Looking Back on the July 3rd Chapter Meeting and Hospital Sing

Reporter Ross Felkers filled in for YeEd on July 3. Thanks, Ross.

Til we get back with News from Portland.

Editorjack@aol.com

--Original Message-----
From: Ross Felker
To: EditorJack
Cc: phlash99
Sent: Wed, Jul 4, 2012 12:58 pm
Subject: Fw: [Harmonizers] Hospital Sing - Picture link

Jack,


Per your request, below are some notes on the Hospital Sing Out on 3
Jul. I pasted your questions below, and my notes are directly below
each question.


Who directed:
Dr. Will Cox

Roughly how many guys were there. Did we have enough baris or tenors,
etc.:
By my count, we had 21 singers including the director. I counted just
2 Tenors, 7 Leads, 5 Baris, 6 Basses. One guest, a student named Ben
Roberts, not sure what part he sang. It was great to have him.


What songs were sung.
After warm up, we started singing at 6:25pm in the Cafeteria. We ended
approximately 7:45pm, and sang the last three songs in the Emergency
Room.


We sang 24 songs (3 songs at 8 different stations, including 2 separate
areas in the ER--the waiting area and the actual ER station). A few of
us had to move out of the way for an incoming patient in the ER while
singing the last song! At another station, we had to clear the way for
a patient on a gurney while singing--but it was all good!


Ob La Di -- 5 times (started with this one in the Cafeteria)
Let Me Call You Sweetheart -- 2 times
God Bless America -- 6 times (ended with this one in the ER)
Georgia Brown - 4 times
Summertime - 1 time
No More Sorrow -- 3 times
The Story of the Rose (Heart of My Heart) -- 2 times
Jingle Bells -- 1 time for fun!


Any guests how or former members we don't see often, there?
Ben Roberts (His mother was there also--I did not get her name).


Did someone take the chorus from station to station?
Yes--two volunteers at the Hospital. One of them is named Chelcy
Hedgspeth (this is the correct spelling of her name)--she was very
enthusiastic and really enjoyed our performance. I'm sorry I didn't
get the other young lady's name. The volunteers were terrific!


Was parking free?


Yes--although initially, we thought we would be charged $5.50 if we
parked where the gate is (to the right as you approach the main
entrance). The hospital volunteers at the front desk went out of their
way to make special arrangements with the parking lot security
attendant and instructed us to press a call button and identify
ourselves as Harmonizers when we left. However, in the future it would
be best not to park there because there is no security attendant at the
automatic gate (the security attendant was accessible by pressing the
call button, but was out of sight).




Any other major announcements made?
Steve Murane announced Bruce Minnick's wife has gone into Hospice care.

It was great fun--we were very well received. Will was enthusiastic and
did a great job leading us, as usual. Several hospital staff members
and volunteers were clapping and dancing. A lot of smiles on patients
and staff!


Here is my unofficial list of attendees, in random order--I apologize
if I left anyone out or misspelled a name


Will Cox - director


Guest:
Ben Roberts


Tenor:
Ricky Savage
Dan O'Brien


Lead:
Craig Kujawa
Mark Klostermeyer
Nick Leiserson
Clyde Crusenberry
Bob Blair
Howard Nestlerode
Josh Roots


Bari:
Phil Ashford
Ken Rub
Joel Golden
Garry Fuller




Bass:
Austin Cotton
Ross Felker
Bob Wachter
Steve Murane
Calvin Schnure
Ken Henderson


Let me know if you have questions or need anything further. Hope
things are well with you and our fellow Harmonizers in Portland. Happy
4th!


Cheers,
Ross

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.)

Open Auditions

The Harmonizers, a men’s a cappella chorus that competes at the international level, is holding auditions for new members on Wednesday July 26 at Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St)., from 6PM-9PM.  Interested applicants should contact harmonizersauditions@gmail.com, specifying their voice part and singing experience. No preparation for the audition is necessary.  Successful applicants will join the committed membership of an established organization with seventy years of professionalism in entertainment which performs at high-profile venues (such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and America’s Got Talent).

Looking Back on the June 26^th Chapter Meeting

Chorus members had trouble getting in on time this week – some traffic, some just enjoying a great summer nite.  But in the end, the risers were full and we had 15 plus guests, and several members back with us this week.

The call-to-the-risers was listening to Toronto’s contest package from 2002.

Assistant director Will Cox did vocal warm ups and then yielded to director Joe Cerutti.

