Looking Back on the Aug 11th Shows in Lancaster PA

Many thanks to Ross Felker for taking notes and reporting on the shows in Lancaster on Saturday, Aug. 11^th.

I had no slow-downs getting to Lancaster; I left at 7:45 am from Alexandria and got there before 10:00am (went I-495 to Baltimore-Washington Pkwy, then I-695 to I-83). However, others reported bad traffic on the beltway between I-66 and I-270. Austin Cotton said he was delayed for over an hour on the beltway between I-66 and I-270, but he made it in plenty of time for the show.

The Harmo Truck arrived at the American Music Theatre (AMT) about 10:15, driven by Phil Ashford and Drew Fuller. Carl Kauffman and Bob Rhome guided setting up the black skirts on the risers. Here are some folks that were there to help unload the truck and set up the risers.

Rich Hewitt

Carl Kauffman

Bob Rhome

Ross Felker

Shawn Tallant

Ken Henderson

Craig Kujawa

New Harmonizer Carlos Barillo was there with camera equipment taking action photos for both shows.

TBD warmed-up on stage around 11:00, with Joe Cerutti providing direction. Warm up for the chorus began around 11:45, with Will Cox leading. Then Tony Colosimo led us in a coaching session on pitch. We were on the risers round 12:15 for run-throughs with Joe leading. We broke about 1:10pm and had time to change, and grab a bite for those who had something. Then we met for warm-ups at 1:35pm, then on stage by 2:00pm for show start.

The food spread was good between shows (sandwiches, fruits, yogurt, drinks).

Audience size: 445 for the day; 359 for the evening.

Harmonizers: 50 - 60 singers; Dixie Kennett took attendance at both shows

Reaction: Standing ovations in both performances. “Stars and Stripes” got a great reaction with the huge American Flag lowered during the song.

It was great to have MAYHEM, DA CAPO and Top Shelf to do quartet sets on the shows with us too.  The audience got a great show with all these quartets to round out the show.

During MAYHEM's performance, the Harmonizers surprised the quartet by playing along with their Unicorn song. In the second show, the Harmonizers attempted "YMCA" hand-signals during the Unicorn song, but MAYHEM got pay-back by accelerating the song at an unexpected time and ending it early. Feedback from the audience was very positive, with the Harmonizers visible through a see-through curtain.

During “Circle of Life,” all MAYHEM members took solos. Their lead, Neil "Pookie" Dingle, did the African introduction to "Circle;" he was dressed in festive African garb. Audience response to "Circle" was terrific.

Our a cappella group, TBD, sang the African chant during "Circle."  

Tony Colosimo sang all solos during “Jersey Boys.”

The AMT was a great venue. The staff was very helpful and easy to work with. The dressing rooms were clean, well-lighted, and the a/c kept things cool.

Thanks to Greg Tepe for an excellent show production!

Cheers,

Ross

Producer Greg offered these thanks you notes:

A BIG thanks to all who came up to Lancaster on Saturday for the double performance. Both shows were a huge success, great singing well received with numerous standing ovations.

Thanks for all the early arrivers who helped unload the truck and get the risers and skirts set-up so quickly. And to everyone at the end of the show getting the risers struck so quickly and the truck packed and on its way by 10pm.

To Bruce Lauther for securing this well-paid performance.
To Robyn for her help backstage.
To K-12 for his usual good choral management.
To Scott Kahler for all his help with the sound board.
To Dixie for all her help with the lighting.
To Scipio and Mike Kelly for the MC spots.
To Joe, Tony, Terry, Mike and Will for all the directing.
To TBD, TOP SHELF, MAYHEM and DA CAPO for giving their day to perform on our shows.

As you can see it takes quite a team to pull off a successful performance.
I thank you all for all your assistance, hard work, and singing !!

Greg

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 July 24^th Chapter Meeting

It was another fantastic summer meeting for the Harmonizers. Risers were full and the guests just kept coming in.

Our listening session was a chance to enjoy DA CAPO singing their popular “Kentucky” song from their new CD.  When associate director Tony Colosimo started the warm up session for the chorus, he hinted that if anyone wanted their own CD, he some in the car!!

One special guest in the hall for the nite was Ms. June Soh from Voice of America.  She interviewed and filmed director Joe, Ken Fess, Noah Van Gilder and Jack Pitzer. Plus she filmed a lot of the action during the rehearsal.  She plans to attend the show Thursday nite too.

