Looking Back on the September 30^th Chapter Meeting and Fall Retreat

This past weekend we had our fall chorus retreat in preparation for the fall contest.  Great crowd of guys were there for the 9-5 event with an 8:30 start for coffee and donuts (lemonade in the afternoon).

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups after choreographer Carlos Barillo did the presentation warm ups.  They worked then all day with director Joe Cerutti to coach and push us to new heights on the contest songs. Joe and his team expressed their appreciation for everyone spending the day to Make Me Better.

We worked hard using with many tweaks on the song and a huge physical push on the ballad.  We also worked at putting the two songs together as a package.  In the afternoon we worked on uniform props also.

At noon we took a long break to get lunch.  After lunch the chorus presented thank you gift to Ken Fess for his work in getting all of us to Normandy and back!!

Then we had a coaching session via Skype with Steve Tramack, the arranger of the ballad.  He was in his home and added many points, plus shared his pride and excitement of hearing the Harmonizers sing his chart.

Joe thanked the truck and riser crews, the refreshments crew and his av staff.

At one point Carlos worked with the front row on the uptune and Chuck McKeever helped the riser singers get the moves precise

For those of you who were not at our Retreat this past weekend, Ken Fess presented complete details about our participation in the Harmony on the Harbor show, Nov. 3^rd. If we could sell an additional 500 tickets or so between now and the show on Monday, Nov 3^rd, we can bring significant income into our bank account,. So, let your patrons know that good tickets are still available, even if you personally are not staying for the show. (As a reminder, everyone needs a ticket to get into the theater after we sing.)

The quality of the entertainment on our show will be great, and anyone that enjoys a cappella singing will love the talent we are presenting. Tickets are available at http://www.bsomusic.org/calendar/events/2014-2015-events/harmony-on-the-harbor.aspx, or you can call the box office, 877.276.1444. If you want to order tickets, or take a few out on consignment, without paying the $4 service fee, please let Ken know the number and type of seating you are interested in and he will pick them up for you in time for delivery at our next rehearsal

Also the HoH Committee has agreed to sell seats at only $20 per ticket that Joe can give to Youth In Harmony, musical students, high school choral groups, and the like, that’s a 40% discount off the public price! In the past we have “sponsored” as many as 50 kids at out shows; it’s a great investment for the future. Send Ken an email if you are interested in purchasing some tickets for Joe’s distribution.

Tuesday nite Sept. 30^th was a busy one for the chapter.  Director Joe Cerutti was in Germany coaching there, so associate director Tony carried the ball.  Warm ups continued with Carlos and Tony to get us ready to perform.

We spend a major portion of the nite on the contest songs, helping new guys catch up visually, drilling moves with Chuck McKeever, filming for our personal review in the Make Me Better campaign conducted by the music team.

We did take time to work on holiday show music, both the new songs and a recall session for some songs we sang last year.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds conducted, and assistant director Mike Kelly staffed the computer/projector.

During the chapter meeting period, there was a reminder of this Saturday’s all-sections rehearsal at First Baptist at 9 am in the choir suite.

Sandy Stamps announced the start of sales for White House Ornaments -- $20 this year.  Take some on consignment and help increase our chapter income.

Thanks to all those who made donations to the refreshments fund.  Bring in some goodies some time and any leftover holiday napkins from home you don’t want anymore.

There was an announcement about the rehearsal on Mon Oct 3^rd with the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline Chorus in prep for our combined song for the Harmony on the Harbor show.

If anyone wants to have their mug shot retaken for the Harmo Photo board, see Ike Evans at break.

Rick Wagner continues he battle with the cancer and awaits reports from recent hospital consultants.  Troy Hillier was in the house after suffering a mild stroke recently.  We are plugging for you guys!!

Secretary Chris Buechler present membership renewal cards to Dick Dangel for 22 years, Chuck McKeever for 28 years, and Randy Lazear for 40 years (he also got his lapel pin).

Membership vp Jeremy Richardson with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed our guests this week.

We ended the rehearsal and meeting right at 9:30 and  hurried to put everything away.  The usual crowd adjourned to the afterglow at LaPorta’s.

In other news, it may seem like the Holiday show is a long way off with the contest and the fabulous Harmony on the Harbor show pending...but before we leave for District Brad Jones needs to have items prepared and listed on our online auction site and the online portion of our annual auction will go live before the Harmony on the Harbor show! Please bring those items in immediately. Last year we earned the equivalent of around two fully paid shows at our auction. Please bring in your items and give to Brad or Randall Eliason. Remember new or nearly new items, service, gift cards, collectables (especially barbershop and sports collectables)...anything with a current value of over $25 is welcome. Services and giftcards almost always sell!

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