Before he started us singing, Joe praised the chorus for their hard work in preparation and then in executing a great for-pay gig at Constitution Hall for the annual Jefferson Awards.  We teased him about his picture with Harry Conick Jr. and he shared all the details of how it happened.  We enjoyed the inside scoop.

Joe confessed he was pretty worried about some things for the show like the walk-in and the extra songs we had to add for their producer.  But it was all great.  Kudos to the 82 guys who sang the show, to the soloists, emcees, our in-house show producer Greg Tepe, show salesman Bruce Lauther, riser crews, and chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer.

There was a New Member Bootcamp with Will Cox and membership vp Phil Ashford.

Then we sang a few reps of another new song to learn – “Circle of Life” which we will sing with Toronto in China and likely add to the repertoire.  Our TBD group will sing the patter with us.

And then from out of the past, we sang three more songs the musical leaders hope to add to the usable repertoire – “Drunken Soldier,” “Armed Forces Medley,” and “That’s Amore.”

It was warm in Durant, but we pushed on.

The chapter meeting was conducted by operations vp Scott Kahler. Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a 9-year membership renewal card to Craig Kujawa.   Brad Jones returned passport to some of the guys going to China.

Membership vp Phil welcomed the long line of guests which included a number of applicants for membership (a couple just filled out their forms tonite); several guys from other barbershop chapters who were in DC metro area visiting family while on vacation; family and friends of members and guests, and some potential singers with us for the first time.  As is our tradition, they were greeted with handshakes by the director, president and membership vp, while Will Cox directed us in singing the “Harmo Welcome Song” to the guests. A number of members were back too – YeEd recalls Dean Rust, Adam Bradley, Bob Wilson, Bob Ulibarri, Wayne Adams, Joe Sawyer.

The chorus was given a 15-minute break for refreshments, business matters, and quartet singing.

Chapter meeting continued after the break with our International quartet send off.  Steve White recognized the Harmonizers in quartets headed to Portland next week – Ken White and Mike Pinto in MAYHEM; Jay Butterfield and Andrew Havens in TOP SHELF; and Tony Colosimo, Wayne Adams and Joe Sawyer in DA CAPO.  This is the first time to the “big dance” for Ken and Andrew.  Break-a-leg greetings to all.  The chapter presents a convention registration for each Harmo in a quartet that represents us at International.

Ellen Dellert represented the FRIENDS OF HARMONY who also honored our quartet guys. She also gave MAYHEM a roll of wild-color duck tape in case they get another broken trophy that needs to be held together (as they did when they won the Southern Division in 2011.)

Shows vp Brian Ammerman asked guys to wrap up ticket sales matters from the spring show; mark their calendar for the July 3 chapter meeting – a summer hospital sing at Inova Alexandria on Seminary Road; and to mark their calendar for the Aug 11 show in Lancaster PA.

President Steve Murane presented an Honorary Membership to Greg Tepe for his work as our show producer for major for-hire events.  Thanks Greg.

Then, as promised in an earlier email to all, Steve announced a great opportunity for the chapter and chorus recently approved by the board, pending chapter member approval.  The Alexandria Harmonizers have been invited to be the primary entertainment of the United States contingent at the 70^th anniversary celebration of the D-Day landings in June, 2014, in Normandy, France. 

The gentleman who offered the invitation to us is Mr. Earl Hurrey, a retired Marine and former member of the Marine Corps Band. There's another member of the Marine Corps Band in our midst who has nagged Earl for the last few decades about how good the Harmonizers are and even got him to attend some of our shows where he could finally see for himself what a quality group we are, which led him to think of us first when he was given the opportunity to organize this show. So a huge thank you must be sent out to Ike Evans for all he did to help us secure this wonderful gig. It's guys like Ike who do a lot of things behind the scenes but don't get recognized often enough who make this chorus great. Please say thank you to him the next time you see him.

The chorus members in attendance gave their unanimous vote to approve as did director Joe.  Stay tuned for more details.

After this meeting session, director Joe taught the barbershop craft session.

We ended the evening with some solid work on the fall contest package.

Guys went right to work on putting the house always and a large crowd came to the Hilton for the afterglow.

Until next time – editorjack!

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

Looking Back on the June 19^th Jefferson Awards at Constitution Hall

The Harmonizers Chorus was a featured performer in historic DAR Constitution Hall on Tuesday, June 19th for the 40th Annual Jefferson Awards! The Jefferson Awards were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and CEO Sam Beard. They are the "Nobel Prize" for Public Service in America and a veritable "Who's Who" of outstanding Americans. Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Bush, Henry Kissinger, Peyton Manning and Arthur Ashe.

