Looking Back on Harmonizer News from the BHS Mid Winter in New Orleansthe January 13^th  Chapter Meeting

The Barbershop Harmony Society’s midwinter convention last week in New Orleans was fun, as always, if a bit on the cold side weatherize. Flights were an issue for those flying out last Tuesday with it snowing. Southwest cancelled flights out of Reagan National, as did other airlines. And folks leaving from Dulles had a several-hour delay. There were quite a number of Harmonizers there and many had leadership positions for the events.  (Thanks to Dixie Kennett for providing this wrap up report from the event.)

 

One of the highlights at the convention was a keynote address by our coach and friend, David Wright, on “The Future History of Barbershop.” This talk was recorded and will be transcribed for a future issue of the Harmonizer magazine.

 

The District President’s Council met on Tuesday night and all day on Wednesday before sitting in on Thursday’s BHS board meeting. M-AD District IPP Bill Colosimo and Ex VP Dennis Ritchey attended these meetings. Chris Buechler attended an all-day a Society Contest and Judging Committee meeting on Thursday (some of it in conjunction with the board meeting). John Santora was installed as a Society board member, beginning a three-year term.

 

Friday featured 17 youth choruses singing in the youth festival. Joe Cerutti, in his role as BHS staff Outreach Director, ran this event. Chris Buechler was the contest administrator. Friday evening’s show included performances by the Association of International Seniors Quartet Champs chorus with John Adams performing (John was part of the 1995 seniors champion quartet REMINISCE). The senior quartet contest was Saturday, where SATURDAY EVENING POST achieved the gold medal. Mike Wallen’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROEJCT placed 21st.

 

Sunday morning, while lots of attendees were on their way out of town, Chuck Harner was attending a Harmony Foundation Board of Trustees meeting, where he serves as Secretary. Mike Kelly was working throughout the weekend videoing the youth activities.

 

Also attending the convention from the chapter were: Darryl Flinn, Tom Gannon, John Hohl, Chuck Hunter, Ross Johnson, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Alan Wile, and Ellen Dellert of FRIENDS IN HARMONY  also attended.

 

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 with Harmonizers during the 66^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.