Besides the hugely successful retreat weekend, chapter members were out there singing and spreading word about the hobby!
Western Division Contest
Friday nite, June 3, there were Alexandria guys performing and working at the Western Division contest in Camp Hill, PA.
Two Harmonizers, Steve White and Rick Taylor, are in a new quartet, MAD HATTERS that won the Western division contest and will sing at the fall district contest, The others in the quartet are former Harmonizer, Scott Disney, and Rob Seay from the Chorus of the Chesapeake.
This makes two division champ quartets that have Harmonizers singing in them – MAD HATTERS and MAYHEM.
Jay Butterfield was emcee for the Friday nite quartet contest. He had the unusual duty of introducing himself and TOUCHSTONE with Steve White, Rich Gray and Rob Seay. Their quartet is the outgoing Western Division Champs and current M-AD Quartet Champs. This was their Division swan song.
WHEELHOUSE was the mic tester quartet for the contest.
Rick Taylor is director of Dundalk, MD, chapter who won the Western Division chorus contest.
YeEd noted that Dennis Richey and Mike Kelley had to leave retreat to go back to the division event on Saturday nite. They both are critical to the operation of division contests.
World War II Honoree Flight
Also squeezed into this week was the gathering of barbershoppers at Dulles Airport to welcome a World War II Honoree flight. There were 16 Harmonizers who made it out to the airport by 8:30 am, Monday, June 6th, to join guys from the Fairfax Chapter and the Harmony Heritage Singers, and some guys from other local chapters. Bob Wachter coordinated a crowd of barbershop singers to help welcome honoree well-known barbershopper, Jim Miller from Louisville, KY. He directed the Louisville Thoroughbreds to 7 gold chorus medals and Cincinnati Western Hills to 1 gold.
There were some delays and flight changes, tho, and some of us had to head back to work.
But Jim’s flight did arrive about 2 pm and he, and all the Veterans, were thrilled. Jim even set aside his walker and directed his barbershopper fans in singing “God Bless America.” Our guys who stayed said it was an amazing experience. Pete Frank, who stayed in VA after the retreat so he could be here for Tuesday’s rehearsal, attended and confessed it was a really moving barbershop moment.
The WWII Honors program brings veterans of that era to DC to see the new memorial. During the morning, CLICHÉ sang “God Bless The USA” and we all joined in with Joe Cerutti directing. The quartet includes Harmonizers Bob Wachter, Rob Nutt and Lou Manfre who sing with Jerry Eiler who, altho not a Harmonizer, is one of the top White Ornament salesmen every year for us.)
Supreme Court Show
Monday nite, the chorus sang again for the Supreme Court Historical Society in the great Supreme Court building. It was an exciting event starting with finding parking or riding the Metro with a chorus uniform bag, then going thru the tight security. Everyone’s Social Security number had to be submitted by the chapter secretary.
Here is reporter Alan Wile’s copy about the experience.
“Don Dillingham, Mike Gilmore, Victor Hills, Carl Kauffmann, Nick Leiserson, Ken Rub, Greg Tepe and Alan Wile met at the Supreme Court “Lawyers Lounge” and enjoyed box lunches while awaiting the arrival of Bob Blair … and permission to bring the Harmovan down to the loading dock area. All were issued “contractor” badges (after security screening).
“Eventually, Bob was cleared to back the Harmovan down the ramp … and did a commendable job. Boxes, risers, and all manner of Harmo-paraphernalia was removed. Some was set aside while the rest was rolled and carried to the elevator … which we had to share with the caterers. Once all the necessary items were unloaded the boxes had to be put back in the truck … and the truck removed until it would return to reverse the process.
“Our riser crew put up six sets of risers (three regular and three reverse sections) in front of the huge American flag at the end of the hall. When in place the risers nearly ran across the entire end of the hall. All this was observed by security and other Supreme Court personnel. Once done, we departed. We received excellent cooperation from the Court Marshals, security personnel, Historical Society personnel, the caterer supervisor, and escorts.
“As it happened, however, after we’d left, it was determined that our risers blocked the route the SWAT Team would have to take (if needed). So “they” removed one riser section and adjusted the remaining sections. With 80 guys expected, we adjusted to the crowded risers, and managed.
“Harmonizers began to arrive about 6 p.m. and were directed to the cafeteria as the staging area for dressing and rehearsing. Terry Reynolds distributed paper copies of all the musical changes to our contest set made at the retreat … and we were informed that the uptune would not be on the evening’s program. Meanwhile, we helped ourselves to water and milled around until 7:30, when chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, called us to line up.
“Will Cox conducted clapping sequences and warm-up drills. Joe rehearsed us on the evenings’ songs and had us turn toward the center and squeeze together to get the feel of what we might experience once on the risers. Although choreography was to be performed (to the extent possible), our focal was to be on Joe for each song.
“Eventually we moved to the ready room where we enjoyed some sweets and more water. Called to line up (in flat lines, a la the riser setup), Joe rehearsed us a bit until it was time to head for the dinner venue and our performance.
“We opened with “Great Day,” followed by “Ob La Di, Drunken Sailor, Summertime, NY-NY,” and ended with the “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Joe was “out front” but because of the closeness of the dinner guests, was restricted to a spot about 24 inches from the front row. So that he could be seen, he directed with his hands held high.
“Scipio Garling handled emcee duties for two of the songs. Scott Kahler handled the sound work. We were well-received and every song resulted in enthusiastic applause.
“Our final number and departure from the risers marked the end of the dinner. After changing, a goodly number helped to strike the set and take it all down to the loading area. Although the Harmovan was allowed to come down the ramp to the loading area, it was not permitted to remain longer than it took to load up. As a result, all our equipment had to be staged and readied for loading. Bob Blair did yeoman work at every stage – it couldn’t have been done as well without him. Kudos to the guys who stayed with him to finish the job.
YeEd has not gotten a confirmed or final list of Justices that were present, but several guys said they saw four.
Tuesday Rehearsal June 7th
This was a crucial rehearsal and chapter meeting and it was a success on all points. After the great retreat weekend, the guys on the risers accepted the challenge of incorporating changes and suggested improvements. The handout prepared by music vp, Terry Reynolds, which summarized the study points, helped the guys be prepared.
The chapter admin team did their usual good job of having the meeting hall ready – risers, guest chairs, coffee on to brew, sound and av equipment set, guest welcome station in place, and a row of admin tables for all the stations where guys needed to take care of the many details for the trip to Kansas City. Getting all the contest props into the hall is a big job each week. Several guys tried their skill on the trampolines as part of the contest set.
Will Cox did the warm up and stimulated a lot of energy on the risers.
Director Joe was ready to lead the work sessions. He has more gift cards to present to hard workers and gave one to Bob Rhome for all the contribution he makes each week. Joe wanted to sing and work. He remarked, “The retreat was awesome. Let’s relive it!”
And that is what happened.
The front row went to the lobby to work with visual coach, Geri Geis.
Joe and the visual team taught guys on the four riser rows the moves that replace the moves needed to handle the sunglasses – which won’t be used on the risers.
The music and visual teams led the chorus thru a solid review with lots of reps. Jim Lake was pitch man this week.
Mid way in the evening, there was a chapter meeting session full of announcements guys needed to hear in prep for the contest and other events the chapter is involved in this month.
Ian Poulin has afterglow tickets for the June 2th East Coast Harmony Show. $20 each. Get yours.
Secretary, Chris Buechler, presented membership renewal cards to Nick Murane for 6 years, and to Ike Evans for 24 years.
Jack Cameron is eager to get everyone’s contest photo order form.
Brad Jones offered consignment tickets for the big show on the 26th.
Steve Lingo welcomed guests including Kevin Lynch from Hilltop, MN, and Jeff Waggett, from McLean, nephew of Ev Nau, who was also a guest this week. Welcome all.
After the coffee break, Joe stressed the need for guys to sell tickets for the June show!!! If you don’t have a customer, he makes his usual offer. Buy 4 or 5 tickets and give them to him to issue to college or hi school guys who would benefit from seeing the show.
Then it was back to work. It was really hot outside and so when the air conditioning was shut off by the city at 9 pm, the temp jumped to 80 degrees in the hall. But the guys didn’t let up. Director Joe apologized to the men for the heat and they all were appreciative and willing to keep going. The repeated drills and reps were a workout for all.
The drills continued til a little after 10 pm and then it was more work to reload the boxes onto the truck.
Other Harmonizer Family News
Dick Hall reported that Carolyn had fallen and broken her leg again. She is at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Room 435, 7502 Surratts Rd., Clinton, MD 20735. Dick thinks she will be moving from the hospital to another location for therapy. Good luck Carolyn.
Myles Glancy was at Durant to see the contest set and visit with all. He departs soon for graduate studies in music in New England. Good luck. Come see us when you can.
Bruce Roehm is headed to Great Falls, MT, this week for his next military assignment. He has been busy supervising the truck loading process. But he will be with the front row in Kansas City. Hurray!
We closed the meeting with guest, Ev Nau from the BHS Foundation staff in Nashville, TN, directing “Keep The Whole World Singing.” He mentioned that he had been getting a lot of phone calls from someone named Lew Klinge. (Too bad Lew was not there for a face-to-face meeting!)
Everyone was headed home and bidding farewell with a chuckle that we don’t have a Harmonizer event for a whole week!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Looking Back on the 2011 Chorus Contest Retreat, June 4-5
The Harmonizers traveled into rural Western Maryland for their annual pre-International chorus contest retreat on June 4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. It was about 2 hours for the guys from around the DC Metro area.
Actually a bunch, maybe 30 or so, of the guys went up Friday evening, June 3. Many left home so as to beat the weekend traffic and check in; then gathered for chow and drinks at the O’Lourdan Irish pub in town. Music team members and visual team members met over dinner too to be prepared for the work sessions on Saturday.
Chuck McKeever did his usual terrific job in organizing the retreat. He had a team of helpers to make it easy for all of the rest of us to check in, find our way on campus (even during all of the graduation events all weekend), and to set up the risers and rehearsal room. Bob Blair drove the Harmo truck up and then after the “boxes” for the contest set were unloaded, he tackled the job of repainting them so they matched the chorus outfits. Dennis Ritchey and Scott Kahler set up all of the sound equipment needed for the weekend. Terry Reynolds, as usual, took notes all weekend to record suggestions and ideas from our coach.
The work crew included Bob Blair, Will Mudd-Simmons, Bob Eckman, Keith Jones, John Pence, Len Dornberger and Howard Nestlerode.
Director Joe met our coach, Tony DeRoso, [YeEd will use Tony D for the rest of this article] at the airport and brought him to the retreat. The printed program for the weekend included Tony D’s bio (plus letters of encouragement to the members from chapter president Steve Murane and Director Joe). Tony D lives in FL where he is musical director of the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT, and is director of the Toast of the Town show chorus of the Sweet Adelines. He has three gold medals as a BHS quartet champ – 1992 with KEEPSAKE, 2000 with PLATINUM and in 2007 with MAX Q. He and his wife, Jody, have four children. The Harmonizers appreciate the family letting him come help us improve.
And improve we did!
Saturday morning started early for many guys: for those who waited to drive up from home, or for those who wanted some breakfast, or for those who went for a job or run like Ken Rub. The rehearsal hall opened about 8 am and guys started to assemble for some coffee, juice, fruit and sweets. The chapter also provided bottled water for the whole weekend. And the guys were sporting all sorts of barbershop logo shirts! And the old-timers had their comfortable shoes.
At the kick off, retreat chairman, Chuck, revealed his 2011 motivational t-shirt – “Golden Chances” with Disney cartoon characters.
Tony Colosimo conducted the warm up exercises. Chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, reminded the 97 chorus members on the risers to give the men up front silence and attention. Only two guys didn’t make it this year to retreat. This was the first time all five of our special forces guys were able to be on the risers – Jay Butterfield, Pete Frank, Bill Colosimo, Mike Wallen and Bob Wilson.
We were ready to start. Joe formally introduced Tony D and the chorus did a full run thru of the contest package. Then Joe and Tony D adjourned, with music and performance vp, Terry Reynolds, to solidify their plan of attack. While they were out of the room, Craig Kujawa, on behalf of the visual team, did a thorough review of focals, and general attitudes needed for the package. It particularly unified moves and focal with the front row and the riser singers.
This period used a new technique for us – a quartet of guys [Steve White, Rick Savage, Frank Fedarko, Ken Ives] sang the song and the chorus was able to hear cues given by Craig as they did their moves. Tony C directed. It worked well and the chorus was ready to go.
When Joe and Tony D came back, the hard work started and continued right up til a mid morning break. Klostermeyer conducted the announcement period: Keith Jones is selling the Rah Rah pins for all to wear; extra International convention registrations were announced; tickets for the Togetherness breakfast in Kansas City are available for each member to get his free one and to buy one for a guest; Bob Eckman is taking orders for Hyatt Scrip cards (the chapter makes about $9 per $100 when members buy these cards and use then to pay for their convention housing; Jack Cameron had convention photo order forms out; and the Class of 2011 announced a meeting during lunch.
