Looking Back on the March 1st Chapter Meeting

This week’s schedule was packed full of good singing, hard work and important chapter business.

Great to see Roger Day in the hall this week and a lot of guests signing in. Early in the evening when YeEd ran into Victor Hills, he was all smiles with the good news he had received word that he was accepted into West Point. Bad news is he will miss International as he has to report for early training and indoctrination in July. Congrats from all of us!

Chuck McKeever was at work early on the stage helping guys review the many details of the up tune for the contest package. His special rehearsal last Thursday eve also paid off. Many guys were using the rehearsal sunglasses we have made available for those who might forget.

Will Cox did the vocal warm ups and then Director Joe Cerutti took over. First he congratulated Victor and led a round of applause and cheers.

Next Joe, with help from chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, repositioned the entire chorus for the upcoming phase of performances. Some of us asked him how he made his decisions. As many guys would expect, he had quite a thorough plan that included sound, visual, how their voice blends, height, and agility for movement just to name those YeEd can remember. You might be surprised how well he knows all the names of the guys and their voice qualities too! He worked hard with Mark over the weekend to be ready to make it happy at rehearsal.

Then Joe welcomed Geri Geis who was on hand to refine the contest up tune stage presence plan. She stressed the point that individual singers need to develop their stage character for the package. She will be back and will ask guys “who are you” and is expecting them to share the details of their character.

Mark Klostermeyer conducted the chapter meeting portion of the evening.

First Steve White and all Harmonizers who are members of DELASUSQUEHUDMAC (DELA for short) welcomed two new Harmonizers into their ranks – Michael Calhoun and Dennis Ritchey. Welcome aboard guys and thanks for the hard work and leadership you have given to the BHS to be eligible. They are the 41st and 42nd Harmonizers named to the District Honor Club.

Then Joe conducted an informative session about plans for 2012 and the possible trip to China. After a detailed presentation, he invited questions. He and Brad Jones, the guy who is coordinating a possible trip to China, fielded the questions. All members were encouraged to offer their opinions to Joe, President Steve Murane or any other board members. The chapter board is destined to make a final decision in a week or so in order to get in our reservations in time, and such. If you have questions, contact Brad at BWJ@NRC.GOV.

Secretary Buechler welcomed the three newest members who passed their auditions last week. He already had their Harmonizer name tags (with the chapter logo and their name) for them – Jacob George, lead; Kevin Kaiser, bass; and Michael Gilmore, bass. Welcome aboard, guys.

Membership vp, Phil Ashford, welcome another long line of guests. There were three first timers – one fellow barbershopper from NC who had moved to the area. There were also several applicants and YeEd has chatted with some of them and know they are planning to audition in the next couple weeks. Yeah.

Then it was break time – a few minutes to get some goodies and coffee, turn in forms for the Cherry Blossom Parade, sing some tags, compare who has which aches and pains and illnesses, buy some of the left over Valentine candy and get a raffle ticket.

Right after the break, the chorus was invited to make their self-evaluation tapes to turn in.

There was more work on the contest set.

And then Joe used the last part of the evening to prepare for the Cherry Blossom Parade appearance on April 9th. The producer of the parade knew of our successful appearance on July 4th in Philly and invited us to make a tv appearance during the Parade in Washington, DC. BUT they could only have us sing for about 2 minutes live. SO, Joe taught the guys a couple changes to “Stars and Stripes” to shorten it to fit. The guys got it and drilled it a few times. Tony Colosimo directed and Joe coached.

Then Dennis Ritchey helped the directors record it since the chorus with lip sync to the recording when we are in front of the camera. It went well and we got done in time to end the chapter meeting at 10 pm on the dot.

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.)

Looking Back on the Feb. 22nd Chapter Meeting and Special Visual Sessions

Twenty hardy souls attended the first contest choreo offsite session at the Lee Center "dance studio" on Thursday, February 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. Most of the guys remembered to remove their shoes without being reminded!

Dancemaster, Chuck McKeever, worked the group through the entire visual plan on "What Do I Need With Love?". He concentrated on smoothing out problem areas, making sure that the timing and rhythmics were accurate, and coordinating the moves that involved row-by-row or half-and-half variations. Once the plan was thoroughly reviewed, Chuck drilled the group many times, with each repetition showing improvement. He was aided by Drill Sergeant, Tom Griffith, who barked out row numbers and focals as needed, and by presentation team members Bob Blair, Dean Rust, and Keith Jones. The next session is scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 7 to 9 p.m., also at the Lee Center Dance Studio. (Thanks to Keith for reporting this news to YeEd.)

On Tuesday nite, it was a busy work session. The set up crew had things in order for the guys to get right to work. The visual review session on the stage had a large attendance. Vocal coach Michael Gellert was in the house tonite to conduct voice coaching for members of the chorus.

When the 7 pm start time came, the singers filled the 9 sections of risers. Tony Colosimo took them thru their vocal warm ups and turned it over to Director Joe Cerutti.

Joe welcomed all the gang, set the mood for the work session with coach Kirk Young, and welcomed Special Forces singers present tonite who will sing with us in Kansas City – Bob Wilson and Bill Colosimo.

Joe also took a moment to honor Jere Richardson, our district vice president for the southern division, who died at the hospital. Jere was a friend of the chapter, a popular mc for barbershop events and a major leader in both the Fairfax Chapter and the Mount Vernon Chapter. Details about services will come to all via email.

Before he started the singing, Joe also stressed the need for guys to fill out and sign the forms agreeing to participate in the Cherry Blossom Parade and turn them in to Jack Pitzer or Ken White. This is a television gig and we want a large crowd.

Then the singing began. Kirk expressed his joy at hearing the ownership the chorus has taken for his arrangement of “What Do I Need With Love” and how well things are sounding at this early stage. Of course he was quick to jump in and offer suggestions. And it was great to see and hear how the guys took his suggestions to heart and made a huge difference.

Tony helped by directing so Joe could concentrate on the suggestions and notes from Kirk. Good team work!

Then the chorus worked as sections so that Kirk could give concentrated attention to each one. Started out with basses and baris with Kirk and tenors with Tony and leads with Joe. Then the instructors switched.

Mid evening, ops vp Mark Klostermeyer conducted the weekly chapter meeting. President Steve Murane announced the recent passing of Al Wolicki who was a Harmonizer from 1969-1980. In his later years, he was a member of the Mount Vernon Chapter and served there as treasurer.

Shows vp Ken White plugged the Cherry Blossom gig, noting that we will sing and have a team planning details like how we will get there, what to wear, where to meet. Watch for details.

Music vp Terry Reynolds reminded all that the self-evaluation recording time will be right after the break tonite. And he mentioned the special visual rehearsal this Thursday nite at 7 pm at Lee Center in the dance studio there. (Joe chimed in and asked for a good attendance so more of us can get the contest sp under our belts and then sing and perform with gusto.)

Membership vp Phil Ashford had another large line of guests to introduce this week. There were five applicants in the house. (Several of them passed their audtions, YeEd hears, and so we will welcome them as members soon.) There were also some first time guests including family members of Bob Wachter.

The break was busy with getting some hot coffee, buying things, signing up for things and busting a tag.

After the break, the music team worked on the ballad for contest and invited coach Kirk to offer more comments. The team also spent some time of review for the visuals for the contest songs.

Kirk was very excited tonite and it was contagious with the chorus.

We worked right up til 10 pm and then rushed to put everything away so we could get to the afterglow at the Hilton around the corner.

Other news from YeEd: yes, that was Dan O’Brien on Channel 4 tv news on Monday eve. He got a call from Dave Reyno to help do a quartet gig. It was filmed for the news too – a gent hires a quartet each year to honor his deceased wife on her birthday.

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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the Feb. 15th Chapter Meeting

Durant was a beehive of activities this week.

Lots of guests were arriving and many men helped them get signed in and get a name tag and the special guest nite packet prepared for them. Membership vp, Phil Ashford, was a busy guy.

The set up crews were also busy with risers backed up to the stage, and a large gallery of chairs for guests and their family or traveling friends. Bob Blair and a crew brought in the Harmo History Display boards. Many guys answered the call and brought goodies to share. The FRIENDS group sold cold sodas and water – tho guests were given free drinks.

Julie Kinzer was on hand to do a graduate student oral report for her journalism class at American University. She recorded the chorus, spoke to several guys and took photos.

YeEd needs to report that he missed at least two guys who sang Singing Valentines over the recent weekend – Jim Lake and Kyle Blomgren. Thanks guys.

At 7 pm, all the guests and members assembled on the risers and Will Cox conducted the vocal warm ups. Then Director Joe got everyone singing. When it was time to do “That’s Amore” he had the av crew play the recording by gold medal quartet FRED. As usual, Joe made the rehearsal fun and helped the chorus refresh the music and even some of the visual plan.

When it was time for the chapter meeting period, program vp Klostermeyer conducted the session. He introduced birthday guys for the coming week as is our tradition this year.

