Looking Back on March 10th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Well, every week the hall is a beehive of activity from 6 – 7 pm. Ken White coordinated the Anytime Quartet Project auditions – about 15 candidates expressed interest. Chuck McKeever held a visual training session on the stage.
Worker bees put out all the things it takes to run the chapter on Tuesday nite: risers, mirrors, tables, chairs for guests, riser railings, coffee pot and goodies, membership station, music stands, AV equipment, sound equipment, Harmo picture board, riser chart.
Will Cox took the singers thru their warm up session. And Director Joe followed him up front to lead applause for CRUNCH TIME and FULL TILT who will represent our chapter in the quartet contest in Anaheim in July.
President Brad Jones was watching his Blackberry all evening for word that Alexandria would get a nod to sing in the next round of the America’s Got Talent show. Even without confirmation, Joe helped the chorus learn the three songs, cut to 90 seconds each, and with stage presence. McKeever helped review the visuals. How classy is that front row in bringing back their famous the kick line for “NY NY” and at that speed!
The Spring Tonic is coming fast and so there was a sneak preview of the talking parts and a great shot with “Cellophane” and Ken White doing his solo with it. Really will be a fun number!
Mark Klostermeyer started the business period with announcement. Personal tapes are due in to section leaders for the contest medley. We have a rehearsal this Thursday, at Kena Temple on Rte. 50, with our terrific coach, Cindy Hansen, teaching more of the plans for the contest package. At 7 pm.
He also plugged the recording session set for Tues March 24th – not at Durant. Those who take Metro should plan ahead for rides.
Secretary Buechler presented official new-member-materials to Drew Dias and a first Man of Note pin to Ken White for being Drew’s sponsor. Noah Van Gilder was given his 2-year membership renewal card.
Terry Jordan explained the Master Director award that Joe earned this year. There was a prospect of cake at break in Joe’s honor!!
Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcomed four new applicants – Phil Ayoub, Ryan Griffith, Luis Castro, Brian Norton. He had a bunch of other guests to introduce too. Joe recognized John Hohl, our arranger, who was back from a warmer Florida. It was good to see Bob Bowman back for the evening too.
The gang wiped out the cake and almost all the goodies at break and did lots of business matters. You could hear some quartets in various parts of the hall too.
Quartet Promo Chair, Ken White, honored LAST KIDS PICKED and PRIME TIME who sang as mic testers at the recent convention as their swan songs as quartets. He also reminded all of the quartets who competed and how proud we were of them all.
Brad shared the Harmony Foundation Award he was given at the House of Delegates meeting last weekend honoring our chapter as a gold level chapter – highest per member donations to the Foundation. Good job, brothers.
Brad also gave “You Make A Difference” star pins to Mike Kelly for his work on the NYC show. And to Director Joe – because! The guys also gave Joe a framed “Harmonizers Take Manhattan” poster.
Then it was back to work for the show and particularly the contest medley. Gary Plaag and Chuck McKeever began teaching the stage presence plan. This will help the guys be better prepared for the Thursday nite session with Cindy. New guys – make sure you are there. She is great and we have a good time when she is cranking us up in prep for contest. If you are new and don’t know where Kena Temple is, or you need a ride, call some of us. Me – cell 703-627-9424.
When the meeting ended, the guys were so fast at putting things away that there was time to hang out and sing some in the hall. Then a nice crowd adjourned to Southside at 815 S. Washington St. in Alexandria for an afterglow.
Until next time – editorjack!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Looking Back on NYC Show Feb. 28th
Looking Back on NYC Show Feb. 28th
(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 with Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter members. —Ye Ed.) (Thanks to Noah Van Gilder and Chris Buechler for filling in the blanks on the news from behind stage.)
The Harmonizers made a major hit just off Broadway when they appeared on the Manhattan NY Chapter show Feb. 28th at the Salvation Army Centennial Theatre at 120 W. 14th Street in New York City. It was billed as The Unity Spectacular featuring the Harmonizers and the Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen, NY.
Our guys got to the theater all kinds of ways – some car pools, many via the less expensive bus routes, some by train. And so by about 11 am that Saturday, there were guys in the neighborhood and at the theatre.
Bill DePuy drove the Harmo truck up with risers and sound equipment and props. So a crew of our guys (DePuy, Buechler, Wagner,Wile, Ritchey and his daughter and her friend) pitched in to unload and set up. Scott Kahler and Dennis Ritchey and Chris Cunningham did a lot of work to get the sound for the show going. And Dixie and Chris Buechler did the lights.
The chorus had warm ups and some stage time including some time with the Manhattan and Hell’s Kitchen choruses to practice some combined singing. Manhattan director, Joe Hunter and his team taught basic choreography for “New York, New York” and the Harmonizers picked it up in no time flat. The combined songs were “God Bless the USA” and of course, “NY NY” which were sung at the end of the show.
A bunch of our guys stayed in the theatre to listen while the other two choruses warmed up.
Prior to coming on stage, our guys assembled backstage for a quick, intense rehearsal. Energy levels were high and the chorus was full of anticipation. It showed during their performance.
When the curtain opened for the Harmonizers, the crowd went wild!! And the chorus did not disappoint with a fast paced show full of animation and entertainment and great singing. CAMERON STATION sang as did our newest quartet, EAST COAST SWING with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Kirk Young and Joe Cerutti.
There were a lot of us in the audience too from the chapter family. And it was fun to see guys from a number of other chapters in the Mid Atlantic District. Some chapters had come with a group of folks.
The afterglow was a blast and I hear some folks were there til at least 4:30am! According to my reporter, “the afterglow was an absolute blast and we did stay late! There was plenty of food and some good cakes. And the room was so full of singing that it spread out into the lobby.”
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 with Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter members. —Ye Ed.) (Thanks to Noah Van Gilder and Chris Buechler for filling in the blanks on the news from behind stage.)
The Harmonizers made a major hit just off Broadway when they appeared on the Manhattan NY Chapter show Feb. 28th at the Salvation Army Centennial Theatre at 120 W. 14th Street in New York City. It was billed as The Unity Spectacular featuring the Harmonizers and the Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen, NY.
Our guys got to the theater all kinds of ways – some car pools, many via the less expensive bus routes, some by train. And so by about 11 am that Saturday, there were guys in the neighborhood and at the theatre.
Bill DePuy drove the Harmo truck up with risers and sound equipment and props. So a crew of our guys (DePuy, Buechler, Wagner,Wile, Ritchey and his daughter and her friend) pitched in to unload and set up. Scott Kahler and Dennis Ritchey and Chris Cunningham did a lot of work to get the sound for the show going. And Dixie and Chris Buechler did the lights.
The chorus had warm ups and some stage time including some time with the Manhattan and Hell’s Kitchen choruses to practice some combined singing. Manhattan director, Joe Hunter and his team taught basic choreography for “New York, New York” and the Harmonizers picked it up in no time flat. The combined songs were “God Bless the USA” and of course, “NY NY” which were sung at the end of the show.
A bunch of our guys stayed in the theatre to listen while the other two choruses warmed up.
Prior to coming on stage, our guys assembled backstage for a quick, intense rehearsal. Energy levels were high and the chorus was full of anticipation. It showed during their performance.
When the curtain opened for the Harmonizers, the crowd went wild!! And the chorus did not disappoint with a fast paced show full of animation and entertainment and great singing. CAMERON STATION sang as did our newest quartet, EAST COAST SWING with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Kirk Young and Joe Cerutti.
There were a lot of us in the audience too from the chapter family. And it was fun to see guys from a number of other chapters in the Mid Atlantic District. Some chapters had come with a group of folks.
The afterglow was a blast and I hear some folks were there til at least 4:30am! According to my reporter, “the afterglow was an absolute blast and we did stay late! There was plenty of food and some good cakes. And the room was so full of singing that it spread out into the lobby.”
Until next time – editorjack!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Looking Back on Prelims Weekend Mar.6-7-8, 2009
Looking Back on Prelims Quartet Contest Mar. 6-7-8, 2009
(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 with Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter members. —Ye Ed.)
The Harmonizers can be proud of how our chapter was represented at the International Quartet Preliminary Contest weekend.
And we liked the results too. Two of our quartets earned enough points to qualify for the contest in Anaheim: CRUNCH TIME and FULL TILT. Actually these two quartets tied with 1902 points (they only needed 1824 points) and CRUNCH TIME was ranked first in the contest based on their singing category scores which break the tie.
Our friends ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT also qualified.
Back to the beginning tho.
District President Gary Plaag was around some on Friday, but was sick and disappeared to go home to rest etc. So Joe Cerutti sang bari in PRIME TIME with Ken White, Bob Sutton and TJ Barranger as mic testers for the quartet contest Friday nite.
On the way into the contest session in the Reston Hyatt, everyone had to pass by Ken Fess and Dean Rust in their tux outfits who were promoting our spring tonic. They had the big show poster and show postcard handouts.
In the Friday nite or first round of the contest, we had members in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (Mike Wallen) , FRiDAYS! (Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives, Steve Murane), FULL TILT (Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto, Pete Frank, Steve White), CLASSIC CONNECTION (Sam McFarland, Bob Mattes), and CRUNCH TIME (Eric Wallen).
For the Saturday morning round of the contest, LAST KIDS PICKED with Bill and Tony Colosimo and Mike and Eric Wallen were mic testers.
After the contest ended and while the list of who made the finals was prepared, John Hohl, representing the Society’s director development committee, called for Joe Cerutti to come to the stage. Joe was out of the room at first helping coach a youth quartet about to compete. But Joe got a cell message from one of our crew and made it to the stage to receive his Master Director plaque. Joe is the 9th director to be recognized within the Society with this honor.
Next after the quartet contest, a Youth Adjudication event was held. Quartets are rated good, excellent or outstanding. There were seven entries. Joe did the welcome and kick off for the 11:15 am start of the event and introduced Erin Odell, Craig and Linda’s daughter, who was MC. She is also chorus director in Roanoke, VA. One of the judges for this contest was Chris Buechler, contest administrator.
Erin gave a great plug for our chapter’s advertisement in the program promoting the April 18th youth harmony day we are hosting at Durant (in cooperation with the Vienna-Falls Sweet Adelines).
Saturday nite was the finals round of the quartet prelims contest and included YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FULL TILT and CRUNCH TIME. FRiDAYS! was the mic tester for the finals round. I reported above that two of our quartets will go to Anaheim. YOUTH REC won the senior’s contest. Dennis Ritchey was MC for the finals round of the contest.
Later that evening there was a jamboree or show of the winners. LAST KIDS PICKED did their swan song at that time and made their final appearance in our district.
As usual, the evening ended with lots of tag singing in the lobby (yes Chuck Hunter made it with his broken foot and crutches – he stepped on a rock on Friday in DC en route to a meeting. He is waiting for more doctor inputs but was not in pain this weekend.)
The weekend also included a lot of admin things for the Harmonizer leaders. Skipping to Sunday morning, there was the district House of Delegates. Our President Brad Jones attended his first official such meeting. And there was the usual cast of Harmonizers who are on the district board and chairs of committees.
We did see some familiar faces around this weekend. One of the judges was former Harmonizer and musical leader in our chapter, Larry Deters. Buechler and Harner had duties with the judges for the contest too.
John and Jean Adams were up from NC. He is a past chapter president and tenor in some of the highest ranking quartets ever from our chapter.
Alan Wile was the official Society board of directors’ representative for this contest in his capacity as a board member at that level.
I saw a good crowd of our guys in the audience and we all cheered and yelled for our guys. Mike Kelly did the video recording for the contestants. Dixie was working the lights. Hope a huge crowd of guys, especially new guys, will plan to attend the Southern Division contest weekend, also in Reston, May 22 and 23.
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 with Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter members. —Ye Ed.)
The Harmonizers can be proud of how our chapter was represented at the International Quartet Preliminary Contest weekend.
And we liked the results too. Two of our quartets earned enough points to qualify for the contest in Anaheim: CRUNCH TIME and FULL TILT. Actually these two quartets tied with 1902 points (they only needed 1824 points) and CRUNCH TIME was ranked first in the contest based on their singing category scores which break the tie.
Our friends ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT also qualified.
Back to the beginning tho.
District President Gary Plaag was around some on Friday, but was sick and disappeared to go home to rest etc. So Joe Cerutti sang bari in PRIME TIME with Ken White, Bob Sutton and TJ Barranger as mic testers for the quartet contest Friday nite.
On the way into the contest session in the Reston Hyatt, everyone had to pass by Ken Fess and Dean Rust in their tux outfits who were promoting our spring tonic. They had the big show poster and show postcard handouts.
In the Friday nite or first round of the contest, we had members in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (Mike Wallen) , FRiDAYS! (Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives, Steve Murane), FULL TILT (Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto, Pete Frank, Steve White), CLASSIC CONNECTION (Sam McFarland, Bob Mattes), and CRUNCH TIME (Eric Wallen).
For the Saturday morning round of the contest, LAST KIDS PICKED with Bill and Tony Colosimo and Mike and Eric Wallen were mic testers.
After the contest ended and while the list of who made the finals was prepared, John Hohl, representing the Society’s director development committee, called for Joe Cerutti to come to the stage. Joe was out of the room at first helping coach a youth quartet about to compete. But Joe got a cell message from one of our crew and made it to the stage to receive his Master Director plaque. Joe is the 9th director to be recognized within the Society with this honor.
Next after the quartet contest, a Youth Adjudication event was held. Quartets are rated good, excellent or outstanding. There were seven entries. Joe did the welcome and kick off for the 11:15 am start of the event and introduced Erin Odell, Craig and Linda’s daughter, who was MC. She is also chorus director in Roanoke, VA. One of the judges for this contest was Chris Buechler, contest administrator.
Erin gave a great plug for our chapter’s advertisement in the program promoting the April 18th youth harmony day we are hosting at Durant (in cooperation with the Vienna-Falls Sweet Adelines).
Saturday nite was the finals round of the quartet prelims contest and included YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FULL TILT and CRUNCH TIME. FRiDAYS! was the mic tester for the finals round. I reported above that two of our quartets will go to Anaheim. YOUTH REC won the senior’s contest. Dennis Ritchey was MC for the finals round of the contest.
Later that evening there was a jamboree or show of the winners. LAST KIDS PICKED did their swan song at that time and made their final appearance in our district.
As usual, the evening ended with lots of tag singing in the lobby (yes Chuck Hunter made it with his broken foot and crutches – he stepped on a rock on Friday in DC en route to a meeting. He is waiting for more doctor inputs but was not in pain this weekend.)
The weekend also included a lot of admin things for the Harmonizer leaders. Skipping to Sunday morning, there was the district House of Delegates. Our President Brad Jones attended his first official such meeting. And there was the usual cast of Harmonizers who are on the district board and chairs of committees.
We did see some familiar faces around this weekend. One of the judges was former Harmonizer and musical leader in our chapter, Larry Deters. Buechler and Harner had duties with the judges for the contest too.
John and Jean Adams were up from NC. He is a past chapter president and tenor in some of the highest ranking quartets ever from our chapter.
Alan Wile was the official Society board of directors’ representative for this contest in his capacity as a board member at that level.
I saw a good crowd of our guys in the audience and we all cheered and yelled for our guys. Mike Kelly did the video recording for the contestants. Dixie was working the lights. Hope a huge crowd of guys, especially new guys, will plan to attend the Southern Division contest weekend, also in Reston, May 22 and 23.
Until next time – editorjack!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Looking Back on March 3rd Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on March 3rd Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The set up crew was hard at work right at 6 pm this week. McKeever had a visual class in session on the stage. And guests seemed to be coming in all over the place. One of the guests helped set up the risers too.
After warm ups, Director Joe and his music team worked at restacking or placing the chorus in new places on the risers. Much of this was needed for the Anaheim contest package.
He encouraged guys to record “Second Star” to turn in as part of their self improvement effort.
Then Joe worked on the three songs that chorus will sing in the America’s Got Talent second round, if we get the nod. Each of the three songs needs to be cut down to 90 seconds. We will use “Great Day” again, plus “Kiss the Girl” and “NY NY” for our presentation.
After this quick work, the chorus got a feel for how the soloist and chorus will work together on “Mr. Cellophane” in the spring tonic.
Just before break, Steve White gave general announcements. He was filling in for K12 this week. Secretary Buecher gave Joe Cerutti his fourth Man Of Note award for being sponsor of new member Chris Cunningham. Chris got the usual packet of membership pin, Harmo history, and membership certificate.
