Looking Back on the January 31^st Chapter Meeting

There were a lot of Harmonizers at this week’s meeting and rehearsal that we have not seen for a while.  Everyone was happy to see them.

Usual set up and equipment made the meeting go smoothly.  Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted the vocal warm ups. Director Joe Cerutti was en route to England to coach there and staff a director training event. Assistant director Mike Kelly worked thru “Great Day” with Chuck McKeever coaching and refreshing the chorus on the moves. Assistant director Terry Reynolds managed the admin details for the music team including operator of the projector and computer! The music team worked with us on the “Jersey Boys” medley including time in sectionals.

Operations vp Scott Kahler called the evening’s meeting to order.  Secretary Chris Buechler presented Joe Wagovich his second Man of Note pin for bringing a new member.  Bruce Roehm was presented his 11-year membership renewal card and Brian Miller presented his 15-year card.

President Steve Murane reported on the Chapter Awards event held last Saturday and announced the two remaining award winners since those two guys who were not able to attend.  See the previous Looking Back column for complete results.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed a lot of guys we have not seen for a while at meetings: Bruce Roehm who was in town from his duty station in MT; Brian Miller; Will Mudd Simmons; Andrew Plocher; Dean Rust; Bob Eckman who lives now near Charlottesville; Tom Kraus; and Tom Berkey who lives now near Williamsburg.

Guests this week were applicants Doug White, Bob Griesemer and Tom Frederick. A first-time guest, friend of Mike Kelly, was Jon Clunies. Jon directed KTWWS at the end of the nite.

Scott released the chapter for a 15-minute break.  He then used the chimes like we used in the holiday show to get folks back on the risers.

Craig Kujawa announced that our small group TBD will appear at the Regional Harmony Sweepstakes at the Birchmere in Alexandria on Feb. 25^th, 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $29.50.  Craig offered to get tickets for anyone who gives him $30 in advance. DA CAPO will be hosting the contest as the past champs and will sing after the contestants to wrap up the evening.

Show vp Brian Ammerman provided important info about some upcoming shows and events. Our Singing Valentines effort has launched sales materials for the Feb. 14^th event. All members are encouraged to sell some – at least a couple (don’t forget your own family, friends, office or hangout). Clark Chesser volunteered to help take orders off the phone lines.  More help is needed.  Watch for emails about quartet assignments.

The patriotic show at the Masonic Temple is Wed., Feb. 22.  Tux uniform. Watch for an early chorus call at 5:30 or 5:45. We will be singing with opera singer Alessandra Marc. She will sing with us on “Battle Hymn” and we will sing Verdi’s “La Fortza” with her (in Italian, YeEd heard).  Rest assured we will use music for that one!

Brian announced that we will not be asked to sing/march in the Cherry Blossom parade, therefore, the whole chorus can help with the youth festival that same day.  The chorus will sing that nite at Durant, April 14^th.

Nick Lieserson has stepped up to be producer for the spring show at George Mason.

Scott Kahler ended the meeting with notice of the board meeting next Wednesday at Durant.

Tony restarted our singing with another major craft session. The theme this week was “Champions Are Made at the End of Phrases.”

Terry worked on the contest ballad. Scipio Garling worked with the chorus to add the visual part of the performance – feelings, faces, focals.   Progress was great!  We also did some work on the uptune.

Mike reviewed and helped us on two more songs for the Feb. 22^nd show – “No More Sorrows” and “Summertime.”

The good singing ended right at 10 and the crew worked to see if they could set a record on how fast the risers and “stuff” could be put away.

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.)