The Harmonizers helped provide back-up music for parts of the award ceremony and then did their own set to conclude the show.

Here are reports from Alan Wile, Steve White and Bruce Lauther helping YeEd record this important event in our chapter’s history – YeEd.

First from Alan: The behind-the-scenes Harmonizer story began sometime before 10 am when Bob Blair and Howard Nestlerode picked up the Harmo-truck and drove it to the loading dock at DAR Constitution Hall. In addition, Greg Tepe, Ken Rub, Carlos Correa, Scott Kahler, and Alan Wile were on hand to unload but so were about a dozen Constitution Hall employees who, in fact, did most of the hauling, helped set up the riser, and “dress” the risers. We were done in less than an hour, although Greg and Scott remained to work out some details with the producer and the production crew.

That was it until about 5 pm when Harmonizers began to arrive. We had access to three dressing rooms with chairs, mirrors, sinks, and ceiling mounted pole racks for uniforms. Bottled water was provided by the caterers. We milled around for a bit and chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer (K-12) put out the word re: snacks: “eat ‘em if you’ve got ‘em.”

At 5:45 Will Cox conducted the warm-up in one of our narrow, rather confining, L-shaped dressing rooms. Then we lined up to go on stage ... but, typically in such productions, there was a great deal of hurry up and wait which continued most of the evening. Finally we made it to the stage. We stood while the producer and crew worked out some show details, some of which affected us. As expected there were a few changes to the script and to our portion of the program. We worked on our entrance through the hall (singing “Battle Hymn”) a couple of times, conducted a silent drill of “Great Day” choreo, but actually sang very little. Probably the major change for us was to switch from “oo-ing” to “words” on the tag of “Climb Every Mountain.” Don Dillingham worked his recitation; Tony Colosimo and Doug White were mic’d for their solo/duet in the “Jersey Boys Medley”; and Mike Kelly was also mic’d for his speaking part in “Jersey Boys.” All this time Greg, Scott, K-12 were out front coordinating with director Joe Cerutti.

There was a reporter/photographer from The Washington Post observing, photographing, and interviewing members all evening for an article which appear Monday, June 25th. Unfortunately the web link didn’t work properly so those who wanted to watch the evening proceedings online were disappointed.

By 7:45 pm the chorus was dressed and made up. The chorus (now feeling a bit like sweaty sardines) rehearsed with Joe in a small square room identified as the “Caterer’s Room.” The 12 “patter singers” (who backed up Jason Graae singing a parody of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “I Am A Very Model Of A Modern Major General”) rehearsed and later performed.

Sometime after 9 pm. we proceeded to the lobby and lined up for our grand entrance. Still much waiting, we actually didn’t enter the hall until about 9:50. We marched in through the center aisle and split at the front of the hall to enter the stage from right and left while singing “Battle Hymn.” Next, we hummed “Climb Every Mountain” (and broke into words for the tag) while the Howard University Chaplain spoke. Then we stood as General Petraeus was introduced and received his award. Then we gave a rousing performance of “Great Day” followed immediately by the “Jersey Boys Medley.” It was clear that the audience enjoyed our numbers – they even clapped in tempo to a portion of the medley. Lastly, after all the new and former Jefferson Award winners, Sam Beard, Lesley Stahl, the Board of Directors, etc. came to the stage, we led the entire room singing “God Bless America.”

That concluded the show and as soon as we were able we exited the stage, returned to our dressing rooms, and prepared to leave ... and tear down the risers and repack the truck. A fun but tiring day. And, I’m pleased to report that the parking garage at 1800 G Street remained open long enough for us who parked there to retrieve our cars.

Alan

Next from Steve: Director Joe had his wish come true and got his picture taken with Harry Connick, Jr. WOW, WOW, WOW, what a night at the 40^th Annual Jefferson Awards!!! … a standing “O” from the audience after the “Jersey Boys Medley”.  Harry and football legand Jim Kelly gave us a thumbs-up and said we were “awesome”, and we heard high praise and accolades from Leslie Stahl, Gen. Petraeus, co-founder Sam Beard and his family, show producer Rupert Hitzig, and many-many others.  Keep your tails in good shape ‘cuz we may get more opportunities like this one again in the near furture.  Well done, boyyyyyzzzz!  And a big thanks to our producer Greg Tepe and, of course, Bruce Lauther for his work in getting us this performance.

