This was the kick off for the new
year and everyone arrived eager to hear the plans, get to work and to be back
on the risers. The risers were full!!!
There was a strong energy and excitement at Scottish Rite Temple.
Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session
before turning the chorus over to director Joe
Cerutti. He started right away on the songs we are bringing back into the
plan for 2019 such as “Anything Goes” and “We Kiss in a Shadow.” Joe used several combinations of small
groups to kick off good singing habits this year.
The chapter meeting began early
since there was so much to talk about in the second half tonite regarding 2019. First off – any new members who need uniform
parts (or active members who need a new clothing item) should contact Robyn Murane immediately so she can add
your needs to the order she will place.
Kudos were given to Jack and Pat Pitzer for the fun nite and Heat Glow early this month. About 60 members and their guests attended
and shared the food and grog.
The up-coming calendar of events was
reviewed including The Whiffenpoofs combined concert on Feb. 8th. We
all need to sell the $30 tickets for their performance at The Masonic Temple.
This is the fourth year in a row for this joint event. Harmonizers who sing will not need a ticket
for themselves.
Singers should be prepared to
contribute as quartet men for the Singing Valentine events on Feb. 14th
– we will be sending quartets out in shifts to make appearances for public
relations purposes, to say thank you, or to cheer up local citizens. Signups will be for morning, afternoon and
evening appearances in the Metro Area – but especially in Alexandria.
Singers should also mark their
calendars for the March 20th sing at the Masonic Temple with the
Alexandria Singers and a New Zealand choral group.
President Shawn Tallant reported that Tom
Frederick has had a hip replacement and is looking to be back singing on
the risers in a couple months.
Sad news to report that Vic Owen, bass of YOUTH RECLAMATION
PROJECT, died last week of a heart attack.
The quartet with Mike Wallen,
Hardman Jones, and Roger Tarpey
was prepared to attend the Mid Winter convention in Nashville this month and
represent our district.
Shawn also invited every member and their significant other to
attend the Presidents’ Banquet on Feb. 16th at Lee Center in
Alexandria (same place where we had the afterglow after the fall show) 1108
Jefferson St., Alexandria. Tickets are
only $30 per person for the banquet and evening, and available at this time
from Dave Branstetter. He is eager to at least get a count of those
who plan to attend. AND NOTE: president Shawn announced that any member who is furloughed or effected by
the Shutdown and worried about the ticket price should speak to Shawn about making arrangements. We want all our members there to witness the
award honors and have fun together. Shawn reminded everyone that is also
Valentine weekend, so the tradition of each member giving a rose to his
significant other will be especially timely.
Mike
Kelly announced the news that Chuck Hunter was recently elected to
the Mid Atlantic District’s honor chapter, DELASUSQUEHUDMAC. Chuck is one of 25 Harmonizers who have
been elected to that group in recognition of their leadership and hard work in
support of the chapter, district, and Society over the years.
Chapter secretary Chris Buechler spoke about dues
payments – especially explaining the extra fees assessed by BHS for late
payments, and even the use of a check!!!
Membership director Calvin Schnure welcomed a number of
Harmonizers who were back on the risers again – Bob Mattes, Ross Felker in from TX, and new member Dale Bird. Calvin officially welcome new member Frank Shipp who was given his new member credentials during the
holiday events. And finally, we welcomed three singing guests: Ryan, Vinny, and Scott.
We took a nice break for goodies and
coffee in the SRT cafeteria.
After break, chapter leaders
presented lots of info for the members and their families. (All of the info from that presentation will
be emailed to all members soon.) Also YeEd
will publish a Year In Review “Looking Back” report after the Presidents’
Banquet.
BHS chapter president Shawn reported on the many successes
from 2018 including outstanding achievements musically and some terrific
success financially. Good ticket sales
for our anniversary show, our work in the Spring2ACTion event in Alexandria, the
special end-of-the-year push to member donors, and the work from AH Inc.
raising monies for our goal of $70,000 in our 70th year. Two major gifts from Ken and Kim Fess, and from Bill and Charli Sowers were
important to that success.
Shawn listed the major challenges for 2019 including supporting
our strategic plan, connecting with the community, and building our brand.
Certainly we will be defining where we are going as an organization –
especially as it relates to “Everyone In Harmony” proposals from BHS.
He also stressed that we will give
renewed emphasis to membership growth and development.
AH president Liz Birnbaum reported on their work, announced next year’s board
for AH (Bruce Roehm, president; Liz,
vice president; Bob Faherty,
secretary; and Terry Reynolds,
treasurer), and spoke about important grant funding efforts coordinated by Dean Rust.
Joe took a minute lead the thank you tribute to Liz for her huge contribution on behalf
of the chapter.
The operations team which includes
those folks that get the day-to-day work done for the chapter was also
reintroduced.
The music team, which includes all
directors and section leaders and represented by artistic director Joe Cerutti, presented a thorough and
complete plan of shows and music to be used for ’19. Our schedule is complete and everyone should
mark their calendars with the dates. Joe
Cerutti Sr. was key in coordinating the show line up for the whole year.
Joe shared who our coaches would be this coming year – what a
list it is: Steve Scott, Kevin Keller,
David Wright, Cindy Hansen, Cy Wood, and David McEachern.
Our musical theme for 2019 will be
Broadway music – some songs we have used in the past and several new ones being
arranged for us. This music plan also includes plans for our trip to England,
Scotland and Wales (about 60 singers are going). New songs are being released
via Groupanizer so members can do the necessary homework. Joe will be doing personal interviews again this year with every
member between Jan. 27-Mar. 6.
Joe also announced the section leaders for the coming couple
years: Brian Ammermann for tenors; Reed Livergood for leads; Jason Lee for baritones; and Mike Kelly for basses.
Again – members should be sure to
read the email summary sent to you.
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 70th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd
