Looking Back on a Compilation of  June 16-June 23 Events with Harmonizer Participation

(Thanks to all those who sent messages and took notes to help record while YeEd was out of commission for surgery – YeEd)

This report covers:

1^st  - Harmony College East weekend June 16-18

2^nd  - Rehearsal June 21st

3^rd  - Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd

4^th  - CROSSROADS in DC on Capitol Hill

5^th  - Extra Chorus Rehearsal June 23rd

First - Alan Wile reported on the M-AD organized Harmony College East (HCE) weekend June 16-18^th at Salisbury University in MD.  DACAPO was there and a number of our members were there for classes or to teach, coach or provide admin support for the weekend or receive coaching in preparation for the International quartet contest. Former member Mike Louque was on the faculty again for the youth program. Alan did his usual good job as arm twister to get guys to contribution to the M-AD Endowment Fund that provides scholarships for HCE each year.

Second - the rehearsal on Tuesday June 21^st at Durant was, of course, a major work session in preparation for the chorus going to Nashville. Coach Cindy Hansen was in town to push us forward in our performance efforts. Director Joe Cerutti and his music team continued to help us refine and improve the contest package. Some time was also used to refresh our music for the “I Am Harvey Milk” class in Nashville. SAI quartet CLASS RING sang for the chapter. And the chorus got a sneak preview of the costumes for the front row in the uptune.

Third - Mike Everard reported on the Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd . This was a celebration for the 20^th anniversary of the Mt. Vernon Chapter and a salute to Bob for his dedication from the beginning as their director.  He recently became director emeritus and Drew Fuller was named director.

Bob spoke and shared his thoughts and joys from the successes of HHS. Harmonizer John Adams came to town for the event as he had been instrumental in promoting the formation of the day-time chorus. Marty Monson sent his regards as CEO of the BHS. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented plaque awards.  A good number of Harmonizers attended the luncheon at Ft. Belvoir Officer Club.  Chuck McKeever did a video of the event.

Fourth – Harmonizer Joe Cerutti was on Capitol Hill on June 23^rd with CROSSROADS quartet for their recognition as 2016 Stand for Music Award winner from the National Association for Music Education (WAfME). The quartet was specifically honored for their efforts as advocates for music education.

Fifth – the extra rehearsal on June 23^rd was at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax VA 22031. Since Joe was on Capitol Hill, associate director Tony Colosimo was at the helm for the nite. He stimulated hard work and help singers prepare for Nashville.  He asked octets to come down and do the uptune several times. There was a large crew of chapter fans sewing uniform parts for the contest package too. Past Harmonizer president John Adams was in the house too.

Looking ahead: Tues June 28^th is charter nite celebration for our 68^th year; International send off is Thursday June 30^th at Providence Presbyterian Church (guest can attend at 7 or wait til closer to 8 to see the contest package); we are hosting German barbershoppers this week 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