brian Ammerman for serving as the “pitchman” for the chorus. After a while, riser ready singers stayed on the risers and all others sang from their seats in the auditorium. Everyone was encouraged to take notes on their music during this work session.  Singers returned to the risers with a chance to self-record in order to seek comments from music team leaders.

Communications director Steve Murane hosted the chapter’s business session.  Sheryl Berlin, chapter education director and dean of the M-AD Harmony College East, encouraged singers to attend the event the weekend after our retreat back up at McDaniel College. 

 

President Noah Van Gilder also announced that the chapter will present the annual awards at the May 30^th meeting. He also announced that our COVID committee will stand down and the chapter will end vaccine requirements for attendance, but they do encourage members to stay home if they are sick for any reason. Noah thanked the committee chaired by Jason Lee for their dedicated service.  The chapter members responded with their applause as thanks.

Steve reminded attendees to sign up by June 1 to attend the 75^th anniversary party on Tuesday, June 20 at SRT. This special evening will include some singing by the chapter; remarks from several special guests from the BHS; displays created by the chapter’s history team; special Diamond Honor Awards presented to just a few members who have provided exceptional services to the chapter over the years; a video history to enjoy; plus refreshments and an anniversary cake cutting ceremony and entertainment from BETTER TOGETHER. Carl and Cathy Kauffmann have organized the event on behalf of the 75^th anniversary committee. 

Steve reminded members that they should pay their fee for the chapter retreat by 8 pm on May 30^. The annual chorus retreat is June 9-11 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Both ensembles will attend. Housing will be in campus space and the retreat will be in the student building where the meals will be served and where the Saturday night party will be held. There are options to commute too.Craig Kujawa, contest director, is coordinator. (See the May 21^stRetreat Newsletter from Craig about how to request rooming groups and learn of other details.) Coaches for this year’s retreat will be David McEachern from Toronto, and Rick Spencer from Nashville. Arrival is Friday evening and departure is Sunday noon.  

Membership director Jacob Broude welcomed returning guests James McCament, Lenna Jawdat, Kevin Mendez and Jamie Patricia.  First time guests were Ali and Haya who heard us last week when we sang in Old Town. Terry Reynolds directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

At this point the Metro Voices adjourned to the cafeteria to work on their songs.

The Harmonizers remained in the auditorium and before they worked on their songs, Jacob welcome two new members – tenor Edgar Blancas and bari John Taber. Each was given his new Harmo black camp shirt.

Song work began with “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat’ and then on the new song “Calling Dreams” with duets of bass and bari, and lead and tenor before full chorus. 

The singing part of the evening ended with “I’m the Music Man.”  Terry alerted singers that the next new song will be “San Francisco” and it is already on Groupanizer.

 

Joe took a count for afterglow pizza, and directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” after Dennis Ritchey won the 50/50 drawing!

In other chapter news: the interment of Royal Geis at Arlington Cemetery will be on June 12 at 1 pm.  The Harmonizers will sing “I’ll Walk With God’ and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

 

Chapter leaders received word that cremains of Terry Jordan were recently placed at the burial location with his widow, Ginger, in his beloved Dunbar, West Virginia, by family members. 

The chapter meeting on Tuesday, June 13, will begin at Alexandria City Hall with both ensembles singing for the City Council at 7 pm in their chamber. The mayor will recognize the chapter’s 75^th anniversary. Following that performance, the chapter will reconvene at SRT.

On July 1, there will be a chorus sing with the HEAVY MEDAL chorus, our Barbershop in Germany (BinG) guests. Their members will stay in the homes of our chapter members. The performance will be at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. The BinG chorus in on its way to the International BHS convention in Louisville the next week. 

On Saturday, May 20, operations director Gary Cregan, with help from Randall Eliason, Terry Reynolds, Kaj Vaisanen, Stan Quick, Dean Rust and Jack Pitzer loaded the Harmo truck to move chapter equipment, holiday decorations and uniforms from a Woodbridge storage space to a new unit on South Picket St. in Alexandria, VA.

Birthday celebrations continued at the afterglow in the Harmo House.  There were several guests there to meet other members.

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.