Their announcement prompted the first check of their blue bandanas. Everyone had his on display. Good job 2011 class! The class includes Adam Bradley, Jay Butterfield, Clark Chesser, Chris Clark, Bill Colosimo, Clyde Crusenberry, Thom Faircloth, Jacob George, Michael Gilmore, Kevin Kaiser, Dave Kohls and Nick Leiserson. (These are current singers who have not previously sung with the Alexandria Harmonizers on an International stage.)
During the weekend, there were some guests to observe the coaching and work sessions including members of the Pride of Baltimore. YeEd, Keith Jones and Craig Odell, all former stage presence/presentation judges, were present to provide help with the visual program, as well as help provide support for the coach and directors.
Then the chorus worked with Tony D until lunch time.
Before going off to the cafeteria, Victor Hills was invited to make remarks about being a Harmonizer. Victor is headed for West Point in a few days and can’t be with us at International. Just a couple years ago, he came to a retreat to see what the Harmonizers were all about. He joined and soon was in the front row. He is our youngest member. His remarks were strong and reminded us all about the value of friendships we have on the risers.
Off to lunch, then. New feature on campus these days – no trays in the cafeteria so you don’t take too much food. Not sure it really worked, as many guys made multiple trips! Sad to say, the ice cream machine was out of commission this year!
Reminders were made about the Supreme Court show on Monday nite and the World War II honors flight welcome gig on Monday morning. Secretary Buechler encouraged guys to come see him if they wanted Harmo apparel that we order from Lands End.
Work resumed after the extended lunch period. Then before dinner, Bob Blair was invited to speak about being a Harmonizer. He revealed his musical and stage background and how many Harmonizer moments have become milestones in his life.
After dinner the guys were outside on the lawn and patio just outside our rehearsal area. When the call to the risers came up at 6:15 pm there were no complaints. Guys were eager to continue the improvements and changes and growth opportunities. A few of those included a change in the sunglasses plan, a complete change in the non-singing visual intro for both songs, and a revised plan for the surprise element in the uptune.
Before adjournment, Jay Butterfield was invited to give remarks. He reinforced the notion that gold medals don’t make gold medal performances. He thanked all who helped him become a part of the chorus.
The Saturday nite rehearsal session ended about 8:45 pm.
At 9, the party and social period started. The university food service staff had moved in beer, sodas, sandwiches, chips, dip, cookies, and such. In typical Harmonizer style, the guys attacked the table with gusto.
Then after everyone got a handful of chow, party emcee, Lew Klinge, welcomed all to relax on the risers and introduced the 2011 Class president, Thom Faircloth. The class had prepared a skit and he was in charge of stalling so the guys could get their skit costumes on and ready. He stalled long enough for them to all go buy new costumes and come back!!!!!!
But as usual, the class made us all laugh and took a few stabs at some of the chapter characters, coaches, officers and even our best sneezing demonstration.
Lew thanked the class and introduced a Harmo Trivia contest. There were three teams composed five members: a team captain from the special forces class, a past president of the chapter, a member who joined in recent years, a 2011 class rep, and a guy the captain could choose from the guys on the risers who had gold medals in the past.
Jack Pitzer asked the questions. Keith Jones was timer and Terry Reynolds was score keeper on a score board which he continually displayed for all to see. Each correct answer by a team earned them a point. During the contest, the chorus kept their drinks refreshed.
Team #3 (Pete Frank, Ken Fess, Steve Lingo, Chris Clark and Mike Wallen) won with 42 points. They gained the lead by knowing all of the Harmonizers who have been named to the BHS Society Hall of Fame (Arberg, Snyder, Sparks, Latzko, Flinn). None of the teams knew all three of the father-son member combos (Wallen, Colosimo, Kahler).
The winning team gets recognized on the chapter web site!
In the midst of the contest, emcee Lew made one of his now-famous (pretend) calls to Ev Nau. It had us all laughing.
After the contest, the tag singing started and YeEd hears there were some guys still up at 3 am. Fun new gimmick for tag singers is the Ipad with tags to see. You can get more sung since you don’t have to teach the notes to new guys.
Sunday morning we all packed up and put our things in our cars, turned in our keys to retreat boss, Chuck, and had breakfast. Then back to the risers for review and more improvements. Will Cox did the Sunday morning warm ups and got the guys fired up and excited.
Tony D and Joe took the reins and went right to work on the contest package.
At the mid morning break, Craig Kujawa announced winners of the 7/11 Weight Loss Challenge. One team had all 7 of their guys who lost weight – Faircloth, Kauffmann, Rub, Golden, Stamps, O’Brien and E Wallen. Congrats to all. But for those who were not on diets, Kevin Kaiser brought out a couple plates of “blonde brownies” he made to share.
Secretary Buechler alerted members that he would be sending out a riser update and invited any guys to let him know if they had moved or changed contact info.
Riser crews for the Supreme Court show were confirmed. Uniform chairman, Tom Kern, distributed the official black suspenders for guys to wear in the contest set.
Then it was back to work on the music.
Just before the final downbeat, Director Joe offered encouraging remarks about the work by the chorus over the weekend. And he led the chapter in thanking Tony D for his enthusiastic work all weekend. For sure Tony D had made it fun during all the hard work.
Tony D gave the wrap up remarks for the weekend. He stressed the benefits of a solid work ethic. He actually said we had given him many things to take away from the weekend too, “I learned a lot this weekend,” he said.
As is our tradition, Joe invited our coach and new chorus friend, to direct our retreat closer – the “Friends” tag.
The guys were quick to offer Tony D their appreciation. Then everyone went to work on loading the truck with risers and sound equipment and props.
We were headed back to our homes and eager for Tuesday nite to build onto where we left the songs and package on Sunday morning.
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.)
Actually a bunch, maybe 30 or so, of the guys went up Friday evening, June 3. Many left home so as to beat the weekend traffic and check in; then gathered for chow and drinks at the O’Lourdan Irish pub in town. Music team members and visual team members met over dinner too to be prepared for the work sessions on Saturday.
Chuck McKeever did his usual terrific job in organizing the retreat. He had a team of helpers to make it easy for all of the rest of us to check in, find our way on campus (even during all of the graduation events all weekend), and to set up the risers and rehearsal room. Bob Blair drove the Harmo truck up and then after the “boxes” for the contest set were unloaded, he tackled the job of repainting them so they matched the chorus outfits. Dennis Ritchey and Scott Kahler set up all of the sound equipment needed for the weekend. Terry Reynolds, as usual, took notes all weekend to record suggestions and ideas from our coach.
The work crew included Bob Blair, Will Mudd-Simmons, Bob Eckman, Keith Jones, John Pence, Len Dornberger and Howard Nestlerode.
Director Joe met our coach, Tony DeRoso, [YeEd will use Tony D for the rest of this article] at the airport and brought him to the retreat. The printed program for the weekend included Tony D’s bio (plus letters of encouragement to the members from chapter president Steve Murane and Director Joe). Tony D lives in FL where he is musical director of the Voices of Liberty at EPCOT, and is director of the Toast of the Town show chorus of the Sweet Adelines. He has three gold medals as a BHS quartet champ – 1992 with KEEPSAKE, 2000 with PLATINUM and in 2007 with MAX Q. He and his wife, Jody, have four children. The Harmonizers appreciate the family letting him come help us improve.
And improve we did!
Saturday morning started early for many guys: for those who waited to drive up from home, or for those who wanted some breakfast, or for those who went for a job or run like Ken Rub. The rehearsal hall opened about 8 am and guys started to assemble for some coffee, juice, fruit and sweets. The chapter also provided bottled water for the whole weekend. And the guys were sporting all sorts of barbershop logo shirts! And the old-timers had their comfortable shoes.
At the kick off, retreat chairman, Chuck, revealed his 2011 motivational t-shirt – “Golden Chances” with Disney cartoon characters.
Tony Colosimo conducted the warm up exercises. Chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, reminded the 97 chorus members on the risers to give the men up front silence and attention. Only two guys didn’t make it this year to retreat. This was the first time all five of our special forces guys were able to be on the risers – Jay Butterfield, Pete Frank, Bill Colosimo, Mike Wallen and Bob Wilson.
We were ready to start. Joe formally introduced Tony D and the chorus did a full run thru of the contest package. Then Joe and Tony D adjourned, with music and performance vp, Terry Reynolds, to solidify their plan of attack. While they were out of the room, Craig Kujawa, on behalf of the visual team, did a thorough review of focals, and general attitudes needed for the package. It particularly unified moves and focal with the front row and the riser singers.
This period used a new technique for us – a quartet of guys [Steve White, Rick Savage, Frank Fedarko, Ken Ives] sang the song and the chorus was able to hear cues given by Craig as they did their moves. Tony C directed. It worked well and the chorus was ready to go.
When Joe and Tony D came back, the hard work started and continued right up til a mid morning break. Klostermeyer conducted the announcement period: Keith Jones is selling the Rah Rah pins for all to wear; extra International convention registrations were announced; tickets for the Togetherness breakfast in Kansas City are available for each member to get his free one and to buy one for a guest; Bob Eckman is taking orders for Hyatt Scrip cards (the chapter makes about $9 per $100 when members buy these cards and use then to pay for their convention housing; Jack Cameron had convention photo order forms out; and the Class of 2011 announced a meeting during lunch.
Their announcement prompted the first check of their blue bandanas. Everyone had his on display. Good job 2011 class! The class includes Adam Bradley, Jay Butterfield, Clark Chesser, Chris Clark, Bill Colosimo, Clyde Crusenberry, Thom Faircloth, Jacob George, Michael Gilmore, Kevin Kaiser, Dave Kohls and Nick Leiserson. (These are current singers who have not previously sung with the Alexandria Harmonizers on an International stage.)
During the weekend, there were some guests to observe the coaching and work sessions including members of the Pride of Baltimore. YeEd, Keith Jones and Craig Odell, all former stage presence/presentation judges, were present to provide help with the visual program, as well as help provide support for the coach and directors.
Then the chorus worked with Tony D until lunch time.
Before going off to the cafeteria, Victor Hills was invited to make remarks about being a Harmonizer. Victor is headed for West Point in a few days and can’t be with us at International. Just a couple years ago, he came to a retreat to see what the Harmonizers were all about. He joined and soon was in the front row. He is our youngest member. His remarks were strong and reminded us all about the value of friendships we have on the risers.
Off to lunch, then. New feature on campus these days – no trays in the cafeteria so you don’t take too much food. Not sure it really worked, as many guys made multiple trips! Sad to say, the ice cream machine was out of commission this year!
Reminders were made about the Supreme Court show on Monday nite and the World War II honors flight welcome gig on Monday morning. Secretary Buechler encouraged guys to come see him if they wanted Harmo apparel that we order from Lands End.
Work resumed after the extended lunch period. Then before dinner, Bob Blair was invited to speak about being a Harmonizer. He revealed his musical and stage background and how many Harmonizer moments have become milestones in his life.
After dinner the guys were outside on the lawn and patio just outside our rehearsal area. When the call to the risers came up at 6:15 pm there were no complaints. Guys were eager to continue the improvements and changes and growth opportunities. A few of those included a change in the sunglasses plan, a complete change in the non-singing visual intro for both songs, and a revised plan for the surprise element in the uptune.
Before adjournment, Jay Butterfield was invited to give remarks. He reinforced the notion that gold medals don’t make gold medal performances. He thanked all who helped him become a part of the chorus.
The Saturday nite rehearsal session ended about 8:45 pm.
At 9, the party and social period started. The university food service staff had moved in beer, sodas, sandwiches, chips, dip, cookies, and such. In typical Harmonizer style, the guys attacked the table with gusto.
Then after everyone got a handful of chow, party emcee, Lew Klinge, welcomed all to relax on the risers and introduced the 2011 Class president, Thom Faircloth. The class had prepared a skit and he was in charge of stalling so the guys could get their skit costumes on and ready. He stalled long enough for them to all go buy new costumes and come back!!!!!!
But as usual, the class made us all laugh and took a few stabs at some of the chapter characters, coaches, officers and even our best sneezing demonstration.
Lew thanked the class and introduced a Harmo Trivia contest. There were three teams composed five members: a team captain from the special forces class, a past president of the chapter, a member who joined in recent years, a 2011 class rep, and a guy the captain could choose from the guys on the risers who had gold medals in the past.
Jack Pitzer asked the questions. Keith Jones was timer and Terry Reynolds was score keeper on a score board which he continually displayed for all to see. Each correct answer by a team earned them a point. During the contest, the chorus kept their drinks refreshed.
Team #3 (Pete Frank, Ken Fess, Steve Lingo, Chris Clark and Mike Wallen) won with 42 points. They gained the lead by knowing all of the Harmonizers who have been named to the BHS Society Hall of Fame (Arberg, Snyder, Sparks, Latzko, Flinn). None of the teams knew all three of the father-son member combos (Wallen, Colosimo, Kahler).
The winning team gets recognized on the chapter web site!
In the midst of the contest, emcee Lew made one of his now-famous (pretend) calls to Ev Nau. It had us all laughing.
After the contest, the tag singing started and YeEd hears there were some guys still up at 3 am. Fun new gimmick for tag singers is the Ipad with tags to see. You can get more sung since you don’t have to teach the notes to new guys.