Before the meeting and while the hall was being set up, Chuck McKeever taught a crew of the new guys stage moves for several of our songs.

When director Joe Cerutti came forward, he made a few comments including a special welcome to our International guests and those who hosted them or made extra efforts to get them to Durant.  He urged all to invite singers to Audition Nite on Wed., July 25^th at Durant.

YeEd spoke with Joe before the meeting and found out he has been earning a lot of extra miles!  He flew to Seattle as guest speaker and faculty for the district barbershop school there.  Then came home for rehearsals and then will go to Michigan for a district youth camp up there before he flies from MI to MO for Harmony University. 

YeEd knows that Joe, Tony and Mike Kelly are going to St. Joe, MO, for the weeklong event.  All are on the faculty.  Without specifics, heard that Joe is directing the major chorus of the week and teaching and coaching.  Tony is also teaching and he is excited about a tag singing class he was invited to teach.  Mike is teaching video techniques and filming the kick off address by the new CEO of the BHS for the webcast of the school.  YeEd suspects others from our chapter are going, so we will hear from some of them with news, and a report on who ate the most ice cream. 

Our guests from Australia also took a flight from VA to MO this week.

Speaking of BHS things, wasn’t it neat to see the article in the recent Harmonizer magazine about TBD and the guys from our chapter.  Good job Scipio Garling and Tom Kraus.

Singing for the nite started with work on “Circle of Life” to be sung on the China trip with the Toronto chorus.  Most guys were far along in singing it without the screen or music.  Also we worked on “Rainbow Sister” – working first on the notes before we tackle the Chinese pronunciation. Thanks to the guys who did the learning music – Tony sang three parts and Mike sang one, Dan O’Brien put things together.  Joe announced that we will be singing this song after returning from China, so everyone should learn it, even those who won’t make the trip.

Then Joe and his music team moved into songs for the show this Thursday nite at John Carlyle Park  -- part of our annual summer concerts for the City of Alexandria.  See detailed emails from producer Greg Tepe re: uniform, times and songs.  And have your cell phone on for any possible word about cancelling the gig for bad weather. 

The chapter meeting was conducted by Mark Klostermeyer (K12) who was sub for the operations vp.  Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a 3-year renewal card to Don Dillingham and reported that Dennis Ritchey has renewed.

Membership vp Phil Ashford had a looooong line of guests to introduce this week.  About 5 were applicants for membership, several were with us for the first time and got the usual “I Visited the Harmonizers” button. Phil appreciated the help from Jacob George with all the sign in duties.

Alex and Jonathan were here from Australia. Geoff was here from the British barbershoppers group.  Some members of other chapters were visiting in town and came to see and hear us, and family members of guys came out to sing along and enjoy the nite.

For break, we had lemonade and the usual goodies.

The meeting time continued about the long break.  Several announcements were made for those going to China. Greg is producer of shows on that trip and is reminding guys to be prepared for the uniform requirements.  Some of us not going may need to share the blue silk-ish shirts.

Word was also announced that a new casual shirt is due to arrive soon so watch for distribution details.

Craig Kujawa is coordinating our chapter’s trip to the fall Mid Atlantic District contest.  He has negotiated a hotel for all of us that luckily has a place for us to rehearse while in Ocean City. He announced that each guy should plan to get his convention registration (needed to be able to sing on stage) via the chapter Marketplace on the web.  Do it before Aug. 21^st. The convention is Oct. 12-13 with return on 14^th.   When you get the email from Craig in the next day or so, PLEASE RESPOND!

Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone of the importance to sign on our Groupanizer page so you get the text messages if a show is cancelled.

Joe announced that the NO BORDERS YOUTH CHORUS will do a show again on Dec. 26^th at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Must be 30 or under to be in the chorus.  Again, watch for email details about applying to participate. Tony will help direct.  OC TIMES and VOCAL SPECTRUM will be guest quartets.

President Steve Murane reported that the board met with the organizer of the chapter’s invitation and show for the anniversary of the D-DAY landings in Normandy, France, in 2014.  Fees for a singer or any family member will be $2,500 for plane fare, hotel, some meals and ground transportation. Trip will be June 4-9 in 2014.