It was great to see Rob Korsan back after fighting off strep throat. There were a good number of family members in the audience for guest nite. Several of them had brought guests too.

The audio visual crew showed the video of the Mid-Winter appearance by CAPITAL FORCE in Vegas in January. Great hit, guys! Congrats to Tony Colosimo and all.

Then Phil Ashford went into action to introduce all the guests. Several guys have been around for a couple weeks and are in the process of advancing toward membership. Then he had to introduce about 20 first-time guests – and manage giving them their “I Sang With the Harmonizers” pins. Will Cox directed the chorus in singing the “Harmonizer Welcome Song” to them while the president and director and membership vp shook hands of each one.

Then it was time for a break to chow down on all the goodies!! There was some quartet singing in the hall and lots of guys visiting with the guests.

After returning from break, the guests met with Tony and Steve Lingo and Steve White and others to learn more about the chapter and barbershop harmony.

The chorus worked on the contest package during that time.

When the guests came back into the main hall, they sang a tag they had learned for the chapter. And then the chorus sang three songs for the guests. After that, Joe taught the guests the tag for “Great Day” to sing along with the chorus. It was great. He even had Chuck McKeever teach them the moves for the tag.

Other news from this week: McKeever and other visual team members met on the stage at 6 pm to learn the presentation play from Rachael for another song; Bert Phillips has finished scanning all the past issues of the chapter’s bulletin, The Echo. Ticket sales for the Presidents’ Ball were put on hold as the venue and arrangements have not been confirmed. Stay tuned.

Chris Clark directed the final song and we closed the hall and put everything away and many guys headed to the new afterglow spot at the Hilton across from the King Street Metro station.

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.)

Looking Back on the 2011 Singing Valentine Program

The very first quartet we sent out generated this email response from the guy who bought it for his wife, “Just got a call from my wife on how great it was!! The only way to top this will be to write her name in the sky! Do any of the guys have a pilots license? Thank-you for making me look like a genius”!

The Harmonizers offered to deliver Singing Valentines from Fri. Feb. 11th thru Mon. Feb. 14th. Orders came in electronically and likely by phone too. The recent edition of the chapter newsletter, The ECHO, pushed sales to the chapter website. We offered several packages that included the quartet song and candy and/or roses and a card: The Heart Throb – a rose and chocolates; The Romeo – a doz. roses and/or chocolates; The Valentino – a dozen roses and chocolates. This year we also offered to deliver Valentines via telephone on Feb. 14th. We called them Love On The Line.

Joe Wagovich and Ken White were the organizers of the program. Scott Kahler was behind the scenes on technology, Dick Newton got the roses, Jack Pitzer got the candy and TJ Jones printed the Valentine cards. Steve Lingo and Scipio Garling did extra marketing. Eric Wallen collected the names of the guys who volunteered to sing in quartets to do the gigs in four-hour periods on each day. Quartets came to a “Valentine Central” (actually Jack’s office on Franconia Rd.) to get their assignments and supplies to deliver. Each quartet was provided a sheet with details about the surprise and directions and maps. They all looked sharp in their black tux outfits.

There were some special outcomes from our SV operation. One benefit YeEd heard about was our guys got to visit in the car or over coffee between gigs and get to know each other more. For some guys, the SV program is their annual way to give back to the chapter.

Our chapter cooperated with other local chapters in the area to fill orders – especially with Ned Duffy and the DC chapter.

One of guys bought a SV and gave it to the pastor to give to someone in their church. Several guys bought a SV for a group of folks like the office staff or the crew at a local Starbucks. Many were delivered within the Harmonizer family over the weekend.

Bruce Lauther and the FOUR FROM THE HEART quartet did the annual sing for the oncology department at Kaiser Permanente. Bruce’s group also sang for a large number of senior care facilities and OLD TOWN SOUND helped cover some of the senior center gigs.

For the record, one Singing Valentine was delivered to a guy at the NRA headquareters. And one SV helped set up a marriage proposal – and she said yes!

Our guys sang from Woodbridge to NW DC; in Old Town Alexandria; Southern Maryland; around Springfield, Manassas, Fairfax and Falls Church.

It was a successful weekend – especially with no snow!

The following Harmonizers helped deliver Singing Valentines: Alan Kousen, Bill Curtis, Bob Mattes, Dave Welter, JT Price, Frank Fedarko, Rocky Ebener, Dean Rust, Ike Evans, Terry Reynolds, Joe Cerutti, Dick Dangel, Andrew Plocher, Brian Ammerman, Will Cox, Joel Golden, Dan O'Brien, Craig Kujawa, Ken Rub, Ken Henderson, Bob Blair, Don Dillingham, Tom Griffith, Brian Miller, Troy Hillier, Dean Rust, Ken Fess, Carl Kauffmann, Noah Van Gilder, Steve Lingo, Joe Wagovich, Scipio Garling, Bruce Lauther. Vince Cazenas, Ken White, Drew Fuller, Bob Wachter, Jim Laek, Kyle Blomgren, and Mike Schwartz.

Dan Sobrio and Jeff Salino, who are not Harmonizers, but barbershoppers in the area, helped fill in parts for quartets.

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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter chapter. —Ye Ed.)

Looking Back on the Feb. 8th Chapter Meeting

Great to have a bunch of guys back after some illness, operations, surgery, getting over an accident or such – Chris Yates, Don Thompson, Chuck Powell, John Pence, Tom Griffith, Bob Mattes, Bob Wilson, Alan Wile. YeEd figures he might have missed a couple more.

Also the chapter was pleased to have Michael Gellert back to do the vocal lessons. YeEd has heard a lot of good talk and comments about how they were helpful and appreciated.

Also good to have Craig Odell back from his work assignment in AL.

And we always appreciate the FRIENDS group who support the chapter. They met tonite and went to dinner at Hard Times Café.

After vocal warm ups, Director Joe reviewed this weekend’s schedule for the chorus and quartets: the Singing Valentine project Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon; the stage presence work session Sat morning and the high school educational session Sat afternoon. He briefed the guys as to what they would do as part of the educational session and ran through the songs to be sung, including “Summertime.”

As for the Singing Valentine work. Joe asked who had signed up with Eric Wallen and asked them to come down front. Then he invited anyone else who could help and do some quartet time over the four days to raise their hand. Eric took notes of those guys and can now help put together quartets to fill orders.

Joe Wagovich thanked all for helping with that. He has a crew working on buying the candy, roses, scheduling gigs, doing maps, printing cards. Ken White, chapter shows chair, reminded all that this SV event is a major spring effort to raise income in place of a traditional show.

Quartets should stay tuned for details from SV chair Joe as to when to come to Valentine Central, 6277 Franconia Rd., Alex 22310 (actually Jack Pitzer’s office).

And it is not too late for all of us to print and post the great SV poster/flyer sent out by chapter marketing guy, Steve Lingo. Get them out there so we have plenty of business.

The bulk of the singing in the first half was work on the contest songs. Previous plans to have Kirk Young with us were canceled because of weather and travel problems. One thing Joe did that was really effective was to use the keyboard and demonstrate how Rogers and Hammerstein had written the song and how our arrangement by Steve Tramack followed that music.

Dennis Ritchey did sound tonite and it is always so good to be able to hear and to add in things like the keyboard.

The chapter meeting session was kicked off by ops vp, Mark Klostermeyer, with his weekly reminder of birthdays of the guys this coming week.

Don Dillingham got to make his push for guest nite, Feb. 15th, at Durant. Again he stressed each man should bring someone! He and YeEd also discussed the need for guys to bring some cookies and such to restock the cupboard so we can be good hosts. Also a reminder for all to wear their chapter name tags so the guest can speak to you by name.

Brad Jones plugged the need for chapter members to provide their feedback regarding the China trip.

Ken Fess and Mick Stamps have signed on as producers for a major upcoming show and offered to add other guys to their team – especially newer guys who might learn the ropes from these two pros.

Immediate Past President, Dick Newton, announced plans for the annual Presidents Ball event (award nite, installation of officers and a great dinner to share) on Feb. 26th at Mason Inn at George Mason University (where we had the afterglow after the Chorus of the World show with Westminster). About $25 per person. More details to come re menu, bar plans (there will be one), start time, etc. BUT you can start buying tickets and getting table reservations next Tuesday nite from Jack Pitzer.

Chapter Secretary, Chris Buechler, presented membership renewals for the following: Joel Golden, 6 years; Bob Rhome, 10 years; Tom Kern, 13 years; Chuck Powell, 17 years; TJ Jones, 20 years; Dean Rust, 31 years; Bob Wachter, 59 years.

Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced a long line of guests again tonite. Several are barbershoppers and have come to investigate our chapter. Several are new in town and/or in town for work and came by to sing. Several of them are applicants or about to audition.

We had a good break and since it was so cold, the coffee pot was drained! The usual activities were also going, on such as quartet formation, orientation for newer members, getting water from the FRIENDS group, buying raffle tickets.

