Monday, May 7, 2012


Looking Back on the May 1st  Chapter Meeting

First off, here is important info from Alan Wile and Mike Kelly about this year’s educational weekend for all barbershoppers in the area.



Immerse Yourself in a Weekend of MAD Barbershop!

Jun 14-17, 2012
Salisbury, MD - Salisbury State University

Often called “The GREATEST weekend for barbershopping on the East Coast!” Harmony College East is held each year at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. Tuition for the full 3-night stay (which includes 6 meals, all courses, and two barbershop shows) is $215.  Other time and financial arrangements are also available.

Top vocal and performance coaches from across the US and Canada, provide classes and coaching for individual singers, quartets, choruses and also directors and prospective directors.  In order to make class selection easier a number of "tracks" have been created with suggested courses.  The tracks include the following:
  • Becoming a (Better) Quartetter
  • Becoming a Better Chorus Singer
  • Courses for HCE Chorus Participants
  • Courses for Directors
  • Courses for Members of Choruses that are being Coached
  • Courses for Musical Leaders (M&P, Section Leader, Chapter Leader)
  • Improving Your Coaching Skills
  • Show Production
Check it out on www.MidAtlanticDistrict.com/HCE.  Need help or advice?  Talk to Mike Kelly or Alan Wile … or any number of past attendees.



The May 1st Harmonizer meeting was a full and busy session in prep for our many shows plus contest.  A good crowd of singers was on the risers too.  The evening started with a listening session of an awesome new arrangement by Jim Clancy in TX of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm-ups and turned over the “ready” chorus to director Joe Cerutti.  Before we started singing, tho, all the guys who have joined the chapter since last year’s International contest went to a “boot camp” or orientation session with Will Cox, some officers and board members to help those new guys catch up on being an active Harmonizer.

Joe and the visual team worked on “Jersey Boys” with some hiccups and the evidence that we need to work on it at home. After that session, we worked on reviewing and teaching “Hello My Baby” including teaching the newer members.

Then we jumped over to sing “I’m The Music Man” and it was fun to see how much progress the chorus has made to learn that one so fast.  Now to add the visual plan to it.

Both “Jersey Boys” and “Music Man” are gonna be needed for the many upcoming shows in June!  So there is no time to waste.

The chapter meeting session was conducted by operations vp Scott Kahler.  First up was chapter secretary Chris Buechler.  He presented new member materials to Tom Frederick and Bob Griesemer.  Austin Cotton was presented his 37 year renewal card, and Alan Kousen was presented his 45 year renewal card and lapel pin marking his longevity in the BHS.

Next Mary Anne Cleaveland, representing the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline Chapter, invited us to buy tickets to, or sponsor a table for, their annual tea, Saturday, May 12th from 12-3 pm. For ticket info call Jackie at 410-789-7172.  Good way for us to support their chapter like they do by coming to our holiday show every year.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced our guests this week including Ron Rogers, a former member who is active in Texas these days.  We have seen him recently on stage at the international contests.

We had a good long break, then back to chapter meeting time.  Mike Kelly plugged attendance at the Harmony College East in June (see info above).

Shows vp Brian Ammerman and show producer Nick Leiserson gave us more details about the major spring show on June 9th at George Mason Perf Arts Center.  [First off, it appears there is a good chance Erin Odell’s quartet will be able to perform!!! Hurray. And our congrats to Erin for all of her miraculous successes in the last few weeks with her quartet, chorus (with Joe filling in as director), and progress in getting better.]

Secondly, everyone is asked to sell or buy an ad for the program.  See Chris Clark (clark.christopher.j@gmail.com). Idea: YeEd bought an ad to promote another group in the community as a donation to that group.

And of course, sell tickets. Get out the flyers.  Tell your friends you are singing and to come see you and enjoy the great music.  7:30 pm show.

Finally, prepare yourself for the songs on that show. As a reminder, besides the contest set we will be performing: “I'm the Music Man” (with choreo!); “Ob La Di;” “Hello, My Baby” (with choreo!); “Summertime” (with choreo); “Stars and Stripes;” “Jersey Boys” (with choreo); “Great Day” (with choreo); and “Music of the Night.”