Sunday morning we all packed up and put our things in our cars, turned in our keys to retreat boss, Chuck, and had breakfast. Then back to the risers for review and more improvements. Will Cox did the Sunday morning warm ups and got the guys fired up and excited.
Tony D and Joe took the reins and went right to work on the contest package.
At the mid morning break, Craig Kujawa announced winners of the 7/11 Weight Loss Challenge. One team had all 7 of their guys who lost weight – Faircloth, Kauffmann, Rub, Golden, Stamps, O’Brien and E Wallen. Congrats to all. But for those who were not on diets, Kevin Kaiser brought out a couple plates of “blonde brownies” he made to share.
Secretary Buechler alerted members that he would be sending out a riser update and invited any guys to let him know if they had moved or changed contact info.
Riser crews for the Supreme Court show were confirmed. Uniform chairman, Tom Kern, distributed the official black suspenders for guys to wear in the contest set.
Then it was back to work on the music.
Just before the final downbeat, Director Joe offered encouraging remarks about the work by the chorus over the weekend. And he led the chapter in thanking Tony D for his enthusiastic work all weekend. For sure Tony D had made it fun during all the hard work.
Tony D gave the wrap up remarks for the weekend. He stressed the benefits of a solid work ethic. He actually said we had given him many things to take away from the weekend too, “I learned a lot this weekend,” he said.
As is our tradition, Joe invited our coach and new chorus friend, to direct our retreat closer – the “Friends” tag.
The guys were quick to offer Tony D their appreciation. Then everyone went to work on loading the truck with risers and sound equipment and props.
We were headed back to our homes and eager for Tuesday nite to build onto where we left the songs and package on Sunday morning.
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.)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Looking Back on the 2011 Southern Division Contest, May 27 and 28
The Harmonizers and their blue teal casual shirts were all over the Reston Hyatt this past weekend as the host chapter for the 2011 Southern Division contest.
Scott Kahler was our chapter’s general coordinator for the hosting operation, and pulled together a working crew to cover all the many tasks needed to make it a great success. Knowing Scott, you would know he used a lot of technology to get the job done such as emails and flow charts and radio communication tools. He had Joe Ceruti as his back up as well.
AND we had a lot of our guys on the stage during the weekend singing in 8 quartets and even directing a couple other chapter choruses.
Ken White and Mike Pinto sang in the division champs quartet, MAYHEM, with Neil Dingle and Richie Lavene who are from New York State. This was Ken’s first time as a division champ.
Bill Colosimo was in the second place quartet, ROLL O THE DICE.
Drew Fuller, Frank Fadarko and Arthur Louis were in the fourth place quartet, DOWNTOWN.
Bob Wilson was in the sixth place quartet, INTERLUDE.
Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane were in the eighth place quartet, FRiDAYS!.
Gary Bibens and Michael Calhoun were in the ninth place quartet, BLARNEY BROTHERS.
John Grant, Bruce Minnick and Bob Hirsh were in the eleventh place quartet, SURPRISE!.
Mike Geipel was in the thirteenth place quartet, FOUR IN THE MORNING.
Our chorus did not sing in this competition since we had already qualified for the International chorus contest this summer. Bill Colosimo directed the DC chapter chorus and Mike Wallen directed the Richmond, VA, chapter chorus, who took first place in that part of the contest. The new Germantown, MD, chapter was second. And Fairfax, with Richard Lewellen as director, was third. Bob Wachter directed the Harmony Heritage Singers, who were the mic testing chorus. There are a number of Harmonizers who sing in the HH singers too.
Chris Buechler was the contest administrator. Dan O’Brien and Tony Colosimo both did independent work to practice their judging skills in preparation for further training in the judging categories. Altho they did not sit at the judges tables, they were invited into the evaluation sessions with the official judges. Both remarked that is was a great learning experience. Dixie Kennett was in charge of printing the score sheets for the weekend.
DA CAPO was the mic tester for the quartet contest on Friday nite and also sang on the show of champions on Saturday nite, as did the top three quartets and the top choruses. When MAYHEM sang and was presented their champs trophy, there was a lot of teasing with the stage crew and so one of that crew came out and took back the trophy. Soon the audience heard a thud from back stage and sure enough, they had dropped it and the trophy was broken into a lot of pieces. Many in the audience didn’t realize it was the real thing, because over the years there has been a gag when someone came onto the stage and dropped a trophy that was a fake. Not this time. You can bet MAYHEM with have fun with this in the months ahead.
Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the quartet contest and he did a great job using the lavaliere mic and walked all around the hall. He even came and visited with those of us stationed as ushers at the door. Current district president, Dick Powell, was emcee for the chorus contest. Gary Plaag was emcee on Saturday nite for the show.
Saturday nite there was a tribute to Jeri Richardson who died this spring while serving as Southern Division VP. He was succeeded by Chuck Harner.
This was a good contest and at least six choruses will go on to the fall District contest in Lancaster, PA. (There was a lot of hype this weekend about the 2012 fall contest returning to Ocean City.) Next year’s Southern Division will be in Roanoke.
As mentioned earlier in the column, guys from our chapter worked all over the place and all weekend. Scott had the following guys heading up work areas:
Bob Rhome for set up, stage and risers. Bob Blair was our truck driver to bring out our traveling risers that were used for the photo room.
Tony Colosimo and Dean Rust for judges hosting, transportation and hospitality. Several guys had some early morning airport runs on Sunday after an evening of tags and hospitality suites! Audrey Shively worked all weekend to staff the judges’ hospitality room.
Keith Jones for registration, ticket sales and distribution.
Andrew Havens and Jack Pitzer for the usher corps inside the doors checking tickets, giving out programs and helping keep the traffic flowing, and responding to the traditional “please close the doors” call from the emcees.
John Pence for sign creation and distribution.
Carl Kauffmann for the quartet and chorus hosting and escorts so that competitors got to the stage on time from the dressing rooms and ready room.
Mike Gilmore for the hall way monitors trying to keep down the noise outside while the contest was in session.
YeEd figures we had over 50 folks helping which included a number of FRIENDS of the chapter.
Thanks to all who filled another weekend with Harmonizer activity. Mike Kelly and Mary Ann Cleaveland managed the cameras and taping process so that contestants could get a CD of their performances.
There was a lot of buzz around the convention about our Carnegie Hall show too, which made it fun for those who were working for the chapter.
We did have a nice advertisement in the program for our June 26th huge show!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)
Scott Kahler was our chapter’s general coordinator for the hosting operation, and pulled together a working crew to cover all the many tasks needed to make it a great success. Knowing Scott, you would know he used a lot of technology to get the job done such as emails and flow charts and radio communication tools. He had Joe Ceruti as his back up as well.
AND we had a lot of our guys on the stage during the weekend singing in 8 quartets and even directing a couple other chapter choruses.
Ken White and Mike Pinto sang in the division champs quartet, MAYHEM, with Neil Dingle and Richie Lavene who are from New York State. This was Ken’s first time as a division champ.
Bill Colosimo was in the second place quartet, ROLL O THE DICE.
Drew Fuller, Frank Fadarko and Arthur Louis were in the fourth place quartet, DOWNTOWN.
Bob Wilson was in the sixth place quartet, INTERLUDE.
Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane were in the eighth place quartet, FRiDAYS!.
Gary Bibens and Michael Calhoun were in the ninth place quartet, BLARNEY BROTHERS.
John Grant, Bruce Minnick and Bob Hirsh were in the eleventh place quartet, SURPRISE!.
Mike Geipel was in the thirteenth place quartet, FOUR IN THE MORNING.
Our chorus did not sing in this competition since we had already qualified for the International chorus contest this summer. Bill Colosimo directed the DC chapter chorus and Mike Wallen directed the Richmond, VA, chapter chorus, who took first place in that part of the contest. The new Germantown, MD, chapter was second. And Fairfax, with Richard Lewellen as director, was third. Bob Wachter directed the Harmony Heritage Singers, who were the mic testing chorus. There are a number of Harmonizers who sing in the HH singers too.
Chris Buechler was the contest administrator. Dan O’Brien and Tony Colosimo both did independent work to practice their judging skills in preparation for further training in the judging categories. Altho they did not sit at the judges tables, they were invited into the evaluation sessions with the official judges. Both remarked that is was a great learning experience. Dixie Kennett was in charge of printing the score sheets for the weekend.
DA CAPO was the mic tester for the quartet contest on Friday nite and also sang on the show of champions on Saturday nite, as did the top three quartets and the top choruses. When MAYHEM sang and was presented their champs trophy, there was a lot of teasing with the stage crew and so one of that crew came out and took back the trophy. Soon the audience heard a thud from back stage and sure enough, they had dropped it and the trophy was broken into a lot of pieces. Many in the audience didn’t realize it was the real thing, because over the years there has been a gag when someone came onto the stage and dropped a trophy that was a fake. Not this time. You can bet MAYHEM with have fun with this in the months ahead.
Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the quartet contest and he did a great job using the lavaliere mic and walked all around the hall. He even came and visited with those of us stationed as ushers at the door. Current district president, Dick Powell, was emcee for the chorus contest. Gary Plaag was emcee on Saturday nite for the show.
Saturday nite there was a tribute to Jeri Richardson who died this spring while serving as Southern Division VP. He was succeeded by Chuck Harner.
This was a good contest and at least six choruses will go on to the fall District contest in Lancaster, PA. (There was a lot of hype this weekend about the 2012 fall contest returning to Ocean City.) Next year’s Southern Division will be in Roanoke.
As mentioned earlier in the column, guys from our chapter worked all over the place and all weekend. Scott had the following guys heading up work areas:
Bob Rhome for set up, stage and risers. Bob Blair was our truck driver to bring out our traveling risers that were used for the photo room.
Tony Colosimo and Dean Rust for judges hosting, transportation and hospitality. Several guys had some early morning airport runs on Sunday after an evening of tags and hospitality suites! Audrey Shively worked all weekend to staff the judges’ hospitality room.
Keith Jones for registration, ticket sales and distribution.
Andrew Havens and Jack Pitzer for the usher corps inside the doors checking tickets, giving out programs and helping keep the traffic flowing, and responding to the traditional “please close the doors” call from the emcees.
John Pence for sign creation and distribution.
Carl Kauffmann for the quartet and chorus hosting and escorts so that competitors got to the stage on time from the dressing rooms and ready room.
Mike Gilmore for the hall way monitors trying to keep down the noise outside while the contest was in session.
YeEd figures we had over 50 folks helping which included a number of FRIENDS of the chapter.
Thanks to all who filled another weekend with Harmonizer activity. Mike Kelly and Mary Ann Cleaveland managed the cameras and taping process so that contestants could get a CD of their performances.
There was a lot of buzz around the convention about our Carnegie Hall show too, which made it fun for those who were working for the chapter.
We did have a nice advertisement in the program for our June 26th huge show!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Looking Back on the Carnegie Hall Show, May 20, NYC
The Harmonizers appeared at Carnegie Hall, Friday evening, May 20th in the Japan-US Charity Concert for Sendai. The concert was originally set as the first Japan-US Chorus Festival. It was to be a huge singing event and a wonderful opportunity for singers to appear in the awesome concert hall.
But then on March 11, 2011, the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. The Harmonizers held their breath for their fellow singers. Thousands were lost.
Maki Suemitsu, president of the HAGI Choir, wrote for the Playbill edition for the concert: “Everything changed on March 11. Even a week after the disaster, we couldn’t fully confirm the survival of all of our members. We were suddenly forced to live in a totally different world after March 11, 2011, as I believe happened to you here in New York after September 11, 2001. We seriously discussed giving up this concert.”
Then one of their members spoke up via email and suggested that “if we sing because we live, when is the time to sing if we don’t sing right now?”
So the concert became a charity concert to help with the loss in Japan.
The Harmonizers were thrilled to help and many, many barbershoppers came from all across the nation to support the cause and hear the great singing.
The chorus from Alexandria did not disappoint. They did a full show of great songs and costume changes and huge stage productions, as they are accustomed to do. About 90 singers and another 100 or so folks came from Virginia for the day.
Two busses left from Alexandria. Clark Chesser, one of our newest members reports: “I was on bus #1, we left fairly promptly at 8 am on Friday morning. No one was late and everyone was in fantastic spirits. We made a stop at 9 am in Laurel, MD to pick up about 25 of our guys who live in Maryland. Luckily, all were able to park in the Park&Ride.
“Tony Colosimo led those on Bus #1 at one-hour intervals along the trip in run-throughs of the tag in to be sung in Japanese, as well as a couple practices of the song which we would be singing with the other choruses. Many of us were deep in study of the music handout that Director Joe Cerutti had given the guys on the previous Tuesday.
“It was fairly quiet on the ride up there. Tony Colosimo, Eric Wallen, Andrew Havens and Bill Colosimo entertained the bus with a seemingly endless selection of barbershop tags that Tony and Eric had on their smart phones. There's an App for everything isn't there!?
“We arrived at the Ft Lee, NJ, Doubletree at about 1 pm. Our rooms were not ready, so many of the significant others needed to do the check-in duties for the Harmonizers. Our event organizer, Ken White, arranged to send 1 bus back to the hotel but leave at 5:30 pm to get the SOs.
