Looking Back on the Jan. 30, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting
This week’s rehearsal at AlexRenew launched work on preparing songs for 2024 shows and events.
Alan Wile and Walt Page welcomed everyone when they arrived on the sixth floor (and invited them to get some 50/50 tickets). The winner keeps one half each week, and the other half is sent to the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) Endowment Fund in the name of the chapter.
Speaking of M-AD, it is good to note that several of our members are in leadership positions on the district board. Bob Eckman is Immediate Past President, Dave Welter is treasurer, and Sheryl Berlin and Mike Fasano are members-at-large.
The opening warm up session for the combined ensembles was conducted by Tony Colosimo.
Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was back from his trip to Hawaii and thanked all those who attended the celebration of life for Geri Geis at Arlington National Cemetery, Friday, January 26. During the service, her daughter Stacie gave the eulogy and shared that Geri was extremely honored to have been recognized at the chapter’s 75th anniversary when Joewelcomed her and suggested she was the matriarch for the Harmonizers.
There were many Harmonizers there to honor her. The chorus sang “I’ll Walk With God” during the 3 pm service in the chapel, and then sang “I’ll Be Seeing You” at the graveside. Terry Reynolds directed. Attendees included Ken Ives, Bob Wilson, Rick Savage, Geoff Berman, Troy Hillier, Jeff Ashford, Howard Nestlerode, Dean Rust, Steve White, Mike Wallen, Noah Van Gilder, Bob Blair, Dave Welter, Martin Banks, Michael Schwartz, Carl Kauffmann, Bob Bates, Rick Taylor, Sam Brothers, Greg Tepe, Terry Reynolds, TJ Donahue, Jack Pitzer, Chuck Hunter, Ken Rub, Brian Ammerman, Bruce Roehm, Craig Kujawa, Mark Klostermeyer, Ike Evans and Alan Wile.
After that, Joe invited input from members about the recent chapter events. He also encouraged all singers, especially any new members, to consider signing up to be in a quartet or ensemble on February 14 to sing Valentine messages in the Alexandria Metro area. Anyone interested should be sure Terry Reynolds knows what part of that day they are available and what part they sing. In preparation for this project, Tony had the singers do a quick run through of “Heart of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” during the warm up, that are the songs the quartets will sing.
Joe also confirmed the plans for the eighth annual interview process when each member has a half hour interview with music team leadership. New members will meet with Joe; Metro Voices singers will meet with their director, Samantha Tramack; and others will meet with their section leaders. It is important that each member complete the survey prior to their interview which will be scheduled by Terry Reynolds.
The location of the February 20 meeting for Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) will not be at AlexRenew and that location will be announced soon.
At this point in the evening, Metro Voices adjourned to the board room to work on “Happy Together,” “Fight Song,” and “Sing/Swing Medley.” The Harmonizers worked on “Hey Jude” which will be used at their participation in the Wolf Trap show with other local choral groups; plus “Calling Dreams,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” along with a reminder session for the choreography for that song, and “Wee Small Hours.”
Midway during the evening, there was a business meeting for all attendees. Operations director, Gary Cregan, asked for ideas on optional meeting locations for March 5, since that is an election day and AlexRenew will be used as a polling place.
Steve White and all his fellow Harmonizers who are members of the M-AD honor chapter, Delasusquehudmac (DELA), welcomed another chapter member who was recently elected to membership in DELA – Sheryl Berlin. Members are elected in recognition of their extra service at the district level in a variety of leadership and service positions. She joins 22 current members who are in the DELA chapter. (Delasusquehudmac is a made up name from the names of all the major rivers in the M-AD.)
Kathy Kauffman made an appeal to all members to bring in empty liquor bottles next week that she and the decoration committee will use for the Gala on March 2.
Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed three returning guests – Mary, Alex and Marcia. There were four guests present for their first visit: Routa Mesfin who learned about us via MeetUp Alexandria; Charley Rothermel, a guest of Rob Barnovsky; Shane Lawson, a guest of Matt Ambler; and William Vesline, who saw us singing in Old Town in December. We sang our “Welcome Song” with Terry as director.
The evening wrapped up about 9 pm with the 50/50 drawing, an invitation to guests and members to come to the Harmo House for an afterglow, and then singing of “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Sheryl.
In other news, the chapter learned recently of the passing of Bill Sowers who died on January 3, 2024, due to complications following a serious fall. He and his wife Charlie were long-time supporters of the chapter long after Billstopped singing. A private burial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
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.
