Looking Back on Another Busy Harmo Weekend and the April 12th Chapter Meeting

Friday – Quartet Filming for BBC Saturday – Chorus Performance for TV in Cherry Blossom Parade Saturday – Harmonizers Host Youth Harmony Festival Tuesday – Another High-Octane Chapter Meeting and Chorus Rehearsal Friday – Quartet Filming for BBC. April 8, a put-together quartet of Harmonizers (Dan O'Brien, Joe Cerutti, Joe Sawyer, and Ken White) performed an original song for a documentary on the Discovery Channel. The producer and director of the film was looking to have a small audience for the filming to pull off the street to watch. YeEd, Keith Jones and Noah Van Gilder were in the audience and Noah was the cue card holder. The quartet wore the red vest and tie. Filming began at Old Ebbitt Grill and then headed to an outdoor location at Freedom Plaza with the Capitol Building in the background. Luckily filming ended before the rains came. As background, the film is about a Washington, DC, scientist Dr. Harvey W Wiley, who pioneered the safe testing of food and set up the modern day FDA. Wiley's experiments became so famous that local minstrel groups sang about them and the film producers wanted to capture one of the songs on the film. While they researched original lyrics to the song, they did not have any documentation of the melody. So, the song the quartet performed was composed and arranged, within hours of the request, by our very own John Hohl. You would have laughed as we all did at the lyrics. The quartet was great at getting a new song with all unknown words ready to sing on camera. The film will be part of a mini-series of documentaries, yet to be named, about death and different ways of dying. The episode the quartet will be featured on is all about food and food poisoning and will be aired on the BBC and the Discovery Channel in the January/February time frame. Saturday – Chorus Performance for TV in Cherry Blossom Parade. All day and nite Friday, the DC area was under the gun to hear if the government would be shut down. Then midday Friday, word came out that the Cherry Blossom Parade was gonna go, no matter what the government did. So the Harmonizers’ performance was on! Congrats and thanks to shows vp, Ken White, and producer, Greg Tepe, for all the tons of messages and details they managed in order to get this gig on the books and off the ground! Plus Mark Klostermeyer for herding the marching singers as chorus manager, Mark K and Will Cox for stepping in at the last minute to do the front row choreo, and Mike Kelly for helping with director duties. Guys got up mighty early in order to arrive at the Navy Memorial Metro stop in DC about 8:15 am on Saturday, April 9th. Chorus was to arrive in black suit, the yellow chorus shirt and black tie and some comfortable all black shoes. Anything they carried needed to fit in a pocket or be tossed. Some guys brought something to eat. The weather cooperated, sort of, in that it didn’t rain, but it was pretty chilly. Guys say it was not bad once they started walking down the parade route. YeEd talked to some guys after the parade and learned that it went well. Actually YeEd and a bunch of fellow chorus members watched the parade on ABC via tv in the lobby at Durant Rec Center where we were working on the Youth Festival event. The chapter got great coverage as the tv hosts for the parade often reminded their viewers that the Alexandria Harmonizers were coming up later. Vince Cazenas and Jacob George carried the chapter banner to lead the “marching” chorus. Director Joe Cerutti was out front where a drum major might have been for a band. Guys say we didn’t really march but walked, and sang often during the path of the parade (tho there was a bit of a challenge from the noise made by the race car vehicle just ahead of the chorus in the parade). The chorus did their tv performance before a reviewing stand and the singers were a little nervous that the tape started before they started making the first gestures. But none of that showed on tv. As reported in early editions of “Looking Back” the chorus used a recording of “New York New York” that was also the one they used for their audition for America’s Got Talent show. Frequently when the parade stopped, the chorus would face one sidewalk crowd and sing. They performed “Stars and Stripes” and “ObLaDi ObLaDa” for these mini shows. Saturday – Harmonizers Host Youth Harmony Festival. Friday evening, a crew of Harmonizers reported to our meeting place, Durant Rec Center, to set up for the Youth Harmony Festival set for Saturday starting at 9 am. Brad Jones was chair and did tons of work to pull off another successful Festival. The Friday nite crew included Dean Rust, Bob Rhome and Bob Blair who put up the risers – five sections on the stage and three sections each in the two other meeting rooms in the building. Brad and Ian Poulin set up the registration area and Roger Day delivered the bright yellow shirts each student attendee and music educator received when they signed in. Keith Jones and Jack Pitzer added finishing details to the main hall where the meals would be served, got the coffee ready to plug in first thing Saturday morning, and organized supplies in the kitchen. Several guys brought goodies for the students to have during the day. This was our largest Festival – about 80 singers and almost an even half-an-half split of boys and girls. We had participants from as far away as Tennessee and Delaware. Over the four years of the festival we have now had seven states and 56 different schools represented in the Festival. Each student was sent learning tapes for the songs they would learn – one each for boys and girls and one for the combined chorus. Music educators were eager to sign up students from their music programs including a large group of singers from a home-schooling program coordinated by Steve Murane’s sister, Cindy. Former Harmonizer, Alan Weberg, brought a bus load of students. A new high school joined us with Sandra Zinkievich bringing five boys from Blake HI School in Silver Spring, MD. Cheryl Berlin, assistant director of the DC Capital Chorus brought a large group too from Gaithersburg HS. Our chapter gets support from Sweet Adeline International with free music and materials for the girls. The Barbershop Harmony Society provides some financial support for the boys based on the survey’s we collected from the students and submit to the BHS. Brad was also able to get some financial breaks from Giant Food and Domino Pizza for the meal supplies. During the day, Kathy Kauffmann, Pat Pitzer, Lew Klinge, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland and Cheryl Wallen (Eric’s sister) helped with the food service operation too. During break time on Saturday, three of the DA CAPO guys came by to help teach tags. Michalel Gilmore was on had all day to shoot pixs of the event. Music director for the boys was Kevin King from MD. He is a former chorus director and teaches choral music at Lock Raven High School in the Balitmore area. He has sung in a number of top ranked quartets and earned medals with the popular BSQ foursome. FRANK THE DOG came down from PA to be the demo quartet and helpers with the boys. They were hosted in the home of Peggy and Rick Wagner. They taught tags, sang for the students and did a spot on the evening show. The quartet is a popular M-AD group and will be singing in Kansas City for their second International appearance. Tim Knapp, tenor; Tom Halley, lead; Ross Trube, bari; and Steve Kirsch, bass. Claire Domenick was musical director for the girls. She directs a SAI chorus in the Harrisburg, PA, area, and is a master director in the that organization. CAPRI was the demo quartet for the girls. This is their