Looking Back on the April 24^th 2018 Chapter Meeting 

This week’s gathering was totally preparation for the “Iron and Coal” event. 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did vocal warm ups for the men and women singers in the pews at Convergence.

Director Joe Cerutti welcomed and introduced the composer of the work, Jeremy Schonfeld; conductor, David Bloom; and Strathmore artistic director, Joy Bloom. 

The singers worked the whole evening with David up front and Jeremy at the piano.  Both offered suggestions and notes and Jeremy explained many aspects of his work that helped the singers’ performance.

There was a short chapter meeting after we sang Happy Birthday to Joe!

There was an explanation of Spring2ACTion so that the women singers might join in the effort if they wished.  Randall Eliason reminded all the Harmonizers to continue their work at sending messages to prospective donors tomorrow – with emphasis on multiple gifts for the various “power hours” during the day - eastern time zone.  He also encouraged all of the Harmo family to come to Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town Wed. nite sat 6 pm to celebrate, sing and share the evening with special guests from the city. It is at 106 S.  Union Street. 

Good news in the effort is the matching gift from Ken and Kim Fess and another matching gift from the chapter board members which should make a major impact on the total results to the chapter.  Thanks to all donors at any level. 

Executive director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about the funeral service for Carolyn Hall, Dick’s widow, Wed. April 25^th at Oxon Hill Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill MD 20745 – viewing at 10 am and service at 11:30 am.  Burial will follow the service at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery and then there will be a reception at Charleston Senior Community facility at 45 St. Patrick’s Dr., Waldorf, MD 20603.

Terry reminded guys to turn in their payment for the chorus retreat to Howard Nestlerode. The retreat will be June 8-9-10 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, (about 70 miles from Springfield).  Friday June 8^th will be mandatory for front row and optional for all others with special sessions for the small groups to be coached. There are many good restaurants in town and it is a good social time on Friday nite. Fees include lodging; three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday; plus linens and a Saturday evening party. There are three price levels – Friday-Sunday attendees ($114); Saturday-Sunday attendees ($83); and commuters who won’t be staying any nite ($78). Non-competing members are welcome to attend. Fees are due in advance and should be given to Howard Nestlerode, or Jack Cameron if Howard is not present, before May 29^th. All requests for roommate assignments are due to retreat master, Chuck McKeever, by Tues. May 8th.

In other news, our own Riptide band won their semi-final Battle of the Bands are in the finals. They will play on May 6^th at The Electric Palm in Occoquan.

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