Looking Back on the January 3^rd Chapter Meeting

Happy New Year! This week’s meeting was the Harmonizers kick-off  for 2012 with some new opportunities, new adventures, and a new approach. The music team and the board have put their heads together to develop a strategy for moving forward. In-coming music vp Dan O’Brien promises that the strategy involves steady improvement between now and Toronto 2013, and plenty of MOR FUN'R.

A large crowd was on hand for this kick-off meeting.  Dan did a thorough and upbeat presentation about plans for 2012. He talked of goals for the year and how we will get there. In short we are gearing up for an 18-month run toward Toronto International, with a solid work plan to make Tuesday rehearsals compelling and more fun.  Key to it all, the MOR part equals “men on the risers.”

The musical and admin leaders all took a shot at revealing their plans including membership vp Phil Ashford. We will be using the BHS plan called Operation Harold Hill to build our numbers (Steve White will be heading up this drive), along with “I Sing” buttons for each guy to wear in order to attract singers.  President Steve Murane spoke briefly about the efforts to get more of us involved as volunteers for the various jobs off the risers.  The kick off session concluded with a chance for input from the guys on the risers. A talent survey will be coming out via email to all soon from Scipio Garling.

News emerging from this session included announcement that Tony Colosimo has been named the fourth associate chorus director in the history of the chapter.  Terry Reynolds will become an assistant chorus director with Mike Kelly and Will Cox.  Chuck McKeever, on behalf of the visual team, announced that instead of quad leaders there will be row chiefs including Troy Hillier, Ian Poulin, Nick Leiserson, Bob Blair, Don Thompson, Tom Griffith, Carl Kauffmann and Chuck Powell.

In addition, there will be a much easier to use eval system for the year.  The music team has extended invites to three coaches for the next year including Geri Geis who will help us revive the visual plan for our 1995 gold medal package, which we will use in Roanoke for the Southern Division contest.  Director Joe hopes we will have a large number of chorus singers in quartets at that contest too.

The chorus rehearsal began with warm ups lead by Will Cox. Then Tony conducted a craft session. Joe helped us review a couple old songs from the rep that will be used more now.

New operations vp Scott Kahler invited the guys to take a 15 minute break to conduct business and meet new guys.  After the break he conducted the chapter meeting.

Shows vp Brian Ammerman announced details about the Hospital Sing on Jan. 7^th and Heat Glow to follow. Gather Saturday evening at 5 pm at INOVA Alexandria Hospital - 4320 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA 22304 in the lobby. (Note: This is a different time than Groupanizer.) Wear caroling attire since we will be singing Christmas songs. Park in the visitor's lot on your right as you pull in; if the gate is operating, take your ticket and bring it into the lobby with you to have it validated.

Immediately after the sing, singers and their guests will adjourn to the home of Alan Kousen and Carlos Correa for our annual Heat Glow, a long-time traditional get together. At 412 Cedar Ridge Dr. Ft. Washington, MD 20745-1411 (note: this is not far over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from Alexandria - when crossing over the bridge stay in the 495 local lanes).  Alan says there is plenty of parking.  Bring an appetizer or dessert to share please, and your own wine or beer of choice (Alan will make the traditional grog with the time honored recipe he received from Jack Pitzer)

Scott alerted all members to an email about signing up for the emergency notification plan.And he also mentioned the email from Tom Kern about uniform turn in of old and excess parts. President Steve reminded that board that their next meeting is Jan 11^th and all budget requests need to be submitted to Dave Welter by tomorrow. Secretary Chris Buechler presented an 18-year membership renewal card to Chuck Powell.

Membership vp Phil introduced four guests – two applicants and two first timers.

When Joe resumed the singing work, he welcomed Chuck Hunter who is in the USA for a short visit.

Joe and the audio team also played a new song we will be doing – a several-song “Jersey Boys” medley arranged by Steve Delehanty.  The learning materials were prepared by Tim Waurick.

Then we had 15-minute sectionals to work on the spring contest songs.

After that we did the wrap- up and a good crowd headed for the afterglow.

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 an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)