There was much anticipation for the Pizza Man this week thanks to the new activity headed up by Steve Lingo. (Only the Harmonizers would have an email address just set up for ordering pizza on chapter meeting nite. But a darn good idea!) It was a good start and likely more guys will place an order next week.
Chuck McKeever’s class also was full this week as many guys are eager to have the stage presence “down pat” on the uptune. It makes it so much easier to respond to the musical coaching from Director Joe when you don’t have to think!
And of course there was a huge stir at 6:58 pm when Tom Griffith started his chants to load up the risers. Well we made it over the quota of 85 guys on the risers at 7 before Joe would tell us his secret news – thanks to a couple slugs and to some guys who came in the door and climbed up onto the risers before Joe took his count. We had 86!!!
And so – as promised, Joe shared that the Harmonizers and the Ambassadors of Harmony of St. Charles, MO, are working on final details for a joint show in Washington, DC, in 2011. That means we will be sharing the stage with last year’s chorus champs and have a great chance to meet and sing with some other terrific barbershoppers. And the show will include two gold medal quartet champs from their chapter, CROSSROADS and VOCAL SPECTRUM, as well. Our retreat coach David Wright, who is also a key in their chapter, is eager to get the two choruses together for a show. (Maybe there will be a wonderful David Wright arrangement created just for that show for the two choruses to sing together. That would be spectacular.)
Actually the big news came after Will Cox and Joe did some serious vocal warm ups for the singers. That was followed by sectionals for “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then an octet did it in front of the chorus. And then the chorus sang it over several times. Sounding great.
While this musical workout was underway, a crew of guys was taking measurements in the kitchen for a vest for contest. Chorus manager Klostermeyer invited guys to come off the risers, go get measured and back to singing. (YeEd noted that the cookie and snack supply went down fast last nite as almost every guy grabbed a little something on his way past the coffee and refreshment table. Fun to see!) The uniform crew included clothier Rick Savage, uniform chair Tom Kern and visual coordinator Scipio Garling.
Prior to chapter meeting, the board settled on final fiscal matters regarding the new uniforms, which are apparently in our hands and ready for the distribution to take place. There will also be a recall of old uniforms for the chorus to clean and resell to a smaller chapter that is in the market for good outfits. Harmonizer should watch for details about what to bring in and when – likely after the new uniforms are given out.
The front row worked on their uptune routine in the lobby while McKeever worked with the chorus to clarify and drill some of the “enHANSENments” from last week. Good work out for the chorus and, better still, a chance for the guys to get it integrated with their singing performance skills.
Then when the front row returned, Joe took the chorus thru several repeated drills of the songs. He got in a chunk of time to work on the ballad as well, including emphasis on creating the famous “Harmonizer softs” that we have been noted for in other years.
Before official break, K12 recognized this week’s birthdays. Secretary Buechler reminded guys the importance of submitting any change of address, phone number or email (as Tom Kraus had done when he moved recently. Guess Wayne Adams is next, as he and his family have moved to a new home in Centreville area.).
Dan OBrien welcomed the guests.
Then it was officially time for the coffee and goodies, taking care of sales matters such as the gift cards we sell and chatting with other guys in the chapter. There was some quartet singing in the hall as well.
Back to the risers for a brief chapter meeting period: a reminder of this Saturday’s All Sections rehearsal from 10-1. It will include work on the contest songs but ALSO work on songs for the June show with Westminster.
Guys were reminded to mark their calendars for the appearance at the Atlantic Division contest in DE, Saturday, May 15th. Also guys were alerted that we will have an early morning call and will sing as mic testers about 10:30 am up there. Then we will get evaluations from the judging panel after the contest in mid afternoon.
Another reminder from Music and Performance VP, Terry Reynolds, was about the mandatory rehearsals starting in May. If you will need to miss a Tuesday nite or one of the special times, you are required to turn in an absence form.
And another reminder from Terry was that a week from Thursday is the deadline for the self-evaluation process.
President Dick Newton announced some details about how the chapter will pay the $20,000 or so needed to get the new uniforms (which YeEd understands includes formal attire and casual outfits). Each singing member will pay $100 and the chapter will cover the other $100. Guys can start bringing in checks next week.
After the meeting, Griff started chants again to reload the risers and get back to work. And work it was.
Drills and starts and stops and recording and taping. It was getting better and better each time. And lest we be called a two-song chorus, Joe had the guys worked on a couple repertoire songs.
Then as is our custom these days, we sang right up til 10 pm. Everyone hustled to get things put away, helped guys who wanted to audition, touched base with fellow chapter members on projects underway, and gave it a wrap for another week.
A good crowd got over to the 815 S. Washington afterglow spot.
It was fun to see former member, Chuck Botts, visiting last nite. He reports he has rejoined the Society and is singing in the Westminster, MD, chapter and had formed a quartet. Eric Hughes had quite a leading role in the Easter pageant at Immanuel Baptist church recently. And YeEd got a warm note of appreciation from Phil Stern, one of our members who lives in FL, who appreciates a chance to connect with us via this column.
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.)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Looking Back on the March 30th Chapter Meeting
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, AGAIN there were 84 guys on the risers (including some slugs who are not current singers). Director Joe is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! He wouldn’t count himself nor Sam and Randy who arrived at 7:02 or so. As promised Tom Griffith got a chant started to get everyone on the risers about 6:58.
So we wait another week.
YeEd did hear some guys sharing details of how they got there on time. TJ Jones had to arrange for a co-worker to cover for his being on-call Tuesday nite. Len Dornberger, who drives from DE normally, flew into DC from his Midwest vacation. He was a new guy at the pre-rehearsal dinner gathering that happens every Tuesday nite at Hard Times on King Street. Some of us gather there starting at 5. The place saves a couple booths for our regulars. Come join us.
(In regards to the challenge from Cindy about walking: many of the fellas who come eat at Hard Times on Tuesdays, park first at Durant and walk back and forth. Just an idea.)
New guy Steve Lingo has volunteered to organize bringing in some pizza for those guys who must come right from work and know that even stopping for fast food will make them 15-20 minutes later. Watch for an email from Steve. The FRIENDS group continues to sell cold drinks for 75 cents too. We are getting the coffee pot on earlier now too so that is also an option. Thanks to those who brought in some goodies to share.
Assistant Director Will Cox conducted a thorough and successful vocal warm up and used some of the exercises we used to use every week. From 6-6:30 there was loud music coming from the stage and the visual warm up class. That music helped the guys who did the risers and ALL the other stuff we set up each week to make our chapter meeting and rehearsal run smoothly.
Fist singing was on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then Director Joe invited guests in the audience section to come to the risers and pick out some one to bring down front. Those chosen were the nucleus of an octet to sing the song again. Cheers for the guys who did it. “Expect more of that next week,” Joe says.
Special guest tonite and our coach, Cindy Hansen, was with us to help us go further with our visual plan for the uptune. She expressed her pride and joy for all the work the chorus has done (and acknowledged the in-house crew of Chuck McKeever and Scipio Garling for the training). She offered “enHANSENments” for our package and especially added some great new focal points for the uptune for the front row as well as for the riser singers. She also complimented the front row for rising to the challenge of such an aggressive package.
Cindy issued a couple challenges in the two hours or so she worked with Joe and the chorus: everyone walk the 150 it would take to get to Philly, or about 3 miles a day; download the to-be-prepared-by-the-music-team three repeats of the package and do your moves to those recordings.
About 9:30 the guys got a 5-minute break. Many picked up the nifty new Harmo apparel items they had ordered. Thanks to Chris Buechler for handling that.
We had just one guest, Lou back again from Ontario. Skip Coburn was visiting us this week and former member, Roy Hare, was in the audience. Next time you go by the guest sign-in cabinet, take a look at the nifty new guest books Librarian Bob Mattes has created. The have tabs, a color-index, etc. Nice work Bob.
Birthdays this week also include our coach Geri Geis.
Before the meeting ended, secretary Buechler presented a 25-year pin to Ken Ives and a 30-year pin to Dean Rust.
Before she took us out with KTWWS, Cindy thanked the chapter again for hosting her and she thanked Joe for allowing her to take the chorus on this obvious bump up the ladder visually.
The crew got things stashed away and many were off to the afterglow at the 815 on S. Washington St.
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.)
So we wait another week.
YeEd did hear some guys sharing details of how they got there on time. TJ Jones had to arrange for a co-worker to cover for his being on-call Tuesday nite. Len Dornberger, who drives from DE normally, flew into DC from his Midwest vacation. He was a new guy at the pre-rehearsal dinner gathering that happens every Tuesday nite at Hard Times on King Street. Some of us gather there starting at 5. The place saves a couple booths for our regulars. Come join us.
(In regards to the challenge from Cindy about walking: many of the fellas who come eat at Hard Times on Tuesdays, park first at Durant and walk back and forth. Just an idea.)
New guy Steve Lingo has volunteered to organize bringing in some pizza for those guys who must come right from work and know that even stopping for fast food will make them 15-20 minutes later. Watch for an email from Steve. The FRIENDS group continues to sell cold drinks for 75 cents too. We are getting the coffee pot on earlier now too so that is also an option. Thanks to those who brought in some goodies to share.
Assistant Director Will Cox conducted a thorough and successful vocal warm up and used some of the exercises we used to use every week. From 6-6:30 there was loud music coming from the stage and the visual warm up class. That music helped the guys who did the risers and ALL the other stuff we set up each week to make our chapter meeting and rehearsal run smoothly.
Fist singing was on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then Director Joe invited guests in the audience section to come to the risers and pick out some one to bring down front. Those chosen were the nucleus of an octet to sing the song again. Cheers for the guys who did it. “Expect more of that next week,” Joe says.
Special guest tonite and our coach, Cindy Hansen, was with us to help us go further with our visual plan for the uptune. She expressed her pride and joy for all the work the chorus has done (and acknowledged the in-house crew of Chuck McKeever and Scipio Garling for the training). She offered “enHANSENments” for our package and especially added some great new focal points for the uptune for the front row as well as for the riser singers. She also complimented the front row for rising to the challenge of such an aggressive package.
Cindy issued a couple challenges in the two hours or so she worked with Joe and the chorus: everyone walk the 150 it would take to get to Philly, or about 3 miles a day; download the to-be-prepared-by-the-music-team three repeats of the package and do your moves to those recordings.
About 9:30 the guys got a 5-minute break. Many picked up the nifty new Harmo apparel items they had ordered. Thanks to Chris Buechler for handling that.
We had just one guest, Lou back again from Ontario. Skip Coburn was visiting us this week and former member, Roy Hare, was in the audience. Next time you go by the guest sign-in cabinet, take a look at the nifty new guest books Librarian Bob Mattes has created. The have tabs, a color-index, etc. Nice work Bob.
Birthdays this week also include our coach Geri Geis.
Before the meeting ended, secretary Buechler presented a 25-year pin to Ken Ives and a 30-year pin to Dean Rust.
Before she took us out with KTWWS, Cindy thanked the chapter again for hosting her and she thanked Joe for allowing her to take the chorus on this obvious bump up the ladder visually.
The crew got things stashed away and many were off to the afterglow at the 815 on S. Washington St.
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.)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Looking Back on the March 23rd Chapter Meeting
Guys were rolling in to Durant fast and furious between about 6:15 and 6:50 – getting some business items done, paying for things, helping set up the room, getting a coffee and some goodies (there were some tastee treats left from the Youth Festival.) The FRIENDS OF HARMONY launched a new service to members – sale of chilled sodas for 75 cents (a quarter less than the vending machine).
Those who got there at 6 attended the visual review with Chuck McKeever.
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, there were 84 guys on the risers. That pleased
Director Joe, but he is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! Come on guys – we wanta know.
Tony Colosimo revisited his important breathing exercises as part of the successful vocal warm up session this week. Director Joe extended thanks – and congrats – to Tony, who is getting married this weekend!
Royall and Geri Geis were back to visit and she spent the first half of the evening working just with the front row on their uptune routine. They worked over in the adjoining school and came back to the chorus at break all excited about how she had helped them work out the details and steps and moves.
Joe shared the many comments he received from last week’s Society guests about the way the chapter meeting and rehearsal are run, about the equipment used to make the director’s work a success, how many people are involved each week up front, nifty mirrors created by our guys, and nifty riser storage system under the stage! Joe shared all of this as a way of helping us all appreciate what great things happen at Durant on Tuesday nite. (And how we continue the things that have been part of our chapter for 50 years or more such as a well run program, guest welcoming system, having both a chapter meeting period and a rehearsal each week.)
Joe took another minute to share the news and encouraging email from Chuck Hunter at his overseas post. Joe was especially proud that Chuck commented on the great job the chorus is doing at keeping on pitch.
First half singing time included work on a new song “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” which the chorus sang as did the octet Joe selected last week to be ready to sing it this week. They earned applause from their risermates.
Then the chorus dusted off “You Tell Me Your Dream” with some special emphasis on lead unit sound.
They really reaching back and worked on “I’ll Take Manhattan” which Joe shared will be on the Carnegie Hall show per request from the producers.
And finally we sang “God Bless The USA” which we will sing together with Westminster at the June 27th show.
After these tunes, there was a concentrated period of work on the contest ballad. Great comment from Joe: “your face has to be driven by the emotion, not by the visual plan.”
For a quick sing of the uptune, Joe asked Chuck McKeever to work on a few spots to drill the plan.
Before the break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays for the week.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following Harmonizers: 3 years, Noah Van Gilder; 5 years Joel Golden; 13 years, Jeremy Richardson; 17 years, Don Thompson; 19 years, TJ Jones; 25 years, Ken Ives; 27 years, John Grant; 30 years, Dean Rust; and 33 years, Bruce Minnick. Chris shared that he had mailed cards to some fellows who are not here such as Chuck Hunter, 38 years; Terry Jordan, 46 years; Dick Weich, 21 years; Al Hanenbaum, 24 years; Dale Houser, 39 years; and Michael Calhoun, 41 years.
Dan O’Brien introduced guests, include YeEd’s family.
After the break for refreshments and recharge, there were some announcements. Reminder was given to sign up for the visual studios at the sign up table.
Brad Jones thanked the many helpers who volunteered during the whole day on Saturday to assist with the Youth Festival sponsored by the chapter along with the Vienna Falls Sweet Adeline chapter. There have been good comments back from music educators and ideas shared on how to get more students to attend next year. Brad appreciated the support of both BHS and SAI for materials. And of course thanks to CAPRI for singing and helping with the girls session; and to Erin Odell who came up from St. Louis, MO, to be dean of the their session. Wayne Grimmer was dean of the boys session and our chapter quartet, THE GROOMSEN sang. The chorus sang with the 30 young people who made up the youth chorus.
Terry Reynolds spoke about the self evaluation process and upcoming deadlines.
President Newton reminded the chorus that we will sing at the Atlantic Division contest in DE on Saturday, May 15 (a mandatory event for the chorus members going to Philly). Dick also stressed that altho we are not singing as a chorus at the Southern Division contest in Roanoke, May 28-28, we are all encouraged to attend. Wear a Harmo logo shirt to show our support as we will likely have a lot of guys competing in quartets that weekend and want to show that we support the division event.
Back to singing.
Tony directed the uptune and Joe coached by drilling and drilling and helping the guys “get it” in their minds and hearts. There were some fantastic results after the drills and all were pleased.
(YeEd notes that the knee pads are back for some in the front row!)
We ended the workout flyin high with great music, good visuals, and pride!
For many, it was get the hall dismantled and get over to the 815 for afterglow as fast as possible.
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.)
Those who got there at 6 attended the visual review with Chuck McKeever.
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, there were 84 guys on the risers. That pleased
Director Joe, but he is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! Come on guys – we wanta know.
Tony Colosimo revisited his important breathing exercises as part of the successful vocal warm up session this week. Director Joe extended thanks – and congrats – to Tony, who is getting married this weekend!
Royall and Geri Geis were back to visit and she spent the first half of the evening working just with the front row on their uptune routine. They worked over in the adjoining school and came back to the chorus at break all excited about how she had helped them work out the details and steps and moves.
Joe shared the many comments he received from last week’s Society guests about the way the chapter meeting and rehearsal are run, about the equipment used to make the director’s work a success, how many people are involved each week up front, nifty mirrors created by our guys, and nifty riser storage system under the stage! Joe shared all of this as a way of helping us all appreciate what great things happen at Durant on Tuesday nite. (And how we continue the things that have been part of our chapter for 50 years or more such as a well run program, guest welcoming system, having both a chapter meeting period and a rehearsal each week.)
Joe took another minute to share the news and encouraging email from Chuck Hunter at his overseas post. Joe was especially proud that Chuck commented on the great job the chorus is doing at keeping on pitch.
First half singing time included work on a new song “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” which the chorus sang as did the octet Joe selected last week to be ready to sing it this week. They earned applause from their risermates.
Then the chorus dusted off “You Tell Me Your Dream” with some special emphasis on lead unit sound.
They really reaching back and worked on “I’ll Take Manhattan” which Joe shared will be on the Carnegie Hall show per request from the producers.
And finally we sang “God Bless The USA” which we will sing together with Westminster at the June 27th show.
After these tunes, there was a concentrated period of work on the contest ballad. Great comment from Joe: “your face has to be driven by the emotion, not by the visual plan.”
For a quick sing of the uptune, Joe asked Chuck McKeever to work on a few spots to drill the plan.
Before the break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays for the week.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following Harmonizers: 3 years, Noah Van Gilder; 5 years Joel Golden; 13 years, Jeremy Richardson; 17 years, Don Thompson; 19 years, TJ Jones; 25 years, Ken Ives; 27 years, John Grant; 30 years, Dean Rust; and 33 years, Bruce Minnick. Chris shared that he had mailed cards to some fellows who are not here such as Chuck Hunter, 38 years; Terry Jordan, 46 years; Dick Weich, 21 years; Al Hanenbaum, 24 years; Dale Houser, 39 years; and Michael Calhoun, 41 years.
Dan O’Brien introduced guests, include YeEd’s family.
After the break for refreshments and recharge, there were some announcements. Reminder was given to sign up for the visual studios at the sign up table.
Brad Jones thanked the many helpers who volunteered during the whole day on Saturday to assist with the Youth Festival sponsored by the chapter along with the Vienna Falls Sweet Adeline chapter. There have been good comments back from music educators and ideas shared on how to get more students to attend next year. Brad appreciated the support of both BHS and SAI for materials. And of course thanks to CAPRI for singing and helping with the girls session; and to Erin Odell who came up from St. Louis, MO, to be dean of the their session. Wayne Grimmer was dean of the boys session and our chapter quartet, THE GROOMSEN sang. The chorus sang with the 30 young people who made up the youth chorus.
Terry Reynolds spoke about the self evaluation process and upcoming deadlines.
President Newton reminded the chorus that we will sing at the Atlantic Division contest in DE on Saturday, May 15 (a mandatory event for the chorus members going to Philly). Dick also stressed that altho we are not singing as a chorus at the Southern Division contest in Roanoke, May 28-28, we are all encouraged to attend. Wear a Harmo logo shirt to show our support as we will likely have a lot of guys competing in quartets that weekend and want to show that we support the division event.
Back to singing.
Tony directed the uptune and Joe coached by drilling and drilling and helping the guys “get it” in their minds and hearts. There were some fantastic results after the drills and all were pleased.
(YeEd notes that the knee pads are back for some in the front row!)
We ended the workout flyin high with great music, good visuals, and pride!
For many, it was get the hall dismantled and get over to the 815 for afterglow as fast as possible.
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.)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Looking Back on the March 16th Chapter Meeting
The energy was high in the room starting at 6 tonite. Crowds came for the visual reviews on the stage with McKeever. The risers and mirrors and equipment setup was on the way early tonite too. Folks knew we were gonna work hard on the ballad tonite and continue our work on the contest package.
Some special guests were in the house too. Director Joe is chair of the Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus Director Development committee. That group is meeting at Hamo House on Wednesday the 17th. So we were happy to have Mike O’Neill from BHS staff; Charlie Metzger, a past seniors’ quartet champ; and our own John Hohl with us for the evening. Terry Reynolds is on that committee also.
We had coffee on early so that helped. Thanks to those who brought goodies – we can use more each week. One guys brought in the Girl Scout cookies!! It seemed like more guys were on time this week. And YeEd noted that those who didn’t quite make the 7 pm riser call were arriving in the next 15 minutes vs. 30. So we are making progress.
Steve Lingo and YeEd are working to revive the pizza service before the meeting each week, in cooperation with the FRIENDS group. So stay tuned for details, especially if you must come to chapter right from work, as many of us do.
Will Cox got the warm ups started. Joe then worked on humming exercise and pitch training exercises. While the chorus warmed with humming, he made many announcements and charged the guys to keep working toward on time arrivals, teased about a future event in the life of the chapter that he has not released yet, and keep the guys involved with their bodies and faces.
Joe took up the challenge to hold the sound on the pipe for long pitch exercise this week. Guess we may be passing that duty on to a new guy each week.
Work began on one of the new songs for the repertoire; Joe Sawyer had computer/projector duties tonite.
Next we did a contest package run thru and then it was time for Geri!!!
Geri Geis and Royall were here and she jumped right in and started working her magic with the chorus. What a great treat to see and feel it all coming together. And to see the men displaying the emotion of the ballad. For some of us, it was a great return to a past level of performance. For other, it was a first time to really experience the unifying feeling or all selling a song.
Geri assigned home work for the guys. They are each to write her at gerigeis@cox.net with their story about the ballad.
Before the official break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays. Secretary Buechler alerted members to possible delays in getting paperwork processed at BHS headquarters.
Membership man, O’Brien, welcomed the VIP guests who were greeted with the traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song” and with handshakes from the chapter president and the director.
During the break there was a rush to get some thing warm to drink, sign up for things, buy things, take care of chapter business matters, check on uniforms, and say hi to a buddy. After the break, there was the usual run of announcements.
There is a board meeting Wednesday nite at Lee Center.
Eric Wallen congratulated our guys who were in quartets this past weekend for the prelims – Mike Kelly, Mike Wallen and John Reece.
Past President Brad reminded all of the Youth Harmony Festival this Saturday. Many have signed on to help with registration, support, escorting and hauling in supplies. The chorus sings at the end of the day – chorus call is 6 pm. Joe promises an email with more details. There is also a need for a riser/set up crew Friday nite from 6-8. Guys were also asked to bring snacks, especially cookies and fruit, to Durant on Fri. eve to serve on Sat.
Brad then presented the Harmonizer Memorial Award tray to John Hohl, who was not able to come to the recent award nite Presidents’ Ball from FL. John offered comments of appreciation for the 40-years he has been part of the chapter.
Then John took the mic again to present Joe his long over-due Master Director plaque issued for the BHS.
Details about the Westminster show were announced. Visual studio dates for the quads have been announced. These sessions are mandatory. So sign up.
Terry Reynolds offered more suggestions to guys on using the new and expanded self evaluation process, which is online.
As a special treat, Joe introduced one of the chapter’s newest small groups – TBD. They sang one of their new songs. It was great to see the fun they have singing together.
Then it was back to work on the uptune for the contest. Great work and progress made on the singing and interp. Constant review of the visual plan including some “enHANSENments” that have come from Cindy, who has seen the tapes of recent rehearsals.
The guys got things put away fast and many came to the afterglow at 815. Some guys have a long drive each Tuesday nite, and they are missed at the afterglow. Maybe warmer weather when it is also still light outside, they can stay.
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.)
Some special guests were in the house too. Director Joe is chair of the Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus Director Development committee. That group is meeting at Hamo House on Wednesday the 17th. So we were happy to have Mike O’Neill from BHS staff; Charlie Metzger, a past seniors’ quartet champ; and our own John Hohl with us for the evening. Terry Reynolds is on that committee also.
We had coffee on early so that helped. Thanks to those who brought goodies – we can use more each week. One guys brought in the Girl Scout cookies!! It seemed like more guys were on time this week. And YeEd noted that those who didn’t quite make the 7 pm riser call were arriving in the next 15 minutes vs. 30. So we are making progress.
Steve Lingo and YeEd are working to revive the pizza service before the meeting each week, in cooperation with the FRIENDS group. So stay tuned for details, especially if you must come to chapter right from work, as many of us do.
Will Cox got the warm ups started. Joe then worked on humming exercise and pitch training exercises. While the chorus warmed with humming, he made many announcements and charged the guys to keep working toward on time arrivals, teased about a future event in the life of the chapter that he has not released yet, and keep the guys involved with their bodies and faces.
Joe took up the challenge to hold the sound on the pipe for long pitch exercise this week. Guess we may be passing that duty on to a new guy each week.
Work began on one of the new songs for the repertoire; Joe Sawyer had computer/projector duties tonite.
Next we did a contest package run thru and then it was time for Geri!!!
Geri Geis and Royall were here and she jumped right in and started working her magic with the chorus. What a great treat to see and feel it all coming together. And to see the men displaying the emotion of the ballad. For some of us, it was a great return to a past level of performance. For other, it was a first time to really experience the unifying feeling or all selling a song.
Geri assigned home work for the guys. They are each to write her at gerigeis@cox.net with their story about the ballad.
Before the official break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays. Secretary Buechler alerted members to possible delays in getting paperwork processed at BHS headquarters.
Membership man, O’Brien, welcomed the VIP guests who were greeted with the traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song” and with handshakes from the chapter president and the director.
During the break there was a rush to get some thing warm to drink, sign up for things, buy things, take care of chapter business matters, check on uniforms, and say hi to a buddy. After the break, there was the usual run of announcements.
There is a board meeting Wednesday nite at Lee Center.
Eric Wallen congratulated our guys who were in quartets this past weekend for the prelims – Mike Kelly, Mike Wallen and John Reece.
Past President Brad reminded all of the Youth Harmony Festival this Saturday. Many have signed on to help with registration, support, escorting and hauling in supplies. The chorus sings at the end of the day – chorus call is 6 pm. Joe promises an email with more details. There is also a need for a riser/set up crew Friday nite from 6-8. Guys were also asked to bring snacks, especially cookies and fruit, to Durant on Fri. eve to serve on Sat.
Brad then presented the Harmonizer Memorial Award tray to John Hohl, who was not able to come to the recent award nite Presidents’ Ball from FL. John offered comments of appreciation for the 40-years he has been part of the chapter.
Then John took the mic again to present Joe his long over-due Master Director plaque issued for the BHS.
Details about the Westminster show were announced. Visual studio dates for the quads have been announced. These sessions are mandatory. So sign up.
Terry Reynolds offered more suggestions to guys on using the new and expanded self evaluation process, which is online.
As a special treat, Joe introduced one of the chapter’s newest small groups – TBD. They sang one of their new songs. It was great to see the fun they have singing together.
Then it was back to work on the uptune for the contest. Great work and progress made on the singing and interp. Constant review of the visual plan including some “enHANSENments” that have come from Cindy, who has seen the tapes of recent rehearsals.
The guys got things put away fast and many came to the afterglow at 815. Some guys have a long drive each Tuesday nite, and they are missed at the afterglow. Maybe warmer weather when it is also still light outside, they can stay.
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.)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Looking Back on the March 12-13, 2020 Quartet Prelims Contest
A good group of Harmonizers went up to Harrisburg, PA, this weekend to cheer for our quartets that were competing for the right to represent M-AD in the International quartet convention in Philly this summer. The contests and meetings and everything for the Prelims weekend were at the Harrisburg Hilton.
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT is the only quartet that qualified to go from our district.
Mike Kelly’s quartet, ENTOURAGE, came in second. The quartet included Justin Oxley from TX, Chad St. John from OH, and former Harmonizer Ron Rogers also from TX. Mike Wallen’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, only sang Friday nite because of a travel conflict, so did not sing in the finals round. They were in it for evaluation by the judging panel. John Reece, who recently auditioned as a Harmonizer, sang in ON THE ROAD and finished seventh.
Joe Sawyer did a great job as MC for the Friday nite contest session. Steve White sang with three other M-AD quartet champ guys as a mic tester quartet for both Friday and Saturday nite quartet rounds.
In addition to the quartet contest first round and finals round during the weekend, there was a chorus festival on Saturday morning and a Youth Quartet contest before lunch on Saturday too. The festival was by invitation for choruses who agreed to "come sing" and then take advantage of a major coaching session with the judges. They were not given scores, but rankings such as good or superior. Dennis Ritchey was MC for this event. (When he introduced the DC chorus, he introduced their director, Bill Colosimo, as Tony’s Dad.) Chuck Harner was a contest administrator for it.
A similar adjudication process was used for the Youth Quartet event. Joe Cerutti and Gary Plaag were two of the judges for this event. Chris Buechler was contest administrator. There were some great young singers.
Alan Wile was present as official BHS board of director representative. Dick Newton attended the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday to represent our chapter. There were frequent references to our June 27th big show with Westminster including reminders by the MCs and a nice ad in the convention program. People would ask you about it when the found out you were from Alexandria.
Sunday’s House of Delegate meeting included a bunch of our guys who are on the district board or are involved in district leadership. This body is like a house of representatives for the district.
Everyone that went up had fun, did some singing and has likely recovered from the time change after a nite of singing! And a weekend of rain!! Believe it or not, YeEd sang a song with three others guys in the lobby. And so did Terry Jordan.
An attendance list of other Harmonizers, not mentioned above, in Harrisburg for the event includes Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Lew Klinge, Bob Hertz, Ken White, Bob Wachter, Michael Calhoun, Don Dillingham, Chris Yates and Bob Wells. There were also a number of family members and guests from our chapter family.
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 the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT is the only quartet that qualified to go from our district.
Mike Kelly’s quartet, ENTOURAGE, came in second. The quartet included Justin Oxley from TX, Chad St. John from OH, and former Harmonizer Ron Rogers also from TX. Mike Wallen’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, only sang Friday nite because of a travel conflict, so did not sing in the finals round. They were in it for evaluation by the judging panel. John Reece, who recently auditioned as a Harmonizer, sang in ON THE ROAD and finished seventh.
Joe Sawyer did a great job as MC for the Friday nite contest session. Steve White sang with three other M-AD quartet champ guys as a mic tester quartet for both Friday and Saturday nite quartet rounds.
In addition to the quartet contest first round and finals round during the weekend, there was a chorus festival on Saturday morning and a Youth Quartet contest before lunch on Saturday too. The festival was by invitation for choruses who agreed to "come sing" and then take advantage of a major coaching session with the judges. They were not given scores, but rankings such as good or superior. Dennis Ritchey was MC for this event. (When he introduced the DC chorus, he introduced their director, Bill Colosimo, as Tony’s Dad.) Chuck Harner was a contest administrator for it.
A similar adjudication process was used for the Youth Quartet event. Joe Cerutti and Gary Plaag were two of the judges for this event. Chris Buechler was contest administrator. There were some great young singers.
Alan Wile was present as official BHS board of director representative. Dick Newton attended the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday to represent our chapter. There were frequent references to our June 27th big show with Westminster including reminders by the MCs and a nice ad in the convention program. People would ask you about it when the found out you were from Alexandria.
Sunday’s House of Delegate meeting included a bunch of our guys who are on the district board or are involved in district leadership. This body is like a house of representatives for the district.
Everyone that went up had fun, did some singing and has likely recovered from the time change after a nite of singing! And a weekend of rain!! Believe it or not, YeEd sang a song with three others guys in the lobby. And so did Terry Jordan.
An attendance list of other Harmonizers, not mentioned above, in Harrisburg for the event includes Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Lew Klinge, Bob Hertz, Ken White, Bob Wachter, Michael Calhoun, Don Dillingham, Chris Yates and Bob Wells. There were also a number of family members and guests from our chapter family.
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 the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Looking Back on the March 9th Chapter Meeting
YeEd got to Durant a little after 6 and the place was almost totally set up – risers and chairs and tables and such. Mirrors were going up still.
Chuck McKeever’s class was well attended again – the stage was full. Good for you guys who are taking advantage of his enthusiastic training and help in learning moves and focals for the new uptune for Philly.
Funny thing – as warmer weather has come on, the tables around the hall are only half full since guys don’t have all the coats and winter gear. But still a lot of computer bags and briefcases.
Good to see Edris back from college tonite.
YeEd saw Ike Evans adding mug shots of 12 new guys on the photo board we put up in the hall each Tuesday nite. Thanks Ike. It is always good for new guys to be able to see pix of the other men in the chorus and learn the names. And this new feature by Ike helps the oldtimers get to know the name and bio of new guys.
Will Cox took on the vocal warm ups and worked the chorus hard. Then Director Joe continued some learning exercises (such as singing “Mary Had A Little Lamb” while going up and down the scale). Kudos for pitchman Dan O’Brien for holding the key during the whole exercise in one breath.
YeEd also noted that the FRIENDS OF HARMONY had their meeting tonite.
Early singing by the chorus was to review repertoire songs. Joe warned that if a song is listed in the Looking Ahead column Steve White sends out several days prior to each meeting, then everyone is expected to be able to sing it in an octet. New guys are allowed to use music, so be prepared and get the music for the songs you don’t know yet.
There was a buzz around the hall about the new hats for the front row!! Just a sneak preview for us. And a secret for the contest. Front row is getting practice hats soon.
Joe took a minute early to remind all that the uptune has five parts – an intro, three choruses and a tag. He expects guys to be able to start on any one of those five parts at any time. For some new singers, this was a great help and learning experience.
For the chunk of time designated to work on the uptune, Tony Colosimo directed and Joe coached, drilled, counted, pushed, helped, corrected, and cheered. It was a Harmonizer meeting nite at its best!
Also the chorus was tickled to see how the front row has continued to refine and own their routine for the uptune. Congrats.
Just before break time, Mark Klostermeyer suggested guys who wanted to get their tickets for the Westminster show should see Steve Murane. Steve stressed that he had some in hand tonite for those guys who were not comfortable in ordering online.
Vocal and visual evaluators were asked to meet during the break.
Secretary Buechler invited guys who wanted Harmo logo items such as shirts and jackets to see him.
Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome two first time guests and welcomed back some others.
Break time was busy as guys got some coffee, took care of chapter business, make purchases, and visited a little. K12 also asked guys to consider bringing in some goodies to share as the cupboard is bare.
After break, quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, announced the chapter reps in quartets that are competing in Mid Atlantic District Prelims this weekend in Harrisburg, PA. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will sing. His lead is Chad St. John from the Cincinnati area. His bari is Ron Rogers, who lives in TX and is a former Harmonizer. His tenor is Justin Oxley, also from TX. Mike Wallen’s seniors quartet YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT will compete. And Eric himself will compete with CRUNCH TIME at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims.
Eric also offered to help any guys who are interested in finding a quartet – even if you are just one guy and wanna find three parts. Or if your new quartet wants some coaching. The chapter has tons of ways to help, so ask.
Next Ken Fess who is heading up the work for the Westminster show announced late breaking news that we have signed and added MASTERPIECE quartet to the show. They were in the top ten at Anaheim last year. He warmed again, “You better get your tickets for family and friends. Sales are on! Already sold about 500.
Past President Brad presented remaining awards that were reported in YeEd’s previous column that were not made at the recent award banquet.
Terry Reynolds stressed that guys dig in and use the new evaluation system online. He also reminded all: Geri comes next week to work on the ballad, and Cindy comes in three weeks to work on the uptune. Terry also thanked Jeremy Knobel and Brian Ammerman for their technical work on the eval system.
President Newton reported on the recent cuts by our state to cut the financial support for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The state budget for 2011 will not include funding for the arts!!! Members are welcome to speak up for changing this decision.
Dick also reported some huge shows coming for the chapter in the months ahead including the June show with Westminster. Then a show in Bowie at a new art center there. And a 9th time show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for us. Then the big news – the Harmonizers go back to Carnegie Hall in NYC (for our second appearance there) in spring of 2011. Also word is out that we will be getting Lisner Auditorium for our show in fall 2010.
Finally Dick shared with us that the chapter had turned down two offers to come sing outside the USA. Both gigs did not include payment. But interesting to be asked. Thanks to Bruce Lauther for his work on getting some of these gig lined up and for those members who have signed on to be producer!
Singing for the second half of the meeting/rehearsal was all on the ballad. Like old times, Terry Reynolds was using the projector to show the ballad emotion words while the guys sang. Joe was coaching the chorus to emote musically and vocally. Great learning technique.
The rehearsal was vibrant and excitement high, but we had to quit and put things away at 10. A good crowd came to the 815 for an afterglow too.
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.)
Chuck McKeever’s class was well attended again – the stage was full. Good for you guys who are taking advantage of his enthusiastic training and help in learning moves and focals for the new uptune for Philly.
Funny thing – as warmer weather has come on, the tables around the hall are only half full since guys don’t have all the coats and winter gear. But still a lot of computer bags and briefcases.
Good to see Edris back from college tonite.
YeEd saw Ike Evans adding mug shots of 12 new guys on the photo board we put up in the hall each Tuesday nite. Thanks Ike. It is always good for new guys to be able to see pix of the other men in the chorus and learn the names. And this new feature by Ike helps the oldtimers get to know the name and bio of new guys.
Will Cox took on the vocal warm ups and worked the chorus hard. Then Director Joe continued some learning exercises (such as singing “Mary Had A Little Lamb” while going up and down the scale). Kudos for pitchman Dan O’Brien for holding the key during the whole exercise in one breath.
YeEd also noted that the FRIENDS OF HARMONY had their meeting tonite.
Early singing by the chorus was to review repertoire songs. Joe warned that if a song is listed in the Looking Ahead column Steve White sends out several days prior to each meeting, then everyone is expected to be able to sing it in an octet. New guys are allowed to use music, so be prepared and get the music for the songs you don’t know yet.
There was a buzz around the hall about the new hats for the front row!! Just a sneak preview for us. And a secret for the contest. Front row is getting practice hats soon.
Joe took a minute early to remind all that the uptune has five parts – an intro, three choruses and a tag. He expects guys to be able to start on any one of those five parts at any time. For some new singers, this was a great help and learning experience.
For the chunk of time designated to work on the uptune, Tony Colosimo directed and Joe coached, drilled, counted, pushed, helped, corrected, and cheered. It was a Harmonizer meeting nite at its best!
Also the chorus was tickled to see how the front row has continued to refine and own their routine for the uptune. Congrats.
Just before break time, Mark Klostermeyer suggested guys who wanted to get their tickets for the Westminster show should see Steve Murane. Steve stressed that he had some in hand tonite for those guys who were not comfortable in ordering online.
Vocal and visual evaluators were asked to meet during the break.
Secretary Buechler invited guys who wanted Harmo logo items such as shirts and jackets to see him.
Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome two first time guests and welcomed back some others.
Break time was busy as guys got some coffee, took care of chapter business, make purchases, and visited a little. K12 also asked guys to consider bringing in some goodies to share as the cupboard is bare.
After break, quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, announced the chapter reps in quartets that are competing in Mid Atlantic District Prelims this weekend in Harrisburg, PA. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will sing. His lead is Chad St. John from the Cincinnati area. His bari is Ron Rogers, who lives in TX and is a former Harmonizer. His tenor is Justin Oxley, also from TX. Mike Wallen’s seniors quartet YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT will compete. And Eric himself will compete with CRUNCH TIME at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims.
Eric also offered to help any guys who are interested in finding a quartet – even if you are just one guy and wanna find three parts. Or if your new quartet wants some coaching. The chapter has tons of ways to help, so ask.
Next Ken Fess who is heading up the work for the Westminster show announced late breaking news that we have signed and added MASTERPIECE quartet to the show. They were in the top ten at Anaheim last year. He warmed again, “You better get your tickets for family and friends. Sales are on! Already sold about 500.
Past President Brad presented remaining awards that were reported in YeEd’s previous column that were not made at the recent award banquet.
Terry Reynolds stressed that guys dig in and use the new evaluation system online. He also reminded all: Geri comes next week to work on the ballad, and Cindy comes in three weeks to work on the uptune. Terry also thanked Jeremy Knobel and Brian Ammerman for their technical work on the eval system.
President Newton reported on the recent cuts by our state to cut the financial support for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The state budget for 2011 will not include funding for the arts!!! Members are welcome to speak up for changing this decision.
Dick also reported some huge shows coming for the chapter in the months ahead including the June show with Westminster. Then a show in Bowie at a new art center there. And a 9th time show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for us. Then the big news – the Harmonizers go back to Carnegie Hall in NYC (for our second appearance there) in spring of 2011. Also word is out that we will be getting Lisner Auditorium for our show in fall 2010.
Finally Dick shared with us that the chapter had turned down two offers to come sing outside the USA. Both gigs did not include payment. But interesting to be asked. Thanks to Bruce Lauther for his work on getting some of these gig lined up and for those members who have signed on to be producer!
Singing for the second half of the meeting/rehearsal was all on the ballad. Like old times, Terry Reynolds was using the projector to show the ballad emotion words while the guys sang. Joe was coaching the chorus to emote musically and vocally. Great learning technique.
The rehearsal was vibrant and excitement high, but we had to quit and put things away at 10. A good crowd came to the 815 for an afterglow too.
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.)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Looking Back on Feb. 28th, 2010 Presidents’ Ball
The 37th annual Presidents’ Ball was held Sunday nite, Feb. 28th at the Durant Center for the Arts on Cameron Street. A large crowd, nearly 130, attended this event hosted by Immediate Past President Brad Jones, and all previous past chapter presidents.
This was a good crowd considering that the early February snows caused us to have
to change the date.This event is a long standing tradition.
The first ball was held in a bank with fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans catered, and highlighted the swearing in of the new board. Over the years the Presidents’ Ball has been held in a church, a temple, a sailing club, and various military clubs; and has covered the gamut from pot luck dinners to buffet style, to formal plated dinners.The event evolved to include some dancing and we added the presentation of the chapter’s major awards, making the overall theme the recognition of the successes of the past year and the launch of the new board into its upcoming endeavors. It became traditional for a period of time to have a well-known barbershopper to present a keynote address and swear in the board. The formality of the event ebbed and flowed (at least once tuxes were worn), and there have been periods of having some barbershop entertainment.This year’s Ball was a return to some of those traditional beginnings and the feelings of growth and pride for an exciting new year for a great chapter.
Thanks for sure to Brad Jones for all of his detailed work to make it all happen. And to Bob Rhome who checked with city officials (after Jim Lucey learned we could indeed have a bar and reception at the Center), picked up the license not once, but twice coordinating the snow date change, and did his usual great job of making arrangements with the city Rec Dept.
So the night began with a reception in the lobby at Durant, with a cash bar (with special “pre-mixed” Martini’s and Cosmos by Lew Klinge), and hors d’oeuvres brought by some of the members. Bob Eckman staffed the table to help all guests find their tables – like you might have done at a wedding reception.At 6:30, guests were welcomed into the main hall at Durant to be seated for dinner.
A yearly photo summary created by Scipio Garling was shown in the front of the hall while folks got settled.
The tables were decorated in black table cloths with mirrored floating candles, and star centerpieces and confetti to carry on the You Make The Difference star theme from Immediate Past President Brad’s year. After a brief welcome, Lew Klinge invited each table to the buffet line (the main course was catered and the sides and salads and desserts brought by the members).
Keynote speaker for this year’s Ball was Mark Hale, director of the gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. After everyone had obtained their meal, Brad welcomed everyone and introduced Mark Hale. Mark spoke about the successes of the chapter and the challenges a chapter and chorus must face in order to continue to succeed in competition, in chapter growth, in maintaining its traditions and in being a leader for the whole barbershop world.
Current president Dick Newton was then called up and he introduced the 2010 board. Mark Hale issued the oath and officially declared them installed to serve the chapter. President, Dick Newton; Immediate Past President, Brad Jones; Vice President for Chapter Development, Dan O’Brien; VP for Marketing and Public Relations, Scipio Garling; VP for Music and Performance, Terry Reynolds; VP for Operations, Mark Klostermeyer; VP for Shows, Ken Rub; Secretary, Chris Buechler; Treasurer, Howard Nestlerode; Members at Large, Bob Blair, Scott Kahler, Phil Ferguson, Noah Van Gilder.
Incoming president Dick recognized outgoing president Brad Jones with his past president’s pin and a thank you plaque with gavel.
MC for the evening, Brad, introduced the VIP guests Royall and Geri Geis; and Jerry Eiler, who tho not a member of the chapter, is a leading White House Ornament salesman. Brad next called Sandy Stamps up who introduced the officers of the Friends In Harmony and Brad presented them with a silver star You Make The Difference pin as he has done to many members during the past year. This years officers are: Sandy Stamps, president; Jean Stewart, past president; Carol Dangel, secretary; Ina Berkey, assistant secretary; Sandy Stamps, treasurer; Linda Odell, art director; Carolyn Hall, Sunshine chair; and Kitty Curtis, communications and usher chair.
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. The riser rat awards this year go to: Tom Berky, Bob Blair, Bill Depuy Len Dornberger, Scott Kahler, Howard Nestlerode, Jack Pitzer, Bob Rhome, Dennis Ritchey, Dean Rust. Those not present will be getting their riser rat awards at chapter meetings.
In a slight change to tradition, instead of Meritorious Service Plaques, Brad presented Special Star Shaped Presidential You Make The Difference awards. His presentation for those that were at the Ball were as follows:
Bob Rhome – Bob is that steadfast person that takes care of so many details that can be missed or often have to be done at the last minute. Always offering to help, he arranges for rehearsal and meeting space, helps on the Youth festival, makes sure such things such as props and projectors are remembered for rehearsals and shows. And as mentioned
earlier, obtained liquor licenses for planned and snow dates for the Balls.
Mark Klostermeyer – If Joe Cerutti is our general, Mark is our drill sergeant. He gets us where we need to be for every show and contest. He monitors time for rehearsals and keeps us where we need to be to accomplish what we have to each week. He regularly provides help to us in framing items for coaches and guest quartets, and he supports all our raffle and auction activities.
Steve White – Steve is one of the steadfast members of the chapter who quietly helps us continually move in the right direction. We all know that he has performance skills we aspire to achieve. His stepping in to provide our electronic rehearsal plans available early in the week so we can prepare for rehearsals and so we know key dates is another piece of what allows us to continue on the path of improvement. It is an immense help to the music vp or chapter president to know you don’t have to specifically remember to remind someone to send out reminders to the chapter about new dates and assignments…because Steve routinely takes care of the electronic notice of those items.
Terry Jordan – (Presented at the following Tuesday rehearsal, March 2nd ) When I became president one of the challenges for me was to try to find the things that worked in the past that we had forgotten and either bring them back or update them to keep feeding the energy in the chapter. Terry Jordan steadfastly comes to rehearsals and provides reminders to me of courtesies, practices and traditions of the chapter that have their root in the family feeling and successes of this chapter. He is aware of the demonstrated benefits of these traditions…but also is aware of why certain ideas should not be pursued because they have been tried and found wanting by the chapter over the years. I receive written material and reminders from Terry that include good information that could be lost in our electronically focused world. For helping me avoid errors and in helping make me be more effective he deserves to be recognized as someone who Makes The Difference.
Jerry Eiler – We have for some years now had a very successful fundraiser for the Harmonizers. Our White House ornament sales have been important to the financial health of this chapter. We have some top sellers from this fundraiser that are recognized in your program. One person on that list has continually been there over the years, but frequently has missed hearing our accolades to the top salesmen because he helps this chapter on this fundraiser although he is not a Harmonizer. We should thank Jerry for representing the spirit of our entire barbershop world with his unselfish support of this chapter. For his long-term support of this chapter and its efforts, I am very pleased to present the You Make The Difference award to Jerry Eiler.
Lew Klinge – Some members contribute by their organizational skills, others by their musical skills. Lew Klinge contributes with his spirit. A humorous MC for our put together contest, a host not only for our coaches (who all want to return to his wit and charm), taking care of the harmo suite at district, preparing the Martini’s and Cosmos you’ve been enjoying tonight because he knows so many of you enjoy them…the many things that help make this a Harmonizer family. Lew makes a very big difference to our chapter.
Josh Roots – (To be presented at a future chapter meeting.) Josh was a relatively new member of the chapter when, early in my year as president and without any experience in running such a program, he stepped forward to run the singing Valentine program in 2009. Never letting the challenges discourage him, he was able to work through to a successful program and he volunteered to carry forward to use his experience to head the Valentines program in 2010 when snow would provide other challenges. Josh made the difference for our chapter
Jack Pitzer – (Also to be presented at a future chapter meeting.) Jack could not attend the banquet. I want to recognize Jack for many things we see around the chapter each week – Harmonizer moments in History, coffee each week, assistance on Singing Valentines, a weekly report called Looking Back; and as a former presentation judge, he offers critique and help each week to Joe and our presentation team, I’ve mentioned earlier his valuable assistance in preparing for this Presidents’ ball. Jack Pitzer truly makes a difference!
Then Brad presented the standing chapter awards:
Harmonizer Memorial Award – The Harmonizer Memorial Award is given in memory of the men who have died while members of the chapter. It is the highest honor the chapter can bestow, recognizing Harmonizers who, during the entire period of chapter membership, have unselfishly devoted themselves to outstanding service to the chapter. While it is traditional to wait until the individual is present to reveal the award winner, our rescheduling means it may be a while till that can happen. I also think that it is appropriate that the many of you here have the opportunity to recognize this individual. I am very proud to announce that the Harmonizer Memorial Award goes to John Hohl.
John’s contributions and roles in the world of barbershop and this chapter are as varied as you can imagine. What role has John not taken both within this chapter and in the society generally? He’s achieved acclaimed success as a director (of at least seven choruses that I know of, including the Harmonizers), an arranger whose arrangements of songs (numbering more than 200) have graced performances for show audiences and on the international competitive stage. The Harmonizers will be forever grateful for his giving us a single tune “There Will Always be a Place On the Risers for You” that in a short musical poem says so much about what makes this chapter great. He’s been an international level quartet member representing the chapter and making us proud with seven international quartet medals, including a silver medal second place finish, with the legendary NOVA CHORDS and VAUDEVILLE. He achieved a bronze medal in the international senior’s quartet contest with the quartet AULD LANG SYNE. He’s been a judge, a coach to quartets and choruses too numerous to count, a teacher promoting the development of new directors within our district and society, a consultant helping our music team evaluate and improve contest vehicles, a willing source of thoughts and ideas to me over the last few years giving me the benefit of his experiences. I’m sure I’ve missed some of the many roles and contributions he has made to the chapter and society. It gives me great pleasure personally and on behalf of the Alexandria Harmonizer to award the Harmonizers highest honor, the Harmonizer Memorial Award, to John Hohl.
Oz Newgard Memorial Award – The Oz Newgard Memorial Award is presented in memory of Oz Newgard, the chapter musical director from 1962 – 1970. It is given to the Harmonizer who has made a significant contribution to the chapter’s music program during the year. This year’s recipient came to the chapter several years ago and began immediately to work to help each of us grow in our knowledge and skills concerning our singing passion. He had some definitive views at what had made us unique over our history, even though he hadn’t been with us at the time. He set out to understand what we needed not just as a chorus, but as a chapter. He thoughtfully listened, applied sound judgment in sifting the ideas of both chapter members and coaches to push what we could do and move us always to a higher level of performance. He not only supported our goals of entertaining audiences and competition at an international level, he did whatever was asked of him that might help us achieve our goals. He coached individuals and worked countless hours behind the scenes to make sure every impediment to our success was removed if it was within his power. He showed us that taking a difficult eight part arrangement and challenging ourselves in a joint performance with the Pride of Baltimore Chorus can lead and improvement in our skills and to another of the Harmonizer Breathless Moments. He is well on his way to becoming a legend in the barbershop world despite his tender years…The Oz Newgard award is presented this year to our Musical Director, Joe Cerutti.
Ibbianne & Wilbur Sparks Award – The Ibbiane and Wilbur Sparks Award recognizes the contributions of our extended Harmonizer “Family” to the success and well-being of the chapter. Given to a Harmonizer family in the broad sense of the word for outstanding service over a period of time. This year’s recipients have worked tirelessly and consistently over a very extended period to time to support almost every facet of our chapter activities. He assures we take care of the required processes to get new members in place, recognize renewals, have met requirements for contest registration, have the paperwork that backs up our activities, and have up-to-date rosters and email contacts so that the incredible flow of information required to run the chapter reaches each of you. This just touches the surface of the many things he has done for the chapter and the Society this year and over the years.She keeps attendance each week and assures we know who participates in each performance. She provides experienced advice on colors and fabric impacts under stage lighting. She handles the lighting for our shows and adds one more measure of what makes this chapter look a little more professional in every performance.They both together were key in helping the New York show be a success, lending their knowledge and talent to the Manhattan Chapter. This year’s recipients of the Ibbianne and Wilber Sparks Award are Dixie Kennett and Chris Buechler.
New Note of the Year Award – The New Note of the Year Award is given to the member of the chapter who has contributed outstanding service to the chapter during his first year of membership. This years recipient was barely in the door when his smile and clear sense of humor quickly led to a request that he help with the scripting of the holiday show at the end of 2008…resulting in an audience pleasing story of Terry in the Box. Continuing the contributions into 2009 during his first year, he helped conceptualize updates to the chapter web page, participated in quarteting promotions, joined and competed with a college quartet, and assisted our marketing vp with marketing efforts. A very full first year as a barbershop makes the 2009 New Note of the Year Award recipient Noah Van Gilder.
Spirit of Harmony Award – The Spirit of Harmony Award is presented to the Harmonizer who during the year best exemplified the fundamental Society qualities of congeniality and good character and who worked hardest to encourage participation in vocal harmony by the chapter visitors and members. This year’s recipient has worked tirelessly to see that visitors and both new and veteran members of the chapter are considered in every decision made by the board or music team. He always makes our guests feel welcomed. He assures we follow up with our guests. He searches the practices of the entire society for ideas and techniques that can help us achieve growth and retention of members. He has planned and run a series of extremely successful guest nights. He is a key component of the efforts that have the chapter performing chorus solidly back into triple figures and he continues to work to push us past the 120 performing members before Philadelphia. The recipient of this years Spirit of Harmony award is Dan O’Brien.
Harmonizer Honor Award – (Presented at Chapter Meeting on Tuesday, March 2nd) – The Harmonizer Honor Award is presented to a Harmonizer who has contributed during the year above and beyond the usual expected of members. This year’s recipient, after only a short time as a barbershopper, stepped willingly into a major role in producing one of our major shows. He helped organize three performing groups plus the Harmonizers. He worked with never a complaint to add new twists and ideas that were suggested to him to the Holiday show. He kept informed and involved in everything from food service developments to script writing, decorations, props, and setup of auction and speed painting raffles. With his significant help we had a crowd pleasing success that was the most financially successful holiday show so far! The recipient of the 2009 Harmonizer Honor Award is Jeremy Knobel.
After the award ceremonies and formal program, DJ Pete Frank, who had come down from Erie, PA, provided great music for dancing.
Other thank yous go to Scott Kahler and Dennis Ritchey for help with sound set up; and the others who helped set up crew on Sunday afternoon - Bob Rhome, Bob Eckman, Chris Buechler, Lew Klinge, Stephan Germer (Lew’s guest), Dean Rust, Sam McFarland, Drew Fuller...and Adele Jones.
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 that are held during the year by the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
This was a good crowd considering that the early February snows caused us to have
to change the date.This event is a long standing tradition.
The first ball was held in a bank with fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans catered, and highlighted the swearing in of the new board. Over the years the Presidents’ Ball has been held in a church, a temple, a sailing club, and various military clubs; and has covered the gamut from pot luck dinners to buffet style, to formal plated dinners.The event evolved to include some dancing and we added the presentation of the chapter’s major awards, making the overall theme the recognition of the successes of the past year and the launch of the new board into its upcoming endeavors. It became traditional for a period of time to have a well-known barbershopper to present a keynote address and swear in the board. The formality of the event ebbed and flowed (at least once tuxes were worn), and there have been periods of having some barbershop entertainment.This year’s Ball was a return to some of those traditional beginnings and the feelings of growth and pride for an exciting new year for a great chapter.
Thanks for sure to Brad Jones for all of his detailed work to make it all happen. And to Bob Rhome who checked with city officials (after Jim Lucey learned we could indeed have a bar and reception at the Center), picked up the license not once, but twice coordinating the snow date change, and did his usual great job of making arrangements with the city Rec Dept.
So the night began with a reception in the lobby at Durant, with a cash bar (with special “pre-mixed” Martini’s and Cosmos by Lew Klinge), and hors d’oeuvres brought by some of the members. Bob Eckman staffed the table to help all guests find their tables – like you might have done at a wedding reception.At 6:30, guests were welcomed into the main hall at Durant to be seated for dinner.
A yearly photo summary created by Scipio Garling was shown in the front of the hall while folks got settled.
The tables were decorated in black table cloths with mirrored floating candles, and star centerpieces and confetti to carry on the You Make The Difference star theme from Immediate Past President Brad’s year. After a brief welcome, Lew Klinge invited each table to the buffet line (the main course was catered and the sides and salads and desserts brought by the members).
Keynote speaker for this year’s Ball was Mark Hale, director of the gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. After everyone had obtained their meal, Brad welcomed everyone and introduced Mark Hale. Mark spoke about the successes of the chapter and the challenges a chapter and chorus must face in order to continue to succeed in competition, in chapter growth, in maintaining its traditions and in being a leader for the whole barbershop world.
Current president Dick Newton was then called up and he introduced the 2010 board. Mark Hale issued the oath and officially declared them installed to serve the chapter. President, Dick Newton; Immediate Past President, Brad Jones; Vice President for Chapter Development, Dan O’Brien; VP for Marketing and Public Relations, Scipio Garling; VP for Music and Performance, Terry Reynolds; VP for Operations, Mark Klostermeyer; VP for Shows, Ken Rub; Secretary, Chris Buechler; Treasurer, Howard Nestlerode; Members at Large, Bob Blair, Scott Kahler, Phil Ferguson, Noah Van Gilder.
Incoming president Dick recognized outgoing president Brad Jones with his past president’s pin and a thank you plaque with gavel.
MC for the evening, Brad, introduced the VIP guests Royall and Geri Geis; and Jerry Eiler, who tho not a member of the chapter, is a leading White House Ornament salesman. Brad next called Sandy Stamps up who introduced the officers of the Friends In Harmony and Brad presented them with a silver star You Make The Difference pin as he has done to many members during the past year. This years officers are: Sandy Stamps, president; Jean Stewart, past president; Carol Dangel, secretary; Ina Berkey, assistant secretary; Sandy Stamps, treasurer; Linda Odell, art director; Carolyn Hall, Sunshine chair; and Kitty Curtis, communications and usher chair.
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. The riser rat awards this year go to: Tom Berky, Bob Blair, Bill Depuy Len Dornberger, Scott Kahler, Howard Nestlerode, Jack Pitzer, Bob Rhome, Dennis Ritchey, Dean Rust. Those not present will be getting their riser rat awards at chapter meetings.
In a slight change to tradition, instead of Meritorious Service Plaques, Brad presented Special Star Shaped Presidential You Make The Difference awards. His presentation for those that were at the Ball were as follows:
Bob Rhome – Bob is that steadfast person that takes care of so many details that can be missed or often have to be done at the last minute. Always offering to help, he arranges for rehearsal and meeting space, helps on the Youth festival, makes sure such things such as props and projectors are remembered for rehearsals and shows. And as mentioned
earlier, obtained liquor licenses for planned and snow dates for the Balls.
Mark Klostermeyer – If Joe Cerutti is our general, Mark is our drill sergeant. He gets us where we need to be for every show and contest. He monitors time for rehearsals and keeps us where we need to be to accomplish what we have to each week. He regularly provides help to us in framing items for coaches and guest quartets, and he supports all our raffle and auction activities.
Steve White – Steve is one of the steadfast members of the chapter who quietly helps us continually move in the right direction. We all know that he has performance skills we aspire to achieve. His stepping in to provide our electronic rehearsal plans available early in the week so we can prepare for rehearsals and so we know key dates is another piece of what allows us to continue on the path of improvement. It is an immense help to the music vp or chapter president to know you don’t have to specifically remember to remind someone to send out reminders to the chapter about new dates and assignments…because Steve routinely takes care of the electronic notice of those items.
Terry Jordan – (Presented at the following Tuesday rehearsal, March 2nd ) When I became president one of the challenges for me was to try to find the things that worked in the past that we had forgotten and either bring them back or update them to keep feeding the energy in the chapter. Terry Jordan steadfastly comes to rehearsals and provides reminders to me of courtesies, practices and traditions of the chapter that have their root in the family feeling and successes of this chapter. He is aware of the demonstrated benefits of these traditions…but also is aware of why certain ideas should not be pursued because they have been tried and found wanting by the chapter over the years. I receive written material and reminders from Terry that include good information that could be lost in our electronically focused world. For helping me avoid errors and in helping make me be more effective he deserves to be recognized as someone who Makes The Difference.
Jerry Eiler – We have for some years now had a very successful fundraiser for the Harmonizers. Our White House ornament sales have been important to the financial health of this chapter. We have some top sellers from this fundraiser that are recognized in your program. One person on that list has continually been there over the years, but frequently has missed hearing our accolades to the top salesmen because he helps this chapter on this fundraiser although he is not a Harmonizer. We should thank Jerry for representing the spirit of our entire barbershop world with his unselfish support of this chapter. For his long-term support of this chapter and its efforts, I am very pleased to present the You Make The Difference award to Jerry Eiler.
Lew Klinge – Some members contribute by their organizational skills, others by their musical skills. Lew Klinge contributes with his spirit. A humorous MC for our put together contest, a host not only for our coaches (who all want to return to his wit and charm), taking care of the harmo suite at district, preparing the Martini’s and Cosmos you’ve been enjoying tonight because he knows so many of you enjoy them…the many things that help make this a Harmonizer family. Lew makes a very big difference to our chapter.
Josh Roots – (To be presented at a future chapter meeting.) Josh was a relatively new member of the chapter when, early in my year as president and without any experience in running such a program, he stepped forward to run the singing Valentine program in 2009. Never letting the challenges discourage him, he was able to work through to a successful program and he volunteered to carry forward to use his experience to head the Valentines program in 2010 when snow would provide other challenges. Josh made the difference for our chapter
Jack Pitzer – (Also to be presented at a future chapter meeting.) Jack could not attend the banquet. I want to recognize Jack for many things we see around the chapter each week – Harmonizer moments in History, coffee each week, assistance on Singing Valentines, a weekly report called Looking Back; and as a former presentation judge, he offers critique and help each week to Joe and our presentation team, I’ve mentioned earlier his valuable assistance in preparing for this Presidents’ ball. Jack Pitzer truly makes a difference!
Then Brad presented the standing chapter awards:
Harmonizer Memorial Award – The Harmonizer Memorial Award is given in memory of the men who have died while members of the chapter. It is the highest honor the chapter can bestow, recognizing Harmonizers who, during the entire period of chapter membership, have unselfishly devoted themselves to outstanding service to the chapter. While it is traditional to wait until the individual is present to reveal the award winner, our rescheduling means it may be a while till that can happen. I also think that it is appropriate that the many of you here have the opportunity to recognize this individual. I am very proud to announce that the Harmonizer Memorial Award goes to John Hohl.
John’s contributions and roles in the world of barbershop and this chapter are as varied as you can imagine. What role has John not taken both within this chapter and in the society generally? He’s achieved acclaimed success as a director (of at least seven choruses that I know of, including the Harmonizers), an arranger whose arrangements of songs (numbering more than 200) have graced performances for show audiences and on the international competitive stage. The Harmonizers will be forever grateful for his giving us a single tune “There Will Always be a Place On the Risers for You” that in a short musical poem says so much about what makes this chapter great. He’s been an international level quartet member representing the chapter and making us proud with seven international quartet medals, including a silver medal second place finish, with the legendary NOVA CHORDS and VAUDEVILLE. He achieved a bronze medal in the international senior’s quartet contest with the quartet AULD LANG SYNE. He’s been a judge, a coach to quartets and choruses too numerous to count, a teacher promoting the development of new directors within our district and society, a consultant helping our music team evaluate and improve contest vehicles, a willing source of thoughts and ideas to me over the last few years giving me the benefit of his experiences. I’m sure I’ve missed some of the many roles and contributions he has made to the chapter and society. It gives me great pleasure personally and on behalf of the Alexandria Harmonizer to award the Harmonizers highest honor, the Harmonizer Memorial Award, to John Hohl.
Oz Newgard Memorial Award – The Oz Newgard Memorial Award is presented in memory of Oz Newgard, the chapter musical director from 1962 – 1970. It is given to the Harmonizer who has made a significant contribution to the chapter’s music program during the year. This year’s recipient came to the chapter several years ago and began immediately to work to help each of us grow in our knowledge and skills concerning our singing passion. He had some definitive views at what had made us unique over our history, even though he hadn’t been with us at the time. He set out to understand what we needed not just as a chorus, but as a chapter. He thoughtfully listened, applied sound judgment in sifting the ideas of both chapter members and coaches to push what we could do and move us always to a higher level of performance. He not only supported our goals of entertaining audiences and competition at an international level, he did whatever was asked of him that might help us achieve our goals. He coached individuals and worked countless hours behind the scenes to make sure every impediment to our success was removed if it was within his power. He showed us that taking a difficult eight part arrangement and challenging ourselves in a joint performance with the Pride of Baltimore Chorus can lead and improvement in our skills and to another of the Harmonizer Breathless Moments. He is well on his way to becoming a legend in the barbershop world despite his tender years…The Oz Newgard award is presented this year to our Musical Director, Joe Cerutti.
Ibbianne & Wilbur Sparks Award – The Ibbiane and Wilbur Sparks Award recognizes the contributions of our extended Harmonizer “Family” to the success and well-being of the chapter. Given to a Harmonizer family in the broad sense of the word for outstanding service over a period of time. This year’s recipients have worked tirelessly and consistently over a very extended period to time to support almost every facet of our chapter activities. He assures we take care of the required processes to get new members in place, recognize renewals, have met requirements for contest registration, have the paperwork that backs up our activities, and have up-to-date rosters and email contacts so that the incredible flow of information required to run the chapter reaches each of you. This just touches the surface of the many things he has done for the chapter and the Society this year and over the years.She keeps attendance each week and assures we know who participates in each performance. She provides experienced advice on colors and fabric impacts under stage lighting. She handles the lighting for our shows and adds one more measure of what makes this chapter look a little more professional in every performance.They both together were key in helping the New York show be a success, lending their knowledge and talent to the Manhattan Chapter. This year’s recipients of the Ibbianne and Wilber Sparks Award are Dixie Kennett and Chris Buechler.
New Note of the Year Award – The New Note of the Year Award is given to the member of the chapter who has contributed outstanding service to the chapter during his first year of membership. This years recipient was barely in the door when his smile and clear sense of humor quickly led to a request that he help with the scripting of the holiday show at the end of 2008…resulting in an audience pleasing story of Terry in the Box. Continuing the contributions into 2009 during his first year, he helped conceptualize updates to the chapter web page, participated in quarteting promotions, joined and competed with a college quartet, and assisted our marketing vp with marketing efforts. A very full first year as a barbershop makes the 2009 New Note of the Year Award recipient Noah Van Gilder.
Spirit of Harmony Award – The Spirit of Harmony Award is presented to the Harmonizer who during the year best exemplified the fundamental Society qualities of congeniality and good character and who worked hardest to encourage participation in vocal harmony by the chapter visitors and members. This year’s recipient has worked tirelessly to see that visitors and both new and veteran members of the chapter are considered in every decision made by the board or music team. He always makes our guests feel welcomed. He assures we follow up with our guests. He searches the practices of the entire society for ideas and techniques that can help us achieve growth and retention of members. He has planned and run a series of extremely successful guest nights. He is a key component of the efforts that have the chapter performing chorus solidly back into triple figures and he continues to work to push us past the 120 performing members before Philadelphia. The recipient of this years Spirit of Harmony award is Dan O’Brien.
Harmonizer Honor Award – (Presented at Chapter Meeting on Tuesday, March 2nd) – The Harmonizer Honor Award is presented to a Harmonizer who has contributed during the year above and beyond the usual expected of members. This year’s recipient, after only a short time as a barbershopper, stepped willingly into a major role in producing one of our major shows. He helped organize three performing groups plus the Harmonizers. He worked with never a complaint to add new twists and ideas that were suggested to him to the Holiday show. He kept informed and involved in everything from food service developments to script writing, decorations, props, and setup of auction and speed painting raffles. With his significant help we had a crowd pleasing success that was the most financially successful holiday show so far! The recipient of the 2009 Harmonizer Honor Award is Jeremy Knobel.
After the award ceremonies and formal program, DJ Pete Frank, who had come down from Erie, PA, provided great music for dancing.
Other thank yous go to Scott Kahler and Dennis Ritchey for help with sound set up; and the others who helped set up crew on Sunday afternoon - Bob Rhome, Bob Eckman, Chris Buechler, Lew Klinge, Stephan Germer (Lew’s guest), Dean Rust, Sam McFarland, Drew Fuller...and Adele Jones.
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 that are held during the year by the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Looking Back on the March 2nd Chapter Meeting
Hate to miss chapter meeting. But when my flight from IL to DC was canceled Tuesday morning, I checked as to when and where the Bloomington, IL, chapter meeting was held. Lucky for me it was Tuesday nite, so I went out to their chapter. They are also working on music for Philly. While there I had someone ask me about the Westminster show in June, and another guy told me how much he enjoys the PodCasts done by Dean Martin. This chorus also has Geri Geis as their visual coach. As usual I was warmly welcomed as a Harmonizer!
So thanks again to Alan Wile for writing the following report of this week’s rehearsal and meeting. – YeEd.
Chuck McKeever held his usual choreo training session on the Durant stage shortly after 6 pm with 20 or so Harmonizers. Most of the drills were on the contest uptune but he also refreshed the men on “There’s A Meetin’ Here Tonight.” The front row worked first in the Durant lobby and then practiced their moves in front of the risers. Meanwhile the room was readied for the chapter meeting by a number of guys, including Tom Berkey, Bob Eckman, John Pence, Mark Klostermeyer (K-12), Bob Rhome, Bob Blair, Carl Kauffmann, Ken Fess, Dan O’Brien, Don Thompson, Gerry Levine, Mick Stamps, and Ian Poulin. And coffee was prepared and sweets set out by Dick Hall and Terry Jordan.
At 6:59 p.m. Ops-VP K-12 called everyone to the risers with the vocal warm-up conducted by Assistant Director Will Cox. Master Director Joe Cerutti and Assistant Director Tony Colosimo huddled around the riser chart together with K-12, while Dixie Kennett busied herself taking attendance … which she does religiously every week.
Joe worked sections of three repertoire songs (“Meeting Here Tonight,” “You Tell Me Your Dream,” and “Great Day”) before concentrating on our contest ballad, “I Get Along Without You.” In the process, he singled out Steve White, Chuck Powell, Tom Kraus, and Don Thompson as those who are always in the emotional/visual game. After working specific passages with each voice part and in various combinations, a recording run-through of the contest set preceded the break.
Chapter Secretary Chris Buechler passed out several membership cards to those who recently renewed. Years in the Society ranged from 9 years for Cerutti and Rhome to 32 years for Cox. Others recognized were Gerry Levine, Tom Kern and Kevin Roth. Thanks for renewing, guys!
VP-Membership Dan O’Brien first noted that the number on the risers has effectively doubled in the last three years … but repeated his challenge that we continue to recruit, keeping the number 120 as our immediate goal. Next he introduced our one guest – Chris Harrison – before we welcomed him in song (directed by Will Cox, of course).
Back on the risers after a short break, Alan Wile passed on an invitation from the president of the Mount Vernon Chapter (former Harmonizer Mike Everard) to join his chapter for “Dee Paris Day” on Friday, March 5th, which will feature two outstanding presentations by Dee (a long time barbershopper and member of the DC Chapter).
VP-Ops K-12 reminded all who have not done so to get their uniform measurements to Tom Kern for new uniforms planned to be worn at the international contest in Philly. Also mentioned was the opportunity offered by Chris Buechler to order Harmonizer logo shirts. Bob Rhome stated, in essence, that any member planning on going to Philly needs to have a room – either obtained by/with the Harmonizers or on one’s own.
Jeremy Knobel reminded the membership that the first vocal and visual self-evaluations are due NOW. Those who anticipate not meeting this requirement need to make their circumstances known No Later Than Thursday! Each of the contest songs requires a vocal recording and self-evaluation forms covering the individual’s vocal and visual performance.
Immediate Past President Brad Jones presented awards to two Harmonizers who were not at Sunday’s President’s Award Banquet: a “You Made The Difference” acrylic star (in keeping with the theme adopted during his presidential year) to Terry Jordan and the Harmonizer Honor Award to Jeremy Knobel. He also announced the Harmonizers’ highest award (Memorial Award) would be given to the 2009 winner, John Hohl, at some future occasion (as John is now a permanent resident of Florida). His prepared introduction to each award winner will be sent to all.
Standing back up on the risers, Chuck McKeever identified those who make the “hand chuck” during the hat passing in the uptune. Then he and Director Joe directed a number of repetitions of various moves. The rest of the evening was devoted to drilling the uptune with emphasis on flow and connectivity, volume changes, emotion, etc., etc., etc.
The 50-50 was won by Phil Ashford, who then “took us out” with “Keep The Whole World Singing!”
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.)
So thanks again to Alan Wile for writing the following report of this week’s rehearsal and meeting. – YeEd.
Chuck McKeever held his usual choreo training session on the Durant stage shortly after 6 pm with 20 or so Harmonizers. Most of the drills were on the contest uptune but he also refreshed the men on “There’s A Meetin’ Here Tonight.” The front row worked first in the Durant lobby and then practiced their moves in front of the risers. Meanwhile the room was readied for the chapter meeting by a number of guys, including Tom Berkey, Bob Eckman, John Pence, Mark Klostermeyer (K-12), Bob Rhome, Bob Blair, Carl Kauffmann, Ken Fess, Dan O’Brien, Don Thompson, Gerry Levine, Mick Stamps, and Ian Poulin. And coffee was prepared and sweets set out by Dick Hall and Terry Jordan.
At 6:59 p.m. Ops-VP K-12 called everyone to the risers with the vocal warm-up conducted by Assistant Director Will Cox. Master Director Joe Cerutti and Assistant Director Tony Colosimo huddled around the riser chart together with K-12, while Dixie Kennett busied herself taking attendance … which she does religiously every week.
Joe worked sections of three repertoire songs (“Meeting Here Tonight,” “You Tell Me Your Dream,” and “Great Day”) before concentrating on our contest ballad, “I Get Along Without You.” In the process, he singled out Steve White, Chuck Powell, Tom Kraus, and Don Thompson as those who are always in the emotional/visual game. After working specific passages with each voice part and in various combinations, a recording run-through of the contest set preceded the break.
Chapter Secretary Chris Buechler passed out several membership cards to those who recently renewed. Years in the Society ranged from 9 years for Cerutti and Rhome to 32 years for Cox. Others recognized were Gerry Levine, Tom Kern and Kevin Roth. Thanks for renewing, guys!
VP-Membership Dan O’Brien first noted that the number on the risers has effectively doubled in the last three years … but repeated his challenge that we continue to recruit, keeping the number 120 as our immediate goal. Next he introduced our one guest – Chris Harrison – before we welcomed him in song (directed by Will Cox, of course).
Back on the risers after a short break, Alan Wile passed on an invitation from the president of the Mount Vernon Chapter (former Harmonizer Mike Everard) to join his chapter for “Dee Paris Day” on Friday, March 5th, which will feature two outstanding presentations by Dee (a long time barbershopper and member of the DC Chapter).
VP-Ops K-12 reminded all who have not done so to get their uniform measurements to Tom Kern for new uniforms planned to be worn at the international contest in Philly. Also mentioned was the opportunity offered by Chris Buechler to order Harmonizer logo shirts. Bob Rhome stated, in essence, that any member planning on going to Philly needs to have a room – either obtained by/with the Harmonizers or on one’s own.
Jeremy Knobel reminded the membership that the first vocal and visual self-evaluations are due NOW. Those who anticipate not meeting this requirement need to make their circumstances known No Later Than Thursday! Each of the contest songs requires a vocal recording and self-evaluation forms covering the individual’s vocal and visual performance.
Immediate Past President Brad Jones presented awards to two Harmonizers who were not at Sunday’s President’s Award Banquet: a “You Made The Difference” acrylic star (in keeping with the theme adopted during his presidential year) to Terry Jordan and the Harmonizer Honor Award to Jeremy Knobel. He also announced the Harmonizers’ highest award (Memorial Award) would be given to the 2009 winner, John Hohl, at some future occasion (as John is now a permanent resident of Florida). His prepared introduction to each award winner will be sent to all.
Standing back up on the risers, Chuck McKeever identified those who make the “hand chuck” during the hat passing in the uptune. Then he and Director Joe directed a number of repetitions of various moves. The rest of the evening was devoted to drilling the uptune with emphasis on flow and connectivity, volume changes, emotion, etc., etc., etc.
The 50-50 was won by Phil Ashford, who then “took us out” with “Keep The Whole World Singing!”
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.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Looking Back on the February 23rd Chapter Meeting
The high energy level seemed to continue tonite. Everyone has been busy with getting back into the groove at work and at home. Same with chapter tonite. Guys worked hard to get the room set, chairs for guests, and tables for all the coats since it is still cold outside.
Sure great to see (and hear) the large crowd of men reviewing stage moves with Chuck McKeever tonite on the stage. He has developed a great way of coaching by calling out the cues.
Steve White was sub for Mark Klostermeyer and Steve was right there lending a hand to get the room set as needed by musical and admin leaders. He announced the recent death of a Society leader and former trainer at a Harmonizer all day event – Paul Tamblyn, from Ontario District.
There were 76 of us on the risers at 7:05!! Let’s work to get that number up to 95 or 100 at 7. Then the few late arrivals can slip in.
Tony Colosimo directed vocal warm ups. And then Director Joe and McKeever worked on a review session of stage moves for a couple songs.
Joe also thanked Dean Martin again for his recent PodCast – this one with Justin Miller, director of the Westminster Chorus, talking about the joint show with Alexandria in June.
Next Joe welcomed back to Alexandria, our coach, Kirk Young. They got the chorus right work on the contest package. Kirk used several new techniques to help the guys learn points he was making such as using Spanish word sounds, tapping rhythm.
Before break, Steve called a meeting period to order to include guest introductions and membership. Since Dan O’Brien was involved with work, he asked Phil Ferguson and Jack Pitzer to cover for him. There were 10 guests tonite. And two of them actually auditioned before they left Durant.
Secretary Buechler presented registration cards to one of the chapter’s longest registered quartets. The HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has been a Society quartet for over 23 years. It is actually our section leaders and has always been registered by the chapter as a tradition. Current members (our section leaders) are Rick Savage, Tony Colosimo, Ken Ives and Mike Kelly.
Also Chris invited several members up front that were wearing various versions of Harmo apparel. Stay tuned for a chance to place an order with Chris. Great chance for new guys to stock up and others of us to get new, replacement or better fitting!!
During break the guys got a snack and took care of chapter business and got measured for the new chorus uniforms.
After break, President Dick Newton thanked Josh Roots and Scott Kahler for taking the Singing Valentine project thru the roughest of days -- record snow storm for days! He thanked Eric Wallen for organizing quartets and that led to recognizing all the men who sang in a Valentine quartet. They did yeomen service going out in that weather. Bruce Lauther and his quartet FOUR FROM THE HEART were especially thanked for the extra efforts to get songs sung for special customers and for spreading musical cheer all over our area during the Valentine season.
Ken Fess updated everyone one the big show with Westminster, June 27th - Monumental Barbershop Show. He suggested that if you want seats, you should place an order right away. He also alerted Harmonizers that we will be hosting those chorus members in our homes for the weekend. AND that each of the top ranked quartets will need a host. (That reminded YeEd of the good old days when we would have famous quartets on our shows, and if you were lucky and got your name in first, you would get to host the guest quartet in your home and take them around the city and get them to the show. It was a great way to meet top notch barbershop singers from around the nation.) So sign up soon to help.
Ken also thanked Alan Wile for helping contact RINGMASTERS during the recent convention in Tampa.
Brian Ammerman announced some minor changes or updates regarding the self-evaluation process.
Then it was back to work with Kirk. And there was good progress in making changes or corrections. And lots of drill.
The end of the evening included an important reminder that the Presidents’ Ball is SUNDAY, Feb. 28th, 6 pm start with reception period before buffet dinner. Past President Brad announced that Mark Hale from the Masters of Harmony in California will be here to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration. He will also install our 2010 officers and board.
If you have not ordered a ticket or plans have changed so you can attend, be sure to come and settled up later. Dress is not formal. Sport coat and slacks without tie is fine.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant. Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders.
Many guys need to consider attending the spring Mid-Atlantic District International Preliminary Quartet contest in Harrisburg, PA, March 12 and 13. It is a long tradition for many of us to attend to cheer any of our guys who are trying to earn the right to get their quartet into this summer’s International contest. You can get tickets at www.mad-registratins.org. If you need a room, call the Harrisburg Hilton at 717-233-6000, ask for the group rate for Mid Atlantic District Barbershop Harmony Society.
First round of quartets compete Friday nite from 6-9:30 pm at the Hilton. Saturday there is a small chorus contest and a Youth Quartet Adjudication (contest or event) that is good to see. Saturday nite is the quartet finals and a show.
YeEd is sure Eric Wallen will be announcing soon the quartets what will be in the contest with Harmonizers in them. Many of our chapter members are also M-AD board members, some will be there as judges and coaches.
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.)
Sure great to see (and hear) the large crowd of men reviewing stage moves with Chuck McKeever tonite on the stage. He has developed a great way of coaching by calling out the cues.
Steve White was sub for Mark Klostermeyer and Steve was right there lending a hand to get the room set as needed by musical and admin leaders. He announced the recent death of a Society leader and former trainer at a Harmonizer all day event – Paul Tamblyn, from Ontario District.
There were 76 of us on the risers at 7:05!! Let’s work to get that number up to 95 or 100 at 7. Then the few late arrivals can slip in.
Tony Colosimo directed vocal warm ups. And then Director Joe and McKeever worked on a review session of stage moves for a couple songs.
Joe also thanked Dean Martin again for his recent PodCast – this one with Justin Miller, director of the Westminster Chorus, talking about the joint show with Alexandria in June.
Next Joe welcomed back to Alexandria, our coach, Kirk Young. They got the chorus right work on the contest package. Kirk used several new techniques to help the guys learn points he was making such as using Spanish word sounds, tapping rhythm.
Before break, Steve called a meeting period to order to include guest introductions and membership. Since Dan O’Brien was involved with work, he asked Phil Ferguson and Jack Pitzer to cover for him. There were 10 guests tonite. And two of them actually auditioned before they left Durant.
Secretary Buechler presented registration cards to one of the chapter’s longest registered quartets. The HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has been a Society quartet for over 23 years. It is actually our section leaders and has always been registered by the chapter as a tradition. Current members (our section leaders) are Rick Savage, Tony Colosimo, Ken Ives and Mike Kelly.
Also Chris invited several members up front that were wearing various versions of Harmo apparel. Stay tuned for a chance to place an order with Chris. Great chance for new guys to stock up and others of us to get new, replacement or better fitting!!
During break the guys got a snack and took care of chapter business and got measured for the new chorus uniforms.
After break, President Dick Newton thanked Josh Roots and Scott Kahler for taking the Singing Valentine project thru the roughest of days -- record snow storm for days! He thanked Eric Wallen for organizing quartets and that led to recognizing all the men who sang in a Valentine quartet. They did yeomen service going out in that weather. Bruce Lauther and his quartet FOUR FROM THE HEART were especially thanked for the extra efforts to get songs sung for special customers and for spreading musical cheer all over our area during the Valentine season.
Ken Fess updated everyone one the big show with Westminster, June 27th - Monumental Barbershop Show. He suggested that if you want seats, you should place an order right away. He also alerted Harmonizers that we will be hosting those chorus members in our homes for the weekend. AND that each of the top ranked quartets will need a host. (That reminded YeEd of the good old days when we would have famous quartets on our shows, and if you were lucky and got your name in first, you would get to host the guest quartet in your home and take them around the city and get them to the show. It was a great way to meet top notch barbershop singers from around the nation.) So sign up soon to help.
Ken also thanked Alan Wile for helping contact RINGMASTERS during the recent convention in Tampa.
Brian Ammerman announced some minor changes or updates regarding the self-evaluation process.
Then it was back to work with Kirk. And there was good progress in making changes or corrections. And lots of drill.
The end of the evening included an important reminder that the Presidents’ Ball is SUNDAY, Feb. 28th, 6 pm start with reception period before buffet dinner. Past President Brad announced that Mark Hale from the Masters of Harmony in California will be here to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration. He will also install our 2010 officers and board.
If you have not ordered a ticket or plans have changed so you can attend, be sure to come and settled up later. Dress is not formal. Sport coat and slacks without tie is fine.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant. Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders.
Many guys need to consider attending the spring Mid-Atlantic District International Preliminary Quartet contest in Harrisburg, PA, March 12 and 13. It is a long tradition for many of us to attend to cheer any of our guys who are trying to earn the right to get their quartet into this summer’s International contest. You can get tickets at www.mad-registratins.org. If you need a room, call the Harrisburg Hilton at 717-233-6000, ask for the group rate for Mid Atlantic District Barbershop Harmony Society.
First round of quartets compete Friday nite from 6-9:30 pm at the Hilton. Saturday there is a small chorus contest and a Youth Quartet Adjudication (contest or event) that is good to see. Saturday nite is the quartet finals and a show.
YeEd is sure Eric Wallen will be announcing soon the quartets what will be in the contest with Harmonizers in them. Many of our chapter members are also M-AD board members, some will be there as judges and coaches.
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.)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Looking Back on the Feb. 16th Chapter Meeting – First One Since Feb. 2
It seemed like everyone was really needing a “fix” of barbershop harmony and being with our fellow chapter members tonite. Since we had to cancel the Feb. 9th meeting, there was also a lot of catch up work to do.
And many guys realized that and came early for Chuck McKeever’s training session on the stage that starts every Tues. at 6 pm. He had a stage full and so some guys were watching from the main floor to absorb as much as possible.
The set up crew went right to work at 6 too and the coffee pot was perking away too.
There were some weather stories relayed to YeEd. Ian Poulin got hit by the snow in Richmond before it came to NoVa. So he has had snow to contend with for at least a whole other week. And Steve Guy and Len Dornberger made it down from DE and there-abouts. Of course the shoveling stories and sore backs were common.
Director Joe had stories too – but his were from his week of coaching in Hawaii. The chapter there says they are the “farm club” for the Harmonizers. There has been a long list of men who came to Alexandria from the Aloha Chapter. And a couple men have gone there from here.
Joe also reported visiting with David Wright, our terrific coach lined up for the retreat in June. David was here helping Joe at a weekend retreat for the Pride of Baltimore chorus that Joe also directs.
When the singing and chorus work out began, Will Cox did the musical warm ups. Then Joe started the work on the contest songs. After a little bit, he invited McKeever to take a few minutes of drill and review. That time was used for “ripple drills” as Chuck called them. The guys got so they could do the stepping down and stepping back up pretty well!
Then it was time to concentrate on the ballad. Geri and Royall Geis were back and Geri was welcomed to begin the process as our coach for the ballad. What a great plan and approach and rekindling of the great Harmonizer approach to delivering a heavy message song. She read a scenario and talked to the guys about their commitment in convincing first themselves and then their audience the true emotions of this great song.
The scenario and other materials about the ballad were sent to all members then as an email on Wednesday.
Geri used a new technique some of us had not seen to help the chorus understand the many layers of emotion needed for the ballad. She had a quartet sing the song and each time she raised her finger they stopped and she added another layer of emotion or description of what the singer needed to convey to his audience. (The quartet had worked on this to be able to do it so well. Thanks to Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer, and Terry Reynolds.)
One drill Geri used, which we have seen her use with us before, was stating a word such as tender, bewildered, forsaken or flippant, then have the men demonstrate that word visually. When she finished her list it was clear that those 30 words were the essence of the ballad message.
She also talked about the passion of the singer and his message. It was clear we will approach a time when it won’t be funny to do some things, or that it will be ok to have such emotion in your throat you can’t sing! Those were the days!!!!
When Geri had finished and the cheers subsided, Joe took the chorus thru a “hot” run of the ballad. Wow!
It was time for meetings and break. Mark Klostermeyer welcomed all and plugged the need for guys to buy the left over Valentine candy from the chapter. Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to Victor Hills and Bert Phillips. He also asked those two guys to help him present renewal membership cards to Jim Lake for 16 years; Dean Martin for 7 years; Chuck Powell for 16 years; Frank Fedarko for 8 years; Brian Ammerman for 16 years; and Drew Fuller for 20 years.
Terry Reynolds, music vp, reminded guys to have their recording equipment ready after the break.
Dan O’Brien welcomed Jim Shoenhard and Jon Abel. Then he introduced four guests who were visiting and are possible new singers for the chapter.
During the break the guys nearly drained the coffee pot and ate every last cookie that was out!! It was cold in the hall.
We sold all the candy!
We sold a bunch more tickets for the rescheduled Presidents’ Ball – now set for Sunday, Feb. 28th. Past President Brad announced that Mark Hale was able to change his flight and can come to Alexandria for our event!
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will not be able to reschedule and sing for us (tho they will be competing in the M-AD prelims in Harrisburg in March).
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
There are tickets left, so email Jack Pitzer editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up that nite.
Craig Kujawa sent word from his post overseas that the 10 for 10 program weigh-in will be conducted by Joe Sawyer!
Jack Cameron reminded guys to pay for their fall contest photos.
Bob Blair and Bill DePuy were thanked by chapter leaders for cleaning out one of the chapter’s rental storage units and thus saving us a chunk of cash each month.
Joe thanked Dean Martin for his professional work on the podcasts.
Then we got back to singing. Tony directed the uptune again and Joe coached. The front row is continuing to develop their part of the show.
Before we left for the nite, Terry Reynolds explained the detailed new system of self evaluation for singing and visual performance. The eval forms are electronic and the evaluator response forms are also electronic. It is a massive effort to streamline the work and process.
We had a great wrap up with lots more activity such as a long line of guys getting measured by our own haberdasher, Rick Savage, so we can order new uniforms. There was a quartet singing tags with a first-time guest. Risers were stashed and another good crowd came to 815 Southside for the afterglow.
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.)
And many guys realized that and came early for Chuck McKeever’s training session on the stage that starts every Tues. at 6 pm. He had a stage full and so some guys were watching from the main floor to absorb as much as possible.
The set up crew went right to work at 6 too and the coffee pot was perking away too.
There were some weather stories relayed to YeEd. Ian Poulin got hit by the snow in Richmond before it came to NoVa. So he has had snow to contend with for at least a whole other week. And Steve Guy and Len Dornberger made it down from DE and there-abouts. Of course the shoveling stories and sore backs were common.
Director Joe had stories too – but his were from his week of coaching in Hawaii. The chapter there says they are the “farm club” for the Harmonizers. There has been a long list of men who came to Alexandria from the Aloha Chapter. And a couple men have gone there from here.
Joe also reported visiting with David Wright, our terrific coach lined up for the retreat in June. David was here helping Joe at a weekend retreat for the Pride of Baltimore chorus that Joe also directs.
When the singing and chorus work out began, Will Cox did the musical warm ups. Then Joe started the work on the contest songs. After a little bit, he invited McKeever to take a few minutes of drill and review. That time was used for “ripple drills” as Chuck called them. The guys got so they could do the stepping down and stepping back up pretty well!
Then it was time to concentrate on the ballad. Geri and Royall Geis were back and Geri was welcomed to begin the process as our coach for the ballad. What a great plan and approach and rekindling of the great Harmonizer approach to delivering a heavy message song. She read a scenario and talked to the guys about their commitment in convincing first themselves and then their audience the true emotions of this great song.
The scenario and other materials about the ballad were sent to all members then as an email on Wednesday.
Geri used a new technique some of us had not seen to help the chorus understand the many layers of emotion needed for the ballad. She had a quartet sing the song and each time she raised her finger they stopped and she added another layer of emotion or description of what the singer needed to convey to his audience. (The quartet had worked on this to be able to do it so well. Thanks to Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer, and Terry Reynolds.)
One drill Geri used, which we have seen her use with us before, was stating a word such as tender, bewildered, forsaken or flippant, then have the men demonstrate that word visually. When she finished her list it was clear that those 30 words were the essence of the ballad message.
She also talked about the passion of the singer and his message. It was clear we will approach a time when it won’t be funny to do some things, or that it will be ok to have such emotion in your throat you can’t sing! Those were the days!!!!
When Geri had finished and the cheers subsided, Joe took the chorus thru a “hot” run of the ballad. Wow!
It was time for meetings and break. Mark Klostermeyer welcomed all and plugged the need for guys to buy the left over Valentine candy from the chapter. Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to Victor Hills and Bert Phillips. He also asked those two guys to help him present renewal membership cards to Jim Lake for 16 years; Dean Martin for 7 years; Chuck Powell for 16 years; Frank Fedarko for 8 years; Brian Ammerman for 16 years; and Drew Fuller for 20 years.
Terry Reynolds, music vp, reminded guys to have their recording equipment ready after the break.
Dan O’Brien welcomed Jim Shoenhard and Jon Abel. Then he introduced four guests who were visiting and are possible new singers for the chapter.
During the break the guys nearly drained the coffee pot and ate every last cookie that was out!! It was cold in the hall.
We sold all the candy!
We sold a bunch more tickets for the rescheduled Presidents’ Ball – now set for Sunday, Feb. 28th. Past President Brad announced that Mark Hale was able to change his flight and can come to Alexandria for our event!
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will not be able to reschedule and sing for us (tho they will be competing in the M-AD prelims in Harrisburg in March).
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
There are tickets left, so email Jack Pitzer editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up that nite.
Craig Kujawa sent word from his post overseas that the 10 for 10 program weigh-in will be conducted by Joe Sawyer!
Jack Cameron reminded guys to pay for their fall contest photos.
Bob Blair and Bill DePuy were thanked by chapter leaders for cleaning out one of the chapter’s rental storage units and thus saving us a chunk of cash each month.
Joe thanked Dean Martin for his professional work on the podcasts.
Then we got back to singing. Tony directed the uptune again and Joe coached. The front row is continuing to develop their part of the show.
Before we left for the nite, Terry Reynolds explained the detailed new system of self evaluation for singing and visual performance. The eval forms are electronic and the evaluator response forms are also electronic. It is a massive effort to streamline the work and process.
We had a great wrap up with lots more activity such as a long line of guys getting measured by our own haberdasher, Rick Savage, so we can order new uniforms. There was a quartet singing tags with a first-time guest. Risers were stashed and another good crowd came to 815 Southside for the afterglow.
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.)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Looking Back on the February 2nd Chapter Meeting
The weather took a hit on us tonite, but even that didn’t discourage everyone. We had a good crowd of singers. In fact, the stage was full again of guys working on their stage presence with Chuck McKeever.
Will Cox did the vocal warm ups which included some practice on Singing Valentine songs. Dean Rust gave a testimonial about his experiences singing in quartets and making Valentine deliveries.
Tony Colosimo had up front duties tonite as Director Joe was not back from Hawaii. Tony gave McKeever a chunk of time to drill and rehearse the moves for “Hello My Baby” while the front row worked on their own to drill their part.
After that, the chorus was dismissed into sectionals to work on their music. Then they reconvened and worked on putting it all together.
As the snow continued to fall, the plan emerged to end early. Dan O’Brien reported we have 111 men signed up to sing in Philly, but that our goal is still 120!! There were no guests tonite, but YeEd noticed the new guys were all there!!
Past President Brad Jones reported that his team is considering the weather this weekend and how it will effect the Presidents’ Ball, currently scheduled for Sat. nite at Durant. BUT stay tuned – it might be moved to Sunday at 1 pm if the Rec Center gets closed by the city officials.
There are tickets left, so email Jack Pitzer editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up that nite.
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, sing for us as well.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
This Thursday nite is the first stage presence review session at Lee Center, at 7 pm, for stage right. Stage left in next Thurs, Feb. 11th, same time and place.
Tom Kern offered to help anyone who needs white tails for Valentine gigs. And he pleaded for more guys to get him their sizes for the new uniforms for Philly. Members should give Tom their current suit size, dress shirt neck and sleeve length, waist size. He would prefer to get the info via email (tkern@caci.com).
Bob Rhome insisted that those men he asked for credit card info for Philly reservations must take action to contact him.
Eric Wallen stressed that we need a crop of singers to fill the many requests we are getting for Singing Valentine gigs. This is a major fundraiser for the chapter and is as important as a big singout. We need about the same number of singers to contact Eric and help.
Terry Reynolds yielded to early closing and will get out more details about evaluation standards. He alerted us that there will be new self-evaluation forms for both singing and visual uses.
VP Klostermeyer closed the meeting about 8:45 or so. Since the roads were bad, we called 815 Southside and alerted them that we would not be there this week.
We sang “Keep The Whole World Singing” and packed things away. But the early closing did not stop some quarteting in the hall nor a group of guys from singing the new ballad.
Guest reporters Kennett and Buechler gave YeEd some info about the recent Mid Winter BHS convention in Tampa. This International event is “more fun and less hectic” they report. It features a Senior’s quartet contest and one of our members, Mike Wallen and his buddies in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, came in 9th; and Darryl Flinn was in the fifth place quartet, LIGHTLY SEASONED.
Alan Durick, John Adams and Scott Werner were there as past seniors quartet champs. Alan Wile and Chris Buechler were there for the Society Board meeting. Other Harmonizers noted among the attendees include Tom Gannon, Chuck Harner, Bob Hirsh, John Hohl, Ross Johnson, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Phil Stern and Bob Thames.
Some former members there were Dwain Chambers, Larry Deters, Joe Kane, Bill Ward, Paul Wietlisbach and Jim Gammon.
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.)
Will Cox did the vocal warm ups which included some practice on Singing Valentine songs. Dean Rust gave a testimonial about his experiences singing in quartets and making Valentine deliveries.
Tony Colosimo had up front duties tonite as Director Joe was not back from Hawaii. Tony gave McKeever a chunk of time to drill and rehearse the moves for “Hello My Baby” while the front row worked on their own to drill their part.
After that, the chorus was dismissed into sectionals to work on their music. Then they reconvened and worked on putting it all together.
As the snow continued to fall, the plan emerged to end early. Dan O’Brien reported we have 111 men signed up to sing in Philly, but that our goal is still 120!! There were no guests tonite, but YeEd noticed the new guys were all there!!
Past President Brad Jones reported that his team is considering the weather this weekend and how it will effect the Presidents’ Ball, currently scheduled for Sat. nite at Durant. BUT stay tuned – it might be moved to Sunday at 1 pm if the Rec Center gets closed by the city officials.
There are tickets left, so email Jack Pitzer editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up that nite.
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, sing for us as well.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
This Thursday nite is the first stage presence review session at Lee Center, at 7 pm, for stage right. Stage left in next Thurs, Feb. 11th, same time and place.
Tom Kern offered to help anyone who needs white tails for Valentine gigs. And he pleaded for more guys to get him their sizes for the new uniforms for Philly. Members should give Tom their current suit size, dress shirt neck and sleeve length, waist size. He would prefer to get the info via email (tkern@caci.com).
Bob Rhome insisted that those men he asked for credit card info for Philly reservations must take action to contact him.
Eric Wallen stressed that we need a crop of singers to fill the many requests we are getting for Singing Valentine gigs. This is a major fundraiser for the chapter and is as important as a big singout. We need about the same number of singers to contact Eric and help.
Terry Reynolds yielded to early closing and will get out more details about evaluation standards. He alerted us that there will be new self-evaluation forms for both singing and visual uses.
VP Klostermeyer closed the meeting about 8:45 or so. Since the roads were bad, we called 815 Southside and alerted them that we would not be there this week.
We sang “Keep The Whole World Singing” and packed things away. But the early closing did not stop some quarteting in the hall nor a group of guys from singing the new ballad.
Guest reporters Kennett and Buechler gave YeEd some info about the recent Mid Winter BHS convention in Tampa. This International event is “more fun and less hectic” they report. It features a Senior’s quartet contest and one of our members, Mike Wallen and his buddies in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, came in 9th; and Darryl Flinn was in the fifth place quartet, LIGHTLY SEASONED.
Alan Durick, John Adams and Scott Werner were there as past seniors quartet champs. Alan Wile and Chris Buechler were there for the Society Board meeting. Other Harmonizers noted among the attendees include Tom Gannon, Chuck Harner, Bob Hirsh, John Hohl, Ross Johnson, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Phil Stern and Bob Thames.
Some former members there were Dwain Chambers, Larry Deters, Joe Kane, Bill Ward, Paul Wietlisbach and Jim Gammon.
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.)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Looking Back on the January 26th Chapter Meeting
Tonite was another Harmonzer first – there was no heat in the Durant Center. So Bob Rhome, who makes arrangements with the city for the meeting space, sent out a late-afternoon email alerting the guys. Some didn’t get the word, but with all the excitement and fast-paced stage presence for the uptune, no one froze.
Also there was a lot of excitement about the getting tickets for the Presidents’ Ball – 120 signed up so far. And there are tickets left, so email editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up next Tuesday or that nite.
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, sing for us as well.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
Tuesday nite’s meeting and rehearsal were packed. After a solid musical warm up led by Tony Colosimo, Terry Reynolds, music and performance vp, organized a Name The Singer Contest. Section leaders (Ives, Kelly, Colosimo, Savage) were seated facing a wall, then the chorus members lined up behind their section leader and like in a quartet push out event, four guys sang a line or two of the Valenine songs. The section leaders tried to identify the guys who sang. It was fun. Some did pretty well, others not so good. But it helped get guys to sing the Valentine songs in a quartet.
When Director Joe took the reigns, he had the singers review some of the songs in the repertoire like “Music of the Night’ and “Drunken Sailor” and such.
Terry Reynolds was back up to the mic to review the standards for attendance, taping, visual and vocal quality reviews and a new area – improvement from first tape or review to the second one.
Then back to some wonderful singing! The ballad is so special and Joe was able to get it out of the guys with every repetition. Joe Sawyer had the duties of running the computer to project the new music onto the screen. Next week the singers are supposed to be off the music. Many were last nite, YeEd noted. And those that were stumbling a little on notes, now know what to work on for themselves next week.
Before the mid-evening break, Dan O’Brien did guest introductions – all three this week have submitted applications!! There were 21 guests last week at our special guest nite event and Dan thanked all for their efforts. He asked the men not to let up and to take a supply of chorus business cards for their wallets so they can be used any time we meet prospects.
The coffee pot was drained last nite since it was cold. And there were a lot of goodies to put out.
The business meeting period after break included some important matters for all. Josh Roots and Eric Wallen gave many details about selling Singing Valentines. The chapter has organized the weekend into blocks when quartets are made available to customers - the time slots are Thursday - Sunday, 8:00am - 12:00pm (morning), 12:00pm - 4:00pm (afternoon) & 4:00pm - 8:00pm (evening). We need a lot more singers to step forward and contact Eric to volunteer to sing. Also it was mentioned that new guys who don’t have white tails and other uniform parts should contact Tom Kern to get what they need.
Noah Van Gilder plugged the Rahway Valley, NJ, Novice quartet contest. And promised an email with details.
Eric Wallen, chapter quartet chairman, also offered to help any guys who are looking to be in quartets for the Southern Division in Roanoke, VA, May 28-29. Great place for a new quartet to start their climb to success.
Chuck McKeever announced again the dates for two special stage presence review sessions for the new uptune that all members should plan to attend. They will be at the Lee Center in their dance studio there. Stage Right on Thurs., Feb. 4. Stage Left on Thurs. Feb. 11. The front row will have a separate session.
Committee chair Rick Savage, presented a preview of the new black 4-button suit for contest this summer. Everyone must get their sizes to Tom Kern – he is starting a new list as he reports there are “floating” waist sizes in the chapter!! Members should give Tom their current suit size, dress shirt neck and sleeve length, waist size. He would prefer to get the info via email (tkern@caci.com).
Ken Fess, chairman of the spectacular Westminster/Harmonizer Show, Sun. June 27th at 2 pm., announced that tickets are on sale. Go to alexandriaharmonizerspresent.com. Besides the two past gold medal choruses, Westminster, CA, and the Harmonizers, there are top ranked quartets signed on to sing such as OC TIMES, OLD SCHOOL, THE MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS, RINGMATERS, MAXX FACTOR, THE EDGE, and THE CRUSH. Tell your barbershop friends, your local DC area customers. Show will be at the George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.
President Dick Newton supported a couple of previous matters such as the need for singers to sign up and do the Singing Valentines. We need the income that is raised from the weekend! Especially with new uniforms coming!!
Then back to singing. The rest of the evening was spent on the contest uptune with some time on gestures and movement. A block of the singing work had Tony out front directing and Joe coaching – a great team!!! The high energy music session pushed right up to the 10 pm mark.
Everyone jumped in to help put things away. There was some singing and quartets around. YeEd noticed some of the applicants heading off to audition – rumor has it we will hear of some new members next week.
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Also there was a lot of excitement about the getting tickets for the Presidents’ Ball – 120 signed up so far. And there are tickets left, so email editorjack@aol.com to get a space for yourself, and a guest if you wish. Just $15 each. You can settle up next Tuesday or that nite.
This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers to go with the reception;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to do the DJ honors for the last part of the evening. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, sing for us as well.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets, as well as our many brand new members.)
Tuesday nite’s meeting and rehearsal were packed. After a solid musical warm up led by Tony Colosimo, Terry Reynolds, music and performance vp, organized a Name The Singer Contest. Section leaders (Ives, Kelly, Colosimo, Savage) were seated facing a wall, then the chorus members lined up behind their section leader and like in a quartet push out event, four guys sang a line or two of the Valenine songs. The section leaders tried to identify the guys who sang. It was fun. Some did pretty well, others not so good. But it helped get guys to sing the Valentine songs in a quartet.
When Director Joe took the reigns, he had the singers review some of the songs in the repertoire like “Music of the Night’ and “Drunken Sailor” and such.
Terry Reynolds was back up to the mic to review the standards for attendance, taping, visual and vocal quality reviews and a new area – improvement from first tape or review to the second one.
Then back to some wonderful singing! The ballad is so special and Joe was able to get it out of the guys with every repetition. Joe Sawyer had the duties of running the computer to project the new music onto the screen. Next week the singers are supposed to be off the music. Many were last nite, YeEd noted. And those that were stumbling a little on notes, now know what to work on for themselves next week.
Before the mid-evening break, Dan O’Brien did guest introductions – all three this week have submitted applications!! There were 21 guests last week at our special guest nite event and Dan thanked all for their efforts. He asked the men not to let up and to take a supply of chorus business cards for their wallets so they can be used any time we meet prospects.
The coffee pot was drained last nite since it was cold. And there were a lot of goodies to put out.
The business meeting period after break included some important matters for all. Josh Roots and Eric Wallen gave many details about selling Singing Valentines. The chapter has organized the weekend into blocks when quartets are made available to customers - the time slots are Thursday - Sunday, 8:00am - 12:00pm (morning), 12:00pm - 4:00pm (afternoon) & 4:00pm - 8:00pm (evening). We need a lot more singers to step forward and contact Eric to volunteer to sing. Also it was mentioned that new guys who don’t have white tails and other uniform parts should contact Tom Kern to get what they need.
Noah Van Gilder plugged the Rahway Valley, NJ, Novice quartet contest. And promised an email with details.
Eric Wallen, chapter quartet chairman, also offered to help any guys who are looking to be in quartets for the Southern Division in Roanoke, VA, May 28-29. Great place for a new quartet to start their climb to success.
Chuck McKeever announced again the dates for two special stage presence review sessions for the new uptune that all members should plan to attend. They will be at the Lee Center in their dance studio there. Stage Right on Thurs., Feb. 4. Stage Left on Thurs. Feb. 11. The front row will have a separate session.
Committee chair Rick Savage, presented a preview of the new black 4-button suit for contest this summer. Everyone must get their sizes to Tom Kern – he is starting a new list as he reports there are “floating” waist sizes in the chapter!! Members should give Tom their current suit size, dress shirt neck and sleeve length, waist size. He would prefer to get the info via email (tkern@caci.com).