“Our drivers took us into the city at about 2 pm, but due to traffic and questionable directions from the Garmin GPS, we didn't arrive at Carnegie until after 3 pm. Director Joe and producer, Greg Tepe, were nearly apoplectic. The Harmonizers used the opportunity to vocally warm-up. Also they received greetings from BHS president Alan Lamson, who was present to represent the International organization; and the arrangers of the Harmonizer contest songs for 2011 – Steve Tramack and Kirk Young. And some time before the show, the guys were fed a box dinner.
But for those of us in the audience, who knew. The seats were great and it was so fun to see so many other M-AD District folks in the lobby and halls. Also there were many folks in the audience who had been part of Joe’s past as a barbershopper and college performer. His parents were proud, for sure.
The concert opened with about 120 of the Japanese singers on one side of the stage risers and the Harmonizers on the other side. (These were flat platform risers that went from side-to-side on the stage. After the initial introductions by the emcee, both groups sang their national anthems. You knew from the start that the singing would be fantastic.
Our guys were the second act of the nite. We used our terrific opener, “Great Day” to get started. The audience reacted wildly to the big visual spread! Then we lightened up the pace and Tony Colosimo directed “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” And went right into the very entertaining stage performance of “Summertime” – front row guys took off their jackets for this one. The chorus wore their black suits, bright blue shirt and black tie.
Then the chorus performed their two contest songs – “If I Loved You” and “What Do I Need With Love.”
To add a quartet on the show, we invited New York area foursome, ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT, to sing their rendition of “Shout” and the chorus joined in with the fun. It was another audience pleaser.
For our final song, we did “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and the audience jumped to their feet and the applause didn’t let up.
The second half of the concert featured the Japanese ensembles. For the finale, the Harmonizers came walking down the aisles and joined the stage of singers and in the end sang “Let The Sun Shine In” with them.
And as our final piece, we performed our traditional show biz great, “New York, New York” with all the front row special moves. Director Joe had to take three curtain calls!
After the show, the Harmonizer fans were huddled outside by the busses to greet and cheer and hug and thank the guys for a great performance.
More from reporter, Clark Chesser: “Due to several no-shows on the bus that had made other plans but failed to tell the organizers and will remain nameless [cough, cough, cough] we didn't leave CH until after 11pm. The bus drivers Garmin GPS seemed to want to take us on the most congested path to the Lincoln Tunnel, so we didn't arrive back at the hotel until after midnight!
“Organizer extraordinaire, Ken White, had arranged with the Doubletree to have an assortment of sandwiches, chips, crudités and condiments laid out for us when we returned, because the restaurant there stopped serving at 11pm. The bar stayed open for the thirsty crowd until after the closing time, there were nearly 50 to 60 Harmonizers and SOs that crowded into the modest but comfy restaurant and bar area. We all had a great time sitting in small groups and rehashing the night. It was a wonderful experience and a great way to end a lifetime experience.
Dan O’Brien offered this testimony about the experience. “If you asked me 5 years ago whether I thought I might perform someday at Carnegie Hall, I'd have laughed out loud! Yet there I was, on stage, at Carnegie Hall, during pre-concert stage time. I thought I was dreaming.
“The first thing you notice is the incredible beauty of the hall. Four balconies in back curving up the sides, a high round ceiling, all lined in gold colors. Incredibly beautiful. The second thing you notice, upon your first chord, is that the sound is amazing! Patrick Kim wrote on his Facebook after stage time: "Falling in love with the acoustics at Carnegie Hall." We all were.
“The third thing that came to my mind was how lucky I was to be there. I thought, WOW! Is it EVER great to be a Harmonizer. What an unbelievable opportunity. The fourth thing that came to my mind was that I knew the weekend would be special, because there isn't a musician on the planet that wouldn't be captured by the moment in that hall and rise to the occasion. The place just permeates good musical karma.
“It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. The spread on “Great Day” drew joyous applause, as did the tag. “Stars & Stripes” drew long, steady, enthusiastic applause, and a standing O that started from the back. The Harmonizers helped power-up the Hagi Choir (a wonderful ensemble) on “Let the Sunshine,” drawing tears from their director, as the audience stood again. And “New York New York” brought the audience up, again!
Saturday morning, May 21st, we joined our new friends for a brunch event and cultural exchange at an Applebees on Broadway.
Dan reports: “The reception with the Japanese ensembles was emotional, as we exchanged gifts, sang for each other, and celebrated our successful joint venture raising money for the Japanese Earthquake relief fund. We sang David Wright's “Friends” tag in Japanese and drew tears from many members of the Japanese contingent. Some of us had trouble completing the tag as we welled up.”
Our guests gasped in approval when we spoke in their language. Thanks to Ryan Giffith and his family for the translation and for making the learning tapes.
More from reporter, Alan Wile: “Our Japanese hosts took the mic and thanked everyone involved (the English remarks were translated into Japanese for those with limited English language ability). Our Harmonizer president, Steve Murane, made brief remarks and presented the certificate from the BHS. He also announced that we had an additional contribution to the Sendai Relief Fund of over $2,000.
As is a custom for cultural exchange events we gave them gifts. Alan writes: “Director Joe Cerutti made remarks and announced that we had mementoes for each of the HAGI Chorus members – a card with words that included “a Lifetime’s not too long to live as friends” and an explanation that the Harmonizers hail from the home of our first president and included a GW gold dollar coin taped to the card. This brought many cheers and thanks and tears.
“There was a lot of ‘who will be the last one to sing’ but we did get in “Great Day” and “NY-NY” and ultimately joined with the Japanese singers with another rendition of “May Each Day.” As we were spread all over the room, there was no such thing as “riser positions.” However, the front row lined up to performed “NY-NY” – it was fun to see several Japanese men standing behind the front row mimicking their moves.
As we left, we were asked to write messages on two banners commemorating the event and wishing the people of Sendai well. We also received gifts of miniature Japanese umbrellas, o-hashi (chop sticks), and good luck origami cranes.
The organizers of the relief fund drive reported collections of over $30,000 at the concert!
Finally we sang “Keep The Whole World Singing” and it touch all of our emotions as we were truly experiencing the message of the song with our new friends from Japan.
Our Harmonizer busses departed the brunch about 1 pm and were in Alexandria about 6 pm. Some members and their family or significant other stayed in NYC for theater or relaxing the rest of the weekend.
Congrats messages were coming in from all sides. Rick Wagner sent a note from Afghanistan. M-AD folks sent emails and messages. It was great to see Bill Clark in the audience and former member Bill Ward.
Producer Greg Tepe sent a note to all: “OH MY GOSH, WHAT A SHOW !! For those of us at Carnegie Hall on Friday, have you ever been part of an ovation like that? I hope you feel as I do that all of our hard work over the last few weeks and months paid off big time! The energy I felt and the response from the audience is to be enjoyed and remembered for a long time. For those of you who may not have realized it, the only microphones were on the MCs and the quartet. There were no choral microphones Friday night. The audience heard true acoustic choral singing in that very well designed concert hall.
Thus captures another great Harmonizer milestone. For the record, this was our second appearance at Carnegie Hall. In 1990 we sang with the Manhattan Chorus and a quartet visiting from Russia and a young Sweet Adeline quartet from Sweden, GROWING GIRLS, and the popular Society champs, BLUE GRASS STUDENT UNION . As we say every Tuesday nite, “It Is Great To Be A Harmonizer.”
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.)
But then on March 11, 2011, the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. The Harmonizers held their breath for their fellow singers. Thousands were lost.
Maki Suemitsu, president of the HAGI Choir, wrote for the Playbill edition for the concert: “Everything changed on March 11. Even a week after the disaster, we couldn’t fully confirm the survival of all of our members. We were suddenly forced to live in a totally different world after March 11, 2011, as I believe happened to you here in New York after September 11, 2001. We seriously discussed giving up this concert.”
Then one of their members spoke up via email and suggested that “if we sing because we live, when is the time to sing if we don’t sing right now?”
So the concert became a charity concert to help with the loss in Japan.
The Harmonizers were thrilled to help and many, many barbershoppers came from all across the nation to support the cause and hear the great singing.
The chorus from Alexandria did not disappoint. They did a full show of great songs and costume changes and huge stage productions, as they are accustomed to do. About 90 singers and another 100 or so folks came from Virginia for the day.
Two busses left from Alexandria. Clark Chesser, one of our newest members reports: “I was on bus #1, we left fairly promptly at 8 am on Friday morning. No one was late and everyone was in fantastic spirits. We made a stop at 9 am in Laurel, MD to pick up about 25 of our guys who live in Maryland. Luckily, all were able to park in the Park&Ride.
“Tony Colosimo led those on Bus #1 at one-hour intervals along the trip in run-throughs of the tag in to be sung in Japanese, as well as a couple practices of the song which we would be singing with the other choruses. Many of us were deep in study of the music handout that Director Joe Cerutti had given the guys on the previous Tuesday.
“It was fairly quiet on the ride up there. Tony Colosimo, Eric Wallen, Andrew Havens and Bill Colosimo entertained the bus with a seemingly endless selection of barbershop tags that Tony and Eric had on their smart phones. There's an App for everything isn't there!?
“We arrived at the Ft Lee, NJ, Doubletree at about 1 pm. Our rooms were not ready, so many of the significant others needed to do the check-in duties for the Harmonizers. Our event organizer, Ken White, arranged to send 1 bus back to the hotel but leave at 5:30 pm to get the SOs.
“Our drivers took us into the city at about 2 pm, but due to traffic and questionable directions from the Garmin GPS, we didn't arrive at Carnegie until after 3 pm. Director Joe and producer, Greg Tepe, were nearly apoplectic. The Harmonizers used the opportunity to vocally warm-up. Also they received greetings from BHS president Alan Lamson, who was present to represent the International organization; and the arrangers of the Harmonizer contest songs for 2011 – Steve Tramack and Kirk Young. And some time before the show, the guys were fed a box dinner.
But for those of us in the audience, who knew. The seats were great and it was so fun to see so many other M-AD District folks in the lobby and halls. Also there were many folks in the audience who had been part of Joe’s past as a barbershopper and college performer. His parents were proud, for sure.
The concert opened with about 120 of the Japanese singers on one side of the stage risers and the Harmonizers on the other side. (These were flat platform risers that went from side-to-side on the stage. After the initial introductions by the emcee, both groups sang their national anthems. You knew from the start that the singing would be fantastic.
Our guys were the second act of the nite. We used our terrific opener, “Great Day” to get started. The audience reacted wildly to the big visual spread! Then we lightened up the pace and Tony Colosimo directed “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” And went right into the very entertaining stage performance of “Summertime” – front row guys took off their jackets for this one. The chorus wore their black suits, bright blue shirt and black tie.
Then the chorus performed their two contest songs – “If I Loved You” and “What Do I Need With Love.”
To add a quartet on the show, we invited New York area foursome, ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT, to sing their rendition of “Shout” and the chorus joined in with the fun. It was another audience pleaser.
For our final song, we did “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and the audience jumped to their feet and the applause didn’t let up.
The second half of the concert featured the Japanese ensembles. For the finale, the Harmonizers came walking down the aisles and joined the stage of singers and in the end sang “Let The Sun Shine In” with them.
And as our final piece, we performed our traditional show biz great, “New York, New York” with all the front row special moves. Director Joe had to take three curtain calls!
After the show, the Harmonizer fans were huddled outside by the busses to greet and cheer and hug and thank the guys for a great performance.
More from reporter, Clark Chesser: “Due to several no-shows on the bus that had made other plans but failed to tell the organizers and will remain nameless [cough, cough, cough] we didn't leave CH until after 11pm. The bus drivers Garmin GPS seemed to want to take us on the most congested path to the Lincoln Tunnel, so we didn't arrive back at the hotel until after midnight!
“Organizer extraordinaire, Ken White, had arranged with the Doubletree to have an assortment of sandwiches, chips, crudités and condiments laid out for us when we returned, because the restaurant there stopped serving at 11pm. The bar stayed open for the thirsty crowd until after the closing time, there were nearly 50 to 60 Harmonizers and SOs that crowded into the modest but comfy restaurant and bar area. We all had a great time sitting in small groups and rehashing the night. It was a wonderful experience and a great way to end a lifetime experience.
Dan O’Brien offered this testimony about the experience. “If you asked me 5 years ago whether I thought I might perform someday at Carnegie Hall, I'd have laughed out loud! Yet there I was, on stage, at Carnegie Hall, during pre-concert stage time. I thought I was dreaming.
“The first thing you notice is the incredible beauty of the hall. Four balconies in back curving up the sides, a high round ceiling, all lined in gold colors. Incredibly beautiful. The second thing you notice, upon your first chord, is that the sound is amazing! Patrick Kim wrote on his Facebook after stage time: "Falling in love with the acoustics at Carnegie Hall." We all were.
“The third thing that came to my mind was how lucky I was to be there. I thought, WOW! Is it EVER great to be a Harmonizer. What an unbelievable opportunity. The fourth thing that came to my mind was that I knew the weekend would be special, because there isn't a musician on the planet that wouldn't be captured by the moment in that hall and rise to the occasion. The place just permeates good musical karma.