After break, it was back to work with Joe and Tony, who offered inputs as needed. The music team had sectionals tonite to touch up some points on the ballad. Music vp, Terry Reynolds, presented details about this year’s self-evaluation plan. He showed new forms, explained steps each guy should take, and promised to get out an email covering it all. He thanked Craig Kujawa for his work in updating and improving the forms the guys must submit.

Chuck McKeever continues to work on the taping system for helping with visual self improvement. He added some tables to get the new cameras up higher.

When Joe ended the rehearsal at 10 or so, the huge crowd of guys all gathered on the risers and locked arms for KTWWS. It was great to have Bob Wilson up from Richmond, and Phil Stern up from FL, to sing with us. It is always true – It is Great to Be a Harmonizer!

Tonite we tried a new spot, the Alexandria Hilton, for our chapter afterglow. It is just a short walk from Durant and across the street from the King Street Metro. A good crowd joined in the fun and it got good marks from all. Thanks to Jeremy Richardson for making the contact and setting up some discounts. The tag singers were happy to know there is a separate place they can sing there, 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.)

Looking Back on the 2011 Mid-Winter Convention in Vegas

The Harmonizers were well represented at the convention by chapter leaders and by our new group, CAPITAL FORCE, that competed for the first time at the Barbershop Harmony Society's Youth In Harmony festival, held during the Mid-Winter Convention.

On January 29, our nineteen-man group joined 18 other youth choruses on the stage in Las Vegas. These contest sets consisted of three songs, two in the barbershop style and another to demonstrate versatility.

Under the direction of Harmonizer assistant director, Tony Colosimo, CF performed “Kaval Skiri” (a complex Bulgarian folk song), “Basin Street Blues”, and “Hello My Baby”. It was announced from the stage at the end of the Festival that our guys earned a “superior” rating (75 or more percentage points).

This was the fourth year for the contest, which already has grown from six to nineteen competitors and is hailed as “a bellwether of the Society's successful barbershop youth programs.” Another youth chorus from our Mid-Atlantic District, Tri-Star Chorus from the New Jersey area, also competed. The contest winner was the Northwest Vocal Project Chorus from Washington state.

Also during the convention there is a Seniors Quartet Contest. Our MAD guys did well too: HIT PARADE, was second; LEGACY was third; and YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (with our own Mike Wallen) was seventh. Former Harmonizer, Lee Hanson, sang in the outgoing senior quartet champs, RESISTING-A-REST, from the Detroit area. Other former Harmonizers who sang in seniors quartets were Lynn Hineman, Larry Deters, and Paul Wietlisbach.
According to Chuck Harner, to be eligible to be a seniors quartet, all members must by 55 or over, and the average age must be 60.

Our own John Hohl was pleased that several of his arrangements were sung during Mid-Winter. The Seniors Champs Chorus under the direction of Joe Liles sang an "Elvis Medley" that was created for the Richmond Chapter by John. Then while they showed slides of Sinatra, that chorus sang John’s arrangement of "My Way." In the seniors quartet contest, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROEJCT sang a new arrangement for this contest entitled "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore" from Gigi. It was a particular hit in this seniors context. Then HIT PARADE brought back John's original song and arrangement of "End of the Road" with lyrics by Scott Werner. This was a signature song of our chapter’s medalist quartet, VAUDEVILLE.

Many of the Harmonizer family who could not go to Vegas enjoyed seeing parts of the convention via webcast. Alan Wile’s doc wouldn’t let him fly to NV, so Alan says the webcast was the next best thing. His 11-year-old grandson, Thomas, sang with CAPITAL FORCE, and so it is likely Grandad was a little proud!

Another highlight of the convention which attendees like are the shows featuring the medalist quartets from last July’s International convention, past senior quartet champs, and the chorus of senior champ quartet singers.

One attendee told YeEd, “Our Director Joe was the talk of the convention.” Joe served as emcee for the seniors quartet contest and at the Friday and Saturday shows. Here is a report of his antics that appeared on the Harmonet – a listserv for the barbershop harmony community:
“Joe Cerutti, director of the medalist Alexandria Harmonizers and SAI Pride of Baltimore chorus, has been awarded the all around most valuable player award for this convention. After acting as MC for the Seniors Quartet Contest, Joe appeared on the evening show as Elvis and later in the show as a Las Vegas show girl – yes you read it correctly! The next afternoon, while watching the CAPITAL FORCE youth chorus from Alexandria directed by Tony Colosimo – guess who we spotted in the back row! Finally on the Saturday night show, the multi-faceted Joe appeared as part of a comedy acrobatic team. To wind it all up, Joe appeared as a magician who botched up every trick he attempted then had us rolling on the floor as he (assisted by our BHS president Alan Lamson) and Pookie Dingel attempted to make Sam McFarland disappear.”

YeEd suspects some of these antics were prompted by our coach, Cindy Hansen.

But Joe was not the only Harmonizer at the convention. Chris Buechler made a presentation to the Society board regarding new rules for contests. Chuck Harner and Sam McFarland were certified as Standing Ovation reviewers (these are guys who help review performances at the request of the performing chorus).

Members of the chapter who sang in CAPITAL FORCE in addition to Joe and Tony were Eric Wallen, Phil Feguson, Patrick Kim, Tony Colosimo, Andrew Havens, Edris Qarghah, Noah Van Gilder, Adam Bradley, Wayne Adams and Ryan Griffith. Other members of the CF were Jon Baker, Jesse Bogue, Joe Grimme, Thomas Miller, Chris Odell, Bobby Seay, and Kenne Toula.

Here are highlights / fun facts from Patrick Kim, who serves CF with many admin duties:

Ryan arrived on Monday to spend some time touring the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam; Joe, Phil, Andrew, Patrick, Steven, Bobby, and Eric arrived on Wednesday and avoided getting bogged down by weather-related delays; Thomas Miller probably experienced the longest delay, originally scheduled to arrive in Vegas on Thursday morning but not making it until Friday morning. He woke up at 3am on Friday to make his 5am flight and lasted through a full day of rehearsing and spending time with the chorus before finally crashing shortly after dinner.

Edris experienced the most travel complications, originally scheduled to fly through Philadelphia to arrive in Vegas on Friday morning; instead, he was re-routed through Philadelphia and Boston before reaching Las Vegas after a series of delays and unsuccessful standbys, finally arriving Friday evening.

CAPITAL FORCE had an opportunity to rehearse on Friday; Terry Reynolds came by to support the chorus. We received our stylish shirts at that time and wore them proudly throughout the remainder of the weekend.

CF organized a last-minute Togetherness Dinner on Friday evening, scrambling to find a venue in Vegas that could cost-effectively accommodate a group of 20-25. While maybe not as organized and well-advertised as a Harmonizers Togetherness Breakfast, we tried to model our dinner after the breakfast. Tony delivered some encouraging words and provided those who wanted an opportunity to speak about their experiences in the chorus.

We met at 8am on Saturday morning to warm up our voices and mentally prepare for the competition. We then headed down to the convention center at 10am to wait for the announcement of the first choruses to perform.

There was no pre-selected chorus draw/order this year. Instead, the first youth chorus that would perform was announced at 10:00am, and each subsequent chorus was announced in 15 minute intervals. Upon seeing your chorus name on the “jumbotrons” in the convention center, the choruses were to file out of the convention center to get to the ready room.

CAPITAL FORCE was drawn as the fifth chorus to perform; unfortunately, due to poor timing of the announcement on the “jumbotron” the door monitors would not let the chorus leave until the chorus on stage finished performing; this delay, coupled with the fact that the ready room was located about 10 minutes away, left the chorus with only about 3 minutes in the ready room before we had to walk back to the stage. Fortunately, our voices were still warmed up from the morning's rehearsal.

After the Youth Festival, choruses received their scoresheets and met with one judge from each category to receive a 45-minute evaluation (15 minutes with each judge). With regards to scoring and ranking, we opted to not be ranked against the other youth choruses. This was not a sign of uncertainty or doubt in the ability of the chorus, but rather, a desire to keep with the educational-focus of our chorus and to maintain the true spirit of a youth festival. That said, we were very pleased to find out that had we chosen to be ranked, we would have placed high in the festival (looks like we're following in the steps of the Harmonizers!).

In the short period of time each judge had, they provided great feedback and the chorus saw some immediate improvements. Definitely an encouraging sign for the upcoming year! One of the judges gave Tony a great compliment about his competent conducting skills.

The shows on Friday and Saturday evening provided a treat to all of the CF guys and all the other youth choruses, by showcasing some truly talented quartets, including current collegiate quartet champion SWEDISH MATCHS, current quartet champion STORM FRONT, and quartet medalists OLD SCHOOL, RINGMASTERS, MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS and THE ALLIES.

