Looking Back on June 9th Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on June 9th 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.)

It was primary election day in Virginia and so the Durant facility was being used for a polling place. And the school forgot we were gonna be there and had a band concert in the meeting space we normally use in Jeff Houston School.

We were patient and at 7:20 or so we got to start setting up the risers and meeting room. Meanwhile, chapter leaders got the guys into a meeting room for warm ups, then went to sectionals. So even tho it was not what we had planned, things went well.

The riser crew set up 11 risers so the guys could get used to standing on 9 even tho there will be 11 sets on the stage.

Director Joe put the troops thru their paces right after they got on the risers in singing and performing the contest set. There were many sets of eyes out front to offer suggestions thru the visual team. Music team members also offered Joe their thoughts.

At break, we skipped the coffee but the Nelson’s bakery department came thru with a large supply of home baked goodies. We will all miss those treats since Ron and Ben and the family are moving to Washington State soon.

Also during break guys were invited to sign the back of the terrific framed gift we gave our retreat coach, David Wright. It is a matt with the words Alexandria HARMONIZERS cut out and pictures under those cut out letters. Ron Nelson took the pictures at the retreat and he and Mark Klostermeyer had them processed in Westminster and then they finished the framing.

Membership VP Dan O’Brien had another long line of guests to introduce. Some guys were from other chapters all around the nation, some first timers, and some men who had been at our Youth Festival. Former member and lead singer in FRIENDSHIP FIRE COMPANY, Doug Smith, was visiting too.

After break and during the chapter meeting, Ken White reminded all about the scenario plan for the ballad and invited men to share there intimate stories of young love. Craig Odell shared his story. Following his sharing, Joe had the chorus sing the ballad seated and with their eyes closed. You could feel the emotion in the room. Wonder if we are the only chapter that does that? It always works to get us in touch with our feelings and the feeling of the song.

Dick Newton, Anaheim convention chairman, offered ideas of plans, reminded people to get uniforms and tickets and flights. He also distributed a tentative schedule for Alexandria guys for International week. He asked the Class of ’09 to meet with him in the lobby for special help in making arrangements. (Blue bandanas were checked once or twice during the nite!) (And since Ron and Ben would have been in the class, but won’t be going to Anaheim, they were made Honorary Class of ’09 members.)

Max Kieba reminded all about the deadline to submit scholarship request forms to attend the Harmony University in Missouri. The chapter has a long tradition of sending guys there – to learn and come back to our chapter and get involved in musical and chapter leadership.

Terry Reynolds asked for final tapes.

Scott Kahler announced the formation of a technology team. He asked men to step and offer their help. Before the nite ended, Phil Ferguson, was at work with the head sets and helped with the recording of the ballad at the end of the evening. Word is that the recordings in Durant turn out pretty good.

Thursday, June 11th, there will be an extra rehearsal at Jeff Houston. ALL NOTE THIS NEW DATE. There will not be an extra rehearsal June 25th.

The FRIENDS of HARMONY met last nite too.

Chuck McKeever thanked all of his retreat team for their work.

Then it was back to work on the contest package. One big effort was the especially soft passage Joe wants in the ballad. And that prompted a Moment in Harmo History about the year the Toronto chorus mimicked top choruses and when they came to us, they just mouthed the words. Our reputation of singing wonderfully soft and meaningful ballads was known to all.

The rest of the nite was work, work, work, work. Progress continues.

We wrapped up, loaded the truck, and headed for the afterglow. Another big crowd was there for that too.

Until next time – editorjack!