Steve

Third from Bruce: I visited with the attendees at last evening's gala event as they exited the DAR Constitution Hall. I went by the lines forming to the buses whisking them back to further revelries at the Hyatt Regency. Locking eyeballs seemed to do the trick. Generally, over a dozen people stepped out of line, and spoke to me as I passed them by, still in sweaty tails and white tie, carrying a costume bag, en route to the parking garage.

Most frequently expressed words from those who reached out to grasp my arm or shake my hand in front of the venue: "You were AWESOME;" "AWESOME," You were...WOW; "AMAZING"; "...Took my breath away..."; "WONDERFUL"; "Where do you next appear? ... China?...No stuff. You are great"; "Absolutely Fantastic."; "Remarkable"; "Memorable"; "simple: "Thank you's"; etc.

Longtime Hamonizer and fan, Father Joe Witmer was there as a nice surprise last night. He will be going to China. We had an impromptu discussion of a future traveling package show to share the stage with the Hall of Fame Chorus in Canton, Ohio.

I loved the professionalism exhibited behind the scenes and on stage of our Master Music Director; Associate and Assistant Director(s); Producer Greg Tepe; Deputy to Producer Scott Kahler; Scipio Garling; Chuck McKeever; and the ever present, reassuring presence of Khorus Manager K-12. It doesn't get much more "fun-ner" than this, does it? I think not.

Bruce

Until next time – editorjack!

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

Looking Back Report on Harmony College East, 2012

Thanks to Keith Jones - here is his report from HCE.

YeEd -- Jack Pitzer

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Jones
To: Jack Pitzer
Sent: Sat, Jun 16, 2012 9:56 pm
Subject: HCE 2012 Harmo-Attendance

Greetings from Salisbury!

Don't know if anyone else is doing for your "looking back" column, but
here's a list of Harmonizers who have attended this weekend. Among the
groups being coached were Harmony Heritage Singers (Mt. Vernon), TOP SHELF, MAD HATTERS, DA CAPO, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, and a quartet with Michael Gilmore. Several
former Harmonizers were also present.

Gary Plaag ran the Youth In Harmony Camp (41 participants) again this
year. Several of us coached quartets and others were here with Bob
Wachter's chorus. Still others filled administrative positions
throughout the weekend.

Here's the list, in no particular order:

Wile, Alan
Jones, Keith
Colosimo, Bill
Colosimo, Tony
Adams, Wayne
Wallen, Mike
Wallen, Eric
Havens, Andrew
Butterfield, Jay
Gilmore, Michael
Wachter, Bob
Hirsh, Bob
Felker, Ross
Harner, Chuck
Plaag, Gary
Eckman, Bob
Price, JT
Fedarko, Frank
Fuller, Drew
White, Steve
Taylor, Rick
Cotton, Austin

Sawyer, Joe
Kelly, Mike


Harmoniously, Keith

Looking Back on the June 10^th Show at Leisure World and the June 12^th Chapter Meeting

After the successful spring show at George Mason on June 9^th, the chorus went out the next day and did a big show at Leisure World in Silver Spring.

The venue was the Interfaith Chapel there and the audience of seniors was grateful for the good show. The acoustics there were awesome.

Musically it was a repeat of the Saturday nite show with less costume changes, an extra song, and just two quartets.

MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Mike Pinto and Ken White, who are headed to Portland this summer, sang for us; as did ACME CHORD COMPANY, who recently took first place at the Southern Division Contest, with Dan O’Brien, Chris Susalka, Paul Grimes and Chris Yates.

Bruce Lauther gets the nod and thanks for having lined up this show for us. Greg Tepe was producer for the show.  Scipio Garling and Mike Kelly introduced songs.  The riser crew had to work to fit things into the chapel area.  Thanks to them. Also thanks to the Bobs – Blair and Rhome – for packing the truck Sat nite for the Sun show so Carl Kauffmann could drive it out to MD. Scott Kahler did the sound board.

We were welcomed to the show by Dr. Bartman, minister of music at Leisure World chapel.

The June 12^th chapter meeting and rehearsal were work sessions in preparation for the huge gig at DAR Constitution Hall on Tuesday, June 19^th for the Jefferson Awards.  We are doing some extra songs to help the show for back up of award winners, making a grand entry, and singing some tribute music to winners, all in addition to two chorus songs.

First tho, Director Joe Cerutti gave those in the hall a sneak preview of the ballad for Toronto International, arranged by Wayne Grimmer.