fourth time to help with the Festival. They all live in the MD area and have earned a third place medal in SAI. Nancy Disney, tenor; Jen Kuethe, lead; Kate Mannherz, bari; and Maggie Butts, bass. A choreography team of Scipio Garling and Catherine Colosimo (Tony’s sister) helped teach the students their stage presence material. Kenne Toula, who sings in CAPITAL FORCE, helped with stage presence props too. The boys’ chorus and girls’ chorus each sang one song on an evening show that was attended by parents, friends, music educators and many barbershoppers. The students were encouraged to learn a tag and enter a tag-singing-contest. There was a winner chosen from the boys and girls choruses and they were invited to perform on the show too. The Harmonizer a cappella group, TBD, opened the show and introduced some new Harmonizers on stage as part of that group. Both of the guest quartets sang too. And then a combined boys and girls chorus did the warp up slot on the show. Coordinator Brad was emcee and Dennis Ritchey did sound support for the show. Director Joe stopped by after the parade to bring greetings and encourage the students and their teachers. He scooted on to LaPlata to direct the Pride of Baltimore chorus in a show there. DA CAPO also sang on that show. Tuesday – Another High-Octane Chapter Meeting and Chorus Rehearsal. This was a week of changes for the Harmonizers. First, the risers were set up in a straight line. Second the refreshments were served in the kitchen. Third there were no mirrors up. Fourth, Dick and Carolyn Hall were in MO this week and so no 50/50 sales. Fifth there were more wooden crates and boxes brought in. And sixth, there was a huge sign on the wall behind Director Joe with big letters – CA, as an indication of where to focus for center audience. But some things were the same as almost every week. Chuck McKeever held a visual training class and review session on the stage starting at 6. He had good attendance too. Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups. And Director Joe Cerutti was full of excitement and ready for a hard working and profitable rehearsal. When Joe took the helm, he explained that the risers were set up in a line so we could get used to that format because for the Carnegie Hall show, the chorus will be standing on choral platforms. He also mentioned to YeEd that we would not use the mirrors for a few weeks so the singers would loosen and up and get into the song more. Joe also expressed his appreciation and that of the chapter to shows vp, Ken White, for the tons of work he did to pull off the parade appearance; and similarly, he thanked Brad Jones for his hours of work and dedication to detail in organizing the YHF. Then it was to work singing, with emphasis on songs for Carnegie Hall. And then Joe met with the section leaders and gave them last minute reminders of points he wanted reviewed in the contest songs. After the chorus reassembled on the risers they worked til break time on the contest material. Ops vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the chapter meeting. Secretary Chris Buechler offered Harmonizer 50-year history books, “Breathless Moments,” to any members who had not gotten one when then joined, or anyone who needed a copy. There are plenty, so speak up if you didn’t get one. He also presented membership renewal cards to Kevin Kaiser, 11 years, and Bruce Minnick, 34 years. Membership vp, Phil Ashford, recognized the guests present for the evening which included several returning men, some applicants, a couple first-timers, and family and relatives of members. Special Forces guy present this week was Mike Wallen. The refreshments and coffee break was set up in the kitchen this week. It was an idea we got from Kevin Kaiser, who told us the Denver chapter used the kitchen for their break. So we tried it. Next week we want to get guys to enter via the door in the main hall, pick up their goodies and head out the other door into the lobby. After the break, the meeting announcements continued. Jack Pitzer launched plans for our chapter involvement at the M-AD Fall contest in Lancaster, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Even tho we will not sing in the contest, the chapter has extended an offer to help the host chapter during the chorus contest as chorus escorts. And since we are not competing, it will be a fun weekend, free of duties and extra rehearsals. Guys should go ahead and make housing arrangements and get a ticket order. We expect to also have some kind of social event for the chapter while we are in Lancaster. Stay tuned. Shows vp, Ken White, gave a few more details about the Carnegie Hall show specifically about the cultural exchange, or Morning Glow, on Saturday. Non-singers of the Harmo family need to pay. In that regard, Ken announced that in the next few weeks, immediate past chapter treasurer, Howard Nestlerode, will be collecting for a bunch of chapter things coming up before July. So bring a check book! Items we will be paying for include: (1) the mandatory retreat, June 4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD; (2) an optional fee for coming on Fri nite to the retreat, June 3, as has become very popular with the regulars; (3) Harmony College East barbershop education weekend costs to cover our meals and such, where we will conduct an all day demonstration and sing on the evening show, June 18, in Salisbury, MD; (4) a box lunch for chorus members during Carnegie Hall prep on Fri May 20; (5) Morning Glow tickets for non-singers who attend the cultural exchange event on Sat morning after our concert at Carnegie Hall. Music and performance vp, Terry Reynolds, stressed the need for everyone to do their self evaluations. And to submit an absent slip for any of the rehearsals they might miss. Watch for emails. The mandatory requirement goes into effect in about 3 weeks. Terry also reminded all singers that they must attend at least one vocal and one visual studio session. And he also explained in more detail that Harmonizers will get a special rate if they want to attend the Friday classes of HCE on June 17th. You can get a full glance at the classes offered by going to our district’s website www.Harmonize.com/MAD/ but watch for details from Terry if you or a group of guys or your quartet wish to attend Friday. President Steve Murane reminded us all that the Barbershop Harmony Society birthday is April 12th. He also asked for volunteers to step forward to help coordinate the chapters’ efforts as hosts for the Southern Division contest in Reston, May 27 and 28. The rest of us will be asked to escort quartets and choruses, help with ushering duties, staff ticket booths, and such. Plus we will have a bunch of quartets singing that weekend to cheer for. President Steve also conducted a survey to see how many guys could do a Memorial Day gig on Monday morning, May 30th at National Harbor from 8-10 am. The numbers looked good. So watch for more details on this too. Then back to work. Mike Kelly directed “Sweet and Lovely” to get guys back to singing. The rest of the evening the chorus worked on the contest songs. The package continues to unfold with strong work on the musical portion and all the while inserting more and more of the visual. The ever-growing number of wooden crates is fun to watch! Tony directed portions of this rehearsal period and Joe coached. Then Joe invited the section leaders to take a turn and offer a couple suggestions for improvement. The chorus worked hard til closing. Then more work to put things all away and head over to 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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on a Busy Harmo Weekend and the April 5th Chapter Meeting