Brian also reminds us of the show we have on Sunday, June 10th in MD.  And the major show at Constitution Hall on June 19th (for those old timers around who read this column, it is like another Kennedy Center Honors show.

Another item from Brian was a shout out to Len Dornberger for telling a meeting planner he knows thru his profession about the Harmonizers as entertainers.  May yield a show.  All of us should follow his example.

Scott Kahler used the emergency text messaging system for the chapter to alert us all about the change in meeting location tonite.  If you did not get a text on your cell phone about 5 pm or so on Tuesday nite, email Scott to report.  You should have gotten one. As they say, “This Was A Test.”

Brad Jones, China trip coordinator, reports that the agency is making flight arrangements.  But each traveler should be careful in making any preliminary flights and check first.

Bob Blair reported a fun story and a nice income source for the chapter. He and Howard Nestlerode and Carl Kauffmann did the work for a couple riser rentals to local singing groups.  Their motto – U Call, We Haul!  Earned the chapter a little over $1000.

Tony Colosimo announced the release of the new DA CAPO cd titled “Beginnings” which you can order online or get from Tony next week.  $15.

Then it was back to singing on the risers with associate director Tony conducting another excellent barbershop craft session. This week’s theme was “your voice matters” and he had us demonstrate a number of ways that is true.  It led to some great singing of the contest songs too!

He actually directed the package and Joe coached – always a very successful exercise. The good singing also meant more emotion and story-telling.

YeEd also reports that Bob Sutton is listed as one of the editor in the BHS magazine, PRESERVATION which deals with all sorts of barbershop history and trivia.  You can get it online, free.  Just ask to be added to the list. 

Great to hear the chatter around the halls at Durant of quartets gearing up to compete at Southern Division in Roanoke.  Talk of uniforms to wear. When to arrive.  Forms to be submitted in order to enter. Who is well this week. When to practice next.  This is so good to see. YeEd has asked around and finds there are some guys in a couple quartets too.

The members of the chorus worked hard to hurry and get the rehearsal equipment put away so tag singing could happen. And a nice big crowd made it over to the Hilton for the afterglow.  Come just us next week.  As weather gets nice, we will likely be out on the patio.

Until next time – editorjack!

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

Looking Back on the May 1st  Chapter Meeting

First off, here is important info from Alan Wile and Mike Kelly about this year’s educational weekend for all barbershoppers in the area.



Immerse Yourself in a Weekend of MAD Barbershop!

Jun 14-17, 2012
Salisbury, MD - Salisbury State University

Often called “The GREATEST weekend for barbershopping on the East Coast!” Harmony College East is held each year at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. Tuition for the full 3-night stay (which includes 6 meals, all courses, and two barbershop shows) is $215.  Other time and financial arrangements are also available.

Top vocal and performance coaches from across the US and Canada, provide classes and coaching for individual singers, quartets, choruses and also directors and prospective directors.  In order to make class selection easier a number of "tracks" have been created with suggested courses.  The tracks include the following:
  • Becoming a (Better) Quartetter
  • Becoming a Better Chorus Singer
  • Courses for HCE Chorus Participants
  • Courses for Directors
  • Courses for Members of Choruses that are being Coached
  • Courses for Musical Leaders (M&P, Section Leader, Chapter Leader)
  • Improving Your Coaching Skills
  • Show Production
Check it out on www.MidAtlanticDistrict.com/HCE.  Need help or advice?  Talk to Mike Kelly or Alan Wile … or any number of past attendees.



The May 1st Harmonizer meeting was a full and busy session in prep for our many shows plus contest.  A good crowd of singers was on the risers too.  The evening started with a listening session of an awesome new arrangement by Jim Clancy in TX of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm-ups and turned over the “ready” chorus to director Joe Cerutti.  Before we started singing, tho, all the guys who have joined the chapter since last year’s International contest went to a “boot camp” or orientation session with Will Cox, some officers and board members to help those new guys catch up on being an active Harmonizer.

Joe and the visual team worked on “Jersey Boys” with some hiccups and the evidence that we need to work on it at home. After that session, we worked on reviewing and teaching “Hello My Baby” including teaching the newer members.

Then we jumped over to sing “I’m The Music Man” and it was fun to see how much progress the chorus has made to learn that one so fast.  Now to add the visual plan to it.

