Looking Back on the Oct. 22^nd Chapter Meeting 

It was raining “cats and dogs” at chapter meeting time this week, and the NATS were set to play the Astros at 8:08 pm.  But a big chorus was on the risers anyway.  

We met in the cafeteria this week and the crew set up risers down there.  Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups.  Then director Joe Cerutti took over and thanked everyone for the great performance, and for joining in the fellowship of the Men’s singing event last Wednesday.   Joe confirmed there is an extra/optional rehearsal this Thursday, Oct. 24, and then again on Wed. Oct. 30^th and Nov. 6^th. Those three are at 7 pm at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). 

Then it was off to work on the holiday songs.  The chorus sang a couple songs thru and then dispersed to all parts of the SRT for sectional work on those songs. One was “The Twelve Days of Christmas” which the chapter is working to make a funny production number and we are creating our own words.

After the mid-way break in the singing, communications director Steve Murane held the business meeting. He also made announcements about upcoming calendar changes such as the No Meeting on Nov. 26^th but instead a meeting on Thurs. Nov. 21^st. 

Steve also reports that there is a 10% discount for Harmonizers buying Strathmore concert tickets – he will get us the code.

Volunteer coordinator Robyn Murane is working to collect contact info for significant others of chorus members.  Go see her with the info. 

Liz Birnbaum explained the plans for a silent auction in the lobby before our Dec. 21^st holiday show at Schlesinger.  Chorus members are asked to get donated items, gift cards, service pledges and such.  They can be brought to Randall Eliason on Tuesday nites.  

Mike Edison is eager to hear from chapter members interested in forming a quartet and who are eager for some help in doing so.  See him.

President Shawn Tallant explained the recent check for $4,329.59 received by the chapter from Harmony Foundation Inc.  It represents the generous support of HFI by chapter members who selected our chapter in their Donor Choice option for donations made to HFI from January 1 - June 30, 2019.  As you can see, in addition to supporting the good work of the Harmony Foundation, this program provides an important source of revenue for our chapter.  

Ben Watsky welcome our singing guests this week – Peter, JoYo, Duncan and John who have been with us before, and Mark who was visiting from the Pittsburg PA Chorus.

After the break, Joe took the chorus thru the whole holiday show set.  After each song he asked how guys felt they did on a scale of 1-10, and how many weeks it would take to get to 10. The show is sounding GREAT!

In other news, stay tuned for a message from Craig Kujawa promoting participation in our Scrip sales program.  This is the time of year when you can help your chapter and yourself – get gift cards for holiday hams, gifts, travel, sports equipment or movies.  

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