The Harmonizers were busy winning all weekend! Saturday nite, April 2nd , DA CAPO won the 27th annual mid atlantic regional Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival. The event was at the popular Birchmere club in Old Town Alexandria. There were seven competing groups from NYC, Ohio, DC and our guys. All of the other groups were 5-7 singers with at least one vocal percussion person. So our quartet’s solid vocal singing and entertaining music was a hit. The quartet (Ryan Griffith, tenor; Tony Colosimo, lead; Joe Sawyer, bari; Wayne Adams, bass) sang three songs for their 10-minute contest set – “Haven’t Met You Yet,” “Help from My Friends” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” In fact, they won the Audience Favorite recognition and got to sing an encore. They surprised all the singers in the house by doing “Stars and Stripes Forever” when they received the audience award. Then all the contestants were called to the stage and the winner announce. Our guys took it all. They now go on to a national finals at the Marin Center in San Rafael, CA, on Sat. May 14th. Judges for the event were Cal Sexton, a barbershop quartet singer and chorus director from the M-AD; Claire Gardiner, director of the Vienna-Falls Sweet Adeline chorus; and Kenyon Erickson, an active a cappella singer in the DC area. YeEd reports the following Harmonizers in the cheering crowd along with their families and friends: Andrew Havens, Lew Klinge, Alan Wile, Jack Pitzer, Rick Wagner, Ken Rub, Craig Kujawa, Mark Klostermeyer, Ken Fess, Bill Colosimo, Jeremy Richardson, Frank Fedarko, Bert Phillips, Gary Mankin, Ian Poulin, Scipio Garling, Noah Van Gilder and Kevin Kaiser. Also Saturday nite, a big crowd of Harmonizers went to the Pride of Baltimore Chorus Sweet Adeline show. Their Director Joe was his usual great. The show emcee was Mike Kelly. According to reporter, Tim Buell, the show was great with featured performers MAXX FACTOR– headliner – 2011 Sweet Adeline Intl. Queens of Harmony; ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT – 2010 M-AD District champs; MIRAGE – 2010 SAI Region #19 second place; and PARTY LINE – 2010 SAI Region #19 third place A good crowd of Harmonizers were there: Sam McFarland, Phil Ashford, Scott Kahler, Brad Jones, Eric Wallen, Joel Golden, Jim Lake, Jacob George, Steve Murane, Craig Odell and Chuck Harner. Also Joe Cerruti’s parents were down from NYC for the show and the ball game on Sunday. Sunday, April 3, the chorus sang the National Anthem for the Nationals vs. Atlanta baseball game at Nats Stadium. We had to be there at 10 am for a sound check. It was fun for the 60 guys who sang. Neat to see our teal blue shirts walking down the street from the Navy Yard Metro stop to our gathering spot at the Centerfield Gate. A few car loads arrived with a bunch of the guys – ie. the Maryland gang. We sang as part of the larger Cherry Blossom celebration all week and leading up to our performance during the parade on Sat. April 9th (and appearance on Network TV.) We all appreciated the free tickets to the game and parking passes for the carpool cars. Five new members sang their first ever performance as a Harmonizer – Jacob George, Clyde Crusenberry, Kevin Kaiser, Nick Leiserson, Dave Khohls. In addition to the chorus singing before the first pitch, an octet of guys sang “God Bless The USA” for the 7th inning stretch – Carl Kauffmann, Dan O’Brien, Bob Blair, Craig Kujawa, Jack Cameron, Joe Cerutti, Terry Reynolds and Steve White. Sooo – after such a busy weekend, it was back to work on Tuesday nite, April 5. Will Cox did the vocal and visual warm ups for the chorus and then turned the director reigns over to Joe Ceruitti. As usual, Joe was excited to get to work and get the singing going. He congratulated DA CAPO for their win in the Sweeps on Saturday nite. He also announced that Brandon Guyton was unable to get off work to come to DC to coach us for the evening. But Joe promised the time would be used well – and he delivered on his promise. First off, the music team and shows team worked on rehearsal of the performances for the Cherry Blossom Parade tv appearance – especially performing while lip-syncing the shortened version of “New York, New York.” Next was work on songs for the Carnegie Hall show including “Great Day” staging and “That’s Amore” comedic work. And then Director Joe launched into work on the contest package. This block of time included some self-evaluation vocal run-thrus. Mid-evening, ops vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the chapter business meeting. He honored this week’s birthdays of guys. Secretary, Chris Buecher, presented new membership materials to Nick Leiserson, Clyde Crusenberry and Jacob George. And dual-membership materials to Bill Colosimo. And then he presented BHS membership renewal cards to the following members: Andrew Havens, 2 years; Noah Van Gilder, 4 years; Ian Poulin, 8 years; Joe Cerutti, 10 years; Kevin Kaiser, 11 years; Scott Kahler, 13 years; Kevin Roth, 18 years; Chris Huber, 19 years; Brad Jones, 19 years; Dennis Ritchey, 19 years; Jim Shoenhard, 23 years; Sam McFarland, 24 years; Will Cox, 33 years; Bruce Minnick, 34 years; and Jay Butterfield, 37 years. Chris presented a 30 years renewal card to Rick Wagner and the customary 30-pin (our chapter presents a membership pin at the 25-year point for all members and then every five years after that). Quad leaders were asked to meet at the break. Dick and Carolyn Hall were recognized for celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary this past weekend. Congrats from all of us!! Shows vp, Ken White, thanked all the guys who appeared at the ball game. Then he provided a ton of information about the Cherry Blossom Parade performance. YeEd will not include much detail here, as it might have changed before you see this, or details might need to be changed a little. One thing Ken worked out was to get a couple guys who did not know the stage presence but had the uniform parts and could carry our chapter banner in the parade. Cool! Ken also encouraged all the guys to be darn sure they spoke with Tom Kern before they left the hall tonite about any uniform parts they need for the weekend. Past president, Brad Jones, briefed the chorus on the Harmonizer Youth Festival which we are also conducting on Sat. April 9th, at our Durant meeting place. Here is his recent email to all. “We currently have 81 students signed up...43 girls and 38 boys...the most students and best balance of boys and girls we've ever had. (YeEd thinks this is our third Youth Festival). Should be a great day and a great show that evening! I have volunteers for all the main needs...but I am still quite short on having baked goods or snacks easily served at meals and breaks. I could use another half dozen people to donate something. You can drop it off Friday night from 5:00 - 7:30 or any time after 8am but before 10am on Saturday. For those not specifically working on the event, the Saturday evening show, which is free, is worth seeing with TBD [a Harmonizer small ensemble]; CAPRI [Sweet Adeline quartet that has helped us before at the Festival and will be working with the young women attending the Festival]; FRANK THE DOG [a popular M-AD ranked quartet from the Bryn Mawr, PA, area who will be instructors for the young men attending the Festival]; the Boys Chorus, the Girls Chorus, and the Combined Chorus. Stop by Durant at 7 pm Saturday for an enjoyable show that usually lasts between 1 - 1 ½ hours. Finally, for any of you that volunteered, please feel free to bring your camera and take pictures throughout the day! We use pictures of the event throughout the year.” Ken White also spoke briefly about the trip to NYC for the Carnegie Hall show. He asked all to confirm their housing assignment with him by email – a must. And he alerted all that he would be collecting $12 for the box lunch for that trip, starting next Tues. Jack Pitzer and Steve Lingo covered for membership vp, Phil Ashford, who went home after work to fight off a cold or flu. They signed in and issued name tags and guest books and introduced the following guys to the chapter: Pete Hasbrook – an officer in the Houston Tidelanders Chapter who was in town for work; Kevin Murphy and Rob Noffsker – who haves been with us several times and turned their applications tonite; Connor Rowell – a hi school senior who sings in choir with Jim Lake; Kevin Knapp – who has sung with Ryan Griffith in the Dundalk Chapter; Mike Rowan – a MI choral singer who had contacted MI alum, Ike Evans; and Calvin Schnure who sings bass in a quartet with Kevin Roth. It was great to have Edris Qarghah back during his college spring break too. After the brief break, we worked more on the contest package. Joe had Tony Colosimo direct so he could coach. And he had the chorus sing the uptune four times and had each section leader take a turn out front so he could listen and then offer a couple suggestions for his section. We closed the hall and put the tons of stuff away and many adjourned to the afterglow at the Hilton across from the King Street Metro. As usual, the Metro riders popped up at the exact time to catch the last train back into the city. There was also some quartet singing in the hall after rehearsal ended including some guys who are working on their qualifications. Everyone thought that since Ken Fess was not there for the 50/50 drawing at the close of the meeting, someone new would win, but Terry Reynolds won it again! Seems like he has won as often as Ken. 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 for the March 29th Chapter Meeting