Ken Fess, chairman of the spectacular Westminster/Harmonizer Show, Sun. June 27th at 2 pm., announced that tickets are on sale. Go to alexandriaharmonizerspresent.com. Besides the two past gold medal choruses, Westminster, CA, and the Harmonizers, there are top ranked quartets signed on to sing such as OC TIMES, OLD SCHOOL, THE MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS, RINGMATERS, MAXX FACTOR, THE EDGE, and THE CRUSH. Tell your barbershop friends, your local DC area customers. Show will be at the George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.
President Dick Newton supported a couple of previous matters such as the need for singers to sign up and do the Singing Valentines. We need the income that is raised from the weekend! Especially with new uniforms coming!!
Then back to singing. The rest of the evening was spent on the contest uptune with some time on gestures and movement. A block of the singing work had Tony out front directing and Joe coaching – a great team!!! The high energy music session pushed right up to the 10 pm mark.
Everyone jumped in to help put things away. There was some singing and quartets around. YeEd noticed some of the applicants heading off to audition – rumor has it we will hear of some new members next week.
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Looking Back on the January 19th Chapter Meeting
There was excitement AND anticipation in the air tonite!!
Everyone was curious as to how many guests we would have and how the evening would go as we worked more on the contest package.
The stage presence review conducted by Chuck McKeever drew another large crowd.
The 9 sections of risers were backed up to the stage and a guest gallery of chairs was set out for the many non-singing guests who attend a Harmonizer guest nite. They were full tonite too.
Will Cox did vocal exercises for warm up as well as some fast moves and hand clapping to get members and guests into the action. Tony Colosimo continued musical warm up and had guys sing the Valentine songs (as practice to get into shape for the Singing Valentine weekend and many quartet gigs).
When Director Joe took over, he got the guests and chorus right to work singing the new contest up tune and had them review and do the moves. All nite Joe was great about adding connecting language between segments of the meeting to explain why we do things, what we prepare for like contest and shows, venues the chorus has appeared in, what kinda commitment you need to be a Harmonizer. All good info for the 20-plus guests. YeEd thinks you could tell Joe was loosing his voice tonite, which he says was a result of his long weekend as guest conductor for a high school music festival in Maryland. Congrats for gaining the recognition for our art form in a non barbershop music arena. And thanks to Bob Mattes’ wife for making the contact.
The guests tonite were taken to a meeting room for briefing and introduction to our chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society.
While they were out, the chapter conducted some of its business matters. Alan Wile thanked the chapter for support of the 50/50 each week. The chapter has turned in $657 for the last half of 2009 from just the chapter’s part to the Mid Atlantic District Endowment Fund.
Josh Roots asked for workers to help with the admin support of the huge Singing Valentine project. Eric Wallen asked for every man to consider doing some quartet gigs to help us fill the orders – which are already coming in via phone, and online.
Brad Jones invited all members to purchase their $15 ticket for the Presidents’ Ball, Feb. 6th right at Durant. Jack Pitzer is taking table reservations and selling the tickets. Talk to your buddies and get a table together. Each table has ten places. This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to the DJ honors for the last part of the evening.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets.)
Secretary Buechler gave Eric Hughes his 3-year membership renewal card and gave Keith Jones his 32-year card.
President Dick Newton read a thank you note from the Poulin family expressing appreciation for the guys who came and sang with Ian at his brother’s service. The family made a contribution to our chapter as well. There was also a letter alerting the chapter that widow of Rick Loveland, Terri, had passed away last year.
Dick also received a check and thank you note from a chorus fan that had seen Will Cox do his familiar “Night Before Christmas” routine and asked Will to come do it for their party.
After the meeting, the guests sang a tag for us. Membership VP Dan introduced all the guests by name and gave First Timer pins to many. It was also good to see several former members back on the risers and here to sing again.
The chorus sang three songs for the guests – each song directed by one of our assistant directors. Joe was mc and asked Will, Tony and Mike Kelly to direct.
Thanks to all the guys who brought goodies to share for break time. Lots of guys helped guests sing tags, helped them meet other members and talked about the chapter.
Joe used another large block of time on the contest songs and involved the guests right on the risers with the men. This was our first time to sing and hear the ballad all the way thru. WOW.
At 10, Joe did a wrap up. Eric Hughes won almost all the prizes in the 50/50 and directed the final song. All were invited to the afterglow.
It was another great Harmonizer nite. If you are not a regular on Tuesday, come out and sing in the peanut gallery, or get up on the risers. We miss you.
YeEd forgot to tell you he heard about four of guys who went out last week before chapter meeting and sang a couple songs for our Rec Center manager’s birthday. There is always something happening special among our chapter and its members.
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.)
Everyone was curious as to how many guests we would have and how the evening would go as we worked more on the contest package.
The stage presence review conducted by Chuck McKeever drew another large crowd.
The 9 sections of risers were backed up to the stage and a guest gallery of chairs was set out for the many non-singing guests who attend a Harmonizer guest nite. They were full tonite too.
Will Cox did vocal exercises for warm up as well as some fast moves and hand clapping to get members and guests into the action. Tony Colosimo continued musical warm up and had guys sing the Valentine songs (as practice to get into shape for the Singing Valentine weekend and many quartet gigs).
When Director Joe took over, he got the guests and chorus right to work singing the new contest up tune and had them review and do the moves. All nite Joe was great about adding connecting language between segments of the meeting to explain why we do things, what we prepare for like contest and shows, venues the chorus has appeared in, what kinda commitment you need to be a Harmonizer. All good info for the 20-plus guests. YeEd thinks you could tell Joe was loosing his voice tonite, which he says was a result of his long weekend as guest conductor for a high school music festival in Maryland. Congrats for gaining the recognition for our art form in a non barbershop music arena. And thanks to Bob Mattes’ wife for making the contact.
The guests tonite were taken to a meeting room for briefing and introduction to our chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society.
While they were out, the chapter conducted some of its business matters. Alan Wile thanked the chapter for support of the 50/50 each week. The chapter has turned in $657 for the last half of 2009 from just the chapter’s part to the Mid Atlantic District Endowment Fund.
Josh Roots asked for workers to help with the admin support of the huge Singing Valentine project. Eric Wallen asked for every man to consider doing some quartet gigs to help us fill the orders – which are already coming in via phone, and online.
Brad Jones invited all members to purchase their $15 ticket for the Presidents’ Ball, Feb. 6th right at Durant. Jack Pitzer is taking table reservations and selling the tickets. Talk to your buddies and get a table together. Each table has ten places. This year’s Ball, tho being held at the Rec Center, will feature several touches to make it special and still affordable. Guest speaker will be Mark Hale from the often-gold-medal Masters of Harmony in California. He is thrilled about coming to give us all a message of cheer, motivation and inspiration.
The main course will be catered. Other food items will be brought by members –
Last Name A-C bring hors d’oeuvers;
Last Name D-J bring salads/veggies;
Last Name K-P bring sides like vegetables or starches;
Last Name Q- Z bring desserts.
There will be a cash bar during a reception period from 6 – 6:30 pm in the lobby of Durant.
Then at 6:30 we will go into the banquet room (it won’t look anything like the usual meeting hall!). Member Pete Frank is coming down from PA to the DJ honors for the last part of the evening.
This traditional event also will be our nite to honor men from our ranks and set the goals for next year’s team of chapter leaders. (Former members and chapter friends are also welcome to buy tickets.)
Secretary Buechler gave Eric Hughes his 3-year membership renewal card and gave Keith Jones his 32-year card.
President Dick Newton read a thank you note from the Poulin family expressing appreciation for the guys who came and sang with Ian at his brother’s service. The family made a contribution to our chapter as well. There was also a letter alerting the chapter that widow of Rick Loveland, Terri, had passed away last year.
Dick also received a check and thank you note from a chorus fan that had seen Will Cox do his familiar “Night Before Christmas” routine and asked Will to come do it for their party.
After the meeting, the guests sang a tag for us. Membership VP Dan introduced all the guests by name and gave First Timer pins to many. It was also good to see several former members back on the risers and here to sing again.
The chorus sang three songs for the guests – each song directed by one of our assistant directors. Joe was mc and asked Will, Tony and Mike Kelly to direct.
Thanks to all the guys who brought goodies to share for break time. Lots of guys helped guests sing tags, helped them meet other members and talked about the chapter.
Joe used another large block of time on the contest songs and involved the guests right on the risers with the men. This was our first time to sing and hear the ballad all the way thru. WOW.
At 10, Joe did a wrap up. Eric Hughes won almost all the prizes in the 50/50 and directed the final song. All were invited to the afterglow.
It was another great Harmonizer nite. If you are not a regular on Tuesday, come out and sing in the peanut gallery, or get up on the risers. We miss you.
YeEd forgot to tell you he heard about four of guys who went out last week before chapter meeting and sang a couple songs for our Rec Center manager’s birthday. There is always something happening special among our chapter and its members.
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.)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Looking Back on the January 12th Chapter Meeting
That excitement was still in the air tonite!!
Fun thing YeEd noted was that black hats were appearing everywhere – guys wearing them, piled on tables, being tossed to each other. Found out they were gonna be used as training hats for the front row’s work on the new uptune. Ken White had put out a call for guys to bring in a supply of the “Happy Feet” hats for the guys to use.
Treasurer Howard Nestlerode arrived with a handful of paperwork and checks or receipts to deliver. Another important Harmonizer job that is done outside chapter meeting.
Mark Klostermeyer alerted early arrivals to check for the new riser line up (on the nifty magnet chart he has made) so everyone could be set in place for the 7 pm kick off.
Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and worked the singers hard to be prepared for good singing. Right away at 7, the front row went to the lobby of Durant to work with Cindy Hansen who was in town to teach the chorus the uptune staging plan. (YeEd heard that she also worked with the Pride of Baltimore chorus on Monday.)
During the warm up period, Tony used “Heart of My Heart” so that guys would get some review in preparing quartets for the Singing Valentine program. Before the 7 pm start, Chuck McKeever had another large class of guys on hand for stage presence review up on the stage at Durant.
Director Joe stepped up to direct and used his time for a review of “Great Day” and “New York New York” that will be sung at the Guest Nite on Jan. 19th. Joe made a heartfelt plea for every guy to bring someone and spread the word -- not just to depend on the membership team to do the work. We are all on the team including those members who have joined in recent months, or those who have been members for a long time. Members who are not active are certainly welcome to visit and/or bring a friend or neighbor who likes to sing.
Then Joe welcomed Cindy to great cheers from the chapter. She set the stage about the dual team of her and Geri working on a first class contest package. She and the chorus worked hard until 10 pm!!! It was awesome. What a plan. And the guys were able to dig in and learn it and perform it pretty darn well. Cindy had met with chapter visual team leaders over the weekend to brief them, so they could help with the training. Director Joe also was in on the visual planning and so he made sure it all worked well with the music. He particularly made certain that the rehearsal of moves was done at a tempo close to his plan for performance.
At 10, we had our chapter meeting period. Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to Andrew Plocher and renewal member materials to Myles Glancy. He gave a 13-year renewal card to Brian Miller and a 36-year card to Rick Savage.
Steve White, assisted by other Harmonizers who are members of the DELA honor club, welcome newest DELA member from our chapter, Joe Cerutti. Congrats to Joe. BTW, Steve is 2010 president of DELA.
Terry Reynolds reminded front row that they would be having practice at 6 pm next week. He also reminded vocal evaluators of their duties. This group has worked to be certain of consistency in their work.
Membership guy, Dan O’Brien, reminded all of the Jan. 19th guest nite and the useful promotional tools for guys to use. Then he welcomed several guests and new applicants Jeremy Richardson and Bruce Roehm.
Josh Roots is chair of the Singing Valentine program this year. He announced his needs for staffing help, and especially pushed all to consider forming a quartet. The chapter can handle the marketing and paperwork well, but we need a lot of quartets!
Before closing for the nite, Cindy thanked all the men for their hard work, dedication and support. She also reminded us of the Cruise she and Director Joe are organizing for July 18-25, 2010. It will be on Holland America. Sam McFarland will be a contact person for t his event.
So—after a long nite of hard, fun, work, we sang our closing song and packed things up and headed to the after glow at 815 South Washington.
Many guys stopped by to buy their tickets for the Presidents Ball event, Feb. 6, 2010, at Durant this year. Happy hour starts at 6 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets are only $15 per person. Tables of 10 are available to arrange, so ask your pals about sitting together and see YeEd next week.
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Fun thing YeEd noted was that black hats were appearing everywhere – guys wearing them, piled on tables, being tossed to each other. Found out they were gonna be used as training hats for the front row’s work on the new uptune. Ken White had put out a call for guys to bring in a supply of the “Happy Feet” hats for the guys to use.
Treasurer Howard Nestlerode arrived with a handful of paperwork and checks or receipts to deliver. Another important Harmonizer job that is done outside chapter meeting.
Mark Klostermeyer alerted early arrivals to check for the new riser line up (on the nifty magnet chart he has made) so everyone could be set in place for the 7 pm kick off.
Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and worked the singers hard to be prepared for good singing. Right away at 7, the front row went to the lobby of Durant to work with Cindy Hansen who was in town to teach the chorus the uptune staging plan. (YeEd heard that she also worked with the Pride of Baltimore chorus on Monday.)
During the warm up period, Tony used “Heart of My Heart” so that guys would get some review in preparing quartets for the Singing Valentine program. Before the 7 pm start, Chuck McKeever had another large class of guys on hand for stage presence review up on the stage at Durant.
Director Joe stepped up to direct and used his time for a review of “Great Day” and “New York New York” that will be sung at the Guest Nite on Jan. 19th. Joe made a heartfelt plea for every guy to bring someone and spread the word -- not just to depend on the membership team to do the work. We are all on the team including those members who have joined in recent months, or those who have been members for a long time. Members who are not active are certainly welcome to visit and/or bring a friend or neighbor who likes to sing.
Then Joe welcomed Cindy to great cheers from the chapter. She set the stage about the dual team of her and Geri working on a first class contest package. She and the chorus worked hard until 10 pm!!! It was awesome. What a plan. And the guys were able to dig in and learn it and perform it pretty darn well. Cindy had met with chapter visual team leaders over the weekend to brief them, so they could help with the training. Director Joe also was in on the visual planning and so he made sure it all worked well with the music. He particularly made certain that the rehearsal of moves was done at a tempo close to his plan for performance.
At 10, we had our chapter meeting period. Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to Andrew Plocher and renewal member materials to Myles Glancy. He gave a 13-year renewal card to Brian Miller and a 36-year card to Rick Savage.
Steve White, assisted by other Harmonizers who are members of the DELA honor club, welcome newest DELA member from our chapter, Joe Cerutti. Congrats to Joe. BTW, Steve is 2010 president of DELA.
Terry Reynolds reminded front row that they would be having practice at 6 pm next week. He also reminded vocal evaluators of their duties. This group has worked to be certain of consistency in their work.
Membership guy, Dan O’Brien, reminded all of the Jan. 19th guest nite and the useful promotional tools for guys to use. Then he welcomed several guests and new applicants Jeremy Richardson and Bruce Roehm.
Josh Roots is chair of the Singing Valentine program this year. He announced his needs for staffing help, and especially pushed all to consider forming a quartet. The chapter can handle the marketing and paperwork well, but we need a lot of quartets!
Before closing for the nite, Cindy thanked all the men for their hard work, dedication and support. She also reminded us of the Cruise she and Director Joe are organizing for July 18-25, 2010. It will be on Holland America. Sam McFarland will be a contact person for t his event.
So—after a long nite of hard, fun, work, we sang our closing song and packed things up and headed to the after glow at 815 South Washington.
Many guys stopped by to buy their tickets for the Presidents Ball event, Feb. 6, 2010, at Durant this year. Happy hour starts at 6 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets are only $15 per person. Tables of 10 are available to arrange, so ask your pals about sitting together and see YeEd next week.
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