Both “Jersey Boys” and “Music Man” are gonna be needed for the many upcoming shows in June!  So there is no time to waste.

The chapter meeting session was conducted by operations vp Scott Kahler.  First up was chapter secretary Chris Buechler.  He presented new member materials to Tom Frederick and Bob Griesemer.  Austin Cotton was presented his 37 year renewal card, and Alan Kousen was presented his 45 year renewal card and lapel pin marking his longevity in the BHS.

Next Mary Anne Cleaveland, representing the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline Chapter, invited us to buy tickets to, or sponsor a table for, their annual tea, Saturday, May 12th from 12-3 pm. For ticket info call Jackie at 410-789-7172.  Good way for us to support their chapter like they do by coming to our holiday show every year.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced our guests this week including Ron Rogers, a former member who is active in Texas these days.  We have seen him recently on stage at the international contests.

We had a good long break, then back to chapter meeting time.  Mike Kelly plugged attendance at the Harmony College East in June (see info above).

Shows vp Brian Ammerman and show producer Nick Leiserson gave us more details about the major spring show on June 9th at George Mason Perf Arts Center.  [First off, it appears there is a good chance Erin Odell’s quartet will be able to perform!!! Hurray. And our congrats to Erin for all of her miraculous successes in the last few weeks with her quartet, chorus (with Joe filling in as director), and progress in getting better.]

Secondly, everyone is asked to sell or buy an ad for the program.  See Chris Clark (clark.christopher.j@gmail.com). Idea: YeEd bought an ad to promote another group in the community as a donation to that group.

And of course, sell tickets. Get out the flyers.  Tell your friends you are singing and to come see you and enjoy the great music.  7:30 pm show.

Finally, prepare yourself for the songs on that show. As a reminder, besides the contest set we will be performing: “I'm the Music Man” (with choreo!); “Ob La Di;” “Hello, My Baby” (with choreo!); “Summertime” (with choreo); “Stars and Stripes;” “Jersey Boys” (with choreo); “Great Day” (with choreo); and “Music of the Night.”

Brian also reminds us of the show we have on Sunday, June 10th in MD.  And the major show at Constitution Hall on June 19th (for those old timers around who read this column, it is like another Kennedy Center Honors show.

Another item from Brian was a shout out to Len Dornberger for telling a meeting planner he knows thru his profession about the Harmonizers as entertainers.  May yield a show.  All of us should follow his example.

Scott Kahler used the emergency text messaging system for the chapter to alert us all about the change in meeting location tonite.  If you did not get a text on your cell phone about 5 pm or so on Tuesday nite, email Scott to report.  You should have gotten one. As they say, “This Was A Test.”

Brad Jones, China trip coordinator, reports that the agency is making flight arrangements.  But each traveler should be careful in making any preliminary flights and check first.

Bob Blair reported a fun story and a nice income source for the chapter. He and Howard Nestlerode and Carl Kauffmann did the work for a couple riser rentals to local singing groups.  Their motto – U Call, We Haul!  Earned the chapter a little over $1000.

Tony Colosimo announced the release of the new DA CAPO cd titled “Beginnings” which you can order online or get from Tony next week.  $15.

Then it was back to singing on the risers with associate director Tony conducting another excellent barbershop craft session. This week’s theme was “your voice matters” and he had us demonstrate a number of ways that is true.  It led to some great singing of the contest songs too!

He actually directed the package and Joe coached – always a very successful exercise. The good singing also meant more emotion and story-telling.

YeEd also reports that Bob Sutton is listed as one of the editor in the BHS magazine, PRESERVATION which deals with all sorts of barbershop history and trivia.  You can get it online, free.  Just ask to be added to the list. 

Great to hear the chatter around the halls at Durant of quartets gearing up to compete at Southern Division in Roanoke.  Talk of uniforms to wear. When to arrive.  Forms to be submitted in order to enter. Who is well this week. When to practice next.  This is so good to see. YeEd has asked around and finds there are some guys in a couple quartets too.

The members of the chorus worked hard to hurry and get the rehearsal equipment put away so tag singing could happen. And a nice big crowd made it over to the Hilton for the afterglow.  Come just us next week.  As weather gets nice, we will likely be out on the patio.