“It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. The spread on “Great Day” drew joyous applause, as did the tag. “Stars & Stripes” drew long, steady, enthusiastic applause, and a standing O that started from the back. The Harmonizers helped power-up the Hagi Choir (a wonderful ensemble) on “Let the Sunshine,” drawing tears from their director, as the audience stood again. And “New York New York” brought the audience up, again!
Saturday morning, May 21st, we joined our new friends for a brunch event and cultural exchange at an Applebees on Broadway.
Dan reports: “The reception with the Japanese ensembles was emotional, as we exchanged gifts, sang for each other, and celebrated our successful joint venture raising money for the Japanese Earthquake relief fund. We sang David Wright's “Friends” tag in Japanese and drew tears from many members of the Japanese contingent. Some of us had trouble completing the tag as we welled up.”
Our guests gasped in approval when we spoke in their language. Thanks to Ryan Giffith and his family for the translation and for making the learning tapes.
More from reporter, Alan Wile: “Our Japanese hosts took the mic and thanked everyone involved (the English remarks were translated into Japanese for those with limited English language ability). Our Harmonizer president, Steve Murane, made brief remarks and presented the certificate from the BHS. He also announced that we had an additional contribution to the Sendai Relief Fund of over $2,000.
As is a custom for cultural exchange events we gave them gifts. Alan writes: “Director Joe Cerutti made remarks and announced that we had mementoes for each of the HAGI Chorus members – a card with words that included “a Lifetime’s not too long to live as friends” and an explanation that the Harmonizers hail from the home of our first president and included a GW gold dollar coin taped to the card. This brought many cheers and thanks and tears.
“There was a lot of ‘who will be the last one to sing’ but we did get in “Great Day” and “NY-NY” and ultimately joined with the Japanese singers with another rendition of “May Each Day.” As we were spread all over the room, there was no such thing as “riser positions.” However, the front row lined up to performed “NY-NY” – it was fun to see several Japanese men standing behind the front row mimicking their moves.
As we left, we were asked to write messages on two banners commemorating the event and wishing the people of Sendai well. We also received gifts of miniature Japanese umbrellas, o-hashi (chop sticks), and good luck origami cranes.
The organizers of the relief fund drive reported collections of over $30,000 at the concert!
Finally we sang “Keep The Whole World Singing” and it touch all of our emotions as we were truly experiencing the message of the song with our new friends from Japan.
Our Harmonizer busses departed the brunch about 1 pm and were in Alexandria about 6 pm. Some members and their family or significant other stayed in NYC for theater or relaxing the rest of the weekend.
Congrats messages were coming in from all sides. Rick Wagner sent a note from Afghanistan. M-AD folks sent emails and messages. It was great to see Bill Clark in the audience and former member Bill Ward.
Producer Greg Tepe sent a note to all: “OH MY GOSH, WHAT A SHOW !! For those of us at Carnegie Hall on Friday, have you ever been part of an ovation like that? I hope you feel as I do that all of our hard work over the last few weeks and months paid off big time! The energy I felt and the response from the audience is to be enjoyed and remembered for a long time. For those of you who may not have realized it, the only microphones were on the MCs and the quartet. There were no choral microphones Friday night. The audience heard true acoustic choral singing in that very well designed concert hall.
Thus captures another great Harmonizer milestone. For the record, this was our second appearance at Carnegie Hall. In 1990 we sang with the Manhattan Chorus and a quartet visiting from Russia and a young Sweet Adeline quartet from Sweden, GROWING GIRLS, and the popular Society champs, BLUE GRASS STUDENT UNION . As we say every Tuesday nite, “It Is Great To Be A Harmonizer.”
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.)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Looking Back on the May 24th Chapter Meeting
The buzz at Durant was strong with that feeling of accomplishment and Harmonizer pride this week. Coming off the successful performance at Carnegie Hall, the chorus came back for more. Director Joe was beaming and said he could not begin to share all the joy. (YeEd will produce a complete Looking Back column for the Carnegie Hall weekend in NYC.) Joe gave an update on contributions for the relief fund for Japan – about $40,000 that nite and about $179,000 collected via the web and pre-show collections.
Several guys shared audience or family reactions to the show.
Joe also shared that maybe the highlight of the weekend (even over getting to sing at Carnegie Hall) might have been our singing “Keep The Whole World Singing” on Saturday to our fellow singers from Japan during the brunch. There were a lot of tears coming out at that great moment in Harmonizer history.
But everyone knew tonite was gonna be a work out on the contest package. Geri Geis was on hand to coach and help re-tool the ballad. Director Joe announced to the guys right at the start of the work period that he was making a change in the opening of the contest ballad/set and changing the scenario so it was easier to sell and believe. There was applause of support.
After even the first half hour of work, the guys were on top of the new challenge! The intro was as powerful as the verse. The revision means more work for the staging crew and carpenters. But they can do almost anything with wood and paint!!
The whole first half of the nite was used to bolster the introductions of the two contest songs.
To get things in gear tonite, Tony Colosimo did vocal and physical warm ups. Chuck McKeever held his class at 6 for guys who wanted to review their moves and focals for the package. Of course a lot of guys had to chip in to set up everything for the meeting and rehearsal. It was great to have the risers back into their normal configuration.
Before break, Mark Klostermeyer conducted our weekly chapter meeting.
Scott Kahler, who is coordinating our chapter’s hosting duties for the Southern Division contest this weekend in Reston at the Hyatt, asked for more volunteers as ushers and such. He has made assignments and published them via email. All should note those emails for arrival times.
YeEd alerts all readers that the Friday nite quartet contest starts at 6 pm. Allow for traffic and parking -- tho the parking garage at Reston Town Center is huge. And there are plenty of places to eat around the area. If you are gonna usher or escort contestants, get there plenty early.
The chorus contest starts at 10 am on Saturday. Also get there early to help. Wear Harmonizer gear and your name tag. And if you see someone needs help, chip in. That is especially true after things wrap up on Saturday nite. A show of winners starts that evening at 6:30. Our chapter is the host chapter and will earn income for our work.
Proudly, our chapter will have several contestant quartets in the contest and YeEd suspects n several will be on the show Saturday nite!
Also during last nite’s chapter meeting, secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Al Herman for 28 years (he is chair of the chapter’s finance committee); and to Howard Nestlerode for 36 years. Last week YeEd had a typo in his copy – Jim Lake received his 18 year renewal card.
Phil Ashford introduced our guests which included several family members of Bert Phillips.
Thanks to Ellen and Adrianne for making the coffee and getting the goodies set out this week.
After break, announcements continued. Chuck McKeever reiterated the plans for the chorus retreat in Westminster MD, June 4 and 5 at McDaniel College. He has sent out very complete instructions for all to follow in making plans such as drive time and driving route. He reminded all to prepay for the fees – Howard Nestlerode at the admin table tonite. And Chuck asked us all to email him with any request for roommates.
Many of us who have been in the chapter a while now go up on Friday nite to get settled, have some fun with the guys and be there for the early Saturday morning start.
Show producer, Greg Tepe, reminded us about our show for the Supreme Court Historical Society on June 6. Arrival at 6:30. Be prepared for security check in – have metals easy to take out including pitch pipes!
Shows vice president, Kenny White, thanked some of the key workers that helped make the weekend trip such a success – Greg Tepe, producer; Bruce Lauther, logistics; Mark Klostermeyer, chorus manager; Ken Henderson, fund raiser for the relief fund; Brian Ammerman, Bob Blair, Bob Rhome, Bob Mattes, bus leaders. Ken also thanked the whole music team for their hard work to prepare the chorus for the show as well as the special events like singing the “Friends” tag in Japanese on Saturday and the extra songs to sing with the other choruses. Actually, when Kenny was welcomed to the mic, the chapter members thanked him with long applause for his leadership to make it a successful weekend!
Music vice president, Terry Reynolds, suggested guys get their plans made to go to Harmony College East (HCE) in Salisbury on June 18th. We will conduct a ‘masters class’ and sing on the evening show at the weekend school. Howard Nestlerode is also collecting fees for this trip too. PR vp Steve Lingo encourages guys to stay over and socialize on the quad at the campus where the HCE is held.
Chapter president, Steve Murane, was given some special gifts from our new friends from the concert. They asked him to choose the recipients and Steve chose to give the special gifts from Japan to Ken White, Greg Tepe, Bruce Lauther, Steve Lingo for their work on the show. And he also gave one each to Kyle Blomgren who is moving to CA and to Victor Hills who is headed off the US Military Academy.
Steve also received a letter from BHS president, Alan Lamson, who expressed his pride in our show representing the Society.
Then K12 called up the following 12 men. They are the Class of 2011 and were presented bright gaudy blue kerchiefs for the traditional initiation period leading up to walking onto the stage in Kansas City. The will be expected to wear their scarves in view for all to see at any and all Harmonizer gatherings. The class consists of all the guys who will be singing for the first time as a Harmonizer at International.
Adam Bradley
Jay Butterfield
Clark Chesser
Chris Clark
Bill Colosimo
Clyde Crusenberry
Thom Faircloth
Jacob George
Michael Gilmore
Kevin Kaiser
Dave Kohls
Nick Leiserson
Welcome aboard for the ride, men!!
Then it was back to the risers for more hard work on the songs.
We worked hard right up til 10 pm. Before the chapter meeting, Bob Rhome affixed a large thermometer high on the outside wall to keep track of the room temperatures (ended up at 80 degrees at the end of the night).
Last week, YeEd reported on Steve White forming a special quartet to fill a gig so that DA CAPO could go sing in the Sweepstakes. Well here is more detail from Steve. “ACES FULL” (as we called ourselves) was actually substituting for DOWN A FOURTH who have as members Wayne Adams and Joe Sawyer, so half of DA CAPO. We did the Long Island, NY chapter show for them where at one time Joe Cerutti had been the assistant director.
That chapter actually tried twice to get FOUR ACES, but could never hook up, so were pleased to get a pseudo combination of them. This is actually the area where Nick Aiuto grew up, so his mom and dad and 3 sisters all came to the show. Nick sang in his very first barbershop quartet with the chapter’s director Mo.
Good to have Kellen Hertz back from college and working to catch up for the contest. Special forces guys present this week were Pete Frank, Jay Butterfield and Bob Wilson.
Tonite we sang farewell to Kyle Blomgren. Director Joe grabbed a chair and invited Kyle to sit in front of the chorus so we could sing the traditional “There Will Always Be A Place on The Risers for You.” He is off to CA for a job and more schooling. Good luck, man!!
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.)
Several guys shared audience or family reactions to the show.
Joe also shared that maybe the highlight of the weekend (even over getting to sing at Carnegie Hall) might have been our singing “Keep The Whole World Singing” on Saturday to our fellow singers from Japan during the brunch. There were a lot of tears coming out at that great moment in Harmonizer history.
But everyone knew tonite was gonna be a work out on the contest package. Geri Geis was on hand to coach and help re-tool the ballad. Director Joe announced to the guys right at the start of the work period that he was making a change in the opening of the contest ballad/set and changing the scenario so it was easier to sell and believe. There was applause of support.
After even the first half hour of work, the guys were on top of the new challenge! The intro was as powerful as the verse. The revision means more work for the staging crew and carpenters. But they can do almost anything with wood and paint!!
The whole first half of the nite was used to bolster the introductions of the two contest songs.
To get things in gear tonite, Tony Colosimo did vocal and physical warm ups. Chuck McKeever held his class at 6 for guys who wanted to review their moves and focals for the package. Of course a lot of guys had to chip in to set up everything for the meeting and rehearsal. It was great to have the risers back into their normal configuration.
Before break, Mark Klostermeyer conducted our weekly chapter meeting.
Scott Kahler, who is coordinating our chapter’s hosting duties for the Southern Division contest this weekend in Reston at the Hyatt, asked for more volunteers as ushers and such. He has made assignments and published them via email. All should note those emails for arrival times.
YeEd alerts all readers that the Friday nite quartet contest starts at 6 pm. Allow for traffic and parking -- tho the parking garage at Reston Town Center is huge. And there are plenty of places to eat around the area. If you are gonna usher or escort contestants, get there plenty early.
The chorus contest starts at 10 am on Saturday. Also get there early to help. Wear Harmonizer gear and your name tag. And if you see someone needs help, chip in. That is especially true after things wrap up on Saturday nite. A show of winners starts that evening at 6:30. Our chapter is the host chapter and will earn income for our work.
Proudly, our chapter will have several contestant quartets in the contest and YeEd suspects n several will be on the show Saturday nite!
Also during last nite’s chapter meeting, secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Al Herman for 28 years (he is chair of the chapter’s finance committee); and to Howard Nestlerode for 36 years. Last week YeEd had a typo in his copy – Jim Lake received his 18 year renewal card.
Phil Ashford introduced our guests which included several family members of Bert Phillips.
Thanks to Ellen and Adrianne for making the coffee and getting the goodies set out this week.