Another busy nite for the Harmonizers at Durant. The crew worked and had things all ready for the 7 pm call to the risers by operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer. A lot of guys were on the stage early for the stage presence review session that starts at 6 with Chuck McKeever. The admin tables were busy – especially with guys turning in their application form and $100 deposit to president, Steve Murane, for the China trip. Will Cox conducted the vocal warm ups. Michael Gellert was present to conduct more individual vocal coaching sessions for the chorus. Music vp, Terry Reynolds, orchestrated those who should leave the risers to meet with Michael. Will passed the chorus on to director, Joe Cerutti. Joe was eager to get to work and was full of excitement. He thanked Dennis Ritchey for his quick response in creating more props for the contest package – after an aside comment from Joe just last week. First off we ran thru “The National Anthem” a few times in preparation for our performance this weekend at the National baseball game. We also recorded it to submit to the team management firm. Next we ran thru “New York, New York” for our tv performance during the Cherry Blossom parade on April 9th. We did the stage presence and sang along with the recorded version which will be the same situation for the tv gig. Thirdly, Joe got the chorus to work on “Great Day” which will be our opener for the Carnegie Hall show. As promised last week, he invited octets off the risers to demo their preparedness for the words and notes. Then before starting the full chorus on the contest package, the section leaders met with their sections to work on some specifics which Joe asked them to work on. The chorus returned to the risers and sang and drilled. The chapter meeting period was conducted by K-12. He honored those guys who had birthdays. Shows vp, Ken White, briefed the guys on plans for our gig at the Nats game. A big change! We need to be there at 10 am for sound check. The small ensemble that will sing in the 7th Inning stretch will also do a sound check. We will be sitting in Section 231. We are to meet at the Centerfield Gate. We were encouraged to use the Metro – Green line to the Navy Yard Stop. Tickets for each of us and for our guests will be distributed at the park. Chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, will be in charge of things that day. YeEd suspects there will be an email or three before the game on Sunday. Marketing vp, Steve Lingo, thanked the guys for their efforts in earning third place recognition for the chapter as a popular performing group in DC. He also took a couple minutes to share the many hits we are getting for our Facebook page. President Murane reminded everyone to get him their China trip form and deposit. He also asked the board to be present for a brief meeting at 10 pm tonite. Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about the qualification process. Director Joe gave a good plug for the Pride of Baltimore show this weekend at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Secretary, Chris Buechler, presented a membership name tag to one of our newest, Jay Butterfield. And he gave Carl Kauffmann his replacement name tag – a way for Chris to explain that if any one of us looses his name tag, speak to Chris about ordering a new one. Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced a good line of guests. As usual there were some barbershoppers from other chapters, and at least one first-timer. It was back to the risers after coffee break. The bulk of the ”second half” was used as a stage presence review and drill. Everyone appreciated the good job Chuck McKeever did in coaching all the changes and final details at this point. It was looking good. The front row worked on their own for a long time and then came into the main hall to join the riser singers. Just before closing for the nite, we filmed the chorus so evaluators can review the performances. It finally happened! The front row had a complete collision and Dennis Ritchey’s glasses fell off and were stamped. He said he could see well enough to drive home to Fredericksburg!!! But before we did our final song, Joe gave a great pep talk about the benefits of being a Harmonizer. His main point was that individuals need to at least do their best to attend a higher percentage of events and rehearsals. He even said he would be easy and accept that it is hard to get on the risers by 7:30, but he hoped we would have 90+ guys on the risers every Tuesday. His point was that we can really grow faster toward our goal of excellence with a full chorus. 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 for the March 22nd Chapter Meeting