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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Thursday, April 26, 2012


Looking Back on the April 24th Chapter Meeting

There was lots of excitement in the air as the chapter awaited word about our special guests this week.  Producers of our appearance at Constitution Hall on June 19th came to tell the chorus member what to expect for this major important chorus gig. 

The Jefferson Awards are a nationally recognized event to honor major public service contributors to our nation.  The chorus will sing a segment of the show and also help with special tribute to honorees. 

Long-time members of the chapter related this event to the times we did the Kennedy Center Honors shows. Soooo – stay tuned for details.  Needless to say, this an all-guys on the risers event. A 6 pm chorus call at Constitution Hall.  Plan ahead and take that Tues afternoon off from work.  And get your tux uniform ready.

Before our special guests arrived, we were greeted to the risers with a listening session for the complete arrangement of “I’m The Music Man” as sung by Vocal Majority of Dallas.  Then associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups.

This week’s pre-meeting time was packed again with all the usuals including a good crowd on the stage to review their SP for the contest package, and this week they worked on moves for “Hello My Baby.”

When chorus director Joe Cerutti took over, the chapter sang him a rousing Happy Birthday greeting.

After our guests arrived and briefed the chorus, we sang a few songs for them so they had a live performance to enjoy.  Four of our musical team had met with the producers in the afternoon.

We worked a good chunk of time on “I’m The Music Man” with many drills on just the words.  Then we sang the song a few times.  And then Joe, as promised, pulled out an octet to demo how well the chorus is doing. Those guys were great and learned many cheers from their brothers on the risers.

Operations vp Scott Kahler, back from business travel, conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced a line of applicants and a brother Toronto barbershopper.

Tim Buell asked some guys to help him form a couple practice quartets during the break to assist applicants working toward their audition.

It was cold, so the coffee and goodies were welcomed.

After break, assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded solo auditions will be held in the kitchen after the meeting. He also promised the new-member-boot-camp will resume next week. YeEd hears the new guys talking about the benefits of those sessions.

ALERT – next week’s meeting will be in the adjoining Jeff Houston School.  Best to enter via the cafeteria on the back side of Durant. (It is election day next Tues.)

Shows vp Brian Ammerman reviewed upcoming shows we should all have on our calendars. Big spring show is Sat. June 9 at George Mason. Just one performance. NEED TO SELL TICKETS in order to bring in chapter income needed for the whole year ahead. Drive all patrons, old and new, to www.harmonizers.org. Also sell ads for the show program – contact Chris Clark.  Idea: buy an ad yourself to salute or honor or promote some cause you work on.

Brian reflected it was too bad we did not have enough guys available to do a week nite show in Philly, as it was a good paying job.

He also reminded all to mark their calendar for the June 10th show in Silver Spring – day after our spring show!!

THEN there is the huge show date, Aug. 11th, in Lancaster, PA. Shows are at 2 pm and 7 pm for the American Music Theater.  Another show for all to attend! Thanks to Andrew Havens and his TOP SHELF quartet friends who are from the Lancaster area for the lead on this show.

Back to singing, coach Geri Geis arrived to fire us up on the contest package emotion and energy and animation.   We worked on the package til closing time.  We also got a good chance to watch the front row revive the 1995 rendition performance.

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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Monday, April 23, 2012


Looking Back on the April 17th Chapter Meeting

This week’s pre-meeting time was packed with all the usuals including a good crowd on the stage to review their SP for the contest package, and this week they worked on moves for “Jersey Boys.”

Membership vp Phil Ashford has involved some of the newer guys in helping welcome and sign-in all the guests each week – Jacob George and Ross Felker were on duty this week.

Mark Klostermeyer filled in for ops vp Scott Kahler again this week.

After vocal warm ups with assistant director Will Cox, musical director Joe Cerutti invited the chapter members to do some quality listening.  Doug White was in charge of the av equipment and he played “Blue Skies” as sung by a top ranked BHS quartet.  It is the same song that new Harmonizer applicants are required to sing in their audition.  Current members who know this Clay Hine arrangement were asked to let Tim Buell know if they know the song, as Tim needs singers to when he helps applicants work with a practice quartet in prep for their audition.