After break, announcements continued. Chuck McKeever reiterated the plans for the chorus retreat in Westminster MD, June 4 and 5 at McDaniel College. He has sent out very complete instructions for all to follow in making plans such as drive time and driving route. He reminded all to prepay for the fees – Howard Nestlerode at the admin table tonite. And Chuck asked us all to email him with any request for roommates.
Many of us who have been in the chapter a while now go up on Friday nite to get settled, have some fun with the guys and be there for the early Saturday morning start.
Show producer, Greg Tepe, reminded us about our show for the Supreme Court Historical Society on June 6. Arrival at 6:30. Be prepared for security check in – have metals easy to take out including pitch pipes!
Shows vice president, Kenny White, thanked some of the key workers that helped make the weekend trip such a success – Greg Tepe, producer; Bruce Lauther, logistics; Mark Klostermeyer, chorus manager; Ken Henderson, fund raiser for the relief fund; Brian Ammerman, Bob Blair, Bob Rhome, Bob Mattes, bus leaders. Ken also thanked the whole music team for their hard work to prepare the chorus for the show as well as the special events like singing the “Friends” tag in Japanese on Saturday and the extra songs to sing with the other choruses. Actually, when Kenny was welcomed to the mic, the chapter members thanked him with long applause for his leadership to make it a successful weekend!
Music vice president, Terry Reynolds, suggested guys get their plans made to go to Harmony College East (HCE) in Salisbury on June 18th. We will conduct a ‘masters class’ and sing on the evening show at the weekend school. Howard Nestlerode is also collecting fees for this trip too. PR vp Steve Lingo encourages guys to stay over and socialize on the quad at the campus where the HCE is held.
Chapter president, Steve Murane, was given some special gifts from our new friends from the concert. They asked him to choose the recipients and Steve chose to give the special gifts from Japan to Ken White, Greg Tepe, Bruce Lauther, Steve Lingo for their work on the show. And he also gave one each to Kyle Blomgren who is moving to CA and to Victor Hills who is headed off the US Military Academy.
Steve also received a letter from BHS president, Alan Lamson, who expressed his pride in our show representing the Society.
Then K12 called up the following 12 men. They are the Class of 2011 and were presented bright gaudy blue kerchiefs for the traditional initiation period leading up to walking onto the stage in Kansas City. The will be expected to wear their scarves in view for all to see at any and all Harmonizer gatherings. The class consists of all the guys who will be singing for the first time as a Harmonizer at International.
Adam Bradley
Jay Butterfield
Clark Chesser
Chris Clark
Bill Colosimo
Clyde Crusenberry
Thom Faircloth
Jacob George
Michael Gilmore
Kevin Kaiser
Dave Kohls
Nick Leiserson
Welcome aboard for the ride, men!!
Then it was back to the risers for more hard work on the songs.
We worked hard right up til 10 pm. Before the chapter meeting, Bob Rhome affixed a large thermometer high on the outside wall to keep track of the room temperatures (ended up at 80 degrees at the end of the night).
Last week, YeEd reported on Steve White forming a special quartet to fill a gig so that DA CAPO could go sing in the Sweepstakes. Well here is more detail from Steve. “ACES FULL” (as we called ourselves) was actually substituting for DOWN A FOURTH who have as members Wayne Adams and Joe Sawyer, so half of DA CAPO. We did the Long Island, NY chapter show for them where at one time Joe Cerutti had been the assistant director.
That chapter actually tried twice to get FOUR ACES, but could never hook up, so were pleased to get a pseudo combination of them. This is actually the area where Nick Aiuto grew up, so his mom and dad and 3 sisters all came to the show. Nick sang in his very first barbershop quartet with the chapter’s director Mo.
Good to have Kellen Hertz back from college and working to catch up for the contest. Special forces guys present this week were Pete Frank, Jay Butterfield and Bob Wilson.
Tonite we sang farewell to Kyle Blomgren. Director Joe grabbed a chair and invited Kyle to sit in front of the chorus so we could sing the traditional “There Will Always Be A Place on The Risers for You.” He is off to CA for a job and more schooling. Good luck, man!!
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.)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Looking Back on the May 17th Chapter Meeting
This was a really busy nite in prep for our big gig at Carnegie Hall in NYC on Friday, May 20th. All the usual preparation was done for room set up and Will Cox gave the chorus a long steady warm up session which included physical and musical exercises.
Then Director Joe arrived with a stack of handouts – several page booklets, actually – that were designed to help the guys prepare for the show. Mostly tough musical passages, breath and inflection cues, and rhythm details. The guys appreciated the useful learning too. Thanks to Joe for another great example of how prepared he is every Tuesday nite and how he imparts learning to the guys.
Show producer, Greg Tepe, was in the house to lead the show run-thru. Shows vp, Ken White, had a ton of details to offer. Show salesman, Bruce Lauther, was busy wrapping up ticket distribution for the Saturday brunch session with our fellow singers from Japan. Uniform guy, Tom Kern, was also busy filling last minute needs of the guys – since we will be wearing casuals on Fri going, and on Sat returning, plus a couple changes or so on the stage.
Carnegie Hall is a Union shop, so that means we have to do some things differently that we might do for a show. Also the other singing groups are also large, the flow of people on and off stage will be a little challenging for their stage manager. Of course, our chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, will be the top sergeant for the weekend for our chorus.
We will do the “Star Spangled Banner” along with our show package which includes our contest songs for this summer. Our set will include ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT and we will have some fun with them on stage.
The chorus guys gotta get up early cause the bus is gonna head out right on time – no waiting. The MD guys will be picked up en route. And there will be brief stops too, tho Ken suggested bring your own food and don’t count on getting into a long line for something to eat.
Our chapter leaders are prepared to make a presentation to the Japan emergency relief fun and to honor our fellow singers. Ken Henderson worked on coordinating any donations. YeEd hears that BHS president, Alan Lamson, will also make remarks.
The Harmonizers learned the “Friends” tag (which we sing at retreat every year – it is arranged by David Wright) in Japanese to sing to our new friends. Thanks to Ryan Griffith who got the translation, and provided learning materials. We will sing it for them on Saturday morning at social gathering before we head home.
Our chapter operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the weekly chapter meeting about half way thru the evening. Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Michael Gilmore, for 19 years, and to Jim Lake for 18 years. Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduce a bunch of guests by having them stand or wave from their seats.
Brad Jones launched the big push for our June 26th East Coast Harmony show at George Mason. He invited Harmonizers to email him if you want some tickets on consignment to sell. We need to get pushing on ticket sales for this big event.
Chris Buechler also asked guys to see him regarding the Supreme Court show – as you can imagine the security is tight in that building and all of our singers must get in SS numbers, etc.
After the coffee break, quartet promotion chairman, Eric Wallen, presented a chapter check to each chapter quartet that will be singing in any of the division contests this spring (that lead up to the fall contest in Lancaster in early Oct. and the chance to become district champ quartet).
Each of these quartets has at least one Harmonizer member:
BLARNEY BROTHERS – Michael Calhoun and Gary Bibbens
YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT – Mike Wallen
ROLL OF THE DICE – Bill Colosimo
SURPRISE! – Bruce Minnick and John Grant
MAYHEM – Mike Pinto and Ken White
MAD HATTERS – Rick Taylor and Steve White
FRiDAYS! – Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane
DOWNTOWN – Arthur Louis, Frank Fedarko and Drew Fuller
DOWN A FOURTH – Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Wayne Adams and Troy Hillier
Then as a special treat we got to hear the new national champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Our own guys, DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams, took top honors and were named “audience favorite” just like they did in the regional contest here in DC a month or so ago.
The Harmonizers were extending congrats all nite to the guys and it was a proud accomplishment for the chapter. The quartet thanked their fellow chapter members for the support all along and especially the electronic cheers and support day of the contest (since not too many of us could get to CA for the event.
Before chapter meeting, YeEd heard Wayne thanking Steve White for his help. Later I learned that Steve joined forces with Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto and Richard Lewellen to sing a show gig that DA CAPO was supposed to do in Long Island, NY. Now that is great cooperation.
Other chapter news YeEd has to report: Tom and Emily Kraus announced the birth of their son, Benjamin.
New guys need to check the chapter calendar to be sure they can attend the retreat, the Harmony College East event, of course International week and the extra rehearsals leading up to it, the East Coast Harmony Show on June 26th, volunteering to help the chapter host the Southern Division contest May 27 and 28, attend the fall contest to help support the many chapter quartets we will have in the contest and offer a hand to the host chapter for that weekend, and the Supreme Court show will be here really soon too.
Don’t forget to wear a name tag of some kind on Tues nite at chapter meeting.
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.)
Then Director Joe arrived with a stack of handouts – several page booklets, actually – that were designed to help the guys prepare for the show. Mostly tough musical passages, breath and inflection cues, and rhythm details. The guys appreciated the useful learning too. Thanks to Joe for another great example of how prepared he is every Tuesday nite and how he imparts learning to the guys.
Show producer, Greg Tepe, was in the house to lead the show run-thru. Shows vp, Ken White, had a ton of details to offer. Show salesman, Bruce Lauther, was busy wrapping up ticket distribution for the Saturday brunch session with our fellow singers from Japan. Uniform guy, Tom Kern, was also busy filling last minute needs of the guys – since we will be wearing casuals on Fri going, and on Sat returning, plus a couple changes or so on the stage.
Carnegie Hall is a Union shop, so that means we have to do some things differently that we might do for a show. Also the other singing groups are also large, the flow of people on and off stage will be a little challenging for their stage manager. Of course, our chorus manager, Mark Klostermeyer, will be the top sergeant for the weekend for our chorus.
We will do the “Star Spangled Banner” along with our show package which includes our contest songs for this summer. Our set will include ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT and we will have some fun with them on stage.
The chorus guys gotta get up early cause the bus is gonna head out right on time – no waiting. The MD guys will be picked up en route. And there will be brief stops too, tho Ken suggested bring your own food and don’t count on getting into a long line for something to eat.
Our chapter leaders are prepared to make a presentation to the Japan emergency relief fun and to honor our fellow singers. Ken Henderson worked on coordinating any donations. YeEd hears that BHS president, Alan Lamson, will also make remarks.
The Harmonizers learned the “Friends” tag (which we sing at retreat every year – it is arranged by David Wright) in Japanese to sing to our new friends. Thanks to Ryan Griffith who got the translation, and provided learning materials. We will sing it for them on Saturday morning at social gathering before we head home.
Our chapter operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the weekly chapter meeting about half way thru the evening. Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Michael Gilmore, for 19 years, and to Jim Lake for 18 years. Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduce a bunch of guests by having them stand or wave from their seats.
Brad Jones launched the big push for our June 26th East Coast Harmony show at George Mason. He invited Harmonizers to email him if you want some tickets on consignment to sell. We need to get pushing on ticket sales for this big event.
Chris Buechler also asked guys to see him regarding the Supreme Court show – as you can imagine the security is tight in that building and all of our singers must get in SS numbers, etc.
After the coffee break, quartet promotion chairman, Eric Wallen, presented a chapter check to each chapter quartet that will be singing in any of the division contests this spring (that lead up to the fall contest in Lancaster in early Oct. and the chance to become district champ quartet).
Each of these quartets has at least one Harmonizer member:
BLARNEY BROTHERS – Michael Calhoun and Gary Bibbens
YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT – Mike Wallen
ROLL OF THE DICE – Bill Colosimo
SURPRISE! – Bruce Minnick and John Grant
MAYHEM – Mike Pinto and Ken White
MAD HATTERS – Rick Taylor and Steve White
FRiDAYS! – Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives and Steve Murane
DOWNTOWN – Arthur Louis, Frank Fedarko and Drew Fuller
DOWN A FOURTH – Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Wayne Adams and Troy Hillier
Then as a special treat we got to hear the new national champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Our own guys, DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams, took top honors and were named “audience favorite” just like they did in the regional contest here in DC a month or so ago.
The Harmonizers were extending congrats all nite to the guys and it was a proud accomplishment for the chapter. The quartet thanked their fellow chapter members for the support all along and especially the electronic cheers and support day of the contest (since not too many of us could get to CA for the event.
Before chapter meeting, YeEd heard Wayne thanking Steve White for his help. Later I learned that Steve joined forces with Ed Cazenas, Nick Aiuto and Richard Lewellen to sing a show gig that DA CAPO was supposed to do in Long Island, NY. Now that is great cooperation.
Other chapter news YeEd has to report: Tom and Emily Kraus announced the birth of their son, Benjamin.
New guys need to check the chapter calendar to be sure they can attend the retreat, the Harmony College East event, of course International week and the extra rehearsals leading up to it, the East Coast Harmony Show on June 26th, volunteering to help the chapter host the Southern Division contest May 27 and 28, attend the fall contest to help support the many chapter quartets we will have in the contest and offer a hand to the host chapter for that weekend, and the Supreme Court show will be here really soon too.
Don’t forget to wear a name tag of some kind on Tues nite at chapter meeting.
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.)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Looking Back on the May 10th Chapter Meeting
YeEd has gotta make this one fast, as he has to catch a plane early Wednesday morn. So here goes.
The risers were in a straight line again this week and the AC was not on at all, it didn’t seem like.
Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis were in to help with the contest package and also to add some sparkle and excitement to our songs for Carnegie Hall. There will be about 85 Harmonizers on the stage with over 150 from Japan. Director Joe reports that many of them are coming even with loss of family or friends or maybe even fellow chorus members.
The musical cultural event will also be a fund raising event for the disaster.
First treat for the nite was to watch a quick clip of a Dallas Vocal Majority gig for musical educators a few years ago. Joe wanted to share this moment in barbershop history when our form of music was given a green light from the educators.
He suggests we can do this for the classical musicians in the audience in NYC. Tho we hear a huge number of NY barbershoppers will be at the show. It is a sellout at this point.
Congrats to our team of guys who have worked hard to keep us posted, make arrangements for our travel and housing and meals and fun. Especially Ken White and Greg Tepe. Steve Lingo is doing ticket distribution for those guests going with members to the show in NYC. Ken Henderson is in charge of collections for the relief fund, if you are interested in giving.
There will likely be more emails and communications for all those going to perform and/or to attend the show. Stay tuned.
The whole nite was used for the show and contest package and working with our two visual coaches.
Mark Klostermeyer conducted the business meeting period. Chris Buechler announced membership renewal for Andrew Plocher, 2 years; Dan O’Brien, 6; Tim Buell, 7; Craig Kujawa, 8; Steve Murane, 9; Chris Buecher, 26; Bob Eckman, 27; and Austin Cotton, 36.
Steve Lingo filled in for Phil Ashford, who had a family emergency, and introduced the guests.
After our coffee break, there were announcements.
Brad Jones gave details about the June show.
Scott Kahler asked for more guys to step up to help our chapter host the Southern Division contest in Reston in a couple weeks.
Last week, YeEd goofed and didn’t report on the first of the special Director Surprise Awards (provided by a friend of the chapter) for any guy Joe thinks is giving the extra 5 %. The first honoree was Dennis Ritchey last week. Even tho Dennis lives an hour or more away, he makes it to the meetings and extra rehearsals. And he is quick to build, make, fix or take care of anything that needs doing for the chorus in the realm of audio visual.
This week Joe invited our coach, Cindy Hansen, to choose the recipient based on the person who was “in the game” all nite as a performer. She had Nick Murane in second place and the winner was new guy, Kevin Kaiser. Congrats all.
Other chapter news: the FRIENDS of HARMONY met tonite. Special Forces guys Pete Frank (who announces he and his wife are expecting a little one), Bob Wilson and Bill Colosimo.
Don’t forget to wear a name tag of some kind on Tues nite at chapter meeting.
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.)
The risers were in a straight line again this week and the AC was not on at all, it didn’t seem like.
Cindy Hansen and Geri Geis were in to help with the contest package and also to add some sparkle and excitement to our songs for Carnegie Hall. There will be about 85 Harmonizers on the stage with over 150 from Japan. Director Joe reports that many of them are coming even with loss of family or friends or maybe even fellow chorus members.
The musical cultural event will also be a fund raising event for the disaster.
First treat for the nite was to watch a quick clip of a Dallas Vocal Majority gig for musical educators a few years ago. Joe wanted to share this moment in barbershop history when our form of music was given a green light from the educators.
He suggests we can do this for the classical musicians in the audience in NYC. Tho we hear a huge number of NY barbershoppers will be at the show. It is a sellout at this point.
Congrats to our team of guys who have worked hard to keep us posted, make arrangements for our travel and housing and meals and fun. Especially Ken White and Greg Tepe. Steve Lingo is doing ticket distribution for those guests going with members to the show in NYC. Ken Henderson is in charge of collections for the relief fund, if you are interested in giving.
There will likely be more emails and communications for all those going to perform and/or to attend the show. Stay tuned.
The whole nite was used for the show and contest package and working with our two visual coaches.
Mark Klostermeyer conducted the business meeting period. Chris Buechler announced membership renewal for Andrew Plocher, 2 years; Dan O’Brien, 6; Tim Buell, 7; Craig Kujawa, 8; Steve Murane, 9; Chris Buecher, 26; Bob Eckman, 27; and Austin Cotton, 36.
Steve Lingo filled in for Phil Ashford, who had a family emergency, and introduced the guests.
After our coffee break, there were announcements.
Brad Jones gave details about the June show.
Scott Kahler asked for more guys to step up to help our chapter host the Southern Division contest in Reston in a couple weeks.
Last week, YeEd goofed and didn’t report on the first of the special Director Surprise Awards (provided by a friend of the chapter) for any guy Joe thinks is giving the extra 5 %. The first honoree was Dennis Ritchey last week. Even tho Dennis lives an hour or more away, he makes it to the meetings and extra rehearsals. And he is quick to build, make, fix or take care of anything that needs doing for the chorus in the realm of audio visual.
This week Joe invited our coach, Cindy Hansen, to choose the recipient based on the person who was “in the game” all nite as a performer. She had Nick Murane in second place and the winner was new guy, Kevin Kaiser. Congrats all.
Other chapter news: the FRIENDS of HARMONY met tonite. Special Forces guys Pete Frank (who announces he and his wife are expecting a little one), Bob Wilson and Bill Colosimo.
Don’t forget to wear a name tag of some kind on Tues nite at chapter meeting.
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.)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Looking Back on the May 3rd Chapter Meeting
Big crowd again tonite filling the risers set up in the straight line arrangement so we can be prepared for the Carnegie Hall stage set, as well as the Supreme Court show. Makes it hard to hear for the singers for sure. Last week, our coach David Wright mentioned to Director Joe that the chorus was sounding great even with the challenge of standing on those straight lined risers and with no AC.
The usual complete room set up was done by a crew about 6 pm. Altho we are still not using the mirror panels, we added the keyboard this week. YeEd found out the keyboard is provided by the Rec Dept from one of their classrooms.
After warm ups conducted by Will Cox, Joe launched an aggressive work session on the contest package. He used the key board to strengthen some difficult passages. He coached many intricate details of interpretation. He helped the guys discover words to emphasize. And he asked for guys to understand mood changes in the songs. Plus he stressed important spots NOT to take a breath!
The evening included some time for the chorus to make their personal self evaluation tapes.
Another big chunk of time was used to refurbish the other songs to be used for the Carnegie Hall show. Joe used the keyboard and the computer and screen to help the guys sight-read the two songs we will sing with the Japanese singers on the show – “Let The Sunshine In” and “May Each Day.” Actually we will use music in black folders for these two songs.
Joe also introduced the plans for how the chorus will perform with ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT using the song “Shout” to involve the audience. It went great and will be fun.
The front row worked really hard this week to finalize a “big” ending for “Stars and Stripes” with lots of marching. Same with going back to performing the long version of “New York New York.’
Then it was time for the chapter meeting period. Operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer conducted the session as usual and kept the announcements flowing.
Director Joe announced a change in the contest uniform that means we each will buy a shirt for the event. Stay tuned for turning in sizes and making the modest payment.
Speaking of payment, past treasurer, Howard Nestlerode, was collecting monies from guys to cover costs for Carnegie Hall box lunch or guest for Sat event; contest retreat reg and/or extra fee for coming on Fri nite (Note that this has become a popular thing to do); and Harmony College East fee and/or extra nite fees.
Secretary, Chris Buechler, reminded everyone to take action to renew their dues. Earlier in the week he sent an email reporting that some of our long-time members who live outside the area or do not sing with us these days had renewed such as Scott Werner - 49 years, Don Johnson - 43 years, Bob Hirsh - 41 year, Phil Stern - 25 years. John Jackson - 24 years.
Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced our guests which included two applicants.
Southern Division chairman for the chapter’s hosting plan, Scott Kahler, asked guys to mark their calendars and to be prepared to help escort quartets and choruses, help host judges, and other things we need to do in support of the district’s operations team. Friday nite, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.
Marketing vp, Steve Lingo, encouraged the guys to prepare to participate in the social period at HCE and get to know other members from other chapters who will be there. That means staying around on Saturday nite.
Music vp, Terry Reynolds, reminded everyone – basically, everything is mandatory from now til Kansas City. Be sure to get to the vocal and visual studios. They are a must. YeEd has heard several gents comment on how beneficial the studio was for them.
Terry also announced that the Alexandria Chapter will offer scholarships to the Society Harmony University in St. Joe, MO, in July/August. There is an application to get one of those scholarships, so contact Terry. If you wanna know more about the Harmony U, talk to Terry, Chris Buechler or Joe Cerutti as they can tell you about the kinds of classes and fun you will have. Quartets can go too.
After some coffee and goodies, it was back to work on Carnegie Hall show music.
Joe pleaded with the guys to work at home – please do at least 5% more!!!
We had two specialforces guys on the risers this week – Mike Wallen and Bob Wilson.
Congrats to new Air Force Colonel, Bruce Roehm, promoted last Friday. His ceremony included a great tribute to the Alexandria Harmonizers. A small ensemble sang the National Anthem. Geri Geis help pin on his new rank.
YeEd heard that Rick Taylor’s Dundalk Sweet Adeline Chorus pulled off a huge upset and won this past weekend’s Regional contest.
Don’t forget to wear your (or a) name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
The usual complete room set up was done by a crew about 6 pm. Altho we are still not using the mirror panels, we added the keyboard this week. YeEd found out the keyboard is provided by the Rec Dept from one of their classrooms.
After warm ups conducted by Will Cox, Joe launched an aggressive work session on the contest package. He used the key board to strengthen some difficult passages. He coached many intricate details of interpretation. He helped the guys discover words to emphasize. And he asked for guys to understand mood changes in the songs. Plus he stressed important spots NOT to take a breath!
The evening included some time for the chorus to make their personal self evaluation tapes.
Another big chunk of time was used to refurbish the other songs to be used for the Carnegie Hall show. Joe used the keyboard and the computer and screen to help the guys sight-read the two songs we will sing with the Japanese singers on the show – “Let The Sunshine In” and “May Each Day.” Actually we will use music in black folders for these two songs.
Joe also introduced the plans for how the chorus will perform with ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT using the song “Shout” to involve the audience. It went great and will be fun.
The front row worked really hard this week to finalize a “big” ending for “Stars and Stripes” with lots of marching. Same with going back to performing the long version of “New York New York.’
Then it was time for the chapter meeting period. Operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer conducted the session as usual and kept the announcements flowing.
Director Joe announced a change in the contest uniform that means we each will buy a shirt for the event. Stay tuned for turning in sizes and making the modest payment.
Speaking of payment, past treasurer, Howard Nestlerode, was collecting monies from guys to cover costs for Carnegie Hall box lunch or guest for Sat event; contest retreat reg and/or extra fee for coming on Fri nite (Note that this has become a popular thing to do); and Harmony College East fee and/or extra nite fees.
Secretary, Chris Buechler, reminded everyone to take action to renew their dues. Earlier in the week he sent an email reporting that some of our long-time members who live outside the area or do not sing with us these days had renewed such as Scott Werner - 49 years, Don Johnson - 43 years, Bob Hirsh - 41 year, Phil Stern - 25 years. John Jackson - 24 years.
Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced our guests which included two applicants.
Southern Division chairman for the chapter’s hosting plan, Scott Kahler, asked guys to mark their calendars and to be prepared to help escort quartets and choruses, help host judges, and other things we need to do in support of the district’s operations team. Friday nite, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.
Marketing vp, Steve Lingo, encouraged the guys to prepare to participate in the social period at HCE and get to know other members from other chapters who will be there. That means staying around on Saturday nite.
Music vp, Terry Reynolds, reminded everyone – basically, everything is mandatory from now til Kansas City. Be sure to get to the vocal and visual studios. They are a must. YeEd has heard several gents comment on how beneficial the studio was for them.
Terry also announced that the Alexandria Chapter will offer scholarships to the Society Harmony University in St. Joe, MO, in July/August. There is an application to get one of those scholarships, so contact Terry. If you wanna know more about the Harmony U, talk to Terry, Chris Buechler or Joe Cerutti as they can tell you about the kinds of classes and fun you will have. Quartets can go too.
After some coffee and goodies, it was back to work on Carnegie Hall show music.
Joe pleaded with the guys to work at home – please do at least 5% more!!!
We had two specialforces guys on the risers this week – Mike Wallen and Bob Wilson.
Congrats to new Air Force Colonel, Bruce Roehm, promoted last Friday. His ceremony included a great tribute to the Alexandria Harmonizers. A small ensemble sang the National Anthem. Geri Geis help pin on his new rank.
YeEd heard that Rick Taylor’s Dundalk Sweet Adeline Chorus pulled off a huge upset and won this past weekend’s Regional contest.
Don’t forget to wear your (or a) name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Looking Back on the April 26th Chapter Meeting
A huge crowd was on hand for the David Wright coaching session in preparation for the International contest in July.
Here are the section stats for the active chorus according to Keith Jones, who took attendance for Dixie Kennett this week. (FYI - The attendance report each week goes via email to the section leaders, major officers, Director Joe and the music and performance team.)
Tenors – 8 of 8 were present = 100.00%
Leads - 25 of 27 were present = 92.59%
Baris - 20 of 20 were present = 100.00%
Basses – 37 of 38 were present = 97.37%
Special Forces – 2 of were 6 = 33.33%
Total 92 of 99 = 92.93%
In addition there were 5 other members present to help as needed.
