Looking Back on the Jan. 9th 2018 Chapter Meeting

The break in the weather helped a good crowd of singers get to Durant on time for this week’s meeting. 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and started work on one of our show songs for this year’s show season.  When director Joe Cerutti arrived from the airport, he went right to work on our contest uptune, “Blow, Gabriel Blow.”  During his time up front he also stressed the point that the upcoming one-on-one interviews are not auditions.  He also pleaded with guys to get back on the risers on time at the end of the break.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting and welcomed Tom Jackson, who we had seen for a while.  Terry also stressed that the Whiffenpoof Show on Sunday Feb. 4^th is in the afternoon at the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria – so football fans can be in front of their TV for the Super Bowl. He also asked guys to sell tickets for this event.

Terry made note that some of the rehearsal dates for the “Iron and Coal” concert at Strathmore have changed, so please use the list of dates he sent our Tuesday nite as your current schedule.

Chapter convention chairman Craig Kujawa extended the deadline to purchase Orlando International convention registrations in the Harmo block to the end of Tuesday nite’s meeting.  

Terry explained the chapter’s plans for Singing Valentines the evening of Sat. Feb. 10, afternoon of Sun. Feb. 11, and during the day on Wed. Feb. 14.  Singers are need to form quartets that would sing “Hear of My Heart’ and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at assigned locations that chapter selects in the community as public relations and community outreach. Sign ups are encouraged.

Speaking of forming quartets, Calvin Schnure has offered to help any members – new or long timers – to form a quartet.  Maybe even to enter the Southern Division contest this spring which will be held in Alexandria. See Calvin or contact him if you would like to find parts for a quartet to sing with you.

Chapter choreographer Carols Barillo asked all the members to be well prepared to perform the choreo for “Gabriel” on Tues. Jan. 23^rd so that he can coach the next level of performance plans for that song to take on to Orlando.  Watch for videos from Chuck McKeever and also note that Chuck will meet with all singers for the next two weeks on Tuesday nite at 6 pm on the stage at Durant  to review the moves.

   

Terry explained more about the pending interview plans for all – updated assignments were posted in the hall for all to check during break.  They were sent out via email before midnite Tues. too. That email also explained what each member needed to do in order to prepare including filling out a survey that goes to section leaders. 

Immediate past president Randall Eliason extended an invite for all members to get their tickets for the important 44^th Presidents’ Banquet on Sat. nite Feb. 4^th at the Elks Lodge in Fairfax. Tickets are just $29 per person which includes the dinner. They can be purchased from Dave Branstetter each Tuesday nite in January.  The evening includes a cash bar happy hour, the banquet with officer installation followed by dancing to the Riptide band. New members are welcome too. Past presidents welcome all their fellow Harmonizers and significant others to attend – including in-active singers.  

President Shawn Tallant reminded everyone about our youth policy in the chorus and announced a task force will review and present an updated version. A study committee is reviewing the chapter dues structure too. 

Stay tuned for more details also about our hosting the Kingsmen chorus from England this year in our homes.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented new member materials to Jon Frank and then membership renewal cards to Brian Ammerman for 24 years; Matt Kahn for 29 years and Mark Klostermeyer for 37 years.

Ben Watsky introduced the guests this week – Jerry, Connor, Dan and Carter back again, and first timers Maxi, John and Gary.

Terry ended the meeting with notes from the Alan Lamson family thanking the chapter for our songs sent last week during the time of their loss. 

After the break we worked on “New York, New York” including presentation for this favorite Harmonizer song.  And we reviewed the melody for our new contest ballad.

In honor of our 70th Anniversary, the chapter is asking members, our Harmonizer fans, friends, and family, to recommend their favorite Harmonizer songs of all-time. Submit the title of any favorite Harmonizer songs at http://favoritesongs.questionpro.com! The survey will be open through January 14th, so don't delay.  Also, save the date for the show on September 8^th, 2018 at the Schlesinger Performing Arts Center.  We will be performing with another award winning chorus and a gold medal quartet.

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