Joe also was proud of the two awesome shows this past weekend.  Now on to the one next week!

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and turned the chorus over to Joe to work on the songs for the show.  Meanwhile a photographer from The Washington Post was in the hall to shoot action shots to go with a future article the newspaper is planning.

We sang the new music and the “Great Day” and “Jersey Boys” over and over to be prepared.

The chapter meeting period was conducted by operations vp Scott Kahler.  All those needing to turn in their deposits to Brad Jones for the China trip were encouraged to do so!

Show producer for the 19^th, Greg Tepe, reviewed some important details that guys needed to know such as the chorus call is 5:30; nearest Metro is reportedly 7 blocks away; DAR is a Union House so no touching, talking, moving, sitting or being late, but remain flexible; we will have three dressing rooms so change when you are told to; singer entrance to DAR is at 18^th and C Streets.

Uniform chairman Tom Kern was taking shirt sizes for a new casual shirt the chorus is planning to get.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a Man of Note pin to Bruce Lauther for bringing in John Greene. Craig Odell received his membership renewal card for 43 years; Jim Lake for 19 years; Tony Colosimo for 19 years; and Ike Evans for 25 years, including his special pin.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds is working with a small group of singers to do another special number for the show.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced a long line of guests including his parents, Cecil and Patty Ashford; several guys who are applicants for membership; a couple former members; some family members; a district official; and Burt Szabo, former BHS staffer.

There was a 10 minute break, and since we were using the adjacent school hall, we didn’t make coffee, but there were goodies thanks to Ellen, Jack, Matt Kahn, and leftovers from the Sunday show rescued by Ross Felker.

After the break the meeting continued, with some guys reclaiming the items they had lost at the shows.

President Steve Murane reported that we earned $2650 for the Sunday show. 

And he honored the successful show producer, Nick Leiserson, with a plaque.  There was a round of loud cheers for the good work by Nick and the team of folks he recognized and thanked. (An earlier Looking Back column reported those who made contributions.)

Terry Reynolds also announced that songs for the chorus to learn for the China trip are coming online.

He also reported that the chapter meeting on July 3^rd will likely be the Hospital sing, and then there will be a regular rehearsal on July 10^th.  There will be a retreat all day Saturday Sept 29 in prep for our contest appearance in Ocean City, Oct. 13^th.  We will also have an extra rehearsal on Wed. Oct. 10^th.

Then it was back to work on the show music with drills for stage presence.  Don Dillingham will recite a poem while the chorus sings.  Tony Colosimo and Doug White will do the solos for “Jersey Boys” this time.

Before we left the hall, there was a drill to practice the march in plan for the DAR show.

Burt Z closed the meeting with KTWWS.

During the early part of the meeting, there was a meeting of the FRIENDS OF HARMONY.

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 June 9^th Spring Show “Gold Medal A Cappella”

“Gold Medal A Cappella” was a gold medal success.  Great chorus singing and staging, lighting and sound, decent sized crowd in the huge George Mason Center for the Performing Arts, wonderful quartet lineup and our own TBD, and a fun afterglow to wrap it all up.

Nick Leiserson was show producer.  Job well done by a relatively new Harmonizer.  YeEd is sure there will be others to thank as we know he had a team of creative people and detail operators. Shows vp Brian Ammerman seemed to manage many of the business details too such as ticket sales with help from Michael Gilmore and Ian Poulin. Brian and Cheryl Wallen arranged for the fun afterglow at a nearby restaurant and TJ Donahue and Lew Klinge managed ticket sales.  Eric Wallen was emcee for the glow.

Chris Clark headed up the printed show program with help from John Pence, Steve and Lise Lingo. Catherine Colosimo did the show poster and cover design. Show marketing was done by vp Steve Lingo including getting some professional photo shots made in the theater for the chapter’s future use.

The tech crew worked hard all day and evening!  Scott Kahler, Dixie Kennett, Craig Odell, Keith Jones, Paul Grimes, Mike Kelly and Mary Anne Cleaveland all had a hand in the tech side of the show. They worked well with the house tech crew. Bob Blair and the riser crews and truck drivers all got things were we needed them.  Ross Felker and Clark Chesser had water and snacks backstage for the chorus and crew.