And as is YeEd’s tradition, here are the names of former and current Harmonizers not mentioned above that YeEd’s reporters (mostly Dixie Kennett and Keith Jones) spotted at the convention: Dwain Chambers, Jim Lucey, Darryl Flinn, Joe Sawyer, John Rettenmeyer, Tom Gannon, Ross Johnson, Bill Ward, Bob Mattes, Richard Lewellen, Bob Caldwell, Gary Mankin, Rick Wagner, Ken Fess, Mick Stamps, Gary Smith, Bob Hirsh, Ray Kahler, and Will Winder.

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 as part of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)

Looking Back on the Feb. 1st Chapter Meeting

Well we dodged another bad-weather bullet and most guys could get to Durant without a challenge. The predicted ice was a nice easy rain. When the early arrivals got to Durant at 6 pm they went right to work for all the set up needed for our meeting.

The front row and quad leaders had been invited by Chuck McKeever to meet him on the stage at 6 pm for a training session with guest visual coach, Racheal Acosta. She taught them moves for “ObLaDi ObLaDa” so that they could teach the chorus at a future rehearsal. It was good to have Racheal back to help our visual team.

After vocal warm ups by Will Cox, Director Joe invited Chuck to help him review and drill the moves and plan for “That’s Amore,” which had been taught last week when Cindy was with us. The gang did a darn good job of remembering the crazy antics.

Then the Joe-and-Chuck team reviewed and drilled the visual plan added to “Stars and Stripes” by Geri a few weeks ago. Geri and Royall were with us for the week too.

Joe welcomed her and they went right to work at teaching/introducing the visual plan for the contest uptune. Some great stuff to enhance the overall plan. The front row worked on their own in the lobby.

Operations vp Mark Klostermeyer opened the chapter meeting period with the usual birthday wishes. Then he did a speedy run thru of announcements. Don Dillingham got a chance to shout out that we are having a guest nite on Feb. 15th and everyone should bring at least ONE singer!!!

Someone announced the extra rehearsal on Feb. 12th. Expect emails.

Secretary Buechler presented Bob Blair his first Man of Note Award for helping as host for Adam O’Brien, our newest member. Adam got the usual packet of new member materials.

Ken White plugged the Singing Valentine operation for the whole weekend of Feb. 11-12-13-14. The recent ECHO has gone out launching the sales. Our options are on the chapter website too for customers.

We are offering the following:
“Love Is On The Line” a Singing Valentine Message delivered by phone -- $25
“The Heart Throb” a Singing Valentine Message with a Rose and chocolates -- $50
“The Romeo” a Singing Valentine Message with a doz. Roses or Chocolates -- $95
“The Valentino” a Singing Valentine Message with a doz. Roses and Chocolates -- $125


What we need are singers to sign up to be in a quartet that delivers the songs. The way it works, we offer Valentine deliveries in specific areas or regions. So it is well organized. AND if enough guys help with the quartets, we can make over $10,000 or more! Just like a spring show.

Don’t just assume some of the other usual guys will cover this gig. All singers can help. Or maybe even offer to drive a quartet of guys so they can get out, go sing, and go! Let Eric Wallen, who is chapter quartet promotion chair, know which day you can help for a few hours and which parts you could sing (especially if you could sing tenor!) Eric’s email is eric.c.wallen@gmail.com.

If you are a new member or have never done a Singing Valentine gig, call Dean Rust or Alan Wile and ask them about it. They are both available during the day to help you.

President Steve Murane reminded all to mark their calendars for the two extra rehearsals for visual training as announced by Chuck McKeever. They are not mandatory, but VERY important for all to attend. They are Feb. 17th and Feb. 24th at 7 pm at Lee Center.

Then Steve read a recent post from the Harmonet chatter about a certain Joe Cerutti and his antics as emcee at the Mid-Winter in Vegas. Joe, of course, was quick to yell out, “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!”

Then Steve brought up an important topic about a possible trip to China for the chapter in 2012. More details will be emailed and feedback about the idea is requested by Joe and Steve.

Membership vp Phil Ashford had nine guests to introduce this week. A bunch of good singersf. Some from other chapters in the BHS, including Lou Berger from Canada who comes to sing with us several times every year when he is in DC for work. The list of guys interested in membership is growing and so assistant director Will Cox was busy giving the prospective members their vocal assessments. Chorus singers can help Phil by meeting the guys early on Tuesday at Durant and offering to sing a song with them, or tell them about our shows or contests, or how uniforms distribution works, or where to get info if you need it.

After the coffee break, the risers looked like a bunch of Secret Service guys with wires coming out of their ears. It was recording time again for the self-evaluation program. Joe stressed that it was an evaluation system so guys who need help can get it.

As part of the eval system, McKeever is happy to have new cameras to film visual performances. The chapter bought one and two members contributed one each. Thanks guys.

Geri and Joe used the rest of the rehearsal nite to continue teaching the moves for the contest uptune.

Tony Colosimo was invited to take us out to close the nite in recognition of his being director of the successful hit by CAPITAL FORCE in Vegas. It was neat to see all of our CF guys with their new t-shirts and the smiles on their faces as proud members of the chapter.

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.)

Looking Back on the Jan. 18th Chapter Meeting

Great crowd this week. Think guys were eager to sing the contest songs and get back to chorus after the bad weather.

We had a special rehearsal last Thursday at the Kena Temple in Fairfax. About 45 guys made it. Will Cox did the warm ups and Director Joe Cerutti worked hard with the singers to drill the contest songs. He was wild again with his laser pointer!

This week included a lot of work too.

Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and Director Joe chimed in to help build enthusiasm. When he got the reigns to start the rehearsal workout, he set the stage for the work session. He first welcomed our guests with us as contacts for the Carnegie Hall show this year. He welcomed JP Pence back and acknowledged Dixie Kennett’s birthday. And he welcomed Dave Calland who was with us for the evening. Dave was in town for work. Those who recall Dave as our coach were happy to see him again.

Also visiting us this week was the assistant director of the Voices of Gotham in NYC, Eric Engelhardt.

Their were actually a bunch of guests from the local area and some good candidates for membership. Good to see Tim Buell jump in and meet and greet and sign them in until membership vp Phil Ashford arrived. Phil made introductions and gave out “first timer” pins to several.

During the early singing period, Joe asked the group of guests to stand at the side of the risers so we could practice our new moves for “Stars and Stripes” and not stomp on the guests! While they were out of harm’s way, he sang “Meeting Here Tonight” with Chuck McKeever directing the visual review and drill. Joe thanked Chuck for his dedication to the instructional efforts and for conducting the early-bird classes at 6 pm on the stage as a review for guys.

Then it was time for the guests to get back on the risers for the first sing-thru of “That’s Amore” for the chorus.

Then Joe sent the chorus out for half hour sectionals on contest songs.

YeEd noted that Alan Wile had the Harmo Hero and Heroines notebooks on display. The FRIENDS group met tonite and went out to dinner.

When Joe got all parts back on the risers he was pleased to see the progress.

Ops vp Mark Klostermeyer gave the guys a break to get some goodies, buy stuff, sing some tags, and say hi to the guests. After the break we had our chapter meeting.
Secretary Buechler recognized our chapter section leaders quartet, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – Rick Savage, tenor section leader; Tony Colosimo, lead; Ken Ives, baritone; and Mike Kelly, bass. The chapter has registered this quartet for 24 years.

Next Chris presented K12 with his 30 year membership pin. And then renewal recognition for Frank Fedarko, 9 years; Brian Miller, 14 years; Brian Ammerman, 17 years; Drew Fuller, 21 years; Keith Jones, 33 years; and Rick Savage, 37 years.

Singing Valentine co-chair Joe Wagovitch pushed for guys to be forming some quartets for our annual fund-raising event over Valentine weekend. (Also those guys need to be sure they have a chapter uniform too.)

Don Dillingham reminded us all of the Feb. 15th guest nite here at Durant. Get some guests lined up to attend.

Steve Lingo asked all Facebook users to “like” the Harmonizer page.

There is a board meeting on Wednesday eve at Durant at 7 pm.

Then it was back to work singing on the risers. A quote from Joe, “The audience is not coming to hear us breathe”.

And he reminded us of our past greats singing Harmonizer softs. New guys should ask some oldtimers what that is all about.

We closed the hall on time and a huge crowd of guys went to the afterglow at Theisman’s. Eric from Gotham directed KTWWS.

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.)

Looking Back on the Jan. 11th Chapter Meeting

The chapter meeting was certainly hit hard by weather this week. President Murane was on-top of weather alerts to the guys all day on Tuesday. And in the end, he and his board decided to go ahead and have the chapter meeting, as there was no snow.

Then at 6 pm a quick rain and ice came down. Then calm til about 7:30 when it started to snow.

In the end, 35 or so guys made it. Director Joe was fresh off the airplane from England. He did a great job, even with jetlag, to prompt excitement in working on the contest songs. Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and Terry Reynolds did the computer work to project the music.

Joe reported on the coaching and training events he conducted in England. One weekend was totally chorus director development. And then he spent a chunk of time with the Bristol chorus who will compete in Kansas City in July. (They are staying at the same hotel as Alexandria, and we will likely do things with them.)

Joe shared his pride of being our director which was an important qualification for his being asked to come over. He shared many examples of how we do things, and they were received with excitement.

Before the chapter meeting started, we did have about 10 guys on the stage for the stage presence refresher classes taught every week from now on at 6 pm by Chuck McKeever.

Joe asked about the hospital sing. There were about 20 guys who made it and it was a good crowd for the little areas where we can sing. Terry Reynolds was director. Then about 50 folks made it to the Heat Glo at the Pitzer home. Good to visit and get to know our fellow members and their significant others. Geri and Royall Geis were there too.

Ken White organized the show and Martin Banks was coordinator with the INOVA Hospital.

Tonite we did have a brief business meeting. We introduced Steven Moore who was a first time guest who sings with CAPITAL FORCE.

President Murane reported the memorial service plans for Chuck Hunter’s partner, Trent Royster, who died last week. The service will be Friday, at 1 pm at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW. If a small ensemble can be created at the Thursday rehearsal this week (see below), they will sing.

Chapter admin leaders and musical leaders have asked us to try to attend an extra rehearsal on Thursday, Jan. 13th, at 7 pm at Kena Shriners annex, 9001 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax (VA Route 50).

In order to let guys get home before it got worse, the meeting was ended at 8:45 pm, guys grabbed coffee and some goodies and crews put every thing away.

YeEd reports other Harmonizer news: Steve and Lise Lingo made The Washington Post real estate section this past weekend in a feature about how DC area folks use their hot tubs in the winter.

Alan Wile was absent this week in order to conduct an officer installation for another chapter in the DC area.

Several guys were absent this week because they had no voice from colds/flu.

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.)

Looking Back on the Dec. 28th Event and Jan. 4th Chapter Meeting

Altho YeEd didn’t get to attend the BLAST in Dundalk/Baltimore area on Dec. 28th, sounds like there was a good crowd of Harmonizer folks there – about 25 or so. Ryan Griffith, who is also a member of the host chapter Dundalk, was chair of the event. Lots of our guys sang in the quartet contest and reports are that several Harmonizers were in the prize winning quartets. CAPRI judged the contest and sang a set for all to enjoy. District champ quartet, TOUCHSTONE, sang -- Steve White is bass. Also DA CAPO sang with Tony Colosimo, Wayne Adams, Joe Sawyer and Ryan Griffith. TRIBUTE sang with Tony and Ryan too.

This week’s meeting was our first then for a couple weeks at Durant. Good crowd. We all missed Director Joe who is in England coaching our fellow barbershop harmony singers there.

Terry Reynolds, music vp, had things well organized. Tony Colosimo was director for the work sessions. Will Cox did the warm up sessions. Terry gave the guys a fun treat and played the FRED version of “That’s Amore” for all to understand the comedy lines. (Scott Kahler was in charge of AV duties this week.)

Geri and Royall Geis were present this week and she spent a chunk of time explaining and helping the guys develop the mindset needed for the 2011 contest package. In summary, she reminded the guys to view “Carousel” and understand the character of Billy Bigelow. Newcomers were also encouraged to get onto the member website and read the cover letter explanation she has provided.

She adjourned to the lobby with the front row to teach them the newly developed visual plan for “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Meanwhile Tony took time to refresh guys on a few of the repertoire songs. Then Geri came back into the main hall to teach the rest of the chorus their moves for “Stars and Stripes.” It went well and the front row joined in after a bit and we put it all together. It will be a crowd pleaser even more than when we just sang it for audiences.

The before break chapter meeting period was called to order by operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer. The 2011 officer team has introduced a plan to use the computer to project announcements this year – the HarmoTron for all to see during the nite. Secretary Buechler presented a 15-year membership renewal card to Scipio Garling.

New president Steve Murane acknowledged the work of the 2010 board and had them stand for a round of applause. Then he thanked his 2011 board for jumping into action fast and getting plans made for an exciting year! He plans to send his goals-for-the-year letter via email to all of us. Jan. 19th is the next board meeting. These meetings will be every third Wednesday at Durant at 7 pm. Our chapter board meetings are open to any Harmonizer.

New membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced the guests with help from Rob Korsan, who had signed them in early in the evening. Victor Hills’ brother, Richard, (home from college) attended. As did a guest who had been with us about a year ago and came back to get back into the mix with us after going thru a job search. Also a barbershopper from the area was present to check things out. Cheers went up when John Pence came in. Great to seem him back after his health battle.

During break there was the usual rush to get some goodies and coffee, settle up on White House Ornaments, line up a quartet for a guest audition, settle in on some quartet options for the spring round of contests, confirm registrations for Kansas City International with Bob Rhome, buy scrip cards from Dick and Carolyn Hall, and get the screen up for the second half of the rehearsal.

Following break, there were sectionals on the contest package. And then Tony worked for about a hour on the songs with the chorus.

Terry Reynolds closed the work session with good news about coaches scheduled for next year, including a confirmation of David Wright coming.

This Saturday is the hospital sing at INOVA, 4320 Seminary Rd. in Alexandria. Business casual. Meet in lobby at 7 pm. Right after the sing, the chorus is invited to a Heat Glo (or afterglow) at Jack and Pat Pitzer’s home. Address is 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria, VA. Just off Telegraph Rd. by Hayfield Hi School. Bring finger foods to share. Significant others are welcome to assemble in the hospital lobby or go on to the Pitzer’s and wait for the guys to get there. Call Jack if you have questions – 703-627-9424.

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.)

Looking Back on the Dec. 21st Chapter Meeting

A hearty gang of singers came out this week to go caroling in Old Town. We met at Durant at 7 and there was a lot of getting White House Ornaments to guys who needed them from guys who had extras. Some guys came out to be sure and extend holiday greetings to their buddies.

A big cheer went up when Chuck Hunter arrived. He was ending a 72-hour ordeal to get to the U.S. from his post in Damascus, via the closed airports in London. Chuck was here to get in some tag singing and see everyone. He returns to his post on Jan. 4th after a brief visit with his family in CA.

At 7, Tony Colosimo got up on the stage and we gathered standing on the floor for warm ups. Then Joe worked for a few minutes on the 2011 uptune. (This allowed our reconnaissance team of Klostermeyer and Van Gilder to go make arrangements with restaurants for us to sing for them)

But Director Joe had a lot of news to pass along to the guys. First – CAPITAL FORCE is doing great in their prep for their singing in Vegas in January. Joe reports that Tony is doing a great job as director of the group and he also expressed appreciation for the admin leadership for CF from Patrick Kim. The group has two young guys, age 11, who are holding up the tenor part for the group. There are young guys from several chapters around the metro area who are in CF.

Then second, Joe announced big news that the Harmonizers will appear as one of the feature groups in the Cherry Blossom Parade this spring. Stay tuned for details on this one. (This is a result of good work on July 4th for the producer of the event we sang early that day in Philly!)

Joe also welcomed the Russian film crew who will go with us on our caroling trek tonite.

At about 8:15, Joe got a text that the “recon team” had things lined up downtown. So we synchronized watches and agreed to assemble at Market Square. Many guys had Santa hats and other neat hats or scarves.

As usual, we started with Gadsby Tavern, but this year we had to do two sets there since it was full in every one of their dining rooms. Then we walked toward the river and stopped at three places before ending our nite at Chadwicks. The film crew worked hard to get great shots of guys in the various eateries. They also filmed us singing as we walked among the lights on the street outside the Christmas Attic store.

A few interested prospects were given chapter business cards during the various stops. Was great to see our buddy Rob Korsan manage getting into all the restaurants – and great to have the guys give him a hand in getting his chair right into the center of the action! Dennis Ritchey’s son, Adam, was a second-time guest and came along for the sing too.

After we got back to our cars, many of us went back to Theisman's for an afterglow to end our 2010 year!!!

In other news, YeEd reports that Alan Wile was MC for the recent Potomac Harmony Sweet Adeline show last weekend. Chris Buechler was MC for the Alexandria Singers holiday performances.

Don’t forgot – we are not meeting at Durant on Dec. 28th but we are all invited to attend the BLAST on Tuesday nite, Dec. 28th, 7 – 11 pm at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 77220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie MD. It’s just $15 for ticket at the door to include your beer or sodas, snacks and hotdogs. Quartets sign up and sing. CAPRI will appear, as will TOUCHSTONE (Steve White’s quartet that just won the district contest.) Get a car load and go over. YeEd went for the first time last year and it was a blast. There were over 30 Harmonizers there last year.

AND FINALLY – save the date for the annual Holiday Harmonizer Heat Glo, Sat. nite Jan. 8th at Jack Pitzer’s home. The music team is working to line up a sing out prior to the party. Save the date and stay tuned for this event for the whole Harmonizer 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)

Looking Back on the Dec.14th Chapter Meeting

It was freezing cold in Alexandria again this Tuesday nite, but we had a good crowd of guys come out to sing in the Put Together Contest. The hall was set up with the risers facing the stage.

Early arrivals settled up on show tickets, WHO sales, and Entertainment Book sales; bought scrip cards and snacked on the spread of goodies. (Thanks Joe for bringing in a carload from the caroling party.)

There was also a buzz in the hall as we had a camera crew from a Russian television station in house filming the rehearsal and speaking with several members on camera including Joe and Rob Korsan.

Will Cox did warm ups and then Director Joe went right to work on the contest uptune. He sent the singers into sectionals to work on it more.

Meanwhile, the crew set up for the chapter quartet contest. Eric Wallen has taken on the duties as Mr. Put to assemble quartets and line up details for the contest. He had 18 quartets registered in advance! He invited Scott and Nancy Disney (he a district quartet champ several times and former Harmonizer, she in CAPRI); Michael Gellert (our vocal lesson coach); and Geri and Royall Geis (she our visual coach and he a former Harmonizer and past president) to be judges. Jack Pitzer was judging secretary. Lew Klinge was MC for the contest. The technical crew set up the mics and all and took photos. The contest is named in honor of its creator, Wilbur Sparks.

The judges ranked quartets as either regular or comedy. And then they kept track of the guys who sang in the most quartets for the George Azzam Memorial Award. Actually Matt Barnes and Joel Golden both sang in five!

Comedy quartet winners: 1st was ALTAR BOY with Rick Savage, tenor; Patrick Kim, lead; Will Cox, bari, Rob Korsan, bass. 2nd was ALMOST LIKE BEING IN TUNE with Rick Savage, tenor; Joe Cerutti, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Steve Lingo, bass. 3rd was QUARTERASIAN with Joe Cerutti, tenor; Patrick Kim, lead; Phil Ashford, bari; Eric Wallen, bass.

Regular quartet winners: 1st was GUMBY, DAMIT! with Tony Colosimo, tenor; Eric Wallen, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Will Mudd-Simmons. 2nd was THURSDAYS! with Randy Lazear, tenor; Chris Susalka, lead; Ken Ives, bari; Rob Korsan, bass. 3rd was ONE LEG DOWN with Drew Fuller, tenor; Kevin Roth, lead; Matt Barnes, bari; Steve Lingo, bass.

We held our chapter meeting prior to the start of the contest. Mark Klostermeyer did the usual run down on birthdays this week. Steve Lingo (who also brought in a huge crockpot of hot barbeque meatballs for the goodie table) offered quarteting opportunities for Christmas Eve Day at National Harbor.

Alan Wile continued his work on the Harmo Hero books.

Mark announced the board meeting on Wednesday nite, the music committee on Thursday nite and CAPITAL FORCE rehearsal this weekend.

NOTE: NEXT WEEK WE MEET AT 7 PM AT DURANT FOR A BRIEF WARM-UP, TEND TO CHAPTER BUSINESS AND SALES MATTERS, AND THEN HEAD IN TO OLD TOWN TO SING CAROLS AT DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS. It is great fun and is a new tradition for the chapter. Come out and join in the fun.

THEN also mark your calendar for the BLAST on Tuesday nite, Dec. 28th, 7 – 11 pm at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 77220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie MD. It’s just $15 for ticket at the door to include your beer or sodas, snacks and hotdogs. Quartets sign up and sing. CAPRI will appear, as will TOUCHSTONE (Steve White’s quartet that just won the district contest.) Get a car load and go over. YeEd went for the first time last year and it was a blast. There were over 30 Harmonizers there last year.

AND FINALLY – save the date for the annual Holiday Harmonizer Heat Glo, Sat. nite Jan. 8th at Jack Pitzer’s home. The music team is working to line up a sing out prior to the party. Save the date and stay tuned for this event for the whole Harmonizer family.

Craig Kujawa reminded all participants in the weight-loss campaign before Kansas City that there is a weigh in on Feb. 1st.

Sandy Stamps, who with Mick, heads up the huge effort to sell the White House Ornaments, asked guys to alert her if they have a supply they may not sell or need help selling. She is willing to help direct them to guys who are looking for more to sell. Do it this week as the Stamps are going out of town. AND note that we all must settle up on our sales with her by Jan. 11th.

Secretary Buechler gave new member materials to our newest guy to join – Jim Kirkland. Jim also sings with the Mt. Vernon Chapter. Chris also presented a membership renewal card to Bruce Roehm for 10 years!

Bruce was filling in for the vacationing Ken White and welcomed our guests for the evening. Jeremy Knobel was back after a hard-working session in his law school work.

President Newton alerted the membership to a possible opportunity in June when we will do a Masters’ Class at our District’s Harmony College East in Salisbury. We would be there on Saturday and also be coached by a team Joe helped select. This is in addition to the usual retreat and a huge show at George Mason again with Dundalk, Pride of Baltimore and headliner quartets. Stay tuned. YeEd hears that the board is gonna make the final call on it.

Dick also hinted that the board is considering hosting the Southern Division contest over Memorial Day weekend. He asked to see hands of guys who would help work and there were many!!

In other news from around the Society: the BHS has a new preferred number for you to use when you call them in Nashville. It is 615-823-3993. Don’t use the 800 number any more in order to save costs for the BHS.

The new Harrisonburg, VA, Harmonizers Chorus has at least four of our guys singing there now too – Gary Bibens, Dewey Feuerhelm, Michael Calhoun and Alan Durick.

Do you wanna be a BHS judge? If so, contact Chuck Harner, who is in charge of helping guys in our district sign up. Time is short tho, as the opening for new sign-ups ends on Dec. 31st.

Hope we see some of our college members next week for caroling or at the Blast on the 28th.

After the Put Together Contest, we rushed to get all the materials away and a large crowd headed over to Theisman’s for the chapter 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.)

Looking Back on the 2010 Holiday Dinner Shows Weekend, Dec. 3-4

The Harmonizer annual Holiday Dinner Theater shows played to cheering audiences who got to laugh and sing and join in the fun that the Harmonizers created. In addition the ticket holders got a great meal of salad, lasagna, green beans, bread, and tons of holiday cookies.

As has become our tradition, the chorus dug out their elf or toy costumes for this show weekend. And Jack-in-the-Box, Terry Reynolds, was the MC and audience friend. Jacque Frost, Scipio Garling, and his assistant mime, Tom Kraus, keep the gags going and the audience responded. There were some costume standouts among the 80-plus singers on stage such as Victor Hills’ toy soldier garb, Steve Murane’s “Super Mario” outfit, Steve Lingo’s cowboy gear, and Rob Korsan’s Christmas tree (he had the students in the class he teaches, help make it for him).

Word is that Scipio Garling and Josh Roots had a lot to do with the fun script for the show.

There were actually about 100 of the members around making sure all parts of the operation were handled well. The music team had the guys ready to sing and had added a new song this year, “Blue Christmas.” The production team also used various ensembles to sing some songs needed to carry the story line – two newly organized chapter quartets, THE BLANKS and FREE AGENTS; TBD a capella group; and CAMERON STATION group.

The soloists for the show were Will Daniel Mudd-Simomns, Phil Ferguson and Tony Colosimo for “Ave Maria”; Brian Miller, Jim Lake and Brad Jones for “Let All Mortal Flesh”; Frank Fedarko, Ken White and Drew Fuller for “Do You Hear What I Hear?”. The “Twelve Days of Christmas quartet was Bob Mattes, Alan Kousen, Bill Curtis and Dave Welter. The “five golden rings” quartet was Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Joe Cerutti and Mike Kelly.

Also need to thank Joe’s assistant directors for their work on the show – Mike Kelly, Will Cox and Tony Colosimo.

For the Saturday nite performance, Will Cox did his always popular, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” routine and kept the audience in stitches.

Bob Mattes was producer and his organizational skills helped make things work. He was especially mindful in providing the singers with details as to their duties and schedule.

Roger Day coordinated decorations for the hall and a big crew of members and FRIENDS members worked much of Friday getting the church hall converted into a holiday scene – candy canes, lighted trees, snowflakes, wreaths, and a ton of wrapped gift boxes, which the chorus guys brought in. (For the third or fourth year, the Potomac Harmony Sweet Adeline Chorus hauled away the wrapped boxes and used them for their holiday show.

The chapter hired the church crew to cook the food, but our guys bought it from a supply firm and hauled a truck load of lasagnas and such in on Friday. Then Keith Jones and Ken Rub coordinated a million other details such as setting the tables, and then delivering the food to the tables by the singing elves. It worked great!!!!

Santa and Mrs. Claus, Bruce and Ginny Minnick, were on hand for the shows and picture taking which was coordinated by Scott Kahler.

Technical crew included Dennis Ritchey, Dixie Kennett, Scott Kahler and other helpers.

The FRIENDS group sold our CDs and Harmo mugs and White House Ornaments for us. They also sold a ton of holiday ornaments which the customers could have special messages added to. There were also some Harmo bears decorated in the elf costumes too.

Don Dillingham and his wife coordinated the silent auction at each show.

Ken White and a crew of new members like Adam Bradley and Chris Clark collected the pink signup slips collecting email addresses for folks who would want info about our Singing Valentine effort. We did a drawing at each show and awarded one free SV. Joe Wagovich is now working to get the emails posted and materials sent out.

This year we started the last set, which is sung as carolers wearing scarves and sweaters and such, by entering as we sang “Silent Night” and carrying candles. It was a highlight for some of our customers. Thanks to Alan Wile for helping get the candles from his wife’s Sweet Adeline chorus, Potomac Harmony.

There were six guys who had never sung with the chapter before in a show who appeared over the weekend. Many of them also volunteered to help with props and food delivery and Santa pictures. Dave Kohls helped Steve Murane, our terrific ticket chairman, with the box office operation.

Poor Director Joe was sick all weekend, but he mustered the courage and strength to be with us. He and the guys really made the audience laugh and enjoy themselves when we did the Twelve Days of Christmas sing along. Biggest laugh was when the group of audiences singers (coaxed by some of our guys) sang “Six Golden Rings” and beat the Five Golden Rings quartet at their own game of hamming it up and stealing the show.

Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis, our stage presence coaches, were both at the show on Saturday nite. There were a lot of Sweet Adelines in the audiences, especially on Friday nite. Top tickets salesmen were Dick Hall, Brad Jones and Alan Wile.

The actual show theme or story was “A Christmas Song Countdown” radio show.

The singing waiters cleared tables and reset for the shows and then Saturday nite, put it all away and hauled it back to storage.

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.)

Looking Back on the Dec.7th Chapter Meeting

It was freezing cold in Alexandria Tuesday nite, but we had a good crowd of guys come out to sing more and practice on contest and other music – after our really successful and fun-for-the-singers-and-the-audience show over the weekend.

Director Joe was feeling better after being really sick all weekend, and making it thru all three shows. He was proud of the gang and please with the singing and production and dedication.

More than one person has observed that it was a great Harmo success because all the guys and many of their family members chipped in to get all the jobs done. Show chair/producer was inspired by the dedication and contributions. Record keepers report we had over 80 singers on the show. With the non singers in the kitchen and back stage and such, there were 100 of us on duty. And six guys sang their very first show with the Harmonizers this weekend. Welcome aboard, gents.

Joe was tickled that after the Fri nite show, we made virtually no adjustments to the shows for Sat. Tho the addition of the actors for the radio commercials was a great idea. And fun.

Tonite, after Tony Colosimo did the warm ups, he turned the chorus over to Joe for work on the contest uptune. But Joe was like a little kid with a new toy. He had gotten the contest ballad and played it for all to hear and savor. YeEd reports there were a lot of smiles on the faces of the men and an excitement to start learning and singing it.

Joe also reported that Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis (who were both at the show on Saturday nite) worked with our musical and visual teams on Sunday afternoon to create the full contest package. It will be fantastic. They make a powerful team!

During the business section of the chapter meeting, Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Bert Phillips for 2 years; Jeremy Richardson for 14 years; Matt Kahn for 22 years; and Vince Cazenas for 24 years.

Ken White introduced our guest and prompted all to bring Harmo business cards to the show on Saturday at Market Square.

We are due there at 12:45, wearing caroling outfits for warmth and color. We will sing songs from the show.

Alan Wile explained that he has begun collecting Harmo Heroine stories and has them in a pink binder for all to view. All will also be on the website.

Alan also gave his annual plug for Tuba Christmas at the Kennedy Center on Wed this week.


Director Joe gave a strong plug for the Put Together Quartet contest next Tues nite at Durant. He urged guys to get things prepared in advance. And then he asked for hands of guys who wanted to be in a quartet but were not. He asked them to come down front. And he formed quartets on the spot from among those guys or with volunteers off the risers. It was a Harmo moment of togetherness.

Ken White proudly reported that we had collected about 700 emails addresses from show patrons who might be interested in more info about Singing Valentines. He and Joe Wagovich, who is heading up the SV program, asked for helping in entering the emails. Hands went up right away and the job is underway to get them info. We did a drawing from the pink slips we used to collect the emails, at each show, and three people won a SV performance.

A fun left-over from the show was the huge supply of those chewy chocolate brownies we served. Plus the cupboard is stocked for the next few weeks for coffee break time! Mike Stamps sold a few left over lasagnas too. And there was big pile of lost and found things from the show for guys to retrieve.

Since it is so close to Christmas, White House ornament sales were brisk as were scrip card sales. Also it is time to wind up sales of Entertainment books with Chuck Harner.

After the meeting period, we worked more on our contest songs and even took a stab at the tag on the new ballad.

Then we put things away early so quartets could prepare for next week’s chapter contest. If you are not a regular, come out for the fun next week. Then join us over at Theismans after chapter for an afterglow time.

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.)

Looking Back on the Nov. 30th Chapter Meeting

The sales tables were busy tonite when guys got to Durant – lots of guys and FRIENDS members buying scrip cards for gifts, or placing an order with Dick or Carolyn Hall for pick up. Others are buying the cards to use for their own purchases this season. All helps the chapter earn cash.

White House Ornament sales were good too.

Everyone was glad to see Alan Wile back. He is taking it a little easy for a few weeks and won’t be standing on risers all weekend for the show. He got put to work by Director Joe to take notes of things Joe wanted to remember to tell the chorus later in the evening.

After warm ups, the music team and show team started the show and we ran it from top to bottom. Joe didn’t make suggestions for singing or interp at this time. The script for the show is funny and will be great entertainment for our audiences. Thanks to actors Jack-in-the-Box (again!) - Terry Reynolds; Radio Show Producer Jacque Frost – Scipio Garling, assistant mime (Lassie), Tom Kraus; “technical director,” Mark Klostermeyer and Junior, Joe Cerutti. YeEd hears that the script was a product of Scipio and Josh Roots. Credit was also given to Joe Sawyer and Scott Kahler for preparing the radio commercials that will be used during the show.

Before Joe got too far into the songs for the show, he referred to the list of ticket salesmen he had received from ticket chair, Steve Murane. He invited all the guys whose name was on the list down front. Top salesman so far was Dick Hall, with 74 tickets. Brad Jones was second and Alan Wile was third.

Besides the chorus, there will be several Harmo ensembles on this show – a couple newly formed chapter quartets THE BLANKS and FREE AGENTS, CAMERON STATION, and TBD. All of the guys singing solos in the various songs all demonstrated for us. Thanks to them for volunteering.

The chorus was briefed about costume changes, candlelight procession while singing “Silent Night,” food serving procedures, how we do “Twelve Days of Christmas,” the operation of the candles (on loan from another singing group) was explained, and then show chairman, Bob Mattes, provided a wildly detailed handout for each man regarding the whole show weekend. Great job, Bob!! He also sent it out via email also.

The pre-break meeting time included welcoming Dana and Kirk Riffer, in town for a visit. It was noted that it is time to get in your money or buy Entertainment 2011 books before second Tues of Dec deadline.

Secretary Buechler presented a new member kit to Scott Friend and the Man of Note for his sponsor Scott Kahler. Chris also presented membership renewal cards to Lew Klinge for 9 years and Chuck Harner for 43 years. Also Chris offered some Harmo clothing items for discount prices.

Alan Wile continued the work of getting all the Harmo Hero forms submitted.

Carl Kauffmann pushed for guys to get him their room and registration plans for the International in July in Kansas City.

Chuck McKeever gave an update on the health status of John Pence. JP is making good progress, but was back in the hospital for a few days with a little snag. He expects to be home again at the end of the week. Chuck suggests we can call JP’s cell then.

Final show announcement from chairman Bob:
Sign up tonite for table crews
The uniform for the second half is caroling outfits – sweaters, scarves etc.
Thurs is a dress rehearsal but without makeup. Be at church at 7 pm, dressed in first half elf outfits.
Bob Blair sought volunteers for taking risers to the church as well as a second run to bring holiday show props and decoration. He got a good number of guys to raise hands and offer to help.
Roger Day reminded us all to bring two boxes wrapped in shinny gift wrap and to bring then on Thurs nite. He also asked again for guys to come on Fri to help decorate starting at 10 am.
Jack Pitzer reminded guys to bring 4 doz holiday cookies for the desserts platters. Bring them with you on Fri for the show and give em to Jack.

Then it was back to work on the music for the show.

Just before closing we were reminded by Eric Wallen of the chapter Put Together Quartet contest set for Dec. 14th at Durant. Also watch for details about the “B Blast” on Dec. 28th in Baltimore area. We need to all go – it was such fun last year.

Kirk Riffer took us out on the closing song. Then guys got right to work putting things away, as usual. We did get a good crowd for an afterglow at Theisman’s.


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.)

Looking Back on the Nov. 23rd Chapter Meeting

Lots of buzz in the hall Tuesday – show talk, guys looking for Saturday nite tickets from other guys who might have extras, and of course pre Thanksgiving chatter.