Joe also announced the good news that movie producer and contact for our June 19th show at Constitution Hall and prestigious Jefferson Awards for Public Service will be with us next Tues. nite. Thanks to Bruce Lauther for helping line up this and other show opportunities for the chapter.

Also the chorus will work with Geri Geis on the contest package visuals – several times during this week’s rehearsal it was stressed that technical moves don’t make it.  The facial expression and involvement are needed too!! In fact this week’s Barbershop Craft axiom is “What You Give Is What They Get” and Joe conducted the brief session later in the nite supported by the chapter’s visual team leaders Scipio Garling, Chuck McKeever and Craig Kujawa.

The musical session for the first half of the evening started with a good workout on the rhythm for “I’m the Music Man” intro. 

Next Joe pulled out “Music of the Night” to review.  It was a task for long-time members in addition to newer men.

Again this week, all the men who have joined us since the July 2011 International met in another room for 10 minutes to be briefed on expectations and requirements so they are not surprised. Several chapter leaders from the admin team and the music team conducted the session.

Then we worked a long while on “Jersey Boys” music and visuals.

And before break, a run thru of “Hello My Baby” with visuals.

Mark K12 conducted the business session for the nite and welcomed Keith Jones who had a health scare last weekend. He is doing ok and docs are monitoring things.

Phil introduced five guests, all of whom are applicants.

Marketing vp Steve Lingo provided a large supply of flyers for us to promote ticket sales for the June 9th show. The box office is open.  Chris Clark has sent out an email too about selling ads for the printed show program.  NOTE:  all chapter sales for tickets and CDs, and such, are now at www.harmonizers.org.

President Steve Murane reminded the board of their meeting Wed April 18th at 7 at Durant.

Music and Performance vp Dan O’Brien reminded guys that the song list for the June show is in the pre-meeting email blast sent out each week by Steve White.

Spring Show: Gold Medal A Cappella, June 9 at 7:30pm at the George Mason Center for the Arts. Songs will be “I’m the Music Man”, “If I Loved You”, “Hello My Baby”, “Summertime”, “Stars and Stripes Forever”, “Jersey Boys Medley”, “Great Day”, “Music of the Night”, “I’ll Be Seeing You”, and “Sweet Georgia Brown”.

After the announcements, we rehearsed the contest in the four mini-choruses with assistant directors.  Stage right lower group performed for the rest of the chorus.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —YeEd.)
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Looking Back on the 2012 Youth Harmony Festival



This year’s Youth Harmony Festival, Saturday, April 14th, was a great success in all ways.  It was our 5th annual event.



First the youth singers were well prepared to sing and work.  They had been sent learning materials in advance.  There were 54 students from 14 choirs or schools in DE, MD and VA.  Five musical educators were with us for the day to help their students and also learn more about barbershop harmony as a musical education tool.



Scott Kahler was chairman of the event with Don Dillingham as an assistant.  Joe Cerutti was Dean of the Festival and concentrated some time with the musical educators.



Mike Kelly was director and instructor for the boys’ chorus.  Stephanie Brictson was director and instructor for the girls’ chorus.



Scipio Garling taught the visual plans along with Craig Kujawa.



MAYHEM was the BHS guest quartet and ESCAPADE was the SAI guest quartet. Members of the quartets helped the two choruses as section leaders, back-up singers, tag teachers, and then performed for the students.  (Actually MAYHEM was only able to sing one song, with Joe as lead, as their actual lead was unable to escape a work situation.) Edris Qarghah helped as lead section leader and teacher.



Registration began at 9 am on Saturday where the students were given a YHF t-shirt and the usual paperwork. During the day the choruses had work sessions alone and together, sectional rehearsals and practiced the visuals.



A large crew of Harmonizers was on hand Friday nite and during the day on Saturday to help with the registration, pass out the shirts, serve snacks, lunch and dinner, join in the tag singing and room set changes. There was a good pizza feed for the Festival dinner time, and a ton of bottles of water and sodas were consumed.  Members of the FRIENDS of HARMONY helped also.



Saturday nite, parents and family and friends of the students, plus Harmonizer family arrived for the 7 pm show with the Harmonizers as lead off performers.  Noah Van Gilder was emcee.  Shows vp Brian Ammerman helped with the show script. We sang “Great Day,” “Ob La Di, Ob La Da,” “Summertime,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”  Scipio did the song introductions.   Will Cox and Terry Reynolds directed the Harmonizer songs.