The quartet lineup included current International champs, OLD SCHOOL with Kip Buckner, Joe Connelly, Joe Krones and Jack Pinto; TOP SHELF one of our chapter quartets headed for Portland’s contest this July with Jay Butterfield, Brett Thomas, Fred Womer and Andrew Havens; GQ who recently took second place in the Harmony Sweepstakes finals in CA with Ali Hauger, Katie Gillis, Katie Macdonald and Amanda McNutt; and SHADES OF JADE who sang for us last week at chapter meeting with Meghan Brueggemann, Heather Krones, Kasey Cox and Erin Odell . 

Director Joe Cerutti and assistant directors Terry Reynolds, Mike Kelly and Will Cox prepared the chorus to go on stage.  Since we presented two new songs for our audiences, there was some last minute review in the warm up period and stage time.   Visual team leaders Chuck McKeever and Scipio Garling helped with this review too.  “Jersey Boys” and “I’m the Music Man” were huge hits with the audience.  (Which by the way, was a terrific audience – cheering loudly and laughing and applauding tons!) Recent weeks of hard work on Tuesday nites paid off in satisfied customers. Soloists for the “Jersey Boys” Medley included Joe Cerutti, Frank Fedarko and Doug White with Mike Kelly doing the voice over announcements for before and during the song. Mark Klostermeyer continues as chorus manager to get us where we need to be.

Uniforms for the show included the silk yellow shirts and ties and blue silk shirts and ties with some variations with front row black ties and hats.  There were no props or stage set items for this show.

Emcee for the show was Gary Plaag.  The FRIENDS of HARMONY helped staff sales booths in the lobby for CDs from the chorus and the guest quartets.  This was the first show for new members Rich Hewitt and David DesPortes.

It was great to see so many former members and friends of the chapter in the lobby after the show, as well as friends and members from the nearby chapters in the DC Metro area.

Until next time – editorjack!

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

Looking Back on the June 5^th Chapter Meeting

This week’s meeting and rehearsal were work sessions in preparation for the spring show on Saturday at George Mason Center for the Performing Arts.  So, many guys came for review of stage moves for songs, ticket sales were promoted, equipment loaded on the truck for transport this weekend, and we had a sneak preview of a featured show quartet.

It was great to see Carolyn Hall back at the meeting.  And Erin Odell and her parents, Craig and Linda, her fiancée Dan Cook, and her quartet SHADES OF JADE.

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm ups.  Word came in that associate director Tony Colosimo was called out to fill in for Fairfax director Richard Lewellen (who had a family emergency) for their chapter guest nite.

The rehearsal time started with the chorus getting a listen to the Southern Division performance of “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

Director Joe Cerutti got right to work on some singing and reviews of the “extra” songs we will be doing to help the program planners for the Jefferson Awards show at Constitution Hall on Tuesday, June 19^th.   We also worked out a plan for curtain calls for this weekend’s show using parts of “Jersey Boys.”

Joe and Chuck McKeever did a couple runs of our new medley “Jersey Boys” and then started a run-down on all the songs, in order, for the June 9 show.

Ops vp Scott Kahler ran the chapter meeting before break.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds promised a new-member Boot Camp next week.  Ike Evans reminded all new members about the photo shoot to get new mugs shots for the chorus photo board which goes up in the hall each week.

Scott reminded guys of his need for help taking messages for the chapter phone number.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a Harmo name tag to new member John Greene.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed a group of applicants, Dan Cook who will be moving to VA soon, plus Harmo-guys Dean Rust and Eric Hughes.  Phil asked for the rehearsal quartet that helps applicants to stand by at break.

After break for refreshments and admin business, the meeting continued. Show producer Greg Tepe alerted singers to watch for a detailed email about the Sunday June 10 show at Leisure World. The songs for this show are basically the same as the Saturday show.

Saturday show producer Nick Leiserson also promised email details to come out for the show, report times and afterglow.  Chorus call is 3:30 pm, riser crew needed Friday at 1 pm. There is free parking but closest lots are not free. There will be a break for chorus from 5:30-6:30 but chorus will return dressed and in makeup. Box office will open 2 hours before the show to sell seats.  The afterglow will be at Brion’s Grill.  $20 at the door.  Email TJ Donahue tj_donahue@earthlink.net if you plan to attend in order to be sure you have a seat.  Joe thanked  Cheryl Wallen for her leadership in planning the afterglow.

Chuck McKeever brought attention to the new “Introduction to Presentation” developed by Scipio Garling, and recently added to the chapter website by the presentation team.

Drew Fuller is looking for a quartet to accept a gig on Saturday June 16^th for a Marine Corps event.

President Steve Murane presented checks to treasurer Dave Welter for the Jefferson Awards show!