Then Chris B. presented membership renewal cards: Joel Golden for 4 years; Bob Rhome for 8; Scott Kahler for 11; TJ Jones for 18; Gerry Levine for 22; Sam McFarland for 22; Ken Ives for 24; and Dean Rust for 29 years.
Dan O introduced the large crowd of guests – a couple applicants; some former members back – Chris Yates and Patrick Kim; relatives and friends of members; 3 or 4 first time guests; and a big row of returning guests.
Then it was break. The coffee went fast since it was so cold last nite. (BTW – we always make Decaf coffee on Tuesday nite, so you can count on that!)
After break and during the announcement time. President Brad Jones awarded additional “You Make The Difference” star awards: to Dan O’Brien for his work on the successful guest nite; and to Dennis Ritchey, Scott Kahler, Dixie Kennett, Mike Kelly, Chris Buechler, and Bill DePuy for their extra efforts in NYC for the show last weekend.
Ken Fess plugged the spring tonic again, AND announced that members could get a stack of unreserved seat tickets to sell on consignment.
Quartet Promotion guy, Ken White, reported on the continued expansion of the ANYTIME QUARTET idea and invited final sign up names.
Then Ken gave the usual chapter checks to quartets who will compete in the International Prelims quartet contest this weekend in Reston. Those who qualify get to sing at the contest in Anaheim. (The chorus already qualified in the International Prelims chorus contest last fall in Wildwood.) Our chapter gives each quartet a check to cover this weekend’s registration fee for each Harmonizer in the quartet. Our rep quartets are FRiDAYS!, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FULL TILT, CRUNCH TIME, CLASSIC CONNECTION.
Two chapter quartets will also be the mic testers quartets for the contest sessions. Friday nite’s contest that starts at 7 pm at the Hyatt in Reston will have PRIME TIME as mic testers. Then the Saturday morning contest that starts at 10 am will have LAST KIDS PICKED as mic testers.
For your info, a collegiate/youth quartet contest will run from 12-1 at the Hyatt. The finals Sat nite starts at 7 pm. Tickets will be available at the box off at the hotel. Some of the new guys will want to go, especially now that they have gotten bitten with the fun of tag singing!!
Then it was back to music and singing and hard work on the contest package and a couple of other songs coming back onto the radar to be sung on the spring show.
Hunter won the 50/50 and everyone worked to strike the hall. There was enough time to form some quartets with guests and teach them a tag or two.
And a large crowd adjourned to Southside 815 on South Washington Street for a chapter nite afterglow. Fun time and a lot like the Geno’s of old!!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The set up crew was hard at work right at 6 pm this week. McKeever had a visual class in session on the stage. And guests seemed to be coming in all over the place. One of the guests helped set up the risers too.
After warm ups, Director Joe and his music team worked at restacking or placing the chorus in new places on the risers. Much of this was needed for the Anaheim contest package.
He encouraged guys to record “Second Star” to turn in as part of their self improvement effort.
Then Joe worked on the three songs that chorus will sing in the America’s Got Talent second round, if we get the nod. Each of the three songs needs to be cut down to 90 seconds. We will use “Great Day” again, plus “Kiss the Girl” and “NY NY” for our presentation.
After this quick work, the chorus got a feel for how the soloist and chorus will work together on “Mr. Cellophane” in the spring tonic.
Just before break, Steve White gave general announcements. He was filling in for K12 this week. Secretary Buecher gave Joe Cerutti his fourth Man Of Note award for being sponsor of new member Chris Cunningham. Chris got the usual packet of membership pin, Harmo history, and membership certificate.
Then Chris B. presented membership renewal cards: Joel Golden for 4 years; Bob Rhome for 8; Scott Kahler for 11; TJ Jones for 18; Gerry Levine for 22; Sam McFarland for 22; Ken Ives for 24; and Dean Rust for 29 years.
Dan O introduced the large crowd of guests – a couple applicants; some former members back – Chris Yates and Patrick Kim; relatives and friends of members; 3 or 4 first time guests; and a big row of returning guests.
Then it was break. The coffee went fast since it was so cold last nite. (BTW – we always make Decaf coffee on Tuesday nite, so you can count on that!)
After break and during the announcement time. President Brad Jones awarded additional “You Make The Difference” star awards: to Dan O’Brien for his work on the successful guest nite; and to Dennis Ritchey, Scott Kahler, Dixie Kennett, Mike Kelly, Chris Buechler, and Bill DePuy for their extra efforts in NYC for the show last weekend.
Ken Fess plugged the spring tonic again, AND announced that members could get a stack of unreserved seat tickets to sell on consignment.
Quartet Promotion guy, Ken White, reported on the continued expansion of the ANYTIME QUARTET idea and invited final sign up names.
Then Ken gave the usual chapter checks to quartets who will compete in the International Prelims quartet contest this weekend in Reston. Those who qualify get to sing at the contest in Anaheim. (The chorus already qualified in the International Prelims chorus contest last fall in Wildwood.) Our chapter gives each quartet a check to cover this weekend’s registration fee for each Harmonizer in the quartet. Our rep quartets are FRiDAYS!, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FULL TILT, CRUNCH TIME, CLASSIC CONNECTION.
Two chapter quartets will also be the mic testers quartets for the contest sessions. Friday nite’s contest that starts at 7 pm at the Hyatt in Reston will have PRIME TIME as mic testers. Then the Saturday morning contest that starts at 10 am will have LAST KIDS PICKED as mic testers.
For your info, a collegiate/youth quartet contest will run from 12-1 at the Hyatt. The finals Sat nite starts at 7 pm. Tickets will be available at the box off at the hotel. Some of the new guys will want to go, especially now that they have gotten bitten with the fun of tag singing!!
Then it was back to music and singing and hard work on the contest package and a couple of other songs coming back onto the radar to be sung on the spring show.
Hunter won the 50/50 and everyone worked to strike the hall. There was enough time to form some quartets with guests and teach them a tag or two.
And a large crowd adjourned to Southside 815 on South Washington Street for a chapter nite afterglow. Fun time and a lot like the Geno’s of old!!
Until next time – editorjack!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Looking Back on Feb. 24th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Feb. 24th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Another busy nite at the chapter meeting. Amidst all the set up and commerce and rehearsing, I saw something I have never see at Durant. One of the younger guys got on his belly on one of those risers racks that go under the stage. He took a ride into the back to untwist the cord or something. So funny to see to a man coming out from under the stage!
Before I forget, I noticed on the front of the chapter directory of members a listing of two phone numbers everyone should have handy. The Harmo Phone number where people call for info and you can call to see if there has been a last minute change in meetings or the like – 703-836-0969. The Harmo Box Office where you and your family and friends and show ticket customers can call to order tickets for the shows – 703-910-4600.
The warm up session was a good work out on the techniques David Wright taught us at our retreat last year. (Since he is coming back this year, it is a good thing we get back into shape.) The bass section went out of the room for part of the time for a “warm down session” which I am told is warming up the lower register of their voices. Gary Plaag used “Simon Says” commands to get guys to do body movements like side stepping and clapping. In the end he had everyone applaud and welcome Director Joe to the front.
Joe wasted no time in getting to work on music and began introducing some warm and intimate interp for “Second Star” to help all perform it better.
Then he launched a rehearsal for the New York City show coming up this weekend.
Before you new it, Mark Klostermeyer (K12) was making the general announcements leading to break time. He reviewed the Harmo calendar including the addition of the Hershey, PA, show on March 22.
Secretary Buechler presented Matt Barnes his 4 year renewal card.
Chris Cunningham staffed the guest sign-in station for Dan O’Brien and Ken White did the up-front introductions. There was another long line of guests – many who had been here for the big guest nite on Feb. 10th. We also know there are some men who came on the 10th who have not been able to get back, even tho they plan to.
After a busy break, it was back to the chapter meeting period. Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about turning in their tapes. (He also confirmed how much fun BACHELOR PARTY was having as the school board/quartet in a DC production of The Music Man. A bunch of us have gone to see it – wow, they are great.)
Ken Fess plugged the spring show. There had been a scipt committee reading session at 6 pm tonite.
Dennis Ritchey passed out a flyer with FAQ info about the chapter’s trip to NYC to sing the show there Sat. Feb. 28th. Tom Kern was reminding all guys to get uniform parts for the show. Bill DePuy asked for helpers to unload the Harmo truck at 9 am on Sat. in NYC. Several hands went up.
President Jones announced that the Supreme Court Historical Society has invited the chorus to sing for them again, on June 1st. We have done this a number of times and it was always great fun, exiting to see the members of the Court in the front row, and to get insider looks at the wonderful Supreme Court Building.
Brad also awarded two “You Make A Difference” to us pins for great chapter work – Josh Roots for Singing Valentines, and Scipio Garling for marketing the successful guest nite. Brad intends to award these on a regular basis.
Chuck Harner, a Society contest and judging official, announced that Noah Van Gilder had won 3rd place in the Rahway Valley NJ Novice Quartet contest on Sat. Feb. 21st. Noah sang with three of his friends from New York.
K12 also invited everyone to try a new spot for a meeting nite afterglow – 815 South Washington St. called the Southside or the 815. (For old timers, an attempt to recreate the Genos atmosphere and Harmonizer tradtion.)
Speakling of Old Timers – I got a call from Bob Balderson, a former member and musical leader in the chapter. He asked to be remembered to all. He lives in Milwakee.
After the brief meeting time, it was back to work on music. There were a lot of guys making recordings to submit. And there more guests given auditions.
New guy Matt Barnes won the 50/50 and the picture framing gift – with two different tickets he had bought. The he directed KTWWS – great to see this young man up front and leading us in our song.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Another busy nite at the chapter meeting. Amidst all the set up and commerce and rehearsing, I saw something I have never see at Durant. One of the younger guys got on his belly on one of those risers racks that go under the stage. He took a ride into the back to untwist the cord or something. So funny to see to a man coming out from under the stage!
Before I forget, I noticed on the front of the chapter directory of members a listing of two phone numbers everyone should have handy. The Harmo Phone number where people call for info and you can call to see if there has been a last minute change in meetings or the like – 703-836-0969. The Harmo Box Office where you and your family and friends and show ticket customers can call to order tickets for the shows – 703-910-4600.
The warm up session was a good work out on the techniques David Wright taught us at our retreat last year. (Since he is coming back this year, it is a good thing we get back into shape.) The bass section went out of the room for part of the time for a “warm down session” which I am told is warming up the lower register of their voices. Gary Plaag used “Simon Says” commands to get guys to do body movements like side stepping and clapping. In the end he had everyone applaud and welcome Director Joe to the front.
Joe wasted no time in getting to work on music and began introducing some warm and intimate interp for “Second Star” to help all perform it better.
Then he launched a rehearsal for the New York City show coming up this weekend.
Before you new it, Mark Klostermeyer (K12) was making the general announcements leading to break time. He reviewed the Harmo calendar including the addition of the Hershey, PA, show on March 22.
Secretary Buechler presented Matt Barnes his 4 year renewal card.
Chris Cunningham staffed the guest sign-in station for Dan O’Brien and Ken White did the up-front introductions. There was another long line of guests – many who had been here for the big guest nite on Feb. 10th. We also know there are some men who came on the 10th who have not been able to get back, even tho they plan to.
After a busy break, it was back to the chapter meeting period. Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about turning in their tapes. (He also confirmed how much fun BACHELOR PARTY was having as the school board/quartet in a DC production of The Music Man. A bunch of us have gone to see it – wow, they are great.)
Ken Fess plugged the spring show. There had been a scipt committee reading session at 6 pm tonite.
Dennis Ritchey passed out a flyer with FAQ info about the chapter’s trip to NYC to sing the show there Sat. Feb. 28th. Tom Kern was reminding all guys to get uniform parts for the show. Bill DePuy asked for helpers to unload the Harmo truck at 9 am on Sat. in NYC. Several hands went up.
President Jones announced that the Supreme Court Historical Society has invited the chorus to sing for them again, on June 1st. We have done this a number of times and it was always great fun, exiting to see the members of the Court in the front row, and to get insider looks at the wonderful Supreme Court Building.
Brad also awarded two “You Make A Difference” to us pins for great chapter work – Josh Roots for Singing Valentines, and Scipio Garling for marketing the successful guest nite. Brad intends to award these on a regular basis.
Chuck Harner, a Society contest and judging official, announced that Noah Van Gilder had won 3rd place in the Rahway Valley NJ Novice Quartet contest on Sat. Feb. 21st. Noah sang with three of his friends from New York.
K12 also invited everyone to try a new spot for a meeting nite afterglow – 815 South Washington St. called the Southside or the 815. (For old timers, an attempt to recreate the Genos atmosphere and Harmonizer tradtion.)
Speakling of Old Timers – I got a call from Bob Balderson, a former member and musical leader in the chapter. He asked to be remembered to all. He lives in Milwakee.
After the brief meeting time, it was back to work on music. There were a lot of guys making recordings to submit. And there more guests given auditions.
New guy Matt Barnes won the 50/50 and the picture framing gift – with two different tickets he had bought. The he directed KTWWS – great to see this young man up front and leading us in our song.
Until next time – editorjack!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Looking Back on Feb. 17th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Feb. 17th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chapter has been busy, to say the least.
After last weeks successful meeting, there was a Wednesday nite work session to set up for the Singing Valentine operation. Josh Roots and Scott Kahler and Bob Rhome worked well into the nite then (and for the next three nites too) to prepare the packets for the quartets and be sure we filled all the orders for the 109 orders received.
Other members worked some long hours and did some important paper work and telephoning and such – Ammerman, Rust, Wagner, Pence, Garling, TJ Jones, Pitzer, Hunter. It was no small task to find men to sing in quartets, make assignments to fill the orders that just kept coming in and to route them into reasonable delivery packages. And then there is getting the money collected or credit cards processed. And buying roses and candy (Kahler managed to get some pretty good prices for the roses despite the current high market prices for them.)
Computers helped with the office work. And GPS systems and Map Quest charts helped make the travel by quartets work. And a big thank you to all the men who delivered Valentines for big chunks of the day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and even a few on Sunday. Maybe we will get the personal heartwarming stories of some of the special situations quartets encountered as they made their rounds. I would be willing to collect them if you wish to email them to editorjack@aol.com.
Overlay the America’s Got Talent extra rehearsal on Thursday nite and the actual audition before breakfast on Saturday at National Harbor Place to get a real feel for what the men of the Harmonizers pulled off. From all reports, the audition was fun for the men, seemed to go well, sounded good and proved we can make things work no matter what.
Now here we are back to this week’s great meeting again in preparation for our show in New York City and then soon our Spring Tonic.
There was a lot of excitement in the Durant hall Tues. Feb. 17th. McKeever had students at work on the stage learning the SP using the newly developed recording of “From This Moment On” with visual cues recorded over the music. An idea from Joel Golden and released together with Chuck McKeever. Sounds like this maybe another Harmonizer invention or first.
Lots of us had our eyes out for returning guests from last week’s successful guest nite. There was a quartet singing in a corner. And there was lot chatter with guys seeing who had been able to identify the most men in the 1967 chorus photo which Noah Van Gilder was given by Faith Campbell who works in his office. She heard him mention the chorus and shared that her Dad had been a Harmonizer – Wayne Campbell was the original tenor in the NOVA CHORDS. Jack Crickenberger, a former member from the earliest days, sent in his ideas even.
There was the usual selling of 50/50 tickets, business matters to take care of for the Anaheim trip, and yes the arrival and signing in operation for a bunch of guests.
Kirk Young was back for coaching the chorus. He makes the chorus work but still have fun!!
Warm ups were conducted by Will Cox and Gary Plaag with the many guests right up on the risers with the singers. Director Joe started off with “From This Moment On” including the SP review for members and guests.
The guests were still coming in! Donnie Harrington, a member who has often been posted outside the USA in Foreign Service, is back home in DC area and came back. And former member Barry Galloway was up on the risers too! Both sang with us in some of our International championship years.
Chuck Hunter is substituting as director for the NY show on “Ed Sullivan” and “Kiss de Girl.” Both songs were drilled to include all the props, and set changes, and rhythm group. Kirk joined in on the rhythm band for some fun.
Joe offered much congratulations to the guys who did the America’s Got Talent audition and for a smashing performance of “Clap Your Hands” when the show producer asked for another song. (He thanked all the men who covered the Singing Valentine operation too!)
Before you knew it, it was break time. Program VP K12 took the helm and offered some calendar reminders for chorus, board, music committee and CAMERON STATION. He also plugged the personal taping deadlines for self improvement. He stressed that the Feb. 19th rehearsal was moved to Mar. 12th.
Secretary Buechler announced the presentation of a 25 year pin to Geoff Berman last week. He gave membership renewal cards to Scipio Garling for 13 years, to Chuck Powell for 15 years, to Matt Kahn for 20 years, and to Don Harrington for 29 years.
Steve White and all those members present of the district Honor Club (called DELASUSQUEHUDMAC) welcomed the newest Harmonizer to be elected to that group – Bob Eckman. He has made major contributions to our chapter and to our district. There have been 39 of our members elected to DELA since its beginning.
Dan O’Brien did another great job in introducing a large crop of guests – many who had returned from last week, some first timers, some we have seen before. I noticed Gary Plaag and Will Cox were helping Dan give a bunch of the guests their first placement audition so that they can progress into membership.
Then it was break to grab some cookies (many left from last week) and take care of other business matters.
Back into rehearsal/meeting time, K12 brought up Ken White, quartet promo chair, who alerted all to watch for news about a revival of the Anytime quartet idea that didn’t get off the ground last year. Look for email info.
Then Ken introduced CLASS CONNECTION to sing for us – Danny
Smoot-Wood, Ed Shaw, Sam McFarland, Bob Mattis. Word is they are in contest preparation.
Next Ken introduced EAST COAST SWING for their debut at the chapter - Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Cerutti, Kirk Young. Great to hear our newest chapter quartet!
The rest of the second half of the evening was used for work on the contest songs with Kirk coaching and helping the guys get the most out of the song and the arrangement.
TJ won the 50/50 cash. All the left over heart shaped boxes of chocolates from last weekend were given to other ticket winners.
Kirk had the honors of taking us out for the nite.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chapter has been busy, to say the least.
After last weeks successful meeting, there was a Wednesday nite work session to set up for the Singing Valentine operation. Josh Roots and Scott Kahler and Bob Rhome worked well into the nite then (and for the next three nites too) to prepare the packets for the quartets and be sure we filled all the orders for the 109 orders received.
Other members worked some long hours and did some important paper work and telephoning and such – Ammerman, Rust, Wagner, Pence, Garling, TJ Jones, Pitzer, Hunter. It was no small task to find men to sing in quartets, make assignments to fill the orders that just kept coming in and to route them into reasonable delivery packages. And then there is getting the money collected or credit cards processed. And buying roses and candy (Kahler managed to get some pretty good prices for the roses despite the current high market prices for them.)
Computers helped with the office work. And GPS systems and Map Quest charts helped make the travel by quartets work. And a big thank you to all the men who delivered Valentines for big chunks of the day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and even a few on Sunday. Maybe we will get the personal heartwarming stories of some of the special situations quartets encountered as they made their rounds. I would be willing to collect them if you wish to email them to editorjack@aol.com.
Overlay the America’s Got Talent extra rehearsal on Thursday nite and the actual audition before breakfast on Saturday at National Harbor Place to get a real feel for what the men of the Harmonizers pulled off. From all reports, the audition was fun for the men, seemed to go well, sounded good and proved we can make things work no matter what.
Now here we are back to this week’s great meeting again in preparation for our show in New York City and then soon our Spring Tonic.
There was a lot of excitement in the Durant hall Tues. Feb. 17th. McKeever had students at work on the stage learning the SP using the newly developed recording of “From This Moment On” with visual cues recorded over the music. An idea from Joel Golden and released together with Chuck McKeever. Sounds like this maybe another Harmonizer invention or first.
Lots of us had our eyes out for returning guests from last week’s successful guest nite. There was a quartet singing in a corner. And there was lot chatter with guys seeing who had been able to identify the most men in the 1967 chorus photo which Noah Van Gilder was given by Faith Campbell who works in his office. She heard him mention the chorus and shared that her Dad had been a Harmonizer – Wayne Campbell was the original tenor in the NOVA CHORDS. Jack Crickenberger, a former member from the earliest days, sent in his ideas even.
There was the usual selling of 50/50 tickets, business matters to take care of for the Anaheim trip, and yes the arrival and signing in operation for a bunch of guests.
Kirk Young was back for coaching the chorus. He makes the chorus work but still have fun!!
Warm ups were conducted by Will Cox and Gary Plaag with the many guests right up on the risers with the singers. Director Joe started off with “From This Moment On” including the SP review for members and guests.
The guests were still coming in! Donnie Harrington, a member who has often been posted outside the USA in Foreign Service, is back home in DC area and came back. And former member Barry Galloway was up on the risers too! Both sang with us in some of our International championship years.
Chuck Hunter is substituting as director for the NY show on “Ed Sullivan” and “Kiss de Girl.” Both songs were drilled to include all the props, and set changes, and rhythm group. Kirk joined in on the rhythm band for some fun.
Joe offered much congratulations to the guys who did the America’s Got Talent audition and for a smashing performance of “Clap Your Hands” when the show producer asked for another song. (He thanked all the men who covered the Singing Valentine operation too!)
Before you knew it, it was break time. Program VP K12 took the helm and offered some calendar reminders for chorus, board, music committee and CAMERON STATION. He also plugged the personal taping deadlines for self improvement. He stressed that the Feb. 19th rehearsal was moved to Mar. 12th.
Secretary Buechler announced the presentation of a 25 year pin to Geoff Berman last week. He gave membership renewal cards to Scipio Garling for 13 years, to Chuck Powell for 15 years, to Matt Kahn for 20 years, and to Don Harrington for 29 years.
Steve White and all those members present of the district Honor Club (called DELASUSQUEHUDMAC) welcomed the newest Harmonizer to be elected to that group – Bob Eckman. He has made major contributions to our chapter and to our district. There have been 39 of our members elected to DELA since its beginning.
Dan O’Brien did another great job in introducing a large crop of guests – many who had returned from last week, some first timers, some we have seen before. I noticed Gary Plaag and Will Cox were helping Dan give a bunch of the guests their first placement audition so that they can progress into membership.
Then it was break to grab some cookies (many left from last week) and take care of other business matters.
Back into rehearsal/meeting time, K12 brought up Ken White, quartet promo chair, who alerted all to watch for news about a revival of the Anytime quartet idea that didn’t get off the ground last year. Look for email info.
Then Ken introduced CLASS CONNECTION to sing for us – Danny
Smoot-Wood, Ed Shaw, Sam McFarland, Bob Mattis. Word is they are in contest preparation.
Next Ken introduced EAST COAST SWING for their debut at the chapter - Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Cerutti, Kirk Young. Great to hear our newest chapter quartet!
The rest of the second half of the evening was used for work on the contest songs with Kirk coaching and helping the guys get the most out of the song and the arrangement.
TJ won the 50/50 cash. All the left over heart shaped boxes of chocolates from last weekend were given to other ticket winners.
Kirk had the honors of taking us out for the nite.
Until next time – editorjack!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Looking Back on Feb. 10th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Feb. 10th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Wow – last nite was a historic chapter meeting. Some of us old timers don’t think we EVER had so many guests in one nite at an Alexandria Chapter meeting. Word is that we had 46 men there to check us out as possible singers.
There were also current members who have been away, who came out for the nite to reconnect: Jeremy Richardson, Tom Griffith, Jim Shoenhard, Goeff Berman, Ross Johnson, Ed Cazenas, and Nick Aiuto. Jed and Jane Casey were also there and Jed thanked all for the many expressions of sympathy for the recent family loss.
Membership guy Dan O’Brien was mighty busy with the making introductions. Scipio helped pass out the first-timer badges. Honestly, it was a whole chorus of men!!!
Before we introduced the guests, Dan introduced the three newest members to come into the chapter – Drew Dias, Matt Barnes and Chris Cunningham. As part of the recognition of members, secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards for several gents – Eric Hughes for two years, Ken White for 10, Brian Ammerman for 15, Troy Hillier for 18, and Bob Sutton for 25 years. Bob was also presented his 25-year pin from the chapter.
You can just imagine how full the Durant meeting hall was last nite. The risers were set up against the stage with a lot of chairs facing them. (Even then, those chairs were mostly filled with other non-singing guests and friends of the chapter. The FRIENDS group was present too and had their regular meeting in one of the other meeting rooms.
Guests were pouring in and many members were getting to know them and Dan’s helpers were making sure everyone was included. Roger Day and Steve Murane helped with registration details, name tags, and guest book distribution. Dan brought a huge box of extras and ran out before it was all over. There was a lot of sharing.
(I hope we will hear more later about all those who helped promote guest nite via a lot of new message delivery systems such as Facebook, posters on college campus bulletin boards, ads in DC metro papers, etc. And of course gotta say, the troops really did their part this time to bring friends and coworkers and gym buddies and neighbors and relatives as their own guest.)
Goodies came pouring in too from members, including some mighty fancy decorated cookies Tom Hutton got from his sister who has started a new cookie business. They had the Harmo logo in color on them and others had the Barbershop Harmony Society logo.
Other folks helping make the nite run smoothly were Mike Kelly, Chris Cunningham and Ike Evans who did photography, Martin Banks who prepared a display of Harmo History, Dick and Carolyn Hall who sold 50/50 raffle tickets with the new surprise feature.
Musically it was a busy nite too. Right off all 120-plus singers were taken thru musical warm up chores with Tony Colosimo, and physical warm ups with Gary Plaag.
Then Director Joe had all sing some of the new songs coming into the repertoire; and he invited the stage presence guys to teach the guests and review with the members the new plan for “From This Moment On” that was introduced last week.
I did find out who created that visual plan – it was Gary Plaag, Dennis Ritchey, Scipio Garling and Steve White. Great work, men.
But Director Joe was in his glory teaching and coaching and offering advice from up front to help the new singers not used to barbershop techniques.
Joe also announced that Mike Kelly is a new assistant chorus director for the Harmonizers. He was presented an appropriate name badge.
Then the crowds attacked the table for coffee, sodas and goodies; and there was singing and getting better acquainted.
After the break, everyone assembled on the risers for announcements. President Brad Jones alerted all that there would NOT be an extra rehearsal on Thurs. Feb. 19th. He also covered a lot of details for the guys who will be in the audition group for America’s Got Talent.
Dennis Ritchey covered housing details for the NY City show. And Joe added details about the schedule for that weekend.
Josh Roots covered important details for the Singing Valentine operation also this weekend. It appears there will be a big demand for the product and thus a serious need for quartets to cover the jobs. Especially basses are needed. Valentine headquarters is at Pitzer’s office at 6277 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310.
The guests were invited to go with Tony Colosimo and Chuck Hunter to learn some music on their own. And they returned with two great tags and some prize winning results. Then they took seats or stood along the walls and the chorus did a mini show for them starting with “Great Day” and all of its excitement.
Then CAMERON STATION did two songs with their new chorography. Very entertaining.
Chorus on again with “Music of the Night” and then FULLTILT sang (Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto, Pete Frank, Steve White).
The chorus wrapped up the show period with “Clap Your Hands.”
Guests and chorus members filled the risers again and Joe explained the chorus contest process we are getting into. Then all sang the up tune and ballad for Anaheim. There was also a chance for guys to make learning tapes as part of the self improvement process.
The evening ended with one more chance to all sing the “Great Day” tag.
Ken Fess won the 50/50 again this week plus the surprise bonus of a Singing Valentine. Another winning ticket was pulled for a free picture framing job donated by Design Frames for Tom Griffith.
Jed Casey was invited by Program coordinator Klostermeyer (we call him K12 to save time!) to direct “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the final event of this great nite. Jed was an important leader n the chapter and society as a judge and coach and guy who helped us all enjoy the hobby more.
For Society history buffs, here is a report of all the Harmonizers that were at the Midwinter convention in Pasadena in January. Rick Taylor performed with his quartet , OLD SCHOOL, on the show. They are current M-AD champs. Richard Lewellen directed one of the youth choruses that competed there. Mike Wallen sang with his senior’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, that competed there and represented our district. Alan Wile is a member of the International board and Chris Buechler is the board’s parliamentarian. That group met during the convention too. Joe Cerutti is chairman of a major Society committee and was there for those meetings.
Others present in Pasadena just for the fun of it all were members Chuck Hunter, Ross Johnson, Tom Gannon, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Chuck Harner; and former members Will Winder, Steve Matuzewski, Ray Johnson and Mike Louque who was a judge for the youth contest.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Wow – last nite was a historic chapter meeting. Some of us old timers don’t think we EVER had so many guests in one nite at an Alexandria Chapter meeting. Word is that we had 46 men there to check us out as possible singers.
There were also current members who have been away, who came out for the nite to reconnect: Jeremy Richardson, Tom Griffith, Jim Shoenhard, Goeff Berman, Ross Johnson, Ed Cazenas, and Nick Aiuto. Jed and Jane Casey were also there and Jed thanked all for the many expressions of sympathy for the recent family loss.
Membership guy Dan O’Brien was mighty busy with the making introductions. Scipio helped pass out the first-timer badges. Honestly, it was a whole chorus of men!!!
Before we introduced the guests, Dan introduced the three newest members to come into the chapter – Drew Dias, Matt Barnes and Chris Cunningham. As part of the recognition of members, secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards for several gents – Eric Hughes for two years, Ken White for 10, Brian Ammerman for 15, Troy Hillier for 18, and Bob Sutton for 25 years. Bob was also presented his 25-year pin from the chapter.
You can just imagine how full the Durant meeting hall was last nite. The risers were set up against the stage with a lot of chairs facing them. (Even then, those chairs were mostly filled with other non-singing guests and friends of the chapter. The FRIENDS group was present too and had their regular meeting in one of the other meeting rooms.
Guests were pouring in and many members were getting to know them and Dan’s helpers were making sure everyone was included. Roger Day and Steve Murane helped with registration details, name tags, and guest book distribution. Dan brought a huge box of extras and ran out before it was all over. There was a lot of sharing.
(I hope we will hear more later about all those who helped promote guest nite via a lot of new message delivery systems such as Facebook, posters on college campus bulletin boards, ads in DC metro papers, etc. And of course gotta say, the troops really did their part this time to bring friends and coworkers and gym buddies and neighbors and relatives as their own guest.)
Goodies came pouring in too from members, including some mighty fancy decorated cookies Tom Hutton got from his sister who has started a new cookie business. They had the Harmo logo in color on them and others had the Barbershop Harmony Society logo.
Other folks helping make the nite run smoothly were Mike Kelly, Chris Cunningham and Ike Evans who did photography, Martin Banks who prepared a display of Harmo History, Dick and Carolyn Hall who sold 50/50 raffle tickets with the new surprise feature.
Musically it was a busy nite too. Right off all 120-plus singers were taken thru musical warm up chores with Tony Colosimo, and physical warm ups with Gary Plaag.
Then Director Joe had all sing some of the new songs coming into the repertoire; and he invited the stage presence guys to teach the guests and review with the members the new plan for “From This Moment On” that was introduced last week.
I did find out who created that visual plan – it was Gary Plaag, Dennis Ritchey, Scipio Garling and Steve White. Great work, men.
But Director Joe was in his glory teaching and coaching and offering advice from up front to help the new singers not used to barbershop techniques.
Joe also announced that Mike Kelly is a new assistant chorus director for the Harmonizers. He was presented an appropriate name badge.
Then the crowds attacked the table for coffee, sodas and goodies; and there was singing and getting better acquainted.
After the break, everyone assembled on the risers for announcements. President Brad Jones alerted all that there would NOT be an extra rehearsal on Thurs. Feb. 19th. He also covered a lot of details for the guys who will be in the audition group for America’s Got Talent.
Dennis Ritchey covered housing details for the NY City show. And Joe added details about the schedule for that weekend.
Josh Roots covered important details for the Singing Valentine operation also this weekend. It appears there will be a big demand for the product and thus a serious need for quartets to cover the jobs. Especially basses are needed. Valentine headquarters is at Pitzer’s office at 6277 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310.
The guests were invited to go with Tony Colosimo and Chuck Hunter to learn some music on their own. And they returned with two great tags and some prize winning results. Then they took seats or stood along the walls and the chorus did a mini show for them starting with “Great Day” and all of its excitement.
Then CAMERON STATION did two songs with their new chorography. Very entertaining.
Chorus on again with “Music of the Night” and then FULLTILT sang (Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto, Pete Frank, Steve White).
The chorus wrapped up the show period with “Clap Your Hands.”
Guests and chorus members filled the risers again and Joe explained the chorus contest process we are getting into. Then all sang the up tune and ballad for Anaheim. There was also a chance for guys to make learning tapes as part of the self improvement process.
The evening ended with one more chance to all sing the “Great Day” tag.
Ken Fess won the 50/50 again this week plus the surprise bonus of a Singing Valentine. Another winning ticket was pulled for a free picture framing job donated by Design Frames for Tom Griffith.
Jed Casey was invited by Program coordinator Klostermeyer (we call him K12 to save time!) to direct “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the final event of this great nite. Jed was an important leader n the chapter and society as a judge and coach and guy who helped us all enjoy the hobby more.
For Society history buffs, here is a report of all the Harmonizers that were at the Midwinter convention in Pasadena in January. Rick Taylor performed with his quartet , OLD SCHOOL, on the show. They are current M-AD champs. Richard Lewellen directed one of the youth choruses that competed there. Mike Wallen sang with his senior’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, that competed there and represented our district. Alan Wile is a member of the International board and Chris Buechler is the board’s parliamentarian. That group met during the convention too. Joe Cerutti is chairman of a major Society committee and was there for those meetings.
Others present in Pasadena just for the fun of it all were members Chuck Hunter, Ross Johnson, Tom Gannon, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Chuck Harner; and former members Will Winder, Steve Matuzewski, Ray Johnson and Mike Louque who was a judge for the youth contest.
Until next time – editorjack!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Looking Back on Jan. 27th & Feb. 3rd Chapter Meetings
Looking Back on Jan. 27th & Feb, 3rd Chapter Meetings
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Actually, the recording session scheduled for Tues., Jan. 27th, was cancelled due to snow and ice conditions (the facility was actually not open).
So on Feb. 3rd, the troops were there early and eager to get to work, since we had not met for two weeks. The 6 pm session conducted on the stage by Chuck McKeever was full. It was designed to provide a sneak preview of the visual plan to be taught during the regular meeting time.
Also the risers and sound and mirrors got up with lots of helpers. So when the clock struck seven, the risers were full. Good to see several members back to the fold after some holiday time away, some work travel, some family illness, some guys who went to the Mid Winter in CA.
During our usual solid warm up session conducted by Will Cox, bass section leader, Mike Kelly, took his guys off the risers for an special bass warm up exercise.
Following the warm ups, Director Joe launched the work on three incoming songs that most know. “Manhattan” was first – a whole chorus review, then a pull out octet to sing it. Same routine was used on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (which is fun for the whistlers) and on “New York New York.” (Had to laugh when I saw some old timers trying to remember the SP moves for that one!)
Next was sectionals for work on the “Peter Pan Medley.” When the guys rejoined, they sang the first part of the song over and over to drill what they had learned. Joe let them try to wade thru the rest of the song – no doubt many have some work at home this week.
The pre-break session included a review of the February calendar – since it is jammed packed.
Feb. 5th – showmanship sessions with G Plaag
Feb. 8th – lead sectional, 2-5 at Harmo House; CAMERSON STATION, 5-8 at Harmo House.
Feb. 10th – showmanship sessions again
Feb. 12th – Extra Rehearsal for America’s Got Talent
Feb. 12 -14 – Singing Valentines
Feb. 15th – CAMERON STATION, 5-8
Feb. 19th – Extra Rehearsal with Cindy Hansen teaching SP for “Peter Pan Medley.”
Feb. 28th – show in New York City
Membership guy Dan O’Brien introduced a long line up of guests including two applicants, Matt Barnes and Drew Dias (who were given the new AH pin to signify their accomplishments).
Then it was break to get coffee, goodies, order and buy things include 50/50 from Roger Day.
During the chapter meeting after the break, Past President Stamps recognized two Presidential honorees who were not able to attend the award banquet in January – Steve Murane for his work on ticket sales, and Bill DePuy for endurance of driving the Harmo Van to International.
FRIENDS chair, Sandy Stamps, recognized the top salesmen for the White House Ornament project. We sold 400 more that last time, I believe. 3900 ornaments!!
10th – Dick Hall sold 79
9th – Austin Cotton sold 87
8th – Rick Wagner sold 112
7th – Alan Wile sold 143
6th – Will Cox sold 155
5th – Burt Stueve sold 130 ??????? this number may be wrong, or is wrong order
4th – Jerry Eiler sold 151
3rd – Skip Coburn sold 450
2nd – Roger Day sold 641
1st – Dave Reyno sold 675.
Spring Tonic head Ken Fess reminded the chorus that the many new songs we are learning or relearning are in response to show customers requests for some variety.
Ken White, quartet promotion guy, reminded us all that the International Prelims is coming up March 6-7 in Reston. He was inviting any chapter quartets who are competing in that event, and who would like to do a practice run for our chapter prior to the weekend, to see him to get on the schedule. Quartets must enter this contest to qualify to compete in Anaheim quartet competitions.
Dennis Ritchey spoke to all about helping members with housing for the trip to New York City. See him about sharing a room with a Big Apple Chorus member or in the hotel where he has worked a deal with for better pricing.
Josh Roots, the Singing Valentine coordinator, asked for help on taking and gathering orders from customers. There is a good crew at work on this and lots of successful promotion is in the works.
Director Joe spoke on behalf of Terry Reynolds who is monitoring the current plan for members to do self recordings on our way to a good score in Anaheim in July. Singers are encouraged to go digital now. Speak with Terry or Joe or your section leader if you have a question.
Dan O reminded everyone about the guest nite on Feb. 10th. He asked the members to all bring goodies to put out for the break.
President Brad Jones discussed the details about the tight schedule on Feb. 14th when the chorus will appear in America’s Got Talent audition. Watch for emails and final plans. The chapter leadership has pledged that no Singing Valentine gigs will be left unfilled.
Back to our music, the chorus worked on a new song, “Mister Cellophane.”
Then they launched the terrific and exciting stage presence plan for “From This Moment On” which is to be our opener in NYC and likely most shows after that. McKeever and Plaag tag teamed the teaching with Chuck giving the specific details. He was fast and prepared and taught the whole song in about 15 minutes. Director Joe had the guys rewind and rewind, so by the time they stopped they knew it pretty well.
The famous Harmo front row had worked in the lobby at Durant while the chorus drilled. So they came in and joined the rest of the guys for a full performance. Cool job by all.
(I hear the plan was created by some of our guys – but have forgotten the names. Congrats to them.)
Joe had the chorus sing “Second Star” and make their first tape as part of the self improvement plan.
Ken Fess won the 50/50 and the guys rushed to get things all packed and put away!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Actually, the recording session scheduled for Tues., Jan. 27th, was cancelled due to snow and ice conditions (the facility was actually not open).
So on Feb. 3rd, the troops were there early and eager to get to work, since we had not met for two weeks. The 6 pm session conducted on the stage by Chuck McKeever was full. It was designed to provide a sneak preview of the visual plan to be taught during the regular meeting time.
Also the risers and sound and mirrors got up with lots of helpers. So when the clock struck seven, the risers were full. Good to see several members back to the fold after some holiday time away, some work travel, some family illness, some guys who went to the Mid Winter in CA.
During our usual solid warm up session conducted by Will Cox, bass section leader, Mike Kelly, took his guys off the risers for an special bass warm up exercise.
Following the warm ups, Director Joe launched the work on three incoming songs that most know. “Manhattan” was first – a whole chorus review, then a pull out octet to sing it. Same routine was used on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (which is fun for the whistlers) and on “New York New York.” (Had to laugh when I saw some old timers trying to remember the SP moves for that one!)
Next was sectionals for work on the “Peter Pan Medley.” When the guys rejoined, they sang the first part of the song over and over to drill what they had learned. Joe let them try to wade thru the rest of the song – no doubt many have some work at home this week.
The pre-break session included a review of the February calendar – since it is jammed packed.
Feb. 5th – showmanship sessions with G Plaag
Feb. 8th – lead sectional, 2-5 at Harmo House; CAMERSON STATION, 5-8 at Harmo House.
Feb. 10th – showmanship sessions again
Feb. 12th – Extra Rehearsal for America’s Got Talent
Feb. 12 -14 – Singing Valentines
Feb. 15th – CAMERON STATION, 5-8
Feb. 19th – Extra Rehearsal with Cindy Hansen teaching SP for “Peter Pan Medley.”
Feb. 28th – show in New York City
Membership guy Dan O’Brien introduced a long line up of guests including two applicants, Matt Barnes and Drew Dias (who were given the new AH pin to signify their accomplishments).
Then it was break to get coffee, goodies, order and buy things include 50/50 from Roger Day.
During the chapter meeting after the break, Past President Stamps recognized two Presidential honorees who were not able to attend the award banquet in January – Steve Murane for his work on ticket sales, and Bill DePuy for endurance of driving the Harmo Van to International.
FRIENDS chair, Sandy Stamps, recognized the top salesmen for the White House Ornament project. We sold 400 more that last time, I believe. 3900 ornaments!!
10th – Dick Hall sold 79
9th – Austin Cotton sold 87
8th – Rick Wagner sold 112
7th – Alan Wile sold 143
6th – Will Cox sold 155
5th – Burt Stueve sold 130 ??????? this number may be wrong, or is wrong order
4th – Jerry Eiler sold 151
3rd – Skip Coburn sold 450
2nd – Roger Day sold 641
1st – Dave Reyno sold 675.
Spring Tonic head Ken Fess reminded the chorus that the many new songs we are learning or relearning are in response to show customers requests for some variety.
Ken White, quartet promotion guy, reminded us all that the International Prelims is coming up March 6-7 in Reston. He was inviting any chapter quartets who are competing in that event, and who would like to do a practice run for our chapter prior to the weekend, to see him to get on the schedule. Quartets must enter this contest to qualify to compete in Anaheim quartet competitions.
Dennis Ritchey spoke to all about helping members with housing for the trip to New York City. See him about sharing a room with a Big Apple Chorus member or in the hotel where he has worked a deal with for better pricing.
Josh Roots, the Singing Valentine coordinator, asked for help on taking and gathering orders from customers. There is a good crew at work on this and lots of successful promotion is in the works.
Director Joe spoke on behalf of Terry Reynolds who is monitoring the current plan for members to do self recordings on our way to a good score in Anaheim in July. Singers are encouraged to go digital now. Speak with Terry or Joe or your section leader if you have a question.
Dan O reminded everyone about the guest nite on Feb. 10th. He asked the members to all bring goodies to put out for the break.
President Brad Jones discussed the details about the tight schedule on Feb. 14th when the chorus will appear in America’s Got Talent audition. Watch for emails and final plans. The chapter leadership has pledged that no Singing Valentine gigs will be left unfilled.
Back to our music, the chorus worked on a new song, “Mister Cellophane.”
Then they launched the terrific and exciting stage presence plan for “From This Moment On” which is to be our opener in NYC and likely most shows after that. McKeever and Plaag tag teamed the teaching with Chuck giving the specific details. He was fast and prepared and taught the whole song in about 15 minutes. Director Joe had the guys rewind and rewind, so by the time they stopped they knew it pretty well.
The famous Harmo front row had worked in the lobby at Durant while the chorus drilled. So they came in and joined the rest of the guys for a full performance. Cool job by all.
(I hear the plan was created by some of our guys – but have forgotten the names. Congrats to them.)
Joe had the chorus sing “Second Star” and make their first tape as part of the self improvement plan.
Ken Fess won the 50/50 and the guys rushed to get things all packed and put away!
Until next time – editorjack!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Looking Back on Jan. 20th -- No Meeting
Looking Back on Jan. 20th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Actually there was not a chapter meeting on January 20th, 2009. It was inauguration day and the city was shut down. The City of Alexandria facilities were closed. Most members could not have gotten a meeting any place.
Most of us watched on TV.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Actually there was not a chapter meeting on January 20th, 2009. It was inauguration day and the city was shut down. The City of Alexandria facilities were closed. Most members could not have gotten a meeting any place.
Most of us watched on TV.
Until next time – editorjack!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Lookinb Back on Jan. 17th Presidents' Banquet
Looking Back on Jan. 17th Presidents’ Banquet
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The 36th annual Presidents’ Banquet was held Saturday nite, Jan. 17th at the Spates Hall Community Club on Ft. Myer.
A large crowd, nearly 100, attended this event hosted by Immediate Past President Mick Stamps, and all previous past chapter presidents. The social hour was fun with nice back ground music provided by DJ Pete Frank. As usual members got to meet the partners and guests of other members who we don’t often see on Tueday nite. A yearly photo summary created by Scipio Garling was shown while members gathered and waited for their turn to go to the buffet table.
And also as usual there was the typical teasing and carrying on by some tables of old timers. It was fun to see the next generation of Harmonizer leaders there with their guests. Some longtimers reflected that they were in that spot just a few years ago.
Everyone was glad to see Dick Weick out for this event and Mike Everard.
The tasty buffet included beef tips, seafood Newburg, herb roasted chicken. And some great chocolate cake and apple pie on the dessert table
Our own Alan Wile conducted an installation of the 2009 chapter board. He represented the International president in his duties as a BHS board member, himself. Part of his ceremony was to include the musical director too in the installation. And he asked all members to verbalize their pledge to take the chapter forward.
Incoming president Brad Jones recognized outgoing president Stamps with his past president’s pin and a thank you plaque with gavel.
Officers of the FRIENDS of Harmony were recognized too. Incoming president of that group, Sandra Stamps, invited more more to join their ranks – to include men who are not members of the chorus. The other leaders of that group are Carol Dangel, secretary; Linda Odell, membership; Marge Wagovich, communications; Carolyn Hall, Sunshine chair; Ina Berkey and Mary Blair, board members; and Jean Stewart, past president.
First awards given out were to the Riser Rats as we call them (started a few years ago by then-president Gary Plaag). They each received a coupon for Blockbusters, and a box of candy as just a small token of thanks for helping every Tuesday nite with the set up of risers and sound equipment. Those present to be recognized were Kauffmann, Blair, Berkey, Nestlerode, Rust, Eckman, Kraus, Richey, Kahler, Rhome.
In the tradition of this event, Mick present Presidential Awards to a crew of guys who have made the past year go well: Craig Kujawa for work to revitalize the front row; Steve White for working with coordinating the weekly planning; Bob Eckman for financial guidance; Scott Kahler for technical/sound support; Scipio Garling for adding the use of modern technologies like FaceBook to chapter operations; Mark Klostermeyer for chorus manager or “traffic control” when the chorus performs; and Bob Blair for his hard work at cleaning up and managing our storage units.
Then Mick presented the standing chapter awards:
New Note of the Year Award – Brian Ammerman
Ibbianne & Wilbur Sparks Award – Ginger and Terry Jordan
Spirit of Harmony Award – Joe Cerutti
Harmonizer Honor Award – Jack Pitzer
Oz Newgard Memorial Award – Brad Jones
The Harmonizer Memorial Award – Bob Wachter
After the award ceremonies, DJ Frank provided great music for dancing. He took requests from all the tables. Funny thing to note – it was an old Johnny Mathis tune that got older members and the younger generation out on the dance floor.
The 2009 Board will be Brad Jones, president; Dan O’Brien, membership; Scipio Garling, marketing and pr; Chuck Hunter, music and performance; Mark Klostermeyer, program/operations; Ken Rub, shows; Chris Buechler, secretary; Howard Nestlerode, treasurer; Brian Ammerman, Bob Blair, Scott Kahler and Brian Miller, board members; Mick Stamps, past president.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The 36th annual Presidents’ Banquet was held Saturday nite, Jan. 17th at the Spates Hall Community Club on Ft. Myer.
A large crowd, nearly 100, attended this event hosted by Immediate Past President Mick Stamps, and all previous past chapter presidents. The social hour was fun with nice back ground music provided by DJ Pete Frank. As usual members got to meet the partners and guests of other members who we don’t often see on Tueday nite. A yearly photo summary created by Scipio Garling was shown while members gathered and waited for their turn to go to the buffet table.
And also as usual there was the typical teasing and carrying on by some tables of old timers. It was fun to see the next generation of Harmonizer leaders there with their guests. Some longtimers reflected that they were in that spot just a few years ago.
Everyone was glad to see Dick Weick out for this event and Mike Everard.
The tasty buffet included beef tips, seafood Newburg, herb roasted chicken. And some great chocolate cake and apple pie on the dessert table
Our own Alan Wile conducted an installation of the 2009 chapter board. He represented the International president in his duties as a BHS board member, himself. Part of his ceremony was to include the musical director too in the installation. And he asked all members to verbalize their pledge to take the chapter forward.
Incoming president Brad Jones recognized outgoing president Stamps with his past president’s pin and a thank you plaque with gavel.
Officers of the FRIENDS of Harmony were recognized too. Incoming president of that group, Sandra Stamps, invited more more to join their ranks – to include men who are not members of the chorus. The other leaders of that group are Carol Dangel, secretary; Linda Odell, membership; Marge Wagovich, communications; Carolyn Hall, Sunshine chair; Ina Berkey and Mary Blair, board members; and Jean Stewart, past president.
First awards given out were to the Riser Rats as we call them (started a few years ago by then-president Gary Plaag). They each received a coupon for Blockbusters, and a box of candy as just a small token of thanks for helping every Tuesday nite with the set up of risers and sound equipment. Those present to be recognized were Kauffmann, Blair, Berkey, Nestlerode, Rust, Eckman, Kraus, Richey, Kahler, Rhome.
In the tradition of this event, Mick present Presidential Awards to a crew of guys who have made the past year go well: Craig Kujawa for work to revitalize the front row; Steve White for working with coordinating the weekly planning; Bob Eckman for financial guidance; Scott Kahler for technical/sound support; Scipio Garling for adding the use of modern technologies like FaceBook to chapter operations; Mark Klostermeyer for chorus manager or “traffic control” when the chorus performs; and Bob Blair for his hard work at cleaning up and managing our storage units.
Then Mick presented the standing chapter awards:
New Note of the Year Award – Brian Ammerman
Ibbianne & Wilbur Sparks Award – Ginger and Terry Jordan
Spirit of Harmony Award – Joe Cerutti
Harmonizer Honor Award – Jack Pitzer
Oz Newgard Memorial Award – Brad Jones
The Harmonizer Memorial Award – Bob Wachter
After the award ceremonies, DJ Frank provided great music for dancing. He took requests from all the tables. Funny thing to note – it was an old Johnny Mathis tune that got older members and the younger generation out on the dance floor.
The 2009 Board will be Brad Jones, president; Dan O’Brien, membership; Scipio Garling, marketing and pr; Chuck Hunter, music and performance; Mark Klostermeyer, program/operations; Ken Rub, shows; Chris Buechler, secretary; Howard Nestlerode, treasurer; Brian Ammerman, Bob Blair, Scott Kahler and Brian Miller, board members; Mick Stamps, past president.
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Looking Back on Jan. 13th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Jan. 13th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Good crowd this week and great singing. Will did the vocal warm up with all the emphasis on good breathing and listening and singing to ends of phrases. Gary P did the physical warm ups to include clapping and rhythm work, and pressing and other body language drills – playing the mirror game and following Gary’s hands and body language.
There was another different set up in the hall at Durant. All the tables were facing the chorus. An effort to stopping talking and business activity after the singing starts at 7 pm.
Director Joe took over for the hard work on show songs. The revival of “Manhattan” is fun – but harder work for those guys who used to sing it, maybe. Ha. Sectional, with terrific work by section leaders who were prepared and knew what to work on, concentrated on that song and the first part of “Peter Pan” piece.
K12 (our abbreviation for Mark Klostermeyer, the program chief each nite) made announcements: no rehearsal on Jan. 20th, recording session on Jan. 27th (see other emails that went out) in Ft. Washington, MD, SP drills on stage at Durant at 6 pm when we are there with Chuck McKeever, see Bill Depuy if you want and need tickets for the chorus joint show in NYC. And sign up for small group sessions with Gary Plaag for facial expression drills on other nites that Tuesday.
The Music and Performance committee meeting is Jan. 21st at Lee Center. That huge committee with all its responsibilities is chaired by Chuck Hunter.
The important guest nite is Feb. 10th. Bring someone. (Readers of this column who are not active with the chorus right now – how about bringing someone over that nite, or you come on by for a visit to check out the fun we are having on Tuesday nites. If you don’t sing, but want to bring someone who does, you can hang out with Pitzer, Jordan and Hall, who come every week.
Altho we did miss Dick and Carolyn on Tuesday. She had a routine eye operation and Dick reports she is doing fine. But we did miss her selling the 50/50 tickets.
CAMERON STATION, the small ensemble in the chorus, is now holding practices on Sunday evenings. And there are a couple spots open for anyone interested in trying out. See Eric Wallen if you are a tenor or bari that is interested.
Membership guy Dan O’Brien introduced a long line of guests – a couple guys had already turned in applications. Also Tim Brooks, lead of third place quartet last year, STATE LINE GROCERY COMPANY, was in for business and came over to see and sing with us.
I noticed that last nite was the meeting of the FRIENDS group who came into the hall after having dinner at Hard Times café.
Also heard that a former member, Hodges Dempsey, died recently. He was about 91 years old. Was a Harmonizer from 56-81.
President Brad Jones gave an update on the recent passing of Janet Ashford, wife of former Harmonizer Phil, and daughter and sister of Jed and John Casey Details about a celebration in her honor will be announced when available
Secretary Buechler was proud to present a quartet registration card from BHS headquarters for HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. That quartet name has been registered by the chapter for over 20 years, I would say, and always is composed of the four chorus section leaders. Currently that is Savage for tenors, Cox for leads, Ives for bari, and Kelly for bass. Congrats.
Ken Fess presented a “teaser” skit about the script for the 2009 Spring Tonic show. Ken White, the wide-eyed new kid on Broadway, Gary Mankin, the “Don” who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. All to show again how good we are at shoehorning songs into a script!
And more about the Tonic: ALERT – if you have ticket customers who will want a reserved seat. There are 700 seats in the Annandale school where we will have that show. 35 % will be reserved.. So, you have been warned to get in your order early for your spouse or partner, or best friends, or former members. The rest will be general admission seats – and Fess explains that members will be issued those tickets on assignment to sell
As mentioned we skipped the 50/50, but Tim Brooks took us out for the end of a great meeting and rehearsal.
Enjoy next Tuesday nite off and use some of it to learn all the new music. The self-improvement taping program is back in place. So singers need to be on top of their game in that regard. And bring recorders.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Good crowd this week and great singing. Will did the vocal warm up with all the emphasis on good breathing and listening and singing to ends of phrases. Gary P did the physical warm ups to include clapping and rhythm work, and pressing and other body language drills – playing the mirror game and following Gary’s hands and body language.
There was another different set up in the hall at Durant. All the tables were facing the chorus. An effort to stopping talking and business activity after the singing starts at 7 pm.
Director Joe took over for the hard work on show songs. The revival of “Manhattan” is fun – but harder work for those guys who used to sing it, maybe. Ha. Sectional, with terrific work by section leaders who were prepared and knew what to work on, concentrated on that song and the first part of “Peter Pan” piece.
K12 (our abbreviation for Mark Klostermeyer, the program chief each nite) made announcements: no rehearsal on Jan. 20th, recording session on Jan. 27th (see other emails that went out) in Ft. Washington, MD, SP drills on stage at Durant at 6 pm when we are there with Chuck McKeever, see Bill Depuy if you want and need tickets for the chorus joint show in NYC. And sign up for small group sessions with Gary Plaag for facial expression drills on other nites that Tuesday.
The Music and Performance committee meeting is Jan. 21st at Lee Center. That huge committee with all its responsibilities is chaired by Chuck Hunter.
The important guest nite is Feb. 10th. Bring someone. (Readers of this column who are not active with the chorus right now – how about bringing someone over that nite, or you come on by for a visit to check out the fun we are having on Tuesday nites. If you don’t sing, but want to bring someone who does, you can hang out with Pitzer, Jordan and Hall, who come every week.
Altho we did miss Dick and Carolyn on Tuesday. She had a routine eye operation and Dick reports she is doing fine. But we did miss her selling the 50/50 tickets.
CAMERON STATION, the small ensemble in the chorus, is now holding practices on Sunday evenings. And there are a couple spots open for anyone interested in trying out. See Eric Wallen if you are a tenor or bari that is interested.
Membership guy Dan O’Brien introduced a long line of guests – a couple guys had already turned in applications. Also Tim Brooks, lead of third place quartet last year, STATE LINE GROCERY COMPANY, was in for business and came over to see and sing with us.
I noticed that last nite was the meeting of the FRIENDS group who came into the hall after having dinner at Hard Times café.
Also heard that a former member, Hodges Dempsey, died recently. He was about 91 years old. Was a Harmonizer from 56-81.
President Brad Jones gave an update on the recent passing of Janet Ashford, wife of former Harmonizer Phil, and daughter and sister of Jed and John Casey Details about a celebration in her honor will be announced when available
Secretary Buechler was proud to present a quartet registration card from BHS headquarters for HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. That quartet name has been registered by the chapter for over 20 years, I would say, and always is composed of the four chorus section leaders. Currently that is Savage for tenors, Cox for leads, Ives for bari, and Kelly for bass. Congrats.
Ken Fess presented a “teaser” skit about the script for the 2009 Spring Tonic show. Ken White, the wide-eyed new kid on Broadway, Gary Mankin, the “Don” who makes him an offer he can’t refuse. All to show again how good we are at shoehorning songs into a script!
And more about the Tonic: ALERT – if you have ticket customers who will want a reserved seat. There are 700 seats in the Annandale school where we will have that show. 35 % will be reserved.. So, you have been warned to get in your order early for your spouse or partner, or best friends, or former members. The rest will be general admission seats – and Fess explains that members will be issued those tickets on assignment to sell
As mentioned we skipped the 50/50, but Tim Brooks took us out for the end of a great meeting and rehearsal.
Enjoy next Tuesday nite off and use some of it to learn all the new music. The self-improvement taping program is back in place. So singers need to be on top of their game in that regard. And bring recorders.
Until next time – editorjack!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Looking Back on Jan. 6th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Jan. 6th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The warm up session started a little late this week so that more guys could arrive. The rain and nasty cold weather made traffic a mess and delayed guys from arriving early. There was another physical warm up to include snapping and clapping while you move.
When Director Joe took the helm, he jumped into work on songs for the New York City show on Feb. 28th. Then the section leaders took their crews into separate rooms to work on a new song that sound like it will be fun – “Always Look the Bright Side”. Ken Fess reported how it will be part of the spring show.
Most of the rest of the musical time was spent to refresh songs we will do on shows this winter. Drills on stage presence for review for the guys and so new guys can try their wings on the risers. There are a lot of new guys on the wings who are working to get into the groove. Some guys who have returned after various reasons for being away.
Before the break, Secretary Buechler announced that John Adams has renewed his membership for the 51st year. And Chris gave Steve White his renewal card for 32 years.
New Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome guys who are back after being gone for a spell. And he introduced a line of guests.
Mark Klostermeyer is Program VP (called Operations VP now days) and he kept the meeting flowing and invited those with announcements to the mic. He reminded all that the Jan. 13th meeting will be at Durant. There will be NO meeting on Jan. 20th because Durant is closed and traffic will be a mess.
And Mark plugged guest nite for Feb. 10th.
There were a lot of goodies left over from the Heat Glow last Saturday, so guys got to chow down, and drink the rest of the hot grog.
After a busy break with guys buying tickets for the Presidents’ Banquet, Jan. 17th from Jack Cameron, there were more announcements:
Bill DePuy is coordinating ticket sales for the New York City Show. Director Joe gave a great plug for that show too and explained many details such as housing with Big Apple chapter members or hotels, travel is on your own (but be sure to check the BOLT bus), looks like chorus is due at theater about noon on 28th, then a break for dinner and back for taping and sound check, their will be a big afterglow after the show, we will sing a couple songs with the other choruses (Big Apple and Voices of Gotham), Joe’s dad is chairman of the event for Big Apple.
New Chapter President Brad Jones read a note from Shirley Bolstad who commented on the fun she had at the holiday show. She included a significant financial gift to the chapter with her note.
We wrapped up with some great singing on “Clap Your Hands” and solid work by all to truly perform it. When the Plaag and McKeever didn’t have anything to add or comment on, Joe joked that no comment from the SP team was equal to being in tune musically.
Usual 50/50 and “Keep the Whole World…” to end a fun rehearsal. It was fun to see the guests and new guys having fun, smiling and trying out in a quartet, and even trying the moves on up-tunes.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The warm up session started a little late this week so that more guys could arrive. The rain and nasty cold weather made traffic a mess and delayed guys from arriving early. There was another physical warm up to include snapping and clapping while you move.
When Director Joe took the helm, he jumped into work on songs for the New York City show on Feb. 28th. Then the section leaders took their crews into separate rooms to work on a new song that sound like it will be fun – “Always Look the Bright Side”. Ken Fess reported how it will be part of the spring show.
Most of the rest of the musical time was spent to refresh songs we will do on shows this winter. Drills on stage presence for review for the guys and so new guys can try their wings on the risers. There are a lot of new guys on the wings who are working to get into the groove. Some guys who have returned after various reasons for being away.
Before the break, Secretary Buechler announced that John Adams has renewed his membership for the 51st year. And Chris gave Steve White his renewal card for 32 years.
New Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome guys who are back after being gone for a spell. And he introduced a line of guests.
Mark Klostermeyer is Program VP (called Operations VP now days) and he kept the meeting flowing and invited those with announcements to the mic. He reminded all that the Jan. 13th meeting will be at Durant. There will be NO meeting on Jan. 20th because Durant is closed and traffic will be a mess.
And Mark plugged guest nite for Feb. 10th.
There were a lot of goodies left over from the Heat Glow last Saturday, so guys got to chow down, and drink the rest of the hot grog.
After a busy break with guys buying tickets for the Presidents’ Banquet, Jan. 17th from Jack Cameron, there were more announcements:
Bill DePuy is coordinating ticket sales for the New York City Show. Director Joe gave a great plug for that show too and explained many details such as housing with Big Apple chapter members or hotels, travel is on your own (but be sure to check the BOLT bus), looks like chorus is due at theater about noon on 28th, then a break for dinner and back for taping and sound check, their will be a big afterglow after the show, we will sing a couple songs with the other choruses (Big Apple and Voices of Gotham), Joe’s dad is chairman of the event for Big Apple.
New Chapter President Brad Jones read a note from Shirley Bolstad who commented on the fun she had at the holiday show. She included a significant financial gift to the chapter with her note.
We wrapped up with some great singing on “Clap Your Hands” and solid work by all to truly perform it. When the Plaag and McKeever didn’t have anything to add or comment on, Joe joked that no comment from the SP team was equal to being in tune musically.
Usual 50/50 and “Keep the Whole World…” to end a fun rehearsal. It was fun to see the guests and new guys having fun, smiling and trying out in a quartet, and even trying the moves on up-tunes.
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Looking Back on Dec. 23rd & Dec. 30th
Looking Back on Dec. 23rd and 30th Chapter Meetings
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
A nice crowd of guys assembled on Dec. 23rd to sing carols at Alexandria Hospital. Bob Blair brought the supply of Santa hats for us to wear as we sang.
On Dec. 30th, Will conducted the warm up session for the smaller that normal chorus. Lots of guys out of town and still in holiday mode. So set-up crew only had to put out 5 sections of risers.
There was a good bit of business on the sidelines – White House Ornament money turned in, Jack Cameron selling tickets for the Presidents’ Banquet on Jan. 17th. (Table reservations will be done next week.)
Then it was long session of hard work on songs for the Goodwin House show on Jan. 3rd. Show is at 7 and chorus call is 6 pm. AND everyone is invited to Jack Pitzer’s home after the show for the HEAT GLO. Bring some goodies to share. Address is 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria, VA 22315 in case you need to do a MapQuest. It is very close to Hayfield Hi School. His cell is 703-627-9424. Spouses or partners welcome.
Announcements by Bob Rhome:
1. Beer Blast in Dundalk on Mon. was fun as reported by guys who attended. Sam McFarland was back to Alex now and he and Harner and others gave news from that party.
2. Bob plugged the need for more to sign up for the Goodwin House show.
3. He alerted all to the need to get your housing or tickets for Anaheim.
4. There will not be a Harmonizer meeting on Jan. 20th.
5. There will be a recording session on Jan. 27th – watch for details and location.
Director Joe thanked Bob Rhome for his dedication to detail as Ops guy for the chapter!!
Anyone who wants a couple Harmonizer calling cards to give to prospective members when you meet them should get a supply from Scipio Garling.
Also if you want a 2009 Harmonizer color photo calendar which includes our chapter events, see Scipio for that too. $20 ea.
Roger Day introduced some guests – his last time at bat on this job too. Thanks Roger.
After break, back to hard work on music. Terry, Mike K and Will worked as directors and Joe as coach.
After 50/50 drawing, we packed the truck and headed out. 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
A nice crowd of guys assembled on Dec. 23rd to sing carols at Alexandria Hospital. Bob Blair brought the supply of Santa hats for us to wear as we sang.
On Dec. 30th, Will conducted the warm up session for the smaller that normal chorus. Lots of guys out of town and still in holiday mode. So set-up crew only had to put out 5 sections of risers.
There was a good bit of business on the sidelines – White House Ornament money turned in, Jack Cameron selling tickets for the Presidents’ Banquet on Jan. 17th. (Table reservations will be done next week.)
Then it was long session of hard work on songs for the Goodwin House show on Jan. 3rd. Show is at 7 and chorus call is 6 pm. AND everyone is invited to Jack Pitzer’s home after the show for the HEAT GLO. Bring some goodies to share. Address is 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria, VA 22315 in case you need to do a MapQuest. It is very close to Hayfield Hi School. His cell is 703-627-9424. Spouses or partners welcome.
Announcements by Bob Rhome:
1. Beer Blast in Dundalk on Mon. was fun as reported by guys who attended. Sam McFarland was back to Alex now and he and Harner and others gave news from that party.
2. Bob plugged the need for more to sign up for the Goodwin House show.
3. He alerted all to the need to get your housing or tickets for Anaheim.
4. There will not be a Harmonizer meeting on Jan. 20th.
5. There will be a recording session on Jan. 27th – watch for details and location.
Director Joe thanked Bob Rhome for his dedication to detail as Ops guy for the chapter!!
Anyone who wants a couple Harmonizer calling cards to give to prospective members when you meet them should get a supply from Scipio Garling.
Also if you want a 2009 Harmonizer color photo calendar which includes our chapter events, see Scipio for that too. $20 ea.
Roger Day introduced some guests – his last time at bat on this job too. Thanks Roger.
After break, back to hard work on music. Terry, Mike K and Will worked as directors and Joe as coach.
After 50/50 drawing, we packed the truck and headed out. Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Looking Back on Dec. 16th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Dec. 16th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Tonite’s gathering started a few minutes after 7 – the rainy weather and bad traffic took a toll on arrivals.
But in the end we had 58 or so guys. Director Joe had the singers form a circle in the middle of the room and every few minutes it grew and grew as guys arrived. He used this formation for a warm up session and some spot repair work on some songs that need a few notes or transitions or key changes corrected.
The FRIENDS leaders worked at selling the WHOs, script cards and the personalized ornaments.
A few guests did find us and were introduced.
The bad weather caused the program leaders to cancel the idea of going caroling again in Old Town. Instead, Joe invited everyone to come over to Theisman’s for a social time. In the end about 20 of us were there and the place gave us a big table in back. It was fun. We also sang a few carols and got great cheers.
Before we left Durant, Secretary Buechler gave renewal cards to Lew Klinge for 7 years; Mark Klostermeyer for 28 years; and Chuck Harner for 41 years.
Announcements included a reminder of the 3:30 pm chorus call for the dance show this weekend; a reminder to take care of room and ticket needs for Anaheim with Bob Rhome; and to order tickets for the President’s Banquet Jan. 17th at Bowling AFB – see Jack Cameron.
Next week we do the Harmo traditional carol sing at Alexandria Hospital. Meet at the Hospital a few minutes before 7. Bring in the parking ticket from the lot to be stamped by our host – save a few bucks.
And there will be rehearsal on Dec. 30th at Durant. Watch emails too for word about all the new music coming out that singers need to be working on for the spring show AND for the contest package.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Tonite’s gathering started a few minutes after 7 – the rainy weather and bad traffic took a toll on arrivals.
But in the end we had 58 or so guys. Director Joe had the singers form a circle in the middle of the room and every few minutes it grew and grew as guys arrived. He used this formation for a warm up session and some spot repair work on some songs that need a few notes or transitions or key changes corrected.
The FRIENDS leaders worked at selling the WHOs, script cards and the personalized ornaments.
A few guests did find us and were introduced.
The bad weather caused the program leaders to cancel the idea of going caroling again in Old Town. Instead, Joe invited everyone to come over to Theisman’s for a social time. In the end about 20 of us were there and the place gave us a big table in back. It was fun. We also sang a few carols and got great cheers.
Before we left Durant, Secretary Buechler gave renewal cards to Lew Klinge for 7 years; Mark Klostermeyer for 28 years; and Chuck Harner for 41 years.
Announcements included a reminder of the 3:30 pm chorus call for the dance show this weekend; a reminder to take care of room and ticket needs for Anaheim with Bob Rhome; and to order tickets for the President’s Banquet Jan. 17th at Bowling AFB – see Jack Cameron.
Next week we do the Harmo traditional carol sing at Alexandria Hospital. Meet at the Hospital a few minutes before 7. Bring in the parking ticket from the lot to be stamped by our host – save a few bucks.
And there will be rehearsal on Dec. 30th at Durant. Watch emails too for word about all the new music coming out that singers need to be working on for the spring show AND for the contest package.
Until next time – editorjack!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Looking Back on Dec. 9th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Dec. 9th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Since we were not gonna be in Durant much past 8:15 Tues nite, the crew didn’t set up risers. But set up chairs instead.
So it was funny when they called out “chairs” at 7 pm to get the guys to sit down.
After some warm up time, Ken Fess and Ken White did a teaser about the 2009 Spring Tonic, May 8 and 9. Mark your calendars. REVILLE from NY will be headliner quartet.
Director Joe worked on 2 or 3 songs we used to sing that will be coming back into the song list for shows. He kept the guys singing til it was time to “go a caroling” in Old Town. The guys got the hall empty in a hurry to be on time to gather at Market Square and head out to restaurants and eateries.
Mark Klostermeyer and crew had gone in advance and arranged for our visits.
It was great fun and the street crowds really got into it. More than once, a couple would hear us at one place, then follow us to the next stop to hear us again. Will and Mike each got turns at directing a song with Joe. We did three at each place – a fast, slow and fast. Then exited quickly on “We Wish You…”
Before we left Durant there were a lot of business matters on the docket. Sales of scripts for holiday gifts were selling well. And many guys decided to bring a check book next week for photos, President Banquet tickets ($30 ea. for a great buffet and fun – let’s all go this year), WHOs and Entertainment books. Next week is the deadline for some of these items.
Also take note of deadlines for Anaheim room reservations and ticket orders. Bob Rhome is prompting us on those important items.
Don’t forget to collect Campbell Soup labels and bring them in.
Gary Bibens gave extensive thank you words for those who put in extra efforts to make it another successful Holiday show. The FRIENDS group did a brisk business selling decorated Harmo bears, and special holiday tree ornaments which Linda Odell personalized on the spot for customers.
The cookies trays were fun – many thanks to all who brought in goodies for the tables. There were just a few leftovers and they got consumed before the chapter meeting started! And thanks to Gayle Nelson for the chocolate reindeer cupcakes which were the centerpiece of our cookie trays at the show. 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Since we were not gonna be in Durant much past 8:15 Tues nite, the crew didn’t set up risers. But set up chairs instead.
So it was funny when they called out “chairs” at 7 pm to get the guys to sit down.
After some warm up time, Ken Fess and Ken White did a teaser about the 2009 Spring Tonic, May 8 and 9. Mark your calendars. REVILLE from NY will be headliner quartet.
Director Joe worked on 2 or 3 songs we used to sing that will be coming back into the song list for shows. He kept the guys singing til it was time to “go a caroling” in Old Town. The guys got the hall empty in a hurry to be on time to gather at Market Square and head out to restaurants and eateries.
Mark Klostermeyer and crew had gone in advance and arranged for our visits.
It was great fun and the street crowds really got into it. More than once, a couple would hear us at one place, then follow us to the next stop to hear us again. Will and Mike each got turns at directing a song with Joe. We did three at each place – a fast, slow and fast. Then exited quickly on “We Wish You…”
Before we left Durant there were a lot of business matters on the docket. Sales of scripts for holiday gifts were selling well. And many guys decided to bring a check book next week for photos, President Banquet tickets ($30 ea. for a great buffet and fun – let’s all go this year), WHOs and Entertainment books. Next week is the deadline for some of these items.
Also take note of deadlines for Anaheim room reservations and ticket orders. Bob Rhome is prompting us on those important items.
Don’t forget to collect Campbell Soup labels and bring them in.
Gary Bibens gave extensive thank you words for those who put in extra efforts to make it another successful Holiday show. The FRIENDS group did a brisk business selling decorated Harmo bears, and special holiday tree ornaments which Linda Odell personalized on the spot for customers.
The cookies trays were fun – many thanks to all who brought in goodies for the tables. There were just a few leftovers and they got consumed before the chapter meeting started! And thanks to Gayle Nelson for the chocolate reindeer cupcakes which were the centerpiece of our cookie trays at the show. Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Looking Back on Dec. 2nd Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Dec. 2nd Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Warm ups and extra practices on stage were underway to kick off this week too.
Director Joe was back from his trip to Europe (fighting a time lag) and ready to work hard on this busy nite. Early on the chorus sang the two song they will perform with the Woodbridge Dance Academy on our show (and on their show on Dec. 20th). It will be a great addition to our show format. (I understand Ike Evans has family in the group and they had done a dance piece using our “Happy Feet Medley” for a dance competition.)
Jack-in-the-box, Terry Reynolds, and his Elf Supervisor, Scipio Garling, will be a fun part of the show and will lead the chorus members into all sort of antics and reactions to the all-too-corny jokes and gags. It will bring lots of laughs.
Bibens and K. Jones and Joe helped the members understand how they will be involved in serving the meals, and getting back and forth to the stage, and leading their tables in singing “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The chorus practiced marching about and singing the presentation song.
Roger introduced guests and then it was a busy break with tickets to buy and sell, and ornaments to get, and pictures to pick up from contest, and a little visiting, and try to get a cup of coffee to warm up.
Meeting items included a welcome back to former member Carlos Bermudez and his wife and daughter in town from Tampa for work; President Stamps sharing letters from the students who attended the Veteran’s Day event when the chorus sang; Secretary Buechler presented new member card to Josh Roots and renewal cards to Jeremy Knobel for 2 years, Drew Fuller for 19 years, and Len Dornberger for 24 years; invite from Alan Wile to attend the Tuba Christmas event at Kennedy Center on Mon. Dec. 8th at 6 pm.
Show announcements included reminders about bringing two wrapped boxes and 4-doz. cookies or fruit with you to the show Friday nite. Come help Roger decorate on Friday after about 11 am. An important DRESS REHEARSAL is set for Thursday nite, Dec. 4th at 7 pm at First Baptist! Elf and Toy characters should wear their costumes that nite. Sign up for the tables you want to serve or you will get assigned one, for each of the three shows.
Did you see all the many references to our chapter and lots of Harmonizer faces in the recent Harmonizer magazine. Too many to even try to list here.
Great to see the work by many guys in adding the press to the start of each song and working at adding holiday facials as suggested by Chuck McKeever’s visual team. His work behind the scenes to add these useful tools for the chorus members is right on target to help make shows and performances truly entertaining.
All the sound effects created by Scott Kalher for the show made the evening extra fun. He used the trumpet fanfare for the call to the risers at 7 pm!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Warm ups and extra practices on stage were underway to kick off this week too.
Director Joe was back from his trip to Europe (fighting a time lag) and ready to work hard on this busy nite. Early on the chorus sang the two song they will perform with the Woodbridge Dance Academy on our show (and on their show on Dec. 20th). It will be a great addition to our show format. (I understand Ike Evans has family in the group and they had done a dance piece using our “Happy Feet Medley” for a dance competition.)
Jack-in-the-box, Terry Reynolds, and his Elf Supervisor, Scipio Garling, will be a fun part of the show and will lead the chorus members into all sort of antics and reactions to the all-too-corny jokes and gags. It will bring lots of laughs.
Bibens and K. Jones and Joe helped the members understand how they will be involved in serving the meals, and getting back and forth to the stage, and leading their tables in singing “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The chorus practiced marching about and singing the presentation song.
Roger introduced guests and then it was a busy break with tickets to buy and sell, and ornaments to get, and pictures to pick up from contest, and a little visiting, and try to get a cup of coffee to warm up.
Meeting items included a welcome back to former member Carlos Bermudez and his wife and daughter in town from Tampa for work; President Stamps sharing letters from the students who attended the Veteran’s Day event when the chorus sang; Secretary Buechler presented new member card to Josh Roots and renewal cards to Jeremy Knobel for 2 years, Drew Fuller for 19 years, and Len Dornberger for 24 years; invite from Alan Wile to attend the Tuba Christmas event at Kennedy Center on Mon. Dec. 8th at 6 pm.
Show announcements included reminders about bringing two wrapped boxes and 4-doz. cookies or fruit with you to the show Friday nite. Come help Roger decorate on Friday after about 11 am. An important DRESS REHEARSAL is set for Thursday nite, Dec. 4th at 7 pm at First Baptist! Elf and Toy characters should wear their costumes that nite. Sign up for the tables you want to serve or you will get assigned one, for each of the three shows.
Did you see all the many references to our chapter and lots of Harmonizer faces in the recent Harmonizer magazine. Too many to even try to list here.
Great to see the work by many guys in adding the press to the start of each song and working at adding holiday facials as suggested by Chuck McKeever’s visual team. His work behind the scenes to add these useful tools for the chorus members is right on target to help make shows and performances truly entertaining.
All the sound effects created by Scott Kalher for the show made the evening extra fun. He used the trumpet fanfare for the call to the risers at 7 pm!
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Looking Back on November 25th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Nov. 25th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Warm ups and extra practices on stage were underway to kick off the evening.
Director Joe was on personal travel, so assistant directors Will, Tony and Mike were at the helm. Terry Reynolds also was involved a lot in the evening as he is the jack-in-the-box for the holiday show. And he helped the chorus and directors know about the transitions with the songs and the script. Should be fun.
Gary Plaag lead another review for chorus members to work on their facial animation. He spoke in terms of kinds of songs and how to add that extra sparkle.
Gary Bibens also briefed the chorus about their waiter duties amidst singing on the show. Tony helped lead the chorus thru a drill of singing and walking/marching and carrying food.
We had a good crop of guests this week again.
After break, announcements in the business session included remarks from President Stamps about today’s funeral for former member Randy Mellon in Winchester. Bibens added a reminder of the holiday show dress rehearsal with full costumes. And he reminded all to bring cookies/brownies or goodies to the Friday nite show to serve as dessert for the show patrons. Scott Kahler is filling in for Eric Wallen on gathering props for the show. See him if you are bringing items.
Ken Fess gave a plug for the fast approaching Spring Tonic that will be May 8 and 9, 2009, at Annandale High School. Members should alert their patrons to order tickets early – especially if they will not be at the holiday show to place an early order. Prices and more details promised via email.
Tony gave a plug for the Alexandria Singers show on Dec. 7th at 3 pm. He will have discounted tickets next Tuesday for any Harmonizers.
CAMERON STATON sang “Sleigh Bells” for the chorus.
Then it was back to show music preparation. The assistant directors thanked the chorus for hard work and support tonite while Joe was gone.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Warm ups and extra practices on stage were underway to kick off the evening.
Director Joe was on personal travel, so assistant directors Will, Tony and Mike were at the helm. Terry Reynolds also was involved a lot in the evening as he is the jack-in-the-box for the holiday show. And he helped the chorus and directors know about the transitions with the songs and the script. Should be fun.
Gary Plaag lead another review for chorus members to work on their facial animation. He spoke in terms of kinds of songs and how to add that extra sparkle.
Gary Bibens also briefed the chorus about their waiter duties amidst singing on the show. Tony helped lead the chorus thru a drill of singing and walking/marching and carrying food.
We had a good crop of guests this week again.
After break, announcements in the business session included remarks from President Stamps about today’s funeral for former member Randy Mellon in Winchester. Bibens added a reminder of the holiday show dress rehearsal with full costumes. And he reminded all to bring cookies/brownies or goodies to the Friday nite show to serve as dessert for the show patrons. Scott Kahler is filling in for Eric Wallen on gathering props for the show. See him if you are bringing items.