Next, president Steve presented cash support to our guys in quartets that went to Portland – we provide monies to cover registration for each Harmonizer in the quartet.  Joe Sawyer, Tony Colosimo and Ken White were on hand tonite.

Getting back to work on the risers, Tony taught another awesome barbershop craft class with a theme – your voice matters. There were guys taking notes!

Joe took us back to work to apply that maxim on our contest songs which was a strong session for the singers.  Tho the AC was off, as usual after  9 pm, everyone worked hard right up til 10.

An especially big crowd went over to the Hilton for the afterglow and we sat outside on the patio.  There was some great tag singing with all of the guests.

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 July 17^th Chapter Meeting

This was busy week for the Harmonizers.

Since our last report, a group of us attended The Music Man performance at Arena Stage in DC on Sat.  July 14^th.  The show was great and everyone had a good time.  The Harmonizers who attended were joined by other barbershoppers from the DC area for this performance as part of a special group barbershop nite at the theater.  Many guys dressed in period costume or wore quartet outfits.  A good sized group of Fairfax guys were there and their SHAMELESS quartet sang in the lobby before the show started.  This event was first coordinated by Steve Lingo with the group sales staff at Arena Stage.

Also, several members and former members came to the funeral home to support Bruce Minnick with the recent passing of his wife, Ginny. The picture of the two of them as Mr. and Ms. Claus were prominently displayed.

This week’s rehearsal was a hot one – both in temperature and in successful workouts.

Our listening session was an amazing four-part track of Tim Waurick singing all four parts.  Talk about breath control.

Assistant director Will Cox conducted the warm up session. Chuck McKeever was on the stage teaching contest stage moves for a bunch of our newest members before the meeting.

Then director Joe Cerutti took the reins.  He first spoke briefly about his judging assignment for the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, OH, last weekend. He was also elated with the huge crowd on the risers for a summers’ nite. After some good natured teasing, Joe welcomed and congratulated Andrew Havens for his successful work in TOP SHELF and his first appearance on the International quartet contest stage. Plus Joe welcomed Dan Cook who earned a gold medal in the chorus contest with Ambassadors in Harmony. Dan has moved to VA and is looking to sing with us. Joe tried to tease Dan for not wearing his gold medal, but like all modest but proud barbershoppers, Dan had it in his shirt pocket and pinned it on for all to see. Congrats to both of Andrew and Dan.

We worked on the songs we will do in China – many guys are off the music for “Circle of Life” and then we took a stab at “Rainbow Sisters” in Chinese.

We also sang several rep songs we will be using in the several upcoming summer shows.

Operations vp Scott Kahler conducted the weekly chapter meeting.  He reminded everyone that half of the 50/50 goes to the M-AD Endowment Fund.

Any outstanding show ticket sales monies should be turned in to Michael Gilmore.

Brad Jones continues passport matters for the many folks going on the China trip.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presently membership renewal cards to Tom Berkey for 15 years and Greg Tepe for 21 years.  John Greene received his new member packet.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced our guests for the nite – a long line of them this week again.  Some from other chapters around the nation, some family members in town for a visit, some first timers and a bunch of guys who are applicants already.

The chorus took a 15 minute break before resuming the chapter meeting.

Noah Van Gilder reminded everyone of the Audition Nite on Wed., July 25^th at Durant from 6-9 pm.  He asked members to assist in announcing the event by using Facebook, getting out flyers and making personal contacts. Current chapter applicants and guests are welcome to come and speed up their audition process. 

Tony Colosimo announced an upcoming rehearsal this Sat. from 1-3 pm at Charles Houston Rec Center for our local youth chorus, CAPITAL FORCE. He directs that group and invites any and all singers under 30 to come join them.  They do not need to be members of our chapter or any chapter. Center is at 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Shows vp Brian Ammerman reminded all that it is important for all of us to promote our shows to friends and customers – even those when we don’t sell tickets ourselves.  It helps keep supporters informed about our programs, helps get people to come out to free concerts, helps get future customers to see us perform, and helps us get in front of prospective members.

Related to that is the need for all of us to suggest to friends and customers in the Lancaster PA area that they attend the show we’ve been hired for at the American Music Theater.  Shows are scheduled for 2 and 7 pm, Sat. Aug. 11^th. Tickets available at www.amtshows.com/Alexandria-Harmonizers/ All tickets are $18 each. We need to help boost the sales of tickets.

