Looking Back on the November 18^th Chapter Meeting

Lots of other news outside the chapter in the last week or so that members should know about.

The results of the election of M-AD board were in the recent Mid ‘l Antics publication of our district which we get online as members.  Several Harmonizers are on that list: Dennis Ritchey is executive vice president, Keith Jones is secretary, Bob Eckman is treasurer, and Chuck Harner is member-at-large.  New district president is Ig Jackovac who takes over for our Bill Colosimo, who is now immediate past president.  Congrats to all.

Congrats to David Jarzen who starred as Seymour in the West Potomac Hi School production of Little Shop of Horrors recently, directed by Peelee Clark. Several Harmonizers were there to cheer for the cast.  Great to see Ben Robert’s parents there too.

Proud to report that the chapter’s history committee has been busy recently.  First off, historian Martin Banks continues to dig and sort and organize the storage unit full of the 66 years of memorabilia. Other committee members Bob Blair, Bob Rhome and Jack Pitzer are collecting and sorting information – both hard copies and digital. 

Saturday Nov. 15^th was an all-sectionals at First Baptist in their choir suite. Associate director Tony Colosimo and assistant directors Terry Reynolds and Mike Kelly plus section leaders Ken Ives and Rick Savage helped lead the 9 am-12 noon session. 

After that rehearsal about 35 guys did a for-hire flask mob event as part of a marriage proposal. Here are some notes from Joel Golden about the fun experience: “What fun that was yesterday! I was tickled to be in the starting quartet. This event was a success because it was extremely well organized by Terry and all.  The choreography for the entrances of singers was great - escalating from a single singer to a mob. "Good to meet you, I'm Mike Kelly... doot, doo-doo, doo..., doot, doo-doo, doo..." LOL! (singing Ob-La-Di)  I was impressed with how flexible this bunch of musicians was in quickly learning an abridged version of "Jersey Boys", including a quick change to an "Ahhh" chord for "Rag Doll". Another reason why "It's great to be a Harmonizer!". And just being part of and witnessing such a life event was awesome, ranking right up there with performing at Carnegie Hall.” Joel

Monday nite Nov. 17^th, the chapter hosted another Open Audition event at Durant, organized by membership vp Jeremy Richardson.  We were pleased to have five men come to audition and several of them came to rehearsal this week.  Tony and Mike conducted the auditions.

Tuesday nite’s meeting and rehearsal were jammed pack with musical work and tons of announcements.  The risers were full – think everyone was glad to get inside from the freezing weather outside.  The front row was busy in the lobby at 6 pm re-blocking things for this weekend’s show based on changing faces in their midst.  There were the usual sales operations at the business table and lots of guests signing in.  Besides all that, there were the Uniform Wranglers for costuming in Pittsburgh that were busy meeting with their constituents.

Rich Hewitt did the chorus warm ups this week and then presented the chorus to Joe, who with help from Tony, Terry and Mike, took us thru LOTS of songs for the MD show.  Joe was very pleased with the chorus progress on the new “Alleluia” arrangement and declared we’d sing it on Sunday too – with music in black folders.

Shows marketing guy Bruce Lauther spoke some about the weekend show and encouraged guys to sign up for the afterglow at Dave Reyno’s home. Bruce also encouraged us to sell tickets to any customers or family that might make it over for the important show on Sunday Nov. 23^rd.   It is a two-hour show at Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown MD 20639.  NOTE this is a change in venue so be sure you use the most current info from producer Greg Tepe. It is 25 miles down Rte 4 from the beltway, in Calvert County. The Harmo truck guys have an early morning call, and the rest of the chorus call is at 10:30, ready for warm-up at 10:45. Uniform details and song list are in the email from Greg on 11/16.

The booster club of the band which is sponsoring us as a fund raiser will feed us lunch at noon, so you don't have to leave to go get lunch. From 12:00 - 1:15 you'll have time to eat, dress and put on make-up. Curtain is at 2 pm so be sure any of your patrons know the new venue.

 

Shows vp Nick Leiserson reminded all to check show producer Greg Tepe’s email; and be on the lookout for an email from Nick about a lot of other December gigs. 

Craig Kujawa was introduced as our general chairman for the Pittsburgh International trip next summer.  He is just back from a “fam” trip to Pittsburgh with reps from all the other competing choruses. He stressed that we need everyone to respond to Bob Rhome about their rooming needs cause when the hotel is announced, we will have to order a block of rooms.

President Terry Reynolds spoke briefly about the scripted part of the holiday show.  He also presented treasurer David Welter with checks earned by the chapter for the flash mob show and this weekend’s show.

Sandy Stamps urged guys to take some White House Ornaments on consignment to sell.

She also announced results of the FRIENDS IN HARMONY election of officers for 2015: Christina Ammerman, president; Sandy Ulibarri, secretary; Ellen Dellert, treasurer; and Sandy Stamps as immediate past president.

Harmonizer secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tom Kraus for 8 years and Steve White for 38 years.

Noah Van Gilder invited chorus members to come support our own modern a cappella subgroup, TBD, by attending their joint concert with other DC area a cappella favorites VOX POP and THE DISTRICT.  The concert will be in Chinatown at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 pm. Tickets are now available for purchase online. TBD would certainly appreciate your supportive attendance at this event, which is part of the chapter's strengthening ties with the broader a cappella community.

Rich Hewitt introduced a long line of guests and applicants – several a result of the recent audition nite.

After the break, we worked on more songs for the shows.  Then closed the hall and some went to the afterglow.

Outside the chapter: anyone who likes singing Handel’s “Messiah” might want to consider joining some of us at the 42^nd annual Messiah Sing-Along, Sunday Nov. 30^th at 7 pm at Clarendon United Methodist Church.  They hire an orchestra and four soloists.  Directed by J. Riley Lewis.  $20 donation suggested.  Bring your own music or borrow from the rack in the lobby.  Get there early if you wanna seat.  Refreshments following.

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.