Looking Back on Oct. 28th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on Oct. 28th Chapter Meeting

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)


Last nite we had a very successful guest nite and a great rehearsal in prep for upcoming shows.

There were lots of extra goodies last nite that guys brought in to share with the guests, and left over sodas from the weekend board retreat meeting.

I saw a “Vote Here On Nov. 4th” sign as I came into Durant last nite – so that means we will meet in Jeff Houston school next door on Tues., Nov. 4th.

There were almost 80 guys at the meeting this week, and I think Roger said 18 guests including family members who were visiting. The guests came from all around the DC metro area. Some were former active members of chapters, some found us via our ads on Facebook, and some were family members like Dan O’Brien’s son.

Will Cox did the musical warm ups. Gary Plaag did the physical warm up – as in the past done to the “In the Mood” music. Chuck Hunter did a craft session to reinforce lessons learned from the musical team.

The meeting room was set differently for the guest nite – the risers were backed up to the stage, about 50 chairs were set facing the risers, then admin tables behind them. I liked that set up. Seemed to be more open.

When Director Joe took over up front, he launched a solid work out session on major new songs and reviews of songs the chorus had done in the past. He included the guests up on the risers and it was fun to see them singing along and doing moves.

Congrats to Roger for making the really nice just-for-tonite guest books that had the music for the nite, a letter to the guest, and some things about the chapter.

While Joe worked on the music, he alternated having the guys in sectionals on the risers. He hinted some about the stage décor and plan for the Holiday Show – sounds like a good plan and explains why toys and elves.

Roger had enlisted a crew of guys to help with the guest process – Klinge and O’Brien were greeters. The PR guys were taking pixs for future promos.

Member recognition before break included membership renewal cards to Max Kieba for 8 years, Randy Lazear for 34 years and Jack Pitzer for 43 years. Good to see Patrick Kim, Kyle Blomgren and Jeremy Knobel back.

Then Roger had the fun to introduce all the guests. Dennis Ritchey did the honors of passing out First Timer Buttons – ala Vanna White.

The break was busy with guys getting goodies. Ornament sales are moving – but we can’t let up or we won’t beat last year’s record. Same with '09 Coupon Books.

During announcements, Roger asked for guys to get to work on their toy or elf costumes. And he asked each man to wrap two large empty boxes with shinny gift wrap (no bows) for the show.

The guests met with music team members and learned a tag or two and got some info about the chapter. While they were out, the chorus practiced the songs to sing for them. Joe let the guys vote if they should sing “Music” or “Soldiers.” “Music of the Night” won.

The chorus sang “Great Day,” “Music of the Night.” Then CAMERON STATION sang a couple of the good songs. And chorus ended their package show with “Clap Your Hands.”

After that it was back to work on show songs with the guests back on the risers.

Looks like several of the guests are singers and expressed some interest in checking us out further. Hope so.

We went close to 10 pm and so the crews worked hard and fast to load the truck for next week, and put things away.

Until next time – editorjack!