Also get friends and neighbors to come out and see us for the Twilight Concert at John Carlyle Square Park, 7:30 pm Thursday July 26^th. (YeEd learned that this show replaces the City of Alexandria Rec Department sponsored show we have done for years at Ft. Ward. There are some construction things happening at Ft. Ward.)  Chorus should plan ahead for getting there with friends, planning ahead by those who take Metro, and giving yourself extra time since parking is limited.

Harmonizer show producer Greg Tepe reminded guys about the list of upcoming shows and promised another email blast with report times, uniform and song lists, and such details.  Stay tuned for those emails.

Market Square show in Old Town Alexandria is Fri. Aug. 17^th at 7:30.  Invite your friends – have them bring lawn chairs to make it more enjoyable. Plan ahead to get a group of the chorus family to go out in Old Town for dinner after the show. This is another concert sponsored by the City Rec Dept. outdoors by the fountain on King St.

Dog Days is our annual sing for and with other barbershop chapters in No. VA hosted by the Manassas Chapter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd. in Manassas. Everyone should go to this one – it’s fun, it’s important for us to be there, the host chapter makes it easy for us, the church has A/C and plenty of parking, and there are lots of good eats. That’s Tues Aug 28^th at 7:30 pm instead of our regular meeting.

Again, watch for emails from Greg Tepe about all these summer shows.

And mark your calendar for the Holiday Show Fri. Nov. 30^th and Sat. Dec. 1^st at First Baptist on King St. in Alexandria. Josh Roots and Scipio Garling will produce this one.

Brian also announced that Ken Rub has agreed to be show producer for the 2013 spring show.  Thanks, Ken.

Another show matter – some guys going to China with us and planning to sing with us need some uniform parts (word is that our bright blue silk-like shirt is out of supply, etc.).  So some guys who are not going to China may need to loan some items.

President Steve Murane reminded board members of the meeting Wed July 18^th at Durant.  Their agenda includes reports and discussion about our trip to France in 2014 to Normandy, and our plans for the fall M-AD contest in Ocean City.

Next associate director Tony Colosimo did another great barbershop craft class and as usual made sure we could implement the concept with a song.

We also worked on our contest songs with the great combo of Tony directing and Joe coaching.

It was hot, the risers were packed, so at 10 pm we got things put away, some quartet guys worked on some matters, and a big crowd went over to the Hilton for the afterglow.  As usual it was fun. Tag singers outside on the Hilton patio didn’t seem to mind the heat tho.

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 2012 International Contest and Convention, Portland

The Alexandria Harmonizers did not compete at the 74^th annual BHS International convention for 2012 having officially declined the opportunity in order to make the September trip to China.

But yet there was a huge presence of the Alexandria chapter all week.

First there were many of us there and all cheering for some of our chapter members who were in quartets for this major contest battleground.

MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Ken White and Mike Pinto were 36^th after the quarter finals round.  TOP SHELF with Brett Thomas, Fred Womer, Jay Butterfield and Andrew Havens were 35^th.

DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams. made it into the top twenty and ended up 15^th in the semi finals round.

We were proud of all of them and cheered like crazy to welcome them to the stage.

Other quartets from M-AD:  WHEELHOUSE were mic testers for the top ten finals contest, or 11^th; ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT was 12^th; UP ALL NIGHT was 44^th. MAD HATTERS with Steve White and Rick Taylor also qualified for Portland but later withdrew from the competition, as did FRANK THE DOG from Bryn Mawr area.

Contest winner was RINGMASTERS from Sweden; second was MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS from New Zealand; third was A MIGHTY WIND; fourth was MASTERPIECE; fifth was MAIN STREET. This was the first time a quartet from an affiliate organization, Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers, won the gold.  Another quartet from Sweden, LEMON SQUEEZY, won the collegiate contest and sang in the regular contest and ranked 19^th. Three of the top 20 quartets represented overseas affiliates. 

Besides the quartet contest, there was an explosive chorus contest won again by the Ambassadors of Harmony from St. Charles, MO at 96.8. Second was won by Great Northern Union from MN at 95; third was Kentucky Vocal Union at 92; fourth was zero8 from Stockholm, Sweden at 90.3; fifth was Salem, OR at 89.1. As in the quartet contest, this was the first time an affiliate group had medaled in the chorus contest.

