Looking Back on the July 13th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the July 13^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

This week’s Harmonizer in-person meeting was another busy one and about every space in the Scottish Rite Temple was put to use so we could respect the concept of clean air in the meeting spaces.

 

We started the session in the auditorium with warm ups conducted by Jason Lee, baritone section leader.  But the sections were in four corners of the space and Jason in the center. He challenged the men to keep their bodies lined up properly and had them do a lot of “bubbling” then ended the warm up singing  “We Sing Late at Night – Canned Goods.”

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti welcomed a few men we have not seen for a while – Kellen Hertz, Duncan Peacock, Chuck Powell, and Michael Schwartz.  This was our first week with a plan to invite up to 75 men to the meeting.  Other rules still apply such as having proof of a vaccination and having signed the chapter’s waiver form. Masks are optional. There was one guest – Tony Schepers in the tenor section.

 

After those short announcements, Joe worked with the chorus on “Somethings Comin”  still with the sections in each corner of the auditorium.

 

Then a series of sectionals followed by back to the whole chorus work sessions were held on “Remember Me,” “Help from My Friends,” and “ Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  After each sectional, the chorus worked with Joe.  He was pleased with the progress on the songs.

 

There were some announcements for the evening: visual coach Cy Wood will be in Alexandria next weekend to meet with the music team for script and show planning (Joe says if anyone is interested in helping with that aspect of the show, just let him or Terry Reynolds know.  You would be welcome.) Then Cy will stay in town to be with the chorus on Tuesday night as we prepare for a fall show on Sept. 11^th at Schlesinger.   

 

Mark calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304. Communications director Matt Donigerpublished The Echo to announce the Aug. 24^th appearance to fans, relatives and patrons. 

 

During this week’s meeting, the music team released a timetable of when each show song should be memorized. It was also sent to all singers. Likewise a self-assessment was taken by the singers as to where they were on the process – some submitted it with their phones immediately and others filled out a paper version.

 

The interment of Bob Wachter at Arlington National Cemetery will be on July 21^st at 12:45 pm.  There is no uniform for this event.  The Harmonizers will sing “I'll Be Seeing You” and all barbershoppers present will sing “Irish Blessing.”

At Arlington Cemetery,  the entry gate will require photo identification from all in the vehicle. Tell the guard you are attending the services for Robert Wachter and they will guide you.

Guests should arrive by 12:10. Parking is available in the lot in front of the Old Post Chapel. The service at the Old Post Chapel will commence at 12:45. The military funeral honors with funeral escort will be provided from 1:30 to 2:00 o'clock. Thus this service will last 45 minutes or from 12:45 to 1:30. The gravesite services from 1:30 to 2:00.

President Stan Quick has reminded the chapter that we will be participating in the M-AD convention Oct. 1-2 in Lancaster, PA.  The Harmonizers will attend and sing and celebrate.  This is not a qualification for going to International next summer. Stan suggested that everyone who can go should make room reservations ASAP as well as purchase their tickets for the event on the district’s webpage – midatlanticdistrict.com. 

 

Since we are getting back to doing some performances, there is a need to get all singers a black camp shirt.  If you need one, contact Robyn Murane who is our chapter uniform wrangler at 909-528-6643 or RLMurane@aol.com. Don’t delay.  Also guys who have had a shirt for a while should check them to see if it is time to replace yours.

 

Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to Matt Riedl for 2 years; Frank Fedarkofor 19 years; and Frank Shipp for 19 years.

 

Shows chairman Doug White is asking for a volunteer to help manage the backstage refreshments for the performers at the fall show.  Talk to Doug. 

 

In other news, our friends Geri and Royal Geis are battling some health issues. They are with their daughter in CA and some cards to them would be appreciated. You can send the cards to their daughter Stacey Geis Isaacson, 45 Clark Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401. Bruce Roehm has more details for those who knew Geri and Royal.

 

The July 13^th evening ended with singing “God Bless America” and then with Joe’s invitation to the HarmoHouse for an afterglow at 3916 N. Stevens St. in Alexandria.  A good crowd of guys were there to enjoy cold refreshments,, snacks and pizza.  There was a lot of tag singing too and plenty of time for fun stories and visiting. 

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on July 20^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. 

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)