Ken Fess gave a plug for the fast approaching Spring Tonic that will be May 8 and 9, 2009, at Annandale High School. Members should alert their patrons to order tickets early – especially if they will not be at the holiday show to place an early order. Prices and more details promised via email.
Tony gave a plug for the Alexandria Singers show on Dec. 7th at 3 pm. He will have discounted tickets next Tuesday for any Harmonizers.
CAMERON STATON sang “Sleigh Bells” for the chorus.
Then it was back to show music preparation. The assistant directors thanked the chorus for hard work and support tonite while Joe was gone.
Until next time – editorjack!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Looking Back On Nov. 18th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Nov.18th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Dr. Paul Tamblyn was our guest Tuesday nite and “set the stage” about how the meeting would go in follow-up with the all-day Saturday session with him on the 15th. It started with warm up and Will. Working to reinforce and support the singers and help them learn – positive feedback.
In addition to our chorus practicing, the session helped our section leaders and assistant directors and musical leaders develop consistent skills in coaching and working with adult students.
The guys had worked hard to get to chapter since there was some kind of traffic snarl someplace and the roads in and around Alexandria were blocked. But a good crowd was on hand at 7 and most all there by 7:30.
Director Joe lead the musical work was on songs for the Holiday Shows – Dec. 5 at 7:30 and Sat Dec. 6 at 12:30 and 6. If you need to order tickets, call the box office right away! 703-910-4600.
Ticket guy Steve Murane was busy all evening on Tuesday filling orders, taking orders from guys, passing out tickets and helping the guys get seats for patrons. Thanks to him for taking on this important job for the chapter. He seems to stay calm thru it all!!
Did you see CMDR Kujuwa’s name in the Post or see him on Channel 4 or 7 recently. He heads up the team in charge of the Inaugural Parade.
There were lots of guys buying ornaments and script cards for the holiday season. Good to see Rob Nut who stopped buy to get a load to sell.
Tonite was the first time I have seen Mike Kelly out front as an assistant director. Congrats!!
Before break Roger introduced guests including Roger Arnold who is a 55-year member.
President Stamps took a straw vote about a show on Dec. 13th in Lancaster, PA. Full paying gig using our holiday package. Watch your emails, guys.
Holiday show reminders were about wrapping two boxes, bringing 4 dozen cookies Fri nite when you come to sing, and plan your costume and check in with Roger Day about it.
After some coffee to warm up (and yes a few cookies and stuff), it was back to the holiday music. Soloist got to work out again on their numbers.
Dr. Paul was the conscience all evening for the directors, keeping them brief and on target. I watched him give them positive feed back several times, in private.
In the end, there was no 50/50 winner, so next week you should buy tickets!! Dr. Paul directed KTWWS and then was surprised by our “it’s great to be a Harmonizer” cheer at the end.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Dr. Paul Tamblyn was our guest Tuesday nite and “set the stage” about how the meeting would go in follow-up with the all-day Saturday session with him on the 15th. It started with warm up and Will. Working to reinforce and support the singers and help them learn – positive feedback.
In addition to our chorus practicing, the session helped our section leaders and assistant directors and musical leaders develop consistent skills in coaching and working with adult students.
The guys had worked hard to get to chapter since there was some kind of traffic snarl someplace and the roads in and around Alexandria were blocked. But a good crowd was on hand at 7 and most all there by 7:30.
Director Joe lead the musical work was on songs for the Holiday Shows – Dec. 5 at 7:30 and Sat Dec. 6 at 12:30 and 6. If you need to order tickets, call the box office right away! 703-910-4600.
Ticket guy Steve Murane was busy all evening on Tuesday filling orders, taking orders from guys, passing out tickets and helping the guys get seats for patrons. Thanks to him for taking on this important job for the chapter. He seems to stay calm thru it all!!
Did you see CMDR Kujuwa’s name in the Post or see him on Channel 4 or 7 recently. He heads up the team in charge of the Inaugural Parade.
There were lots of guys buying ornaments and script cards for the holiday season. Good to see Rob Nut who stopped buy to get a load to sell.
Tonite was the first time I have seen Mike Kelly out front as an assistant director. Congrats!!
Before break Roger introduced guests including Roger Arnold who is a 55-year member.
President Stamps took a straw vote about a show on Dec. 13th in Lancaster, PA. Full paying gig using our holiday package. Watch your emails, guys.
Holiday show reminders were about wrapping two boxes, bringing 4 dozen cookies Fri nite when you come to sing, and plan your costume and check in with Roger Day about it.
After some coffee to warm up (and yes a few cookies and stuff), it was back to the holiday music. Soloist got to work out again on their numbers.
Dr. Paul was the conscience all evening for the directors, keeping them brief and on target. I watched him give them positive feed back several times, in private.
In the end, there was no 50/50 winner, so next week you should buy tickets!! Dr. Paul directed KTWWS and then was surprised by our “it’s great to be a Harmonizer” cheer at the end.
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Looking Back on Nov. 11th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Nov.11th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
I heard there was a nice turn out for the Veteran’s Day gig earlier at a Middle School. Our guys had fun doing it and the students were enthusiastic in learning of our Nation’s past.
The warm up session at Durant was a serious one to get the guys ready for a good rehearsal. Then Director Joe worked on rhythm exercises by having the guys clap on a variety of rhythm signals from Joe.
Gary Plaag reviewed several important positions for the Hamonizers such as the correct singing position, the opening position for songs, and the basic three or four focal positions we use in our songs. Wow what a difference they can make on our entertainment.
Director Joe drilled on “New York New York” and he had the four sections of the chorus fix their notes and such by forming into clumps in front of the risers. Similar work was done on “Toy Soldiers” so the chorus can sing it for the marching solders (who worked on stage before the rehearsal).
Will Cox worked on revival of “Toyland” for the show.
Bob Rhome gave some basic announcements before break. The board will meet Mon nite at Lee Center. Sat Nov. 15th is an important personal leadership and music training session for our chapter. All are invited from 9 am – 12 at Kena Temple Annex, 9001 Arlington Blvd. The top notch presenter for this event is Paul Tamblyn. Then at 1:30 the chorus is needed for more education.
Secretary Buechler gave membership renewal cards to Tom Kraus, 2 years; and Kyle Blomgren, 2 years.
CAMERON STATION was recognized for their appearance representing the chapter.
There were reminders for the Holiday Show: sell tickets and see Steve Murane; wrap two boxes and bring them to the Fri show; get your costume approved by Roger Day. AND each guy is asked to bring FOUR dozen cookies or brownies or bar cookies. These will be used to provide a special dessert for the three performances. Bring your donation on Friday nite.
Membership VP Roger introduced a line of guests and welcomed back Pete Frank after being away and John Pence after his operation.
After a busy break doing chapter business, getting a coffee and saying hi to one of the guys, work continued on holiday songs. Some of the show soloists got a chance to try it for the first time with the chorus.
Director Joe thanked all of his assistant directors and told his chorus they should help him say thanks to those guys!!!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
I heard there was a nice turn out for the Veteran’s Day gig earlier at a Middle School. Our guys had fun doing it and the students were enthusiastic in learning of our Nation’s past.
The warm up session at Durant was a serious one to get the guys ready for a good rehearsal. Then Director Joe worked on rhythm exercises by having the guys clap on a variety of rhythm signals from Joe.
Gary Plaag reviewed several important positions for the Hamonizers such as the correct singing position, the opening position for songs, and the basic three or four focal positions we use in our songs. Wow what a difference they can make on our entertainment.
Director Joe drilled on “New York New York” and he had the four sections of the chorus fix their notes and such by forming into clumps in front of the risers. Similar work was done on “Toy Soldiers” so the chorus can sing it for the marching solders (who worked on stage before the rehearsal).
Will Cox worked on revival of “Toyland” for the show.
Bob Rhome gave some basic announcements before break. The board will meet Mon nite at Lee Center. Sat Nov. 15th is an important personal leadership and music training session for our chapter. All are invited from 9 am – 12 at Kena Temple Annex, 9001 Arlington Blvd. The top notch presenter for this event is Paul Tamblyn. Then at 1:30 the chorus is needed for more education.
Secretary Buechler gave membership renewal cards to Tom Kraus, 2 years; and Kyle Blomgren, 2 years.
CAMERON STATION was recognized for their appearance representing the chapter.
There were reminders for the Holiday Show: sell tickets and see Steve Murane; wrap two boxes and bring them to the Fri show; get your costume approved by Roger Day. AND each guy is asked to bring FOUR dozen cookies or brownies or bar cookies. These will be used to provide a special dessert for the three performances. Bring your donation on Friday nite.
Membership VP Roger introduced a line of guests and welcomed back Pete Frank after being away and John Pence after his operation.
After a busy break doing chapter business, getting a coffee and saying hi to one of the guys, work continued on holiday songs. Some of the show soloists got a chance to try it for the first time with the chorus.
Director Joe thanked all of his assistant directors and told his chorus they should help him say thanks to those guys!!!
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Looking Back on Nov. 4th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Nov. 4th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chorus met in the school last nite since Durant was a polling place for the historic election!
But things were going on as usual – 50/50 sales, WHO sales, candy to snack on, committee members working on things, a board meeting in the corner. Toy soldiers were practicing on the stage in the school under the command of Carl Kauffmann. A quartet was working on a new song in one of the halls.
Here is an idea I heard about when I stopped to buy some script cards: be on the lookout to buy a Honey Baked Ham card (Eckman is planning to stock up on them and others) for your family holiday meals. Also get some cards for staff members or employees or as stocking stuffers or for the newspaper delivery person. How about offering to buy the door prizes for the company holiday party?
There were some empty spaces on the risers, but Director Joe plugged ahead and had the chorus review singing “New York New York” to see who could remember it. Some guys even tried to do the SP! Not too bad on the singing, but a lot of work in weeks ahead.
The plan is to do this song when we do the show with Manhattan Chapter, Feb. 28th, on Broadway.
Chuck Hunter directed one of the holiday songs and Tony Colosimo did another.
The holiday music is on the front burner to be ready for the Dec. 5 and 6 show at First Baptist.
Before break, secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Roger Day for 20 years and Tom Hutton for 24 years.
Roger introduced 5 guests for the night. He thanked everyone for helping last week for the successful guest nite.
He also put in a plug for each guy to wrap two large empty boxes with shinny paper and bring them to the holiday show. No bows.
During the break, the group who can sing the November 11th daytime show ran thru their songs. They will sing at Oakland Elementary.
For the high school show on Nov. 12th, Joe will send out emails to those who are planning to fill this gig.
President Stamps invited any members of the chapter who are in leadership positions, who expect to be some day or who are just interested to attend the leadership training event this weekend. Three or four guys agreed to attend.
As a reminder, there is a chapter meeting and rehearsal on Nov. 11th. Back at Durant.
After the break and meeting, Joe returned to working on the show songs including the fun song the “singing elves and toys” will sing when they deliver the food at the show.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chorus met in the school last nite since Durant was a polling place for the historic election!
But things were going on as usual – 50/50 sales, WHO sales, candy to snack on, committee members working on things, a board meeting in the corner. Toy soldiers were practicing on the stage in the school under the command of Carl Kauffmann. A quartet was working on a new song in one of the halls.
Here is an idea I heard about when I stopped to buy some script cards: be on the lookout to buy a Honey Baked Ham card (Eckman is planning to stock up on them and others) for your family holiday meals. Also get some cards for staff members or employees or as stocking stuffers or for the newspaper delivery person. How about offering to buy the door prizes for the company holiday party?
There were some empty spaces on the risers, but Director Joe plugged ahead and had the chorus review singing “New York New York” to see who could remember it. Some guys even tried to do the SP! Not too bad on the singing, but a lot of work in weeks ahead.
The plan is to do this song when we do the show with Manhattan Chapter, Feb. 28th, on Broadway.
Chuck Hunter directed one of the holiday songs and Tony Colosimo did another.
The holiday music is on the front burner to be ready for the Dec. 5 and 6 show at First Baptist.
Before break, secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Roger Day for 20 years and Tom Hutton for 24 years.
Roger introduced 5 guests for the night. He thanked everyone for helping last week for the successful guest nite.
He also put in a plug for each guy to wrap two large empty boxes with shinny paper and bring them to the holiday show. No bows.
During the break, the group who can sing the November 11th daytime show ran thru their songs. They will sing at Oakland Elementary.
For the high school show on Nov. 12th, Joe will send out emails to those who are planning to fill this gig.
President Stamps invited any members of the chapter who are in leadership positions, who expect to be some day or who are just interested to attend the leadership training event this weekend. Three or four guys agreed to attend.
As a reminder, there is a chapter meeting and rehearsal on Nov. 11th. Back at Durant.
After the break and meeting, Joe returned to working on the show songs including the fun song the “singing elves and toys” will sing when they deliver the food at the show.
Until next time – editorjack!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Looking Back on Oct. 28th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Oct. 28th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Last nite we had a very successful guest nite and a great rehearsal in prep for upcoming shows.
There were lots of extra goodies last nite that guys brought in to share with the guests, and left over sodas from the weekend board retreat meeting.
I saw a “Vote Here On Nov. 4th” sign as I came into Durant last nite – so that means we will meet in Jeff Houston school next door on Tues., Nov. 4th.
There were almost 80 guys at the meeting this week, and I think Roger said 18 guests including family members who were visiting. The guests came from all around the DC metro area. Some were former active members of chapters, some found us via our ads on Facebook, and some were family members like Dan O’Brien’s son.
Will Cox did the musical warm ups. Gary Plaag did the physical warm up – as in the past done to the “In the Mood” music. Chuck Hunter did a craft session to reinforce lessons learned from the musical team.
The meeting room was set differently for the guest nite – the risers were backed up to the stage, about 50 chairs were set facing the risers, then admin tables behind them. I liked that set up. Seemed to be more open.
When Director Joe took over up front, he launched a solid work out session on major new songs and reviews of songs the chorus had done in the past. He included the guests up on the risers and it was fun to see them singing along and doing moves.
Congrats to Roger for making the really nice just-for-tonite guest books that had the music for the nite, a letter to the guest, and some things about the chapter.
While Joe worked on the music, he alternated having the guys in sectionals on the risers. He hinted some about the stage d̩cor and plan for the Holiday Show Рsounds like a good plan and explains why toys and elves.
Roger had enlisted a crew of guys to help with the guest process – Klinge and O’Brien were greeters. The PR guys were taking pixs for future promos.
Member recognition before break included membership renewal cards to Max Kieba for 8 years, Randy Lazear for 34 years and Jack Pitzer for 43 years. Good to see Patrick Kim, Kyle Blomgren and Jeremy Knobel back.
Then Roger had the fun to introduce all the guests. Dennis Ritchey did the honors of passing out First Timer Buttons – ala Vanna White.
The break was busy with guys getting goodies. Ornament sales are moving – but we can’t let up or we won’t beat last year’s record. Same with '09 Coupon Books.
During announcements, Roger asked for guys to get to work on their toy or elf costumes. And he asked each man to wrap two large empty boxes with shinny gift wrap (no bows) for the show.
The guests met with music team members and learned a tag or two and got some info about the chapter. While they were out, the chorus practiced the songs to sing for them. Joe let the guys vote if they should sing “Music” or “Soldiers.” “Music of the Night” won.
The chorus sang “Great Day,” “Music of the Night.” Then CAMERON STATION sang a couple of the good songs. And chorus ended their package show with “Clap Your Hands.”
After that it was back to work on show songs with the guests back on the risers.
Looks like several of the guests are singers and expressed some interest in checking us out further. Hope so.
We went close to 10 pm and so the crews worked hard and fast to load the truck for next week, and put things away.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Last nite we had a very successful guest nite and a great rehearsal in prep for upcoming shows.
There were lots of extra goodies last nite that guys brought in to share with the guests, and left over sodas from the weekend board retreat meeting.
I saw a “Vote Here On Nov. 4th” sign as I came into Durant last nite – so that means we will meet in Jeff Houston school next door on Tues., Nov. 4th.
There were almost 80 guys at the meeting this week, and I think Roger said 18 guests including family members who were visiting. The guests came from all around the DC metro area. Some were former active members of chapters, some found us via our ads on Facebook, and some were family members like Dan O’Brien’s son.
