Looking Back on the Jan. 28^th Make Up Meeting to Replace Cancelled 26th Chapter Meeting Plus News from BHS Midwinter

The snow storm caused the city of Alexandria to close facilities, so Durant was closed on Jan. 26^th.  Thus the chapter did not meet that nite, and chapter leaders hustled to find a make-up date and place. That meant another Thursday, Jan. 28^th at First Baptist.

Director Joe Cerutti and many other chapter members were in Reno for the BHS MidWinter convention.  So associate director Tony Colosimo carried the musical leadership banner for the nite.  Bass section leader Tom Jackson did the vocal warm ups.  The chorus members set up chairs as we did not haul in risers – still a lot of snow in the parking lots where the Harmo truck is parked, as well as at the church.

A decent crowd of men were there.  For the first half we worked hard on the contest ballad. 

Then after a break we worked on the music for “Milk” and we were joined by several of the “milkmen” who are singing with us. Tom Jackson helped with piano accompaniment.

As mentioned above, there are a number of Harmonizers in Reno, so reporter Dixie Kennett filed this report from Reno and the BHS MidWinter convention.

Joe and Carlos Barillo are here on staff — Carlos responsible for all evening shows and is working community outreach by escorting Westminster Chorus and youth quartet(s) around to various area schools. Joe has both Youth Chorus Festival and YBQC Prelims to deal with.

Chris Buechler is here as a member of the contest and judging committee and will be making a report to the board. He is also contest administrator for both the Youth Chorus Festival and Seniors Quartet competition.

Dennis Ritchey was participating in the District Presidents’ Council meetings yesterday and today with the Society Board. John Santora is here as part of the Society Board.  Terry Reynolds is coming in today and will participate in the “Magnificent Seven” meetings on Saturday morning (seven larger chapters in the Society meet to compare and share). (YeEd heard that Mike Kelly was there too, likely helping with technical support.)

Mike Wallen and  his quartet YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT are here to compete in the Senior’s Quartet contest representing the Mid Atlantic District.

Chuck Harner with the Harmony Foundation Inc., Sam McFarland, Alan Wile and Bruce Minnick are here. I’m sure I’ll see more today and tomorrow. I expect Ross Johnson and Tom Gannon here too.

Former Harmonizer Duane Gunn who moved from VA after his twins were born is now on staff and reports his twins are now 14 years old!  - Dixie

Also in other news, Shawn Tallant was recently chosen to be M-AD membership director on the district ops team. Congrats to Shawn!

And Friday, Jan. 29^th, Doug White was promoted to Lt. Col. in a ceremony at the Pentagon.  His quartet BRAVADO with tenor fill-in Kellen Hertz, Kevin McKenzie, Chris Odell and Todd Ryktarsyk sang the National Anthem and the Air Force song during the ceremony.  His installing officer reminded all attendees that this promotion is based on his great work up to now and his potential to serve as an Air Force leader in the future. Doug’s wife and three daughters and his parents plus other family attended. Cograts to Doug too!!

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