As a sneak preview, we got to hear SHADES OF JADE with Meghan Brueggemann, Heather Krones, Kasey Cox and Erin Odell, who will be on the show with us this weekend.

 We wrapped up the singing evening by working on the contest package which we will sing on the show after our buddies in TBD sing on the show.

The usual race to get the risers and equipment put away happened, and a good crowd came to the Hilton.  Erin director KTWWS to close the nite.

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 29th Chapter Meeting

There was lots of buzz around Durant, of course, after a fun and successful weekend at Southern Division contest and convention in Roanoke.   To start things at 7 pm, we got to listen to our Saturday performance of “I’ll Be Seeing You.” 

Director Joe Cerutti was excited about it and encouraged about where it will lead us for the district contest in the fall. Since the chorus got to hear all the judges’ comments Saturday afternoon in Roanoke, we didn’t spend much time in recapping the weekend.  Joe did report that he had gotten many encouraging comments.

Associate director Tony Colosimo provided the warm up session for the chorus this week.

Then we worked on songs for the upcoming shows – “Hello My Baby, “I’m The Music Man,’ and “Jersey Boys.”  We also worked on the special numbers we will do for the Jefferson Awards show at Constitution Hall on June 19^th such as “God Bless America,” “Climb Every Mountain” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” (We actually worked on some of these special songs during our extra practice session in Roanoke.)

Assistant director Terry Reynolds invited all new chorus members since July 2011 to join assistant director Will Cox and other chapter leaders for another orientation session helping them prepare for their role as a Harmonizer on stage, at rehearsal and in the community.

Operations vp Scott Kahler conducted this week’s chapter meeting. First reminders were from Nick Leiserson urging everyone to pick up consignment tickets tonite from Michael Gilmore – the last chance to do so – for the June 9^th show at George Mason Center for Performing Arts. Tickets still available online.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented new member materials to Rich Hewitt and David DesPortes.  Brian Ammerman received his Man of Note pin for bringing Rich and Phil Ashford received his pin for bringing David.

Chris also presented membership renewal cards to Tim Buell for 8 years; Ian Poulin for 9 years; and Howard Nestlerode for 37 years.

Ops vp Kahler reminded all to be sure to have the uniform parts they need for the two shows coming up.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed two guests who are already applicants, and former member Jim Gammon, who was in town from Florida.

We took a break and that let guys get show tickets, a cold drink, and congratulate the quartet singers who did so well this past weekend.

First up on the agenda for the meeting after break was Brad Jones who was collecting paperwork for those going on the China trip.

Next was shows vp Brian Ammerman urging guys to sell more tickets.  And to be on the lookout for the email about the June 9^th show afterglow.  Cheryl Wallen is coordinating things for us. TJ Donahue will be taking reservations of those who wish to attend.  (Speaking of TJ, YeEd goofed in the contest weekend wrap-up in not listing TJ as one of the men who sang in his first contest with the Harmonizers in Roanoke.  Also omitted Thom Faircloth as a member who sang with another chapter – he with Charlottesville.)

Assistant director Terry Reynolds invited all the quartet singers from this past weekend to stand to be recognized one more time.

President Steve Murane reminded us that he is waiting for emails from guys about their ticket sales.  There is a $250 incentive prize for the person who sells the most.

Steve also reported that Carolyn Hall was admitted to the hospital in recent days. And Chuck McKeever’s father-in-law passed away on Sunday.

The rest of the nite we worked on songs for the shows, and Tony conducted another terrific barbershop craft session. This week’s lesson was all about “breaths” – kinds, how to take them, how they fit into a song; how they help with song flow; and more.

It was great to have Tom Kraus singing on the front row tonite; and Terry Jordan visiting too.

A big crowd was at the Hilton again this week for the afterglow with lots of chance to rehash the contest weekend.  The hard rains let up so everyone could get home safely.

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 Southern Division 2012, Roanoke, VA

The Alexandria Harmonizers won the Southern Division chorus contest on Saturday, May 26^th in Roanoke, VA.  This first place finish allows the chorus to move on to the Mid-Atlantic District contest in the fall.  It will be competing there for the right to move on to the International chorus competition in Toronto in July 2013.

Directed by Joe Cerutti, the chorus reprised their 1995 Gold Medal chorus package of “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Sweet Georgia Brown.”  The package included the choreography of coach Geri Geis. There were 80 Harmonizers on the risers for this contest. The score was 86.4. The chorus appeared on the Saturday nite show-of-champions adding two new show numbers to the contest songs – “Jersey Boys Medley’ and “I’m the Music Man.”  It was a great hit. Joe Cerutti, Frank Fedarko and Doug White sang the solos. It was also fun to sing “Jersey Boys” with arranger Steve Delehanty in the audience.

