Looking Back on September 1st Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on September 1st 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.)

This week there was a work crew in the hall early – guys brought tools to work on the risers. Turns out they found it was a lot more work that just tightening some bolts. They managed to get one section done – after figuring out the cure. It did make a difference and stopped the noise and squeak. More sections will be done next week at 6 pm. You can help too – even non singers who can come out early.

There were also guys in the hall learning the new music and getting an SP review.

Numbers were slim at the start, but a nice crowd assembled by about 7:30 – suspect there are also a lot of folks away for preLabor Day weekend travel. We know of two of our guys have been involved with their weddings – Tom Kraus and Phil Ferguson. Congrats to both. It was great to see Roger Day back in the hall!!!

After warm ups, Director Joe told us about his fun and excitement from visiting the Dallas VM last weekend. Then he started right in on helping the guys get it together on the new music that is out. A new show opener, “There’s a Meeting Here Tonight.” Some new music for the joint show with Pride of Baltimore. And a refresher on “Ave Maria” to be used this fall, and at holiday show. Then we launched the start of polishing up holiday show songs.

Before break, Klostermeyer announced that Brad Jones had fall show tickets to sell, that Sandy Stamps had WHOs, and Chuck Harner had 2010 entertainment books. See them during break.

Secretary Buechler presented 6-year membership renewal to Wayne Adams.

Eric Wallen asked for some guys to help fill a quartet gig. And he invited guys on the “other” 10 for 10 weight loss team to enjoy the cupcakes left from Tom’s wedding!

Dan OBrien offered more marketing tools for guys to use in promoting the Sept. 15th guest nite. Joe promised a gift for each guy who brought a guest and a big prize for the guy who brought the most guest!!!

Then Dan introduced another line of guests.

During the break, the sign on the coffee pot announced that we are now serving Starbucks decaf coffee at chapter. (Thanks, Wayne.)

Announcements after the break included a push from Music VP Terry Reynolds to get in self-eval tapes.

President Brad presented a “You Make A Difference” star pin to Terry Reynolds for his behind the scenes work on music and performance matters. Brad and Dan O reported on the status of Carl Kauffmann who is having some serious complications from his operation of a few months ago.

Back to work then on music, and a good solid presentation review on contest package with Gary Plaag coaching – especially in facial involvement. A similar session was held a couple weeks ago prior to going to Dog Days and it paid off when the men took the stage in Manassas last Tues nite.

Next Joe had Tony Colosimo direct the contest package so Joe could coach. It was a terrific session and much appreciated by the men as it helped add many little, but important, nuances.

The rest of the musical time was spent in getting ready for the district contest in Lancaster, PA, Oct. 2 and 3. Everyone was reminded that this is the chance to set the level for next summer’s International chorus contest score!!! Go into the summer contest ranked as high as possible.

The chorus made their eval tapes at the end. When we sand our last song, Joe gave our collective support to Rick Savage and Ian Poulin for their recent family member losses.

The crew got the equipment put away fast and a crowd went over for the afterglow.

Until next time – editorjack!