ESCAPADE sang a set on the show, and an octet of students who won the tag-singing contest did their prize winning tag.



And then the boys’ and girls’ choruses each sang a song. Then they came together to do “Just One Lifetime” together.   You could tell the youth had a ball.



The YHF is supported by the Alexandria Chapter as well as the BHS and SAI.  Additional support for the event came from the Federal No. 1 Masonic Lodge, and The Alexandria Commission for the Arts



Until next time – editorjack!



(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week at as part of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
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Sunday, April 15, 2012


Looking Back on the April 10th Chapter Meeting

Lots of activity before the start of the rehearsal and meeting this week.  Set up crews at work, lots of scrip sales with Ian Poulin, guests arrival, guests working with a practice quartet, Alan Wile taking mug shot pictures for future Harmo Hero articles, guys who come right from work stopping in for an early cookie or pretzel, stage presence reviews on the stage with Chuck McKeever, members of the FRIENDS group arriving for their meeting, quartets preparing for Southern Division checking signals, and guys getting on the risers early for the start of the action.

Mark Klostermeyer filled in for ops vp Scott Kahler this week. And YeEd notes that Jim Lake is handling pitch pipe duties these days.

Musical director Joe Cerutti led the charge for work on some repertoire songs.  At the same time, chapter president and a rep from the membership team and music team met with all new chorus members since the 2011 International in Kansas City to brief them on expectations regarding uniforms, events they should attend, and other expectations.

Joe also had the chorus work on our new show opener, “I’m The Music Man.”  Joe joked that Dallas Vocal Majority had sent someone to check that we were doing it right – Joe referring to a guest on the riser in his VM shirt – Martin Taylor.

(YeEd was wondering how many guys remember to take a Harmo shirt or logo item when they go on business travel and might visit another chapter? And/or take your name tag?)

Pre-break announcements included a push by Ken White (filling in for shows vp Brian Ammerman) to get more guys to sign up to do the May 10th away show in Philly.  It is a pay gig and would help take the pressure off the fall schedule when we have the China trip, etc. and no time for a fall show.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed a good crew of guests including five applicants – David DesPortes, Rich Hewitt, Logan Lenhart, John Greene, Jerry Higgins; one first-timer, Martin Taylor; and one returnee, Paul Agnew who sings in PURSUIT quartet in Sunshine District.  Jacob George, a member of the membership committee, was on duty to help welcome and sign in guests early in the evening.

After the coffee break time, there were some more announcements, including reminders to be at Durant this Sat nite for the Youth Harmony Festival at 6 pm.  Songs will be “Great Day,” “Summertime” and “Stars and Stripes.”  Set up for the Festival is Fri nite with riser crews and set up crews needed.

Marketing vp Steve Lingo passed out spring show flyers for the June 9th big one.  Ticket box office opens on April 24th.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds spoke about auditioning for solos in “Jersey Boys” medley.

President Steve Murane reminded his board of their next meeting on Wed April 18th at 7 pm at Durant.  And Brad Jones announced that he had received word just tonite that the flight to China will depart from JFK at 4:50 pm on Sept. 2.

A big part of the second half of the singing nite was to improve our skills as members of one of the four quads. After those rehearsals, Joe invited the Upper Right Mini Chorus to perform the contest package for all. They were great.

Joe took a couple minutes before the close of the meeting to report that Erin Odell continues her incredible recovery.  The family still wishes us to correspond and offer support via the Caring Bridge site.

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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Friday, April 6, 2012


Looking Back on the April 3rd Chapter Meeting

The usual work scene took place starting about 6 pm this week – set up crews at work, stage presence reviews with Chuck McKeever, coffee set up, picture board out, sound and av equipment ready to use, Barberpole Cat song reviews, and a crew of new faces greeting the large number of guests including several returnees from last week’s guest nite.

The prelude to 7 pm start of things was the full song of “I’m The Music Man.”

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal and visual warm ups.

The musical director Joe Cerutti pulled out a couple oldies – “That’s Amore” and “Hello My Baby” with moves.

