Looking Back on the 2012 Mid-Winter Convention in Tucson

(Thanks to reporters Dixie Kennett, Chris Buechler and Alan Wile for this news.)

A great time was had by the fifteen current and several former members of the Harmonizers family.  Joe Cerutti was there for board meetings, as was Gary Plaag. 

Joe also emceed both the Friday and Saturday night shows, (he did do some costume changes, but reporters tell YeEd nothing crazy like last year’s shocking costumes!) featuring the top five International medalists from Kansas City, along with current collegiate quartet winner and the Association of International Seniors Quartet Champs chorus and quartets.  Chris Buechler attended as the board's assistant parliamentarian. Chuck Harner attended as Harmony Foundation board member.

The judging panel for the seniors quartet contest had three members of the Harmonizer family with Dwain Chambers serving as contest administrator and Mike Louque and Richard Lewellen judging presentation and singing respectively.

It was nice to see long-time members Darryl Flinn, Tom Gannon, Larry Deters (interim Society CEO) and Fr. Joe Witmer, who no longer live in this district.  This was Darryl's first trip since his recent heart surgery.  It is always great to see friends we don't see weekly in the relaxed atmosphere of a midwinter convention.

The weather in Tucson was a perfect 74 during the day and a few of us arrived early to do some sightseeing.

LEGACY and YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (with Mike Wallen) represented our Mid-Atlantic District in the Seniors quartet contest.  LEGACY was the fifth place bronze medalist quartet and YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT finished eighth.

 There were fifteen youth choruses with 420 youth singing on Saturday, providing an exciting day.  All received either superior or excellent ratings -- with at least one standing ovation per chorus.  If you haven't experienced a youth chorus festival, you have missed one of the best events the Society offers.  President Alan Lamson hosted a reception Saturday night following the show to which all attendees were invited.

Next year's Midwinter convention will be held in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, which has a ballroom holding 3,500 seats.  All attendees will stay at the resort, which boasts fourteen restaurants.  Go early and experience Disney World or Universal Studios during the season of smallest crowds.  Convention dates are January 8-13, 2013.

Others in the Harmonizer family not mentioned above who were at the convention were Ryan Killeen, Harmony Foundation staffer; Bill Colosimo, district vp; Ross Johnson; Sam McFarland; Ray Kahler, Scott’s dad; Bob Hirsch; Paul Wietlisbach, BHS staffer; Will Winder; Lee Hanson, in outgoing seniors quartet champ; and Ellen Dellert.

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 of the great things going on each week at as part of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)