(YeEd is on vacation in TN. So thanks to Alan Wile for these notes.)

By 6:00 p.m. the players began to gather. Soon a dedicated group of guys began to prepare for the evening’s activities: Chuck McKeever was working with a number of members on the slightly revised choreography to the contest uptune; risers began to appear from under the stage; mirrors were placed on the wall; tables and chairs were assembled and distributed around the room; audio and visual equipment were set out; Adrianne Hills made the coffee and put out a selection of goodies; the pizza man made his weekly delivery; Sandy Stamps had drinks to sell; Steve Murane collected $100 down-payments from those intending to go to China; Steve Lingo readied the “welcome” materials for guests; the Harmonizer Hero and Heroine books were available for inspection; visual studio sign-up sheets were out; the “pier-side crates” were positioned at each end of the risers; Michael Gellert was on hand to conduct vocal production sessions with groups and individuals; Geri Geis was set to work refine the staging and choreography for the contest uptune; Dixie Kennett was taking attendance. WOW! Clearly it was going to be a productive evening!

By 7:00 p.m. all was in order and Assistant Director Tony Colosimo conducted the physical and vocal warm-up, while Ops VP Mark Klostermeyer (K-12) checked and adjusted riser positions. Then Master Director Joe Cerutti and our Artistic Coach Geri Geis positioned the chorus for the beginning of the uptune … and worked it from start to finish. Before moving on, a visual run-through of the two-song package was conducted for qualification.

Director Joe stated that after last week’s chapter meeting, he, Geri, Cindy Hansen, Chuck McKeever, and a couple of others reviewed the choreography for both contest songs and “locked it down” (i.e., no more changes … however, there may well be some “tweaking” between now and contest).

Before the break, Joe asked all those who will be performing on the Cherry Blossom Parade to leave the risers, stand in ranks (like a marching band) on the flat and face him as he took up a position on the risers. In this configuration he directed “New York, New York” … several times, before relinquishing his time to K-12.

K-12 invited all to return to the risers and sit for a brief set of announcements. Chapter Secretary Chris Buechler presented badges to two of the newest Harmonizers: Clyde Crusenberry and Nick Leiserson (who qualifies as a “youth” member). All were reminded to get their $100 deposit in to Steve Murane or Brad Jones BY NEXT WEEK if they intend to go with the chorus to China in the fall of 2012.

