Looking Back on the July 25, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting
Despite the rain storms and severe heat wave in the area, a good crowd of members made it to the Tuesday night meeting at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT.
Most of the chapter’s musical leadership team was at the BHS Harmony University in New Orleans helping other barbershoppers grow and improve - Joe Cerruti, Tony Colosimo, Tessa Walker, and Samantha Tramack. But this week’s music work session for our chapter continued without a flaw with our strong back up team.
Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, did the vocal warm up session for the combined ensembles that filled the risers.
After that, Metro Voices and Harmonizers worked in sectionals for “Defying Gravity” which will be the closer for the 75th anniversary show. This piece arranged by Steve Tramack will be performed by the combined ensembles. Sectional leaders for the work sessions were Maggie and Sheryl Berlin for tenors; Ben Watsky and Sophie Clarke for leads; Lance Fisher for baritones; and Jason Lee for basses.
All singers regrouped on the risers to sing this new arrangement with the solo track playing with them – the solo recording by Drew Wheaton.
As usual, music team administrator, Terry Reynolds, kept the evening rolling. He thanked all the section leaders for their preparation and leadership.
The chapter business meeting was coordinated by communications director Steve Murane. He reminded all members that the 75th anniversary book is in the lobby for anyone who didn’t get one. Also, Adam Afifi is still expecting the chorus sections to create an advertisement for the anniversary show program. Only a couple have done it so far.
Chapter membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed back four Metro Voices singers, and one first-time singer, Ray Wenderlich in the lead section for the Harmonizers. Jacob also welcomed the newest Harmonizer member, Kevin Mendez, and gave him his black chorus camp shirt. Assistant director emeritus Will Cox directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”
There was a 10-minute break for folks to relax a bit, and get some water. Those singers who were not present last week could check the riser chart.
After break, Terry outlined the song lists for the Aug. 9 show at Franconia Park for both ensembles – “Gravity” and “Dream” will be saved for the fall show.
Franconia Park(formerly Lee District Park) is at 6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria. When you turn off Telegraph, you will take the first right turn and park in that area of the large lot. The stage is outside in an amphitheater. There are picnic tables for those who might come early with family and friends. There are benches facing the stage, but your own camp chairs would be a good idea. Maybe some bug control if you wish. This concert is part of the weekly summer concert series in the Franconia District of Fairfax County hosted by County Supervisor Rodney Lusk.
Both ensembles continued work on their music. The Harmonizers worked on stage presence for “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” with Jason Lee directing and Tuner Arndt coaching the choreo plan created by Cy Wood. There was lots of progress but Terry announced that the choreo will probably not be used on Aug. 9. The front row worked in the lobby on their choreo plan for this song.
Jason and Turner continued their team leadership helping polish the choreo plan for “Somethings Comin.”
Before closing, Terry alerted Harmonizers that don’t have a blue suit uniform should contact operations director Gary Cregan, operations@harmonizers.org, right away so he has enough time to fill the need.
The meeting ended with everyone together for “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Drew Fuller who won the 50/50 this week. The afterglow was at Rampart’s again this week.
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 75th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)
The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.
