Friday, August 15, 2014


Looking Back on the August 12th Chapter Meeting

A good riser full of guys was on hand to work on their music for the upcoming shows and fall contest.  There were traffic challenges that made the drive in take twice as long, and the early start at 6:30 pm is tough for many guys. 

 

Director Joe Cerutti and associate director Tony Colosimo did vocal warm ups and got the chorus ready to sing and perform.  Choreographer Carlos Barillo helped us get our “game on” too for performance. Chuck McKeever conducted a review session on the stage at Durant at 6 pm for those wanting to catch up for contest.

 

This Friday nite is the annual appearance at Market Square in Old Town by the court house. Chorus call is 6:30 for the 7:30 show. Parking is under the square for new guys who have not been there before – bring your parking ticket with you for validation by the city staff. Family and friends in the audience will want to bring some chairs for comfort.  This is a good chance to invite potential show patrons to get a taste of our showmanship.

 

Shows producer Greg Tepe was at the meeting to remind us as to uniform and other such details.

 

We did quick reviews of songs for the show – sometimes just getting them off to a good start – with the various directors for the songs, with soloists and choreography changes for the front row for this particular performance.

 

We also dug into the two new songs recently released to us for learning – “Undecided” which we will sing with the Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus on the fall Harmony on the Harbor show; and “Welcome Christmas” which will be a new song for our annual holiday dinner theater show.

 

Operations vp Bob Blair conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  Secretary Chris Buechler reminded us all that it is not enough to report contact info changes, or other personal info, to BHS or on Groupanizer – if you want it correct in the chapter directory.  You need to give Chris an alert too for he can publish correct info in the rosters.  Thanks to Chris for doing that periodically for the chapter. 

 

Secretary Chris presented membership renewals to Duncan Woodbury for 2 years, Ben Roberts for 3 years; Greg Tepe for 23 years; Alan Wile for 33 years; Mike Kelly for 34 years’ and Carl Kauffmann for 42 years.  Ken Fess received his 30 year renewal card and the traditional lapel pin our chapter gives members for milestone years of membership. Alvin Figer was presented his new membership certificate and materials package from the BHS; and Carlos Barillo received a Man of Note for bring Alvin.  Ben Roberts received a Man of Note award for bring David Jarzen.

 

Rich Hewitt introduced this week’s line of guests to the chorus.

 

After break (thanks to Ben for baking the great chocolate cake/brownies and Dick Dangel for the watermelon!), we concentrated on the two songs for fall contest.  Also we are expecting to have coach Cindy Hansen come help us soon, so it is good to get off the music all the way.  Most of us are. 

 

Joe did leak word that the new uptune arrangement by Clay Hine has arrived and will be issued soon.  We will be learning it in preparation for Pittsburgh in 2014.

 

We sang our farewell song to Jeremy Knobel who has finished law school and moving to start his law career in NYC with a large firm up there.  It is always tough to sing “A Place on the Risers for You” when we send off a friend from the chapter. Incidentally, he had the winning 50/50 ticket this week, so he directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” as we ended our nite together.

 

Jeremy and a large crowd of guys were at the afterglow at LaPorta’s on Duke Street.  Director Joe was there too as well as some of our guests. Lots of tag singing too for those who like it, or just visiting and getting some chow.

 

Any Harmonizers who travel long distances to attend chapter meetings or shows are welcome to contact Peggy Wagner about a Bed and Breakfast sort-of plan if they ever need to stay overnite before going home the next day.  This might be good if weather is bad, the show goes late, etc.

Peggy is also eager to hear from any members who are willing to offer a room now and then. Sooo -if you need a place to stay, contact her. If you have a room to spare, contact her at Plw.ged@gmail.com  703-626-1836 or 703-754-0935


In other news, sadly must report that Nancy McKendree, wife of long time Harmonizer and former treasurer and bulletin editor Jack McKendree died August 8th after a battle with cancer.  They retired to Williamsburg VA and often came up for shows and major Harmonizer events.  She was 78.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 3PM, at Bruton Parish Church, 331 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Interment will follow in the church yard.

 

Gary Mankin reports he has been taking Burt Stueve to the doctor recently as Burt is about to get prosthesis after his recent surgery.  Gary says Burt says hi to all!


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 during the 66th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

 

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