Membership VP Phil Ashford welcomed two members of our “special forces” team (Jay Butterfield and Bob Wilson) and introduced a bevy of guests.:

It was also good to see Chuck Harner back after a rather lengthy absence.

Following a brief social time break, the call went out for “Harmonizer on the risers” for the balance of the business meeting. Brian Ammerman announced that he is the producer of our fall show (September 24th). Now that the contracts are in hand and the venue secured (Hylton Performing arts Center in Manassas, VA, with CROSSROADS as our featured guest quartet), he is in need of several “volunteers” to help market the show … ‘cause we certainly want to fill the house. Particulars were sent out after the meeting.

Shows VP Ken White highlighted several upcoming performance opportunities: the second home game of the Washington Nationals on Sunday, April 3rd at 1:35 p.m. (ticket information is not yet available); the Cherry Blossom Parade (and the chapter’s Youth Festival … at which the chorus will NOT be performing) on Saturday, April 9th; and the show at Carnegie Hall on Friday, May 20th. Re the last of these, he confirmed that busses will be provided by the sponsors, with pick-ups in Alexandria and somewhere along the way in Maryland; that the hotel (Doubletree Fort Lee in Fort Lee, NJ), at about $153.10/room, will be a member expense … but could be reduced by sharing; that, due to the limited time available on Friday night, a box dinner provided at a cost of $12/person; that information on the availability of(free) tickets and whether guests will be included in the Saturday brunch/reception will be announced, when available; and that in view of the unfortunate natural disaster that has befallen Japan, the sponsors may elect to turn the show into a benefit.

M&P VP asked that all who intend to compete with the chorus in Kansas City but who have not previously gone through the qualification process meet with him briefly at the end of the meeting (and they did).

Back on our feet, Director Joe directed the National Anthem to get us ready for our performance at the Nationals game – first by parts and then (thankfully) all four parts, with the promise of more work next week (charts for those who need it were available at the end of the evening). Then it was on to “Great Day,” which will be our opening song at several upcoming performances. At the end of this session, he promised that he would call down three octets to perform this song at next week’s chapter meeting … and “kindly” recommended we all review the music!

Returning to the contest ballad, it was drill, drill, drill on troublesome parts – just singing; no choreo. Finally, Joe directed a vocal run-through of both contest songs, after which the birthday boy, Rick Wagner, took us out directing “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

White House Ornament (WHO) Guru, Sandy Stamps, advised that the chapter sold over 2650 ornaments this year, netting the chapter a healthy return. When you see them, congratulate our top 10 salesmen:
• 518 Dave Reyno
• 285 Roger Day
• 208 Ike Evans
• 167 Skip Coburn
• 98 Will Cox
• 95 Jerry Eiler
• 93 Burt Stueve
• 80 Rick Wagner
• 60 Bob Rhome
• 49 Dick Hall

Until next time, editorjack.

This weekly report is for history and to help guys who had to miss know what went on at the most recent chapter meeting and rehearsal. YeEd.

Looking Back on the March 15th Chapter Meeting

Lots going on before a chapter meeting from 6 – 7 pm. The guys were putting up all 11 sections of risers. Plus mirrors, the box of rehearsal sunglasses was out. And all of a sudden, in rolls two huge wooden crates. Dennis Ritchey had built them as show props for the contest set. On the stage was the well-attended visual review class conducted by Chuck McKeever.

Librarian Bob Mattes and some volunteers were working to update the guest books with the latest songs to be added. Great to have for our many guests each week.

The pizza guy made his delivery again. New guys many not know that you can order in and get some chow before the meeting. Look for the email from Steve Lingo each week.

There were several returning guests and one of our new Special Forces guys, was in town to work on the contest music – Ryan Killeen. He is on the staff of the Barbershop Harmony Society Foundation and works in Nashville. His territory includes the DC area. He sang with us for a few months before he joined the BHS staff and was about to join then.

After the vocal warm ups with Will Cox, Director Joe went right to singing “That’s Amore” and as promised last week, he asked an octet to come down and demonstrate it. Then just to make sure no one thought they had escaped, he had the first quartet go tap another guy from their section to form the second octet.

Next were a couple runs of “New York, New York” that we will use for our tv appearance in the Cherry Blossom parade. It is the same shortened version Alexandria used in their America’s Got Talent bid.

Shows vp, Ken White, stressed that all new members and Special Forces guys get with uniform manager, Tom Kern, right away. And YeEd noted he was busy, as the recent crop of new guys took that advice. Old timers should double check that they have all the correct uniform parts.

Ken also reports that the contacts for our Carnegie Hall show who are in Japan, report that they are safe and ok.

Then Director Joe welcomed our dynamic-duo of presentation coaches, Cindy and Geri. They worked together to improve and tighten up the moves for the uptune. It was a lot of hard work, and guys were great to let them try a couple things now and then to see what looks best or works best. There were solid advances by the singers. Visual team leaders were busy keeping notes so they can remind the chorus or teach the new plan as it has unfolded.

It was a good nite to be there and the good sized chorus all benefited from the coaching session. Also, even tho it was a visual work session, Joe didn’t let the guys forget the lessons learned last week from Brandon.

After a long first half, ops vp, Mark Klostermeyer, started the chapter meeting period. He recognized birthdays for the next week. He reminded board members of their meeting on Wed nite at Durant.

President Steve Murane offered to collect the $100 deposits and forms for guys who want to go to China, as trip coordinator, Brad Jones, was out of town.


