Looking Back on the Jan 31st Chapter Meeting

This week’s meeting was wall-to-wall singing.  We didn’t set up risers, but formed a huge circle all around the main hall at Durant.  And because there was such a great number of members present, we actually had to form a ring-inside-a-ring to fit everyone comfortably.  At some points during the nite, he would have a section form a smaller ring to solidify some parts of a song.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups from the center of the circle and then director Joe Cerutti worked from that point too.  We did have mics for all speakers which helped us all get instructions.

 

Joe commented on the successful Presidents’ Banquet and thanked Randall again for his leadership to make it happen. Joe also recognized the guys who played in the rock n roll band, Riptide, at the end of the party.

 

First music we sang was “There Must Be A City” which we are learning by rote.  It is a song from the FAIRFIELD FOUR and will be part of our series of gospel shows with them in the fall. Joe did prepare a small handout sheet with the words, accent points, and some other hints.  That was helpful.  After working on this one for a while, we moved on to “Rock My Soul” which Joe also provided a cheat sheet to help us learn it.

 

Musical work for the nite also included songs we are bringing back into our repertoire to use when we sing at the NED in the spring – old favorites like “New York, New York,”  “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Summertime.”

 

The chapter meeting was conducted by executive director Terry Reynolds.  He thanked the operations team members for their work in conducting team meetings last Tues nite at our meeting.  That format will be followed again next week.

 

Terry alerted the chorus that contest team leader Craig Kujawa will be giving instructions to all chorus members on registering for Harmony University in Nashville this summer July22-30.  We will each register but must follow special instructions since we are going as a chorus.  The fee for room board and all is $600. Watch for Craig’s instructions.

 

Community relations guy, Clyde Crusenberry, spoke about for the Little Theater of Alexandria performance of “The Fabulous Lipotones” comedy about a barbershop quartet.  It will run from April 22-May 12.  They are looking for guys to try out for the show and of course for folks to attend. The chapter is arranging to attend as a group on Sat. April 29^th.  Tickets are about $20.

 

Terry asked for guys to sign up to be in quartets for Singing Valentines events in Feb.  We will continue our program to deliver Valentines to places and people that are important to our chapter and its musical program.

 

Don’t forget the concert by the Yale Whiffenpoofs on Sun. March 5^th at Convergence Church.  We will sing at this event.

 

Time to get geared up for the Aca Challenge March 25^th at the famous Lincoln Theater on U Street in DC.  Contestants have been chosen and the $25 tickets are on sale via the web site.  Here again we will sing as part of the program for that nite while the judges tally their scores. And we need to sell tickets. Reed Livergood is producer for this event.

 

President Randall Eliason reported on the passing last week of Terry Jordan’s wife, Ginger. She had been recovering from a stroke.  Condolences can be mailed to Terry. Plans for memorial services will be announced at a later date. She will be buried in Dunbar, West Virginia.

 

Bob Wells is having a hip troubles and a replacement soon and is thus not able to attend our meetings regularly.

 

Randall also presented two awards to recipients that were not able to attend the Presidents’ Banquet last Saturday nite. See the earlier “Looking Back” report about all of the awards given.

 

Liz Birnbaum, president of the AH, Inc., Chapter explained that the Development Team, with coordination by Dean Rust, is looking to make contact with any member who works for a firm or company that might make community donations.  Speak to Dean if you fit into that category.

 

More of the One-On-One sessions with musical leadership are scheduled this week.

 

Ike Evans was taking mug shot pictures for the member photo board at break time.  Be sure to see him if you want to replace your picture or are a new member and not on the board.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Matt Doniger for five years.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt introduced a several applicants for membership and first time guests.  Rich had music for the guests to use for the nite too, since we no longer are projecting onto a screen. Assistant director emeritus Will Cox directed the Harmonizer Welcome song.

 

Everyone was ready for a break and some goodies – thanks to those who pitched into the kitty to help cover some of the costs.  Also thanks to those who brought in goodies to share.  Always glad to get them.  Also we could use some napkins if anyone had an assortment of all kinds of holiday napkins they would like to get rid of.

 

After break, it was back to work on our show music.

 

There is a effort underway in the chapter to encourage some quartet formation, and especially to get formed in time to sing at the Southern Division contest in Reston in May.

 

A huge crowd of guys were at the afterglow at LaPorta’s this week for tag singing, refreshments and getting to meet other members and guests.  If you have not attended, ask Jack Pitzer, Tom Jackson or Joe Cerutti about.  If you need a ride, those same guys can help.  If you take the Metro to chapter, it is close to our afterglow spot as well. If you have not been in a while, come check it out.  Chuck McKeever was back last nite and had a ball relaxing after a busy chapter nite.

 

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