No wonder that when Joe thanked our coach at the end of the evening, he added that the progress we made was not only due to David’s skill but because such a high percentage of guys were on the risers.
David managed to get out of the St. Louis airport after the tornado damage there this past weekend, and after a couple delays en route, got to DC around 6 pm. Music vp Terry Reynolds met him at the airport and hurried him to Durant with a quick stop for some fast food for dinner and a little time for a briefing of what to expect.
After vocal warm ups, Joe let David get right to work on the contest package. David offered a ton of great suggestions, another ton of reminders of things we know to do and must not forget, and another ton of ideas on what the message of the song is for the singer as presented by the arranger. As usual, David gave us a couple music lessons about the arrangement and helped us discover again the beauty of well sung harmony. Thankfully, Terry realized the need to take notes, which YeEd suspects will be shared with us next time, as well as help the music team recall them for coaching and working in the weeks ahead.
There was a very short break and a short business session. There are left over t-shirts members can buy from the Youth Harmony Festival. See Brad Jones.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following: Ian Poulin for 8 years; Patrick Kim for 4 years; Tom Berkey for 14 years; and Dick Hall for 47 years. Chris also presented the 25-year card and lapel pin to Bruce Lauther.
Then it was back to work for the second half and Joe used every minute with David until we just had to close.
We are anticipating that the Rec Department will adjust the AC for Durant so that it stays on til 10. Bob Rhome has been working with the staff to make it happen. The guys were ringing wet when they left for home this week.
We all were glad to hear that Chuck Hunter is OK in Syria. He is looking forward to seeing us in Kansas City.
YeEd heard that a good sized crowd of guys were at the visual studio this past weekend. Chuck McKeever was happy with that. He also had a big crew on the stage at 6 before the meeting started. Terry Reynolds pushed for guys to remember the vocal studios this coming weekend.
Tho we did not have a formal introduction of guests at the meeting, there were several guys present who have been with us before.
Stay tuned next Tuesday to prepare for the Carnegie Hall show. Steve Lingo was distributing the free tickets for family or friends who will accompany singers to NYC.
A smaller crowd went over to the afterglow at the Hilton this week since many guys decided to go on home. David was there tho; and since we were outside on the patio, the tag singers were in heaven!!
Don’t forget to wear your (or a) name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
Here are the section stats for the active chorus according to Keith Jones, who took attendance for Dixie Kennett this week. (FYI - The attendance report each week goes via email to the section leaders, major officers, Director Joe and the music and performance team.)
Tenors – 8 of 8 were present = 100.00%
Leads - 25 of 27 were present = 92.59%
Baris - 20 of 20 were present = 100.00%
Basses – 37 of 38 were present = 97.37%
Special Forces – 2 of were 6 = 33.33%
Total 92 of 99 = 92.93%
In addition there were 5 other members present to help as needed.
No wonder that when Joe thanked our coach at the end of the evening, he added that the progress we made was not only due to David’s skill but because such a high percentage of guys were on the risers.
David managed to get out of the St. Louis airport after the tornado damage there this past weekend, and after a couple delays en route, got to DC around 6 pm. Music vp Terry Reynolds met him at the airport and hurried him to Durant with a quick stop for some fast food for dinner and a little time for a briefing of what to expect.
After vocal warm ups, Joe let David get right to work on the contest package. David offered a ton of great suggestions, another ton of reminders of things we know to do and must not forget, and another ton of ideas on what the message of the song is for the singer as presented by the arranger. As usual, David gave us a couple music lessons about the arrangement and helped us discover again the beauty of well sung harmony. Thankfully, Terry realized the need to take notes, which YeEd suspects will be shared with us next time, as well as help the music team recall them for coaching and working in the weeks ahead.
There was a very short break and a short business session. There are left over t-shirts members can buy from the Youth Harmony Festival. See Brad Jones.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following: Ian Poulin for 8 years; Patrick Kim for 4 years; Tom Berkey for 14 years; and Dick Hall for 47 years. Chris also presented the 25-year card and lapel pin to Bruce Lauther.
Then it was back to work for the second half and Joe used every minute with David until we just had to close.
We are anticipating that the Rec Department will adjust the AC for Durant so that it stays on til 10. Bob Rhome has been working with the staff to make it happen. The guys were ringing wet when they left for home this week.
We all were glad to hear that Chuck Hunter is OK in Syria. He is looking forward to seeing us in Kansas City.
YeEd heard that a good sized crowd of guys were at the visual studio this past weekend. Chuck McKeever was happy with that. He also had a big crew on the stage at 6 before the meeting started. Terry Reynolds pushed for guys to remember the vocal studios this coming weekend.
Tho we did not have a formal introduction of guests at the meeting, there were several guys present who have been with us before.
Stay tuned next Tuesday to prepare for the Carnegie Hall show. Steve Lingo was distributing the free tickets for family or friends who will accompany singers to NYC.
A smaller crowd went over to the afterglow at the Hilton this week since many guys decided to go on home. David was there tho; and since we were outside on the patio, the tag singers were in heaven!!
Don’t forget to wear your (or a) name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Looking Back on the April 19th Chapter Meeting
When you got to Durant this week, you could tell it was gonna be a musical work out. The stage was full of guys working on SP. The crowd was big and hall full early.
As usual the same guys seem to be the ones to get up the risers. So Director Joe asked the guys with young or healthy backs to pitch in and set up the 11 sections each week. There seems to be a good crowd to take things down, so now we gotta lend a hand before the meeting.
Will Cox did the warm ups this week and turned the hot chorus over to Joe Cerutti. We welcomed Special Forces guys Pete Frank (in from Erie, PA) and Bob Wilson (up from Richmond on his motorcycle) who are working to be in the contest chorus. Joe welcomed coach Geri Geis. She didn’t hesitate to jump in early to help the men build upon the work they have been doing visually and actually musically. Amazing to the listeners in the hall how much better the contest package sounds when the guys add true performance mode all the time.
Geri and the chapter visual team reviewed and worked on major moods for the songs, and refreshed and helped the guys get the feel for the focals. They also staged various floor movements and groupings.
It was hard work and the progress was apparent. The self-evaluation recordings for sound and for visual reviews are getting better.
All this is good as the chapter prepares for David Wright’s coaching visit next week.
Operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the weekly chapter meeting. Dick Dangel, one of this week’s birthday guys, brought a huge birthday cake to share with all the gang at break. Thanks Dick and Carol. Dick Hall and Joe Cerutti were also mentioned as birthday guys this week.
Secretary Chris Buechler presented renewal cards to Michael Gilmore, 18years; Ken Ives, 26 years; and Michael Calhoun, 42 years. Chris also suggested everyone go online to do their renewals asap.
Chris also manages sending renewals to our Harmonizer member who don’t get to the chapter often for one reason or another: Dean Martin, 9 years; Lou Manfre, 18 years; Jeff Taylor, 19 year; Paul Grimes, 24 years; Michael Calhoun, 42 years; and Terry Jordan, 47 years.
Music vp, Terry Reynolds, encouraged (reminded everyone they need to go to one) guys to sign up for the vocal studio sessions. [At the end of the meeting, Chuck McKeever also gave a plug for the visual studios guys need to attend.]
Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced the line of guys which included two or three first-timers, a new applicant and a returning guest. Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome” song.
We broke for refreshments and business matters. Coffee and the cake were served in the kitchen area – a new way to keep things flowing.
After the break, the chapter meeting continued.
Shows vp, Ken White, asked the guys to please read the emails he sends out as so often the answers to the questions they email back to Ken are in the original message. And he gets a ton of messages from the troops. He also alerted us that there is gonna be new details as to location for the cultural reception with the Japanese singers on the Carnegie Hall show.
Ken also thanked Howard Nestlerode for collecting payments for three big events coming up soon – Carnegie Hall meal and breakfast/reception; coaching retreat; and Harmony College East (HCE) weekend. Terry Reynolds reminded guys that they can do a one-day on Saturday at HCE, or come early or stay over nite, or attend the entire school weekend. Speak to him if you want to learn more about barbershop singing, music and management. (You can learn more about HCE on the Mid-Atlantic District website – www. Harmonize.com/MAD/
President Steve Murane reminded the board of their meeting Wed April 20th at Durant. The meetings are open to any members.
Bob Blair also reminded us that the old risers (the ones we keep in the truck for transporting) are available for rental. He and Dean Rust took them to DC last week for a choral group that rented them. He presented the check for $575 to chapter treasurer, Dave Welter. Thanks for setting them up and taking them down, Bob and Dean.
Then it was back to singing and working on the contest songs as well as reviews and work on the songs for Carnegie Hall. The risers were set in a straight line again this week as the chorus will be on choral platforms in NYC. Jim Lake was pitch man this week. And did you notice the two new faces working to move into the front row – Will Daniel Mudd-Simmons and last nite, Chris Clark.
Dick Dangel was invited to direct KTWWS to close the meeting and took the opportunity, since he had the floor, to remind the leads about the notes. You can imagine how much push back that got!!
A nice crowd went over to the afterglow at the Hilton.
Don’t forget to wear your name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
As usual the same guys seem to be the ones to get up the risers. So Director Joe asked the guys with young or healthy backs to pitch in and set up the 11 sections each week. There seems to be a good crowd to take things down, so now we gotta lend a hand before the meeting.
Will Cox did the warm ups this week and turned the hot chorus over to Joe Cerutti. We welcomed Special Forces guys Pete Frank (in from Erie, PA) and Bob Wilson (up from Richmond on his motorcycle) who are working to be in the contest chorus. Joe welcomed coach Geri Geis. She didn’t hesitate to jump in early to help the men build upon the work they have been doing visually and actually musically. Amazing to the listeners in the hall how much better the contest package sounds when the guys add true performance mode all the time.
Geri and the chapter visual team reviewed and worked on major moods for the songs, and refreshed and helped the guys get the feel for the focals. They also staged various floor movements and groupings.
It was hard work and the progress was apparent. The self-evaluation recordings for sound and for visual reviews are getting better.
All this is good as the chapter prepares for David Wright’s coaching visit next week.
Operations vp, Mark Klostermeyer, conducted the weekly chapter meeting. Dick Dangel, one of this week’s birthday guys, brought a huge birthday cake to share with all the gang at break. Thanks Dick and Carol. Dick Hall and Joe Cerutti were also mentioned as birthday guys this week.
Secretary Chris Buechler presented renewal cards to Michael Gilmore, 18years; Ken Ives, 26 years; and Michael Calhoun, 42 years. Chris also suggested everyone go online to do their renewals asap.
Chris also manages sending renewals to our Harmonizer member who don’t get to the chapter often for one reason or another: Dean Martin, 9 years; Lou Manfre, 18 years; Jeff Taylor, 19 year; Paul Grimes, 24 years; Michael Calhoun, 42 years; and Terry Jordan, 47 years.
Music vp, Terry Reynolds, encouraged (reminded everyone they need to go to one) guys to sign up for the vocal studio sessions. [At the end of the meeting, Chuck McKeever also gave a plug for the visual studios guys need to attend.]
Membership vp, Phil Ashford, introduced the line of guys which included two or three first-timers, a new applicant and a returning guest. Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome” song.
We broke for refreshments and business matters. Coffee and the cake were served in the kitchen area – a new way to keep things flowing.
After the break, the chapter meeting continued.
Shows vp, Ken White, asked the guys to please read the emails he sends out as so often the answers to the questions they email back to Ken are in the original message. And he gets a ton of messages from the troops. He also alerted us that there is gonna be new details as to location for the cultural reception with the Japanese singers on the Carnegie Hall show.
Ken also thanked Howard Nestlerode for collecting payments for three big events coming up soon – Carnegie Hall meal and breakfast/reception; coaching retreat; and Harmony College East (HCE) weekend. Terry Reynolds reminded guys that they can do a one-day on Saturday at HCE, or come early or stay over nite, or attend the entire school weekend. Speak to him if you want to learn more about barbershop singing, music and management. (You can learn more about HCE on the Mid-Atlantic District website – www. Harmonize.com/MAD/
President Steve Murane reminded the board of their meeting Wed April 20th at Durant. The meetings are open to any members.
Bob Blair also reminded us that the old risers (the ones we keep in the truck for transporting) are available for rental. He and Dean Rust took them to DC last week for a choral group that rented them. He presented the check for $575 to chapter treasurer, Dave Welter. Thanks for setting them up and taking them down, Bob and Dean.
Then it was back to singing and working on the contest songs as well as reviews and work on the songs for Carnegie Hall. The risers were set in a straight line again this week as the chorus will be on choral platforms in NYC. Jim Lake was pitch man this week. And did you notice the two new faces working to move into the front row – Will Daniel Mudd-Simmons and last nite, Chris Clark.
Dick Dangel was invited to direct KTWWS to close the meeting and took the opportunity, since he had the floor, to remind the leads about the notes. You can imagine how much push back that got!!
A nice crowd went over to the afterglow at the Hilton.
Don’t forget to wear your name tag at all Harmonizer functions. Maybe keep it in your barbershop briefcase. It helps the guests and newer members!
Until next time – editorjack!
(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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.)
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