Earlier in the weekend, 16 quartets with 35 of our members carried the Harmonizer name into the division quartet contest. ACME CHORD COMPANY with Dan O’Brien, Chris Susalka, Paul Grimes and Chris Yates won that contest. This is the 12^th year in a row a quartet with at least one Harmonizer in the quartet that has won the division contest!  ACME received their championship trophy from last year’s winner, MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Mike Pinto and Ken White.

Second place was YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT with Hardman Jones, Mike Wallen, Roger Tarpy and Vic Owen. Fourth place was M INT CONDITION with Bob Rodriguez Jr., Kevin McKenzie, Drew Fuller and Arthur Louis.

Sixth place was WHISTLE STOP with Dan O’Brien, Randy Eliason, Phil Ashford and Calvin Schnure.  Seventh place was CHORDWORX with Doug White, Tim Buell, Don Thompson and Edris Qarghah.   Ninth place was GOOD GUYS with Jim Lake, Frank Fedarko, Joel Golden and Don Dillingham.

Tied for tenth was HANDSOME REWARD with Mario Sengco, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch and Michael Gilmore, and INTERLUDE with Bob Wilson, Gene Schwilke, Rich Montgomery and Warren Strandberg.

Twelfth was OLD TOWNE with Carl Kauffmann, Roger Day, Brad Jones and Calvin Schnure.  thirteenth was BLARNEY BROTHERS with Gary Bibens, Mike Calhoun, Bob Johnson and Tom Pearce; sixteenth was OLD TOWN SOUND with Alan Kousen, Bob Caldwell, Bob Mattes and Dave Welter; seventeenth was WITH HHONORS with Doug White, Edris Qarghah, Phil Ashford and Scott Kahler; eighteenth was BECAUSE YOU ASKED with Drew Fuller, Brian Ammerman, Jeff Salino and Steve Murane; twentieth was SHADES OF HARMONY with Edris Qarghah, Clyde  Crusenberry, Phil Ashford and Sam   McFarland; twenty-second was FOUR IN THE MORNING with Mike Geipil, Ron Nichols, Gene Thompson and Emmitt Totty; twenty-fourth was FAST & SHARP with Scip Garling, Josh Roots, Jeremy Richardson and Chris Clark.

Since Roanoke was a long drive for most Harmonizers, everyone arrived Friday nite and so we had a huge crowd on hand for the evening quartet contest, wearing ribbons to brag about the 16 “Harmonizer” quartets and cheering loudly for the 35 members representing us on stage.

Steve White was emcee for that session. Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the chorus contest, and Bill Colosimo was emcee for the Saturday show. As usual there were a number of our members working behind the scenes as district leaders and events team members.  New member Gerry Fuller got the Harmo truck their (tho without ac) and a good riser crew went right to work.  We had our chapter banner posted proudly in the contest hall.

As usual we recognized the guys who were singing in their first contest as a Harmonizer.  It happened fast, but YeEd thinks it was Doug White, Calvin Schnure, Randall Eliason, Gerry Fuller, Tom Frederick, Bob Griesemer, Mike Vlcej, TJ Donahue,  and Shawn Tallant. 

The Saturday morning chorus contest started pretty much like always for us.  Early rise to grab some coffee and get to our rehearsal room by 8:30. Lots of excitement after the good successes of our quartets the nite before, then assistant director Will Cox did a warm up for us.  Joe went right to work on reminders, drills, and getting us to let go.  The FRIENDS OF HARMONY presented each singer with a cutout “wishing well” and a good luck penny.

This was the first time our chapter had competed at division since 2000. Thanks to chapter leaders who helped organize things and especially to weekend chairman Craig Kujawa. 

The second place chorus was James River, VA.  Third was Roanoke Valley, VA and fourth was Richmond, VA, directed by Mike Wallen.  Bill Colosimo directed DC chorus in seventh place. In addition, some of our members actually sang on stage with other choruses as reported by Dixie Kennett – Chuck Powell with Arlington; Drew Fuller and Bob Wilson with James River; Bob Hirsh and Bob Wells with DC; Mike Geipil with Richmond; Thom Faircloth with Charlottesville;  Michael Calhoun with Harrisonburg; and Bob Ulibarri with LaPlata.

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.)