He also recognized our four guys in DA CAPO for their great performance at Prelims last weekend, which earned them a slot in the quartet contest at the 2011 International contest in Kansas City. Ryan Griffith, tenor; Tony Colosimo, lead; Joe Sawyer, bari; and Wayne Adams, bass.

Steve also showed the chapter the Gold certificate he was presented at the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday at the prelims meeting. We were recognized as the top chapter in the district for giving to the Harmony Foundation. We gave an averaged $184.46 per member.

Shows vp White also stressed that guys need to take Friday, May 20th off from work to get to NYC for the Carnegie Hall show.

Then he had a late breaking show opportunity – Sunday, April 3 about 1 pm to sing the National Anthem at a National baseball game. Free tickets for singers. A majority of hands said they were available, so we add another cool gig to our spring calendar. Watch for details and new guys and old timers can sign up.

Director Joe plugged the Pride of Baltimore show and suggested guys talked to Mary Ann Cleaveland, as the admin counter, tonite, about tickets.

Music vp, Terry Reynolds, stressed the need for guys to sign up for visual quad sessions on the sheets, also on the admin counter. And also reminded guys of the all-sectionals event this weekend.

Membership vp, Phil Ashford, recognized the many guests with us. John Hohl was in town from FL. There were a few first timers with us, and a bunch of returnees. Will Cox, who does the vocal assessments, was kept busy helping the guests interested in singing with us determine for sure what part they should sing. As is often the case, we had a couple barbershop singers from other chapters from around the nation.

OOOPS. Before K12 announced it was time for the brief break, a lot of guys were up and about and not paying attention to the important announcement period. Please wait to leave the risers and get coffee or such until Mark announces it is “break time”.

After a quick coffee, it back to work with Cindy and Geri on the contest songs. Just before we closed, Joe used time for the visual qualification review filming. Guys should submit their self-evaluation.

To close up, guys all pitched in to put things away and into the storage places. The big crates were lifted up onto the stage and stored there til next week. The front row is getting good at using them as part of the act.

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 2011 M-AD International Quartet Prelims

This year’s preliminary contest to choose the quartets that represent our district at the contest this summer in Kansas City was held March 11-12 in Harrisburg, PA.

Our newest quartet contender, DA CAPO, earned a slot for International! A huge crowd of Harmonizer family was there to cheer them on and watch them step up to the plate and hit a home run! Ryan Griffith, tenor; Tony Colosimo, lead; Joe Sawyer, bari; Wayne Adams, bass. The two-round contest allowed the quartet to sing for the audience twice and the judging panel rewarded their hard work and great performances. Their score was 1964 points (81.8%).

Our district also qualified two other quartets. ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT, who have sung on several of our shows in recent years, scored 1996 points (83.2%). FRANK THE DOG, who will be the clinicians for our chapter’s Youth Harmony Festival in April, scored 1851 (77.1%). Congrats to all.

The Harrisburg weekend contest also included seniors’ quartets. LEGACY ranked first in that group and according to Chuck Harner, “their score from this contest may place them as one of the five seniors’ quartets who will compete in Lancaster this fall to earn a trip to the Mid-Winter next January”. They were third in the Society senior’s contest last winter.

There was a Youth In Harmony quartet adjudication on Saturday morning. A total of five quartets competed from Bronx Hi School of Science in NY; Mills E. Godwin HS in Richmond; Gaithersburg HS in MD; and Longwood University in VA. Our chapter was pleased to see music educators Sherri Matthews from Richmond and Sheryl Berlin from Gaithersburg who have been a part of our chapter’s youth program in the past, organized entries this year. Youth quartets were ranked as excellent, outstanding or superior and were given a coaching session by the same panel of judges that served the adult contest. Gary Plaag has returned to YIH leadership for the district after retiring as district president. He was emcee for the youth event.

Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the Friday nite first round of the main quartet contest. He tried a new idea of a headset mic and was all around the auditorium talking to the audience and contestants. It brought a new aspect to the event. He took a huge dose of ribbing for trying it and keeping people guessing as to where he would be next.

On Sunday there was a House of Delegates meeting. Each chapter sends a rep who is there to hear district and Society leaders report on programs and actions. Our president, Steve Murane, attended as our official delegate. But there were a lot of other chapter members in the house too as leaders for the district. Sean Devine from the Harmony Foundation staff recognized chapters for giving to the Foundation. We were named top chapter in M-AD based on “per man average” with $184.45.

YeEd thought it was fun to see our major shows and events being advertised in the contest printed program. Both our Youth Harmony Festival and our mega show at George Mason called East Coast Harmony were promoted in advertisements in the program. Good job Harmo marketing guys.

The chapter was also saluted for agreeing to do the Master’s Class at the Harmony College-East weekend in Salisbury, MD, this coming June.

Carl Kauffmann was named to the district events team recently as treasurer. Mike Kelly is the chief information officer for that team. He and Mary Ann Cleaveland managed the av staff for the contest weekend including the webcast operation.

YeEd was happy to see a huge Harmonizer family in attendance. First off, all four of the guys who were COPYRIGHT ’86 were there – John Casey, Bill Colosimo (he was MC of the Saturday nite round), Steve White and Mike Wallen.

John Hohl had come up from Florida and was in the audience to hear a couple of his arrangements sung by contestants, including “End of the Road” which John arranged and Scott Werner, wrote.

The chapter guys who belong to DELA, the district honor club, attended a breakfast event early Saturday. Steve White is president of that group currently. They welcomed two Harmonizers, Dennis Ritchey and Mike Calhoun, into membership.