Some guys were already en route home to see family like Jeremy Richardson in WV. Ken White skipped the afterglow to head up to MA very early Wednesday morn. Lots of guys admitted that they would be doing a lot of the cooking for Turkey Day. And some guys got to come to the afterglow (we were back at Theisman’s again) cause they didn’t have to work on Wednesday like Steve White and Rob Korsan.

We had a little scare during the meeting when Alan Wile was helped from the risers. He sat for a while and then signaled for some guys to help him go to hospital. He was dizzy and had been told by a doctor to get help if he had that happen to him. By break time, the guys who helped him were back from the hospital and reported that his wife was with him, he is fine and that someone had taken his car on to his house. Thanks to those guys who stepped up and helped get him to the hospital.

Musically this week’s meeting and rehearsal was largely preparation for the holiday shows on Dec. 3 and 4. Tony and Will did chorus warm ups and turned the singers over to Director Joe. He took a shot at prompting guys to sell tickets to fill up Fri nite and Sat afternoon!!!

Show chair Bob Mattes asked each man to sign up on the yellow sheets he had out for table servers. A must for all.

He also reminded us all to bring 4 dozen cookies for dessert platters. Bring them to Jack Pitzer when you come to sing on Friday. Bring two wrapped large boxes in shinny paper. Bring them on Thursday when you come to the dress rehearsal at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alex 22302.

He also asked guys to step up the ticket sales. And don’t forget to look for some things to contribute to the silent auction. Let Don Dillingham know of items you will offer – make a home cooked meal, a quartet appearance, a silver tray full of homemade candy, a fancy holiday decorated cake, a holiday sweatshirt or apron or t-shirt or cap, etc.

Scipio urged guys to get busy planning their costumes and hinted at some of the fun the script and actors have in store for us and our audiences.

During the break, we enjoyed left over cake from the Pride of Baltimore chorus from their party in honor of MAXX FACTOR. And many goodies guys and FRIENDS had brought in to share.

President Newton announced funeral details for Terry Jordan’s mother in WV – Sat. Nov. 27th at 11:30 at First Baptist Church in Dunbar. Viewing from 10:30 – 11:30. Donations in lieu of flowers to Harmony Foundation in the name of Madeline Jordan.

Chuck McKeever reports that John Pence will likely be coming home from the hospital t his week. He suggests we give JP and his wife a few days to adjust before calling.

Carl Kauffmann asks all the guys to fill out their survey about their plans for the International convention in Kansas City, MO, next July. Deadline is in soon for chapter to place order for tickets and rooms.

In Alan’s absence, Mark Klostermeyer reminded guys to turn in their Harmo Hero forms.

And Eric Wallen nudged all the guys to start forming quartets for the chapter’s Put Together Contest on Dec. 14th. Don’t just wait til that nite to grab four guys in the hall. Pick a new song, or write some funny lyrics or get some crazy costumes. There are awards for comedy quartets too!! No time limit but just one song.

Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tom Kraus for 4 years; Ken White for 12 years, Bob Sutton for 27 years and Steve White for 34 years.

Ken White introduced many family members and Harmo friends in the house this week of Thanksgiving. Also good to see Jon Abel and Pete Frank.

After break it was back to work on holiday music. CAMERON STATION sang one of their holiday songs for us as they will be on the show this year. Director Joe explained the fun way we do “The 12 Days of Christmas” song with the audience.

He was also pushing things along as he was excited to work more on the 2011 contest up tune. We got in about 15 – 20 minutes of fun with it.

At 10 we wrapped it up, put the tons of stuff away and headed for the afterglow. Tho YeEd noted a lot of quartets singing in corners and other rooms of Durant. Some are chapter quartets that are singing on the show 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.)

Looking Back on the Nov. 16th Chapter Meeting

As usual, when the 6 pm early-arrival-guys got into Durant, they went right to work in preparation for this week’s meeting and rehearsal. Bob Rhome was adding a protective tape on the bottom of our new risers to protect the floor (at least YeEd suspects that what it was for).

Other guys got up the tables, screen, guest chairs, av equipment, and refreshment set up.

Will Cox was warm up man, and he prepared the chorus for Director Joe to take over. Joe, as promised, pulled out an octet to sing the new holiday song. (Joe was like a kid at Christmas with the laser pointer he got as a gift from Roger Day. He could point to notes or words on the screen, or to a singer, or the lights on the ceiling, or a tile on the floor --- well you get the drift!

The first half of the nite was hard work in preparation of the holiday show music to be sure it is at a Harmonizer top quality level.

Our director asked the guys to sell more tickets for the Dec. 3 and 4 shows – 7:30 pm on Fri, 12:30 and 6 pm on Sat. Some of us have found the best way to sell this show is to go ahead and buy 10 seats or a table. Use your credit card. Then you will be motivated to get out and sell them to someone, and they can pay you. Director Joe promises big prizes for top ticket sellers for all three shows!!! (And he is setting the example by selling three or four whole tables aleady.)

Before break, there was a report on the $1000 raised in the 5K multiple myeloma run in support of John Pence. Tom Griffith and his kids, Mark Klostermeyer, Jim Shoenhard and Bob Eckman did the route as did some Sweet Adelines who are friends of JP’s wife. Chuck McKeever gave an update on his health care status too.

Ken White alerted all that the afterglow has to move to Joe Theisman’s tonite.

Then Ken introduced four guests who were singers on the risers with us for the evening.

There was a nice break time. Many thanks to those Harmo families who have brought in things to share. Others of you can do it too in order to keep the cupboard full. A 100-man chorus can eat a lot of cookies or chips or pretzels in 10 minutes!

Besides chowing down on coffee and goodies, the guys were in line to order show tickets, pick up a supply of White House Ornaments to sell, singing a tag or song with three others guys, visiting and relaxing before the call back to the risers.

Mark Klostermeyer convened the meeting time after break. Alan Wile coordinated more Harmo History work.

Bob Blair reported that he, Carl Kauffmann, Joel Golden and Ike Evans sang a pick up quartet gig at a local senior’s place on Veterans’ Day. They presented the chapter the $50 donation they received.

Chuck Harner pushed for guys to take some 2011 Entertainment coupon books to sell. The 2010 books have expired, so customers are able to use the new books now!

The CAMERON STATION group is working to prepare for the holiday show.

Tony Colosimo thanked the Harmonizers for their support of CAPITAL FORCE and those who have made extra financial donations.

Ken White, speaking as 2011 shows vice president for the chapter, reported that next year’s Spring Tonic will not include a chorus. Instead we will all work to produce a performance series of “Forever Plaid” – a musical with four guys singing. Auditions will be held from the chorus and other singers. We will be set producers, costume helpers, ticket sales people. Dates and venue have not been confirmed at press time.

The chorus will, however, be doing some other big shows during the early part of the year.

Brad Jones promised an important email coming to all members about the possible China trip and about the chapter endowment efforts.

Here are more show details. (1) Roger Day wants us all to bring two big boxes wrapped in shiny paper without bows for the show. Bring em on Thursday for the dress rehearsal. Also come help on Friday for decorating the hall, riser set up, table setting and such.
(2) Bring four dozen holiday cookies with you to the show on Fri. nite and give them to Jack Pitzer for the dessert platters.
(3) Sell TICKETS. And buy the ones for your family and friends now cause the front row tables are starting to fill up. Fill out a form and give it to Steve.
(4) Contact Austin Cotton if you would like to buy a Harmonizer holiday music CD so you can review many of the songs we are doing on the show.
(5) There are a lot of solo spots in the show auditioned those who volunteered during the second half of the rehearsal.
(6) Get your costume (toy or elf) ready. Don’t wait. Ask the veterans for ideas. They can’t be in bad taste, should not be Santa and can’t be so cumbersome you can’t walk around and serve food or help.
(7) Respond the emails from Don Dillingham about the silent auction or raffle. He is asking for help and items.
(8) Speaking of help – new guys who don’t know all of the songs can help at every show – box office, cookies, set up, welcoming guests, helping senior citizen get into their seats, serving and taking stuff down at the end. Or any of us can sing some sets or parts of sets and then go help with other show details. Ask how you can do a little something extra.

Other news YeEd has to report: some of our guys were in a seven-car accident this past weekend. Steve White, Nick Aiuto and Ed Cazenas were in a rental car headed to sing with their FULL TILT bari, Pete Frank, and appear on the Erie, PA, show. They ran into a lake-front ice storm and escaped injury or even car damage. All other cars in the mishap were towed away and many of the other people taken to the hospital. Lucky boys!

YeEd suggests all of the guys mark their calendar and save Tues nite, Dec. 28th – we won’t have a chapter meeting, but we all should go to the “BLAST” in Maryland. We can car pool. Last year we out numbered about every other chapter in the greater DC/Baltimore area. It is also a great chance for quartets to sing. Watch for details.

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.)