Looking Back on the Jan. 5^th Chapter Meeting

This week we launched a new physical set up for the hall.  The risers had to go up first on the lobby end of Durant and then chairs set facing the stage.

A large crowd was on hand ready to go to work for 2016.  Associate director Tony Colosimo launched things with an enthusiastic warm up and charge.  (It was his tie that made the difference – he shared that his students were chiding him about wearing a tie, so he kept it on for our meeting too.)

The nine sections of the risers were full for the warm up and then some work on “Stars and Stripes” with director Joe Cerutti at the helm. 

Several men were back on the risers that have been gone.  And there were a number of men joining us for the “Harvey Milk” show present too.  REMINDER: there is another audition for prospective singers for that show on Jan. 13^th. Prospects can sign up for an audition time at www.harmonizers.org.

We used the first half of the nite to work on the just-received verse for our contest ballad from arranger David Harrington.

Then after announcements we had a break, and then we moved to the chairs and worked on the “Milk: music with Joe teaching, Tony coaching and Tom Jackson providing piano accompaniment.  Before we started chapter membership chairman introduced the several men who auditioned and joined us this week for the “Milk” show.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds made the announcements including a mention of the extra rehearsal on Thursday at Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 N Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201.  He offered “Milk” music for those who forgot it, or issued new materials to those who have not signed for their copy.

The Presidents Banquet is this Sat. nite, Jan. 9^th, at Ft. Myer with hospitality time starting at 6:30 pm. If you can attend but have not made a reservation, contact Howard Nestlerode right away. Anyone who wishes to attend but needs some financial help, speak to Terry.

Terry announced the good news that the chapter will receive a significant grant from the BHS for our Youth Harmony efforts this year. This work will be headed by Bill Colosimo.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Bruce Roehm for 15 years, Kevin Kaiser for 16 years, Jordan Haedtler for 17 years, Troy Hillier for 25 years and Mark Klostermeyer for 35 years.  Both Troy and Mark also were presented a lapel pin to commemorate their milestone years.

In other good news, it was announced that Andrew Havens will be the new bass for DA CAPO quartet!

Thanks for those who brought in goodies to share at break.  Keep ‘em coming.  And don’t forget to drop in a few bucks in the bucket to cover costs of coffee supplies and goodies.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd