Looking Back on International Sendoff Chapter Meeting June 23rd, 2009

Looking Back on International Sendoff Chapter Meeting June 23rd, 2009

(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.)

This year’s International send off was held at Durant on Tuesday nite. The crowd grew to over 270 and we used every chair we could find in the Rec Center.

There were 29 guys who came up from the Richmond Chapter. There were also guys there from the DC Chapter, Dundalk Chapter and a few individuals from other chapters around the area.

Ye Ed counted 35 former or current members in the audience in addition to the nearly 80 guys on the risers. The room was hot enough during this summer season, but the huge crowd warmed up the hall.

The Harmonizers really can turn on the charm with a crowd is cheering and screaming.

Musically there was the usual warm up and then exercises to recapture lessons and instructions from last week. Director Joe took the chorus thru the songs and then sets of the contest package. Then the chorus went out into the lobby to prepare for a contest entrance and performance for the audience.

Terry Jordan did the announcer duties and the chorus did their set. The audience responded with a Standing O.

The chapter was honored to have three judges observe the performance – Steve Tramack from NH and former member or our chapter, Tim Brooks from Georgia and lead in a medalist quartet competing in Anaheim, STATE LINE GROCERY, and Gary Plaag.

The chorus took a break and the audience was invited to enjoy a spread of refreshments provided by the Jordans. After the break, the judges gave comments to the chorus (and the audience could hear them too).

Joe also expressed his thank you to a long list of administrative, musical and motivational leaders. The chapter’s FRIENDS OF HARMONY gave the chapter a monetary guift as well as checks to our two quartets going to Anaheim, FULL TILT and CRUNCH TIME. Representatives of the Dundalk Chapter and the Potomac Harmony Sweet Adeline Chapter also presented gifts to President Brad Jones wishing the chorus well in competition.

Announcement included the distribution of convention packets by Bob Rhome (the actual books were prepared by Dixie Kennett with help from Chris Buechler).

Secretary Chris gave membership renewal cards to Craig Kujawa for 6 years and Ken Rub for 18 years. New members were introduced – Kellen Hertz, Edris Qarghah, Frank Fedarko and Phil Ashford (reinstated in chapter after 25 year absence). They are all going to Anaheim too.

Ye Ed asked for anyone going to Anaheim to send him stories or info or details about the week to use in prep of the next Looking Back column. Get them to him by Thurs. July 9th via email. Thanks.

The evening ended with Tom Kraus doing a personal story of young romance that fits the scenario we have for the ballad. Then the chorus did one of its closed eye drills. And ended with another run thru of the whole set.

The hall was emptied about 10:20 and the truck loaded so we could set up for the extra rehearsal on Thurs nite June 25th in the school next door.

For those who need a reminder, the first rehearsal in Anaheim is Tues evening, June 30th, 7 – 8:30 pm in the Marriott – Marquis North (note that is not our hotel – and note the various locations of our rehearsals all week in CA).

Until next time – editorjack!