Then Joe introduced a guest quartet of college men from his alma mater, Five Towns College in NY.  THE GOOD OLD DAYS quartet was in town for some coaching and came by the chapter to sing for us. Great to see their enthusiasm.

For work on our “Jersey Boys” medley, there were sectional rehearsals in various parts of the Durant Center.

During the chapter meeting portion of the evening, chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented new member materials to Doug White and the Man of Note pin for bringing Doug to Phil Ashford.  It is Doug’s 5th year of Society membership.

Other renewal cards presented included Joe Cerutti for 11 years; and to Jerry Kindred for 35 years including a lapel pin.  President Steve Murane joined Chris in honoring Bob Wachter for
Bob’s 60 years of membership in the Society.  The chapter has named the annual scholarship to the director’s tract at Harmony College East in Bob’s honor, as Bob has been director of several choruses over the years including one in Viet Nam during his duty there.

Membership vp Phil Ashford recognized several applicants present including three new ones tonite, several returnees from last week, a few first timer guests, and the guest quartet from NY.

Director Joe recognized Dick and Carolyn Hall who were celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary tonite.  They received a box of chocolates from the chapter too.

Operations vp Scott Kahler gave details about the upcoming Youth Harmony Festival, April 14th at Durant.  There are over 60 youth registered.  The chorus will sing on the evening show.

Jack Pitzer will be in charge of food operations for the event and he needs volunteers to bring in coolers (bring them to the rehearsal on April 10th) and a few guys who can come during the day to serve and help.  See Jack on the 10th if you can help.  ALSO, everyone is needed to contribute some cookies, treats, energy bars, packaged snacks and candies to use for the breaks during the day for the youth choruses.  Bring those items on Tues, April 10th also.  Thanks in advance.

After the coffee break, meeting announcement continued. Guys were “encouraged” to get a registration and a room for the Southern Division contest the chapter will be singing in on the weekend of May 25 and 26 in Roanoke, VA.  Location is Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center – 540-985-5900. You can register on the M-AD website – www.harmonize.com/mad/.  Note that every guy who sings on the contest stage needs a ticket.

Since the chorus contest is at 10 am Saturday morning (with warm ups early than that), everyone needs to be down there Fri. nite.  The quartet contest starts on Fri nite at 6 pm and YeEd heard at the afterglow of 5 or 6 quartets slated to enter.  Our own guys in MAHEM will be there to pass on the trophy as last year’s So Div quartet champs to this year’s winners.

Shows vp Brian Ammerman confirmed that the chorus needs to be at Durant for the Youth Harmony Festival show at 6 pm on April 14th. Casual uniform with medals if you earned one.

He also confirmed that the Spring Tonic will be on Saturday, June 9th at George Mason Center for Perf Arts at 7:30 pm.  Show will feature OLD SCHOOL, TOP SHELF, TBD and GQ.  The box office opens for sales on April 23rd. One nite only to sell.

There will be a printed show program for this year as another source of income.  See Chris Clark about placing an advertisement in it. 

On June 15th the chorus will sing at LeisureWorld in MD too. Stay tuned for details.

If you are new on the risers and don’t have uniforms, see Tom Kern soon so he has times to get you all the parts you will need.  He knows what you need.

Terry Reynolds spoke for the music committee alerting all that the music for “I’m The Music Man” is posted on the chapter site.  He also reminded all to speak up if you wish to audition for solos in the “Jersey Boys” medley.

After all the announcements, the quads worked on the contest songs.

Good to have chapter treasurer Dave Welter back from extensive travel. Good to have Paul Grimes and Jerry Kindred with us too. Chris Yates was sporting a shiny new aluminum crutch after spraining an ankle. Bruce Minnick reports that Ginny is making progress still.

Planning ahead: in 2013 the M-AD will combine the International Quartet Preliminary contest with our Southern Division Convention and hold both of them on April 26-27, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Reston Town Center, Reston, VA. This shift will move the Southern Division Convention off of Memorial Day weekend. Also of note is the fact that our chapter will be hosting this larger contest for the district.

A bigger than usual crowd made it over to the Hilton for the afterglow.  Warmer weather is coming and so the gang will be out on the patio and that means lots of chances to sing tags for those into that.

Erin Odell continues to make incredible progress in her recovery from the auto accident. She was reportedly even singing a tag.  Hurray!!

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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