Looking Back on the January 27^th Chapter Meeting

We were back to our regular meeting place on Tuesday at Durant Rec Center, where the chapter was founded!!

 

Long before the 7 o’clock starting bell, there was a lot going on:  Chuck McKeever was working hard to teach about half the chorus the details of  the moves for “Thriller;” front row was working on their routine for “Bamboo” with PeeLee Clark; and many of the costume wranglers were helping guys organize costumes for Pittsburgh.  Rich Hewitt conducted the warm up session this week for the chorus.

 

When director Joe Cerutti took over the chorus, he went right to work on “Thriller” to include both vocal and visual performance.  Joe formed octets to perform out front – some eights sang and another eight did the moves. 

 

Joe invited Don Dillingham to conduct a session on motivation and personal dedication as a Harmonizer.  It was great!! Don based his session on his experiences as a coach and teacher and ball player.  He had us going.  Likely we will see him up front again.

 

Then the chorus worked on new more new songs – “Lullaby” and “Sweet Caroline.”

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting. Chris Huber announced a special celebration for the years of contribution by retired assistant director Will Cox.  The event will be at 8 pm on Tuesday Feb. 10^th.  All current and former members and family members are especially welcome.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal cards and a lapel pin to Sam McFarland for 25 years and to Mick Stamps for 35 years.

 

President Terry Reynolds welcomed Rick Wagner to the mic to share details of his continuing battle with cancer.  Terry thanked Joel Golden for producing a “slowed down” version of “Bamboo” for our learning purpose.

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt introduced all the guests with us for the evening.

 

After break, we resumed our work on the risers for the contest uptune. We had sectional work too.  We also had a chance to record the ballad.  Stay tuned for how to submit those recordings to review team members.

 

Everyone pitched in to put things away and get over to the afterglow.

 

Saturday is our day-long retreat at First Baptist Church, 2932 King Street, from 9-5.  Brandon Guyton will be the coach for the day.  He is a gold-medal quartet guy and major musical leader with the Ambassadors of Harmony.  What a treat it will be to have him help us.  Come early for some donuts and coffee.  Park east of the church. There will be a lunch break to leave the church.  Metro riders should plan ahead to get to the church on Saturday morning.

 

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.