There were several of the guys who have signed on a Special Forces and will sing with our chorus in Kansas City at the contest – Jay Butterfield, Mike Wallen, Brett Thomas. Dan O’Brien was working at practicing judging in his effort to become a official candidate judge.

Fun to see some of our guys at the hotel also working at forming new quartets for the next contest round! YeEd will let them announce their formation as it happens.

Here is YeEd’s list of other names, not mentioned above, who were there: Jed Casey, Ken White, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Terry Reynolds, Chris Buechler, Terry Jordan, Bob Eckman, Dick Dangel, Andrew Havens, Alan Wile, Joe Cerutti, Eric Wallen, Tim Buell, and Mike Pinto.

The Harrisburg Chapter was the host chapter for the contest weekend. Our chapter will be hosting the Southern Division contest this spring in Reston for quartets and choruses. Next year’s prelims contest will be in Lancaster, PA.

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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the March 8th Chapter Meeting

This was another evening packed full of good singing, hard work and important chapter business.

First off we welcomed the Special Forces guys who were in to sing and prepare to go to Kansas City with us – Bob Wilson, Bill Colosimo and Mike Wallen.

Then there were several major announcements about huge and important gigs the chorus has coming up this spring.

First – the producers of the Cherry Blossom Parade TV appearance decided they didn’t want “Stars and Stripes” but liked the idea of “New York, New York” shortened like we did it for America’s Got Talent contest. That was a major change and Director Joe asked them to give us a week to get it ready and recorded. Sooooo – singers need to review, and the many new members with us now can take a look too. (YeEd heard someone offer to put “NY NY” up on the website.)

Second – the Carnegie Hall Show will not be on chorus risers, but choral lifts that are very wide. So we will change songs to include “Music of the Night” – another song for guys to dig out and prepare for next week. Greg Tepe is producer for this show and was in NYC to confirm plans for the show.

NOTE TO ALL RISER SINGERS: Please help make sure – if you are next to a guest on the risers - that the guest finds the music in the guest book or maybe share your copy for the evening. Here is another tip – help them know the words to warm up exercises and help them find a good spot with some guys singing the same part as they are (note the color dots on their name tags).

Joe announced that we will be doing “That’s Amore” for the Harmony College East show in June too. And gave some hints as to the chorus members’ duties during the class we will conducting to share with other chapters in our district. It is on June 18th, tho we are all invited to attend the entire weekend. Watch for details and make some plans.

After vocal warm ups, Director Joe Cerutti took the helm and launched a hard working evening with coach Brandon Guyton. Brandon has helped us a couple times before, but again we have a lot of new barbershoppers who didn’t know of his success as a two-time gold medal quartet singer. Our coach concentrated on great improvements for singing and made a huge difference in a matter of minutes. One quote, “Discipline is a technique.” He was talking about the discipline to apply lessons and ideas grasped during the session.

After the first half of the vocal coaching session, operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the weekly chapter meeting. There was a fun promotion for the Pride Of Baltimore show by a couple of their members who are part of our chapter FRIENDS group too.

The FRIENDS group had a planning meeting tonite and a large crowd of those who support our chapter were present.

The POB show is April 2 at 7:30 pm with MAXX FACTOR and ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT as guest quartets. Show is at Kraushaar Auditorium, Goucher College, in Townson. Watch for the flyers at the meeting, or see Mike Kelly or Phil Ashford for tickets. Joe recommended the show to all of the Harmonizers and reminded us how much support the POB chorus has given us. YeEd hears the show is gonna be really fun – and we will be surprised as the antics of their director!

This was the last nite to get in your form to Ken White for the Cherry Blossom event.

And you can also turn in your paperwork as a result of having studied the BHS video regarding working with youth—they go to Brad Jones.

Membership vp, Phil Ashford, had another good size group of singers to introduce to us. Several applicants and first timers. YeEd saw some of the applicants lined up to audition after chapter meeting too!

The first look at the flyer for our big East Coast Barbershop Harmony Show was out for all to get onto the calendar. Show is June 26th at George Mason Center for the Arts where we had the show with Westminster last summer. Everyone needs to get this on the calendar at home so family and friends can get tickets too.

Quartet promotion chairman, Eric Wallen, reminded everyone about this weekend’s International Quartet Prelims contest in which foursomes vie for the right to go to the Intl contest in Kansas City. We have a couple quartets singing in Harrisburg. The contest is at the Hilton Friday evening.

Mike Wallen is singing in DOCKSIDE HARMONY (YeEd thinks that is the name of the quartet, sorry Mike.)

And DE CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams will compete. We hope we can also cheer for them in Kansas City.

After a very brief break (hardly time to get a coffee and take a break and get back into the room), it was back to work on the risers.

Marketing vp, Steve Lingo, asked guys to vote online for the Harmonizers as “the top singing group in the DC area”.

The chapter board met during the break and a formal announcement will be made regarding their decision about plans for the China trip and 2012. Everyone should watch for details, as the deposits will need to be turned in soon.

Music vp, Terry Reynolds, reminded all about the offsite all-four-voice-part-sectionals is coming in soon. It will be at the Fairfax Unitarian Congregation Church.

After these important announcements, Joe was ready to get back to work with Brandon on the contest package. Joe did announce the good news that the chapter has signed CROSSROADS, Brandon’s most recent gold medal quartet, to appear on our fall show.

The contest song work took us right up until 10 pm and the guys came rushing off the risers to get things put away.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)

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.)