Will Cox did the musical warm ups. Gary Plaag did the physical warm up – as in the past done to the “In the Mood” music. Chuck Hunter did a craft session to reinforce lessons learned from the musical team.
The meeting room was set differently for the guest nite – the risers were backed up to the stage, about 50 chairs were set facing the risers, then admin tables behind them. I liked that set up. Seemed to be more open.
When Director Joe took over up front, he launched a solid work out session on major new songs and reviews of songs the chorus had done in the past. He included the guests up on the risers and it was fun to see them singing along and doing moves.
Congrats to Roger for making the really nice just-for-tonite guest books that had the music for the nite, a letter to the guest, and some things about the chapter.
While Joe worked on the music, he alternated having the guys in sectionals on the risers. He hinted some about the stage d̩cor and plan for the Holiday Show Рsounds like a good plan and explains why toys and elves.
Roger had enlisted a crew of guys to help with the guest process – Klinge and O’Brien were greeters. The PR guys were taking pixs for future promos.
Member recognition before break included membership renewal cards to Max Kieba for 8 years, Randy Lazear for 34 years and Jack Pitzer for 43 years. Good to see Patrick Kim, Kyle Blomgren and Jeremy Knobel back.
Then Roger had the fun to introduce all the guests. Dennis Ritchey did the honors of passing out First Timer Buttons – ala Vanna White.
The break was busy with guys getting goodies. Ornament sales are moving – but we can’t let up or we won’t beat last year’s record. Same with '09 Coupon Books.
During announcements, Roger asked for guys to get to work on their toy or elf costumes. And he asked each man to wrap two large empty boxes with shinny gift wrap (no bows) for the show.
The guests met with music team members and learned a tag or two and got some info about the chapter. While they were out, the chorus practiced the songs to sing for them. Joe let the guys vote if they should sing “Music” or “Soldiers.” “Music of the Night” won.
The chorus sang “Great Day,” “Music of the Night.” Then CAMERON STATION sang a couple of the good songs. And chorus ended their package show with “Clap Your Hands.”
After that it was back to work on show songs with the guests back on the risers.
Looks like several of the guests are singers and expressed some interest in checking us out further. Hope so.
We went close to 10 pm and so the crews worked hard and fast to load the truck for next week, and put things away.
Until next time – editorjack!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Looking Back on Oct. 21st Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Oct. 21st Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Since I was on business travel, Noah Van Gilder took these notes. Thanks, Noah.
Joe did warm-up, reminding us that every single breath we take should be the breath of a member of a top-ten chorus.
"Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York", "Summertime" and "Second Star" all were sung. Again, the emphasis was on breathing. We launched into the Christmas repertoire with "Ave Maria," "Caroling, Caroling," "The Christmas Song," and "Jingle Bell Rock."
Gary Bibens reminded everyone to keep working on their costumes for the holiday show, and to read the e-mail he sent out the preceding weekend for details.
The upcoming joint board meeting (including both the old board and the incoming board), taking place Saturday, October 25th, was announced as a reminder.
Roger introduced a crop of guests, including two or three new faces.
The group continued reviewing Christmas songs without much to-do. "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Jingle Bells," "Secret of Christmas," "Let It Snow," and "Winter Wonderland" were all practiced, but the emphasis was mostly review rather than fixing and polishing. The exception was "Sing We Now of Christmas," which we sang in an end-to-end loop over and over again until we knew it by heart. That was pretty fun.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Since I was on business travel, Noah Van Gilder took these notes. Thanks, Noah.
Joe did warm-up, reminding us that every single breath we take should be the breath of a member of a top-ten chorus.
"Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York", "Summertime" and "Second Star" all were sung. Again, the emphasis was on breathing. We launched into the Christmas repertoire with "Ave Maria," "Caroling, Caroling," "The Christmas Song," and "Jingle Bell Rock."
Gary Bibens reminded everyone to keep working on their costumes for the holiday show, and to read the e-mail he sent out the preceding weekend for details.
The upcoming joint board meeting (including both the old board and the incoming board), taking place Saturday, October 25th, was announced as a reminder.
Roger introduced a crop of guests, including two or three new faces.
The group continued reviewing Christmas songs without much to-do. "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Jingle Bells," "Secret of Christmas," "Let It Snow," and "Winter Wonderland" were all practiced, but the emphasis was mostly review rather than fixing and polishing. The exception was "Sing We Now of Christmas," which we sang in an end-to-end loop over and over again until we knew it by heart. That was pretty fun.
Until next time – editorjack!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Looking Back on Oct. 14th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Oct. 14th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
They gave a 5-minute warning bell tonite so guys could finish work and tasks and visiting before getting on the risers at 7.
Director Joe took the helm early, tested the water on one of the new show songs and then sent everyone out for 20-minute sectionals. Then back to work on show songs – all things from out of the past, but good show songs and fun new things for a whole lot of the current guys on the risers.
Before break, there was the introduction of a long line of guests.
Following break was the chapter meeting period. Rhome announced a change at Durant – we can’t prop open that back door except during move in and move out of risers and such.
He also alerted all that costumes for the holiday show must be approved by either Bibens or Day.
And there was a board meeting in the kitchen at break. Outcome – our newest member, Joshua Roots.
Roger also stressed that guys should be planning to bring a guest for the big guest nite on Oct. 28th. He also solicited goodies be brought for the nite by any and all who can.
President Stamps reported on a warm letter of thanks the chapter got from Kevin King, Fred’s son, thanking us for the flowers and for the many guys who came over to offer support.
Mick also plugged participation in the Veteran’s Day show.
Brad Jones announced that the reorder of our holiday CD “Comfort and Joy” was available. Suggested selling them with White House Ornaments. Also any member can get 10 CDs for $100 at this time and you can make the 10 up from holiday CD or our regular CD.
Director Joe announced that Bob Wachter is taking a leave of absence til about March. Bob spoke up that his travel and work and meetings and quartet appearances will take him away from Tuesday nites til then. He also offered to help any singer who wants voice coaching on Thursday. Just call him.
Then it was back to singing and review on lots of great songs – especially some for the holiday show. But isn’t it great that we are working on spring tonic songs already!!!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
They gave a 5-minute warning bell tonite so guys could finish work and tasks and visiting before getting on the risers at 7.
Director Joe took the helm early, tested the water on one of the new show songs and then sent everyone out for 20-minute sectionals. Then back to work on show songs – all things from out of the past, but good show songs and fun new things for a whole lot of the current guys on the risers.
Before break, there was the introduction of a long line of guests.
Following break was the chapter meeting period. Rhome announced a change at Durant – we can’t prop open that back door except during move in and move out of risers and such.
He also alerted all that costumes for the holiday show must be approved by either Bibens or Day.
And there was a board meeting in the kitchen at break. Outcome – our newest member, Joshua Roots.
Roger also stressed that guys should be planning to bring a guest for the big guest nite on Oct. 28th. He also solicited goodies be brought for the nite by any and all who can.
President Stamps reported on a warm letter of thanks the chapter got from Kevin King, Fred’s son, thanking us for the flowers and for the many guys who came over to offer support.
Mick also plugged participation in the Veteran’s Day show.
Brad Jones announced that the reorder of our holiday CD “Comfort and Joy” was available. Suggested selling them with White House Ornaments. Also any member can get 10 CDs for $100 at this time and you can make the 10 up from holiday CD or our regular CD.
Director Joe announced that Bob Wachter is taking a leave of absence til about March. Bob spoke up that his travel and work and meetings and quartet appearances will take him away from Tuesday nites til then. He also offered to help any singer who wants voice coaching on Thursday. Just call him.
Then it was back to singing and review on lots of great songs – especially some for the holiday show. But isn’t it great that we are working on spring tonic songs already!!!
Until next time – editorjack!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Looking Back on Fall Contest and Oct. 7th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on M-AD Fall Contest and Oct. 7 Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
This week the set up crew added a screen, projector etc. in prep for the meeting. Business was brisk for Lands End Harmo merchandise, script card sales, White House Ornaments, 50/50 tickets.
Will did the warm up. Chuck did a barbershop craft session (our word for a mini class).
Director Joe introduced guys to the “trophy” again – our 21st district championship. He took a seat in front of the chapter to chat. He told of his excitement and positive feelings about our contest success.
Then he shifted into a preview of our new contest uptune. And then a peak at next year’s music leaning season – more songs so customers, and the chorus, get some new tunes to enjoy.
Before break, Ken White recognized the quartets who competed in Wildwood and presented the traditional checks as chapter support.
President Stamps announced the board meeting date change to Sat. Oct. 25th. Old and new boards meeting together.
Bob Wells and Ned Duffey from the DC chapter came by to offer congrats and to plug their Harvest of Harmony, Nov. 1 at Lisner.
Roger introduced four guests.
After break, Dan O'Brien plugged the Oct. 28th guest nite and told about the chapter’s efforts on FaceBook to promote attendance. He suggested we all us emails to invite friends or FaceBook, if you use it.
Brian Ammerman thanks several guys for their work in helping him as business manager for the fall show: ad buyers, sponsors or benefactors, ticket salesmen, JP for help with program book, and Bibens for behind the scenes support.
Gary Bibens announced our participation with the Woodbridge Dance Troop for a holiday concert, Dec. 20th, at 5 pm. We report at 3:45. And also our plans to do a show on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11th.
He also announced some plans for the upcoming Holiday Show, Dec. 4 and 5. Mark your calendars. And be ready to buy you table.
Then it was back to Joe and a long session on new show songs. And then on Holiday songs.
Report about the Fall Contest in Wildwood, Oct. 3 and 4.
Harnonizers were everywhere. We had a couple displays in the convention center lobby – from BACHELOR PARTY and for the chapter’s Youth Harmony Festival.
Erin Odell did a terrific job as MC for the quartet prelim round on Friday nite. Mike Pinto carried the MC ball for the chorus contest. And Dennis Ritchey was MC for the Saturday nite finals and show.
If you’d gone to the M-AD board meeting, it would have looked like a chapter board meeting. Same with the team that runs the convention and back stage such as sound, lights, back stage, contest, judges.
At the end of the quartet contest, we had six quartets in the top ten.
OLD SCHOOL - first
LAST KIDS PICKED - second
FULL TILT -third
CRUNCH TIME -fourth
BACHELOR PARTY - seventh
PRIME TIME - tenth
YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT were Saturday nite mic testers as 11th place quartet. They also were named Senior quartet winner and will go to the midwinter conest in CA.
DOWNTOWN was 18th. FRiDAYS! had to scratch – Bob Caldwell had not voice.
The chorus won its 21st district contest with 1530 points. The troops performed well and made a good strike at the International level contest in July. We were 112 points above second place Dundalk. Manhattan was third. A brand new chapter in the district, Hell’s Kitchen, NY, were fourth with 20 guys.
The Harmonizer’s new ballad was well received. How about that thorough booklet Joe prepared to help with musical and visual interp. And how about the chorus for making it work, in just 5 days!
I won’t try to recall all the names here, but there were a lot of former members in the other choruses on stage. Our past president, Alan Wile, who is a member of the BHS board, was the official rep to this convention for the International president and board.
LAST KIDS PICKED announced their retirement at the afterglow. They really surprised all of us with a terrific parody – “We’re Gonna Loose to Joe” which was a spoof about knowing ahead of time that they would likely loose to Joe Connelly in OLD SCHOOL. Tony and all did great impressions of Rick Taylor and Joe C.
The extra rehearsal on Friday nite for our chapter was a warm gathering of the Harmo family and a launch for a good job Saturday. The audience got a taste of pure Harmo style on the Sat nite champs show with “Great Day.” Drunken Sailor,” and “Clap Your Hands.”
A highlight of the convention was a tribute to recently deceased Fred King – 150 or more guys sang “Auld Lang Syne.” Our own Bill Clark was narrator.
Hurray this was our last contest in the Wildwood convention center. I hear we will be going to Lancaster, PA, in 2009.
Thanks to Bob Rhome for organizing things for us – rooms, etc. Bill DePuy was Harmo truck driver.
And what a great weekend for our youngest guy, Ben Nelson, who competed and did the Sat nite show!!
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
This week the set up crew added a screen, projector etc. in prep for the meeting. Business was brisk for Lands End Harmo merchandise, script card sales, White House Ornaments, 50/50 tickets.
Will did the warm up. Chuck did a barbershop craft session (our word for a mini class).
Director Joe introduced guys to the “trophy” again – our 21st district championship. He took a seat in front of the chapter to chat. He told of his excitement and positive feelings about our contest success.
Then he shifted into a preview of our new contest uptune. And then a peak at next year’s music leaning season – more songs so customers, and the chorus, get some new tunes to enjoy.
Before break, Ken White recognized the quartets who competed in Wildwood and presented the traditional checks as chapter support.
President Stamps announced the board meeting date change to Sat. Oct. 25th. Old and new boards meeting together.
Bob Wells and Ned Duffey from the DC chapter came by to offer congrats and to plug their Harvest of Harmony, Nov. 1 at Lisner.
Roger introduced four guests.
After break, Dan O'Brien plugged the Oct. 28th guest nite and told about the chapter’s efforts on FaceBook to promote attendance. He suggested we all us emails to invite friends or FaceBook, if you use it.
Brian Ammerman thanks several guys for their work in helping him as business manager for the fall show: ad buyers, sponsors or benefactors, ticket salesmen, JP for help with program book, and Bibens for behind the scenes support.
Gary Bibens announced our participation with the Woodbridge Dance Troop for a holiday concert, Dec. 20th, at 5 pm. We report at 3:45. And also our plans to do a show on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11th.
He also announced some plans for the upcoming Holiday Show, Dec. 4 and 5. Mark your calendars. And be ready to buy you table.
Then it was back to Joe and a long session on new show songs. And then on Holiday songs.
Report about the Fall Contest in Wildwood, Oct. 3 and 4.
Harnonizers were everywhere. We had a couple displays in the convention center lobby – from BACHELOR PARTY and for the chapter’s Youth Harmony Festival.
Erin Odell did a terrific job as MC for the quartet prelim round on Friday nite. Mike Pinto carried the MC ball for the chorus contest. And Dennis Ritchey was MC for the Saturday nite finals and show.
If you’d gone to the M-AD board meeting, it would have looked like a chapter board meeting. Same with the team that runs the convention and back stage such as sound, lights, back stage, contest, judges.
At the end of the quartet contest, we had six quartets in the top ten.
OLD SCHOOL - first
LAST KIDS PICKED - second
FULL TILT -third
CRUNCH TIME -fourth
BACHELOR PARTY - seventh
PRIME TIME - tenth
YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT were Saturday nite mic testers as 11th place quartet. They also were named Senior quartet winner and will go to the midwinter conest in CA.
DOWNTOWN was 18th. FRiDAYS! had to scratch – Bob Caldwell had not voice.
The chorus won its 21st district contest with 1530 points. The troops performed well and made a good strike at the International level contest in July. We were 112 points above second place Dundalk. Manhattan was third. A brand new chapter in the district, Hell’s Kitchen, NY, were fourth with 20 guys.
The Harmonizer’s new ballad was well received. How about that thorough booklet Joe prepared to help with musical and visual interp. And how about the chorus for making it work, in just 5 days!
I won’t try to recall all the names here, but there were a lot of former members in the other choruses on stage. Our past president, Alan Wile, who is a member of the BHS board, was the official rep to this convention for the International president and board.
LAST KIDS PICKED announced their retirement at the afterglow. They really surprised all of us with a terrific parody – “We’re Gonna Loose to Joe” which was a spoof about knowing ahead of time that they would likely loose to Joe Connelly in OLD SCHOOL. Tony and all did great impressions of Rick Taylor and Joe C.
The extra rehearsal on Friday nite for our chapter was a warm gathering of the Harmo family and a launch for a good job Saturday. The audience got a taste of pure Harmo style on the Sat nite champs show with “Great Day.” Drunken Sailor,” and “Clap Your Hands.”
A highlight of the convention was a tribute to recently deceased Fred King – 150 or more guys sang “Auld Lang Syne.” Our own Bill Clark was narrator.
Hurray this was our last contest in the Wildwood convention center. I hear we will be going to Lancaster, PA, in 2009.
Thanks to Bob Rhome for organizing things for us – rooms, etc. Bill DePuy was Harmo truck driver.
And what a great weekend for our youngest guy, Ben Nelson, who competed and did the Sat nite show!!
Until next time – editorjack!
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