There have been quartets and choruses from Canada win gold.

Our brother M-AD choruses Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen, NY, directed by Larry Bomback, came in 18^th, The Big Apple Chorus from Manhattan, directed by Justin Miller, came in 24^th.

Talk to some of us who were there about some of the wild things that happened on stage: the Alliance, OH, chorus did the Peter Pan package that we started working on (on the Webcast they mentioned that another chorus was considering it, but since they (that’s us) didn’t do it, Alliance took up the challenge.)

The Salem chorus was a riot: cavemen singing in the first chorus contest including starting fire, learning to speak, then getting coached by the Dallas director Jeff Oxley, dance lessons from three guys from Westminster, and singing helping from AOH director, Jim Henry. The dinosaur “ate” Jim and then the chorus sang “there goes Jim.”  Makes YeEd laugh just writing about it.

KY Vocal Union did a passionate ballad with very meaningful staging – simple and touching. Only two choruses were over 100 – first place had 145, second place had 118.  KY had 39, Stockholm had 34.

All during the week you would see fellow Harmonizers – we counted more than 40 current and past chapter members. Gary Plaag served on the official panel as a presentation judge.  Gary and Joe Cerutti are members of the Society board of directors.  The Society Board of Directors met early in the week. Chris Buechler serves the board as assistant parliamentarian.  Chuck Harner serves on the Harmony Foundation board of trustees.

Bill Colosimo, chairman of the Society’s music and performance committee, presented the annual Dave LaBarr Award to a great emcee – this year’s winner was Judd Orff. Speaking of emcees, the lead from STORM FRONT, Jim Clark, did a great job on the first half of the chorus contest with a running list of “you might be a barbershopper, if….” He kept us laughing.

Anthony Colosimo sang with the past collegiate quartet champs chorus on the Harmony Foundation show during the week.  He earned his gold with ROADTRIP.

Steve Tramack, chairman of the Society’s director recognition committee, presented Master Dierctor certificates to several prominent directors. Our own Master Director Joe Cerutti was one of the first men to receive this certification several years ago.

Mike Kelly worked during the week to help with video work – helping the judges get a video from the judges area vs far back in the hall, and making tapes of guys who paid to Sing with the Champs.

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DA CAPO had ads on the Jumbotron during the week to promote their new CD being distributed by TimTracks – Tim Waurick’s company. They were also in the Harmony Marketplace autographing CDs.

It is amazing how many current and former Harmonizers come to convention.  Here is YeEd’s attempt to list all the others not mentioned above in this article. (Thanks to Dixie Kennett, Keith Jones and Alan Wile for keeping a list.) Apologies for missing someone!

TJ Jones

Sam McFarland

Kevin Kaiser

Greg Tepe

Terry Reynolds

Craig Kujawa

Jim Lake – with his new bride of about 10 days

Bruce Roehm – who flew in from his military assignment in Montana

Ross Johnson – a Harmonizer that never misses an International

Chuck Hunter, Jr – in the US from his State Department post

Jim Herrick – from Pennsylvania

Kyle Blomgren – on the front row of La Jolla, CA, chorus which was 22nd

Ron Rich – from South Carolina

Ryan Kileen – sang in TNS quartet who ranked 10^th, sang in Nashville chorus which was 7^th

Larry Deters – sang with Nashville chorus

Paul Wietlisbach – sang with Nashville chorus

Darryl Flinn – from Ohio

John Rettenmayer – from Montana

Denny Malone – sang in IGNITION who ranked 18^th

Mike Louque – from California

Dwain Chambers – from Tennessee

Bill Ward – from Florida

Ray Johnson – sang with Masters of Harmony who did their swan song at convention

Bill Power – sang with the Masters of Harmony too

Bill Curtis – from Colorado

John Rettenmayer – from Montana

Bob Thames – sang with Jacksonville, FL

Glenn Williamson – from Virginia getting a 50 year pin

Joe Cain – sang with Sunrise, FL

Dan Cook – prospective member moving to our area, sang with champs chorus

There is no doubt, “It’s 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.)

Looking Back on the July 10^th Chapter Meeting

We were all happy that so many guys made it out on this summer nite.  It was a good chance to get a running start on upcoming shows and the very important fall contest.

Will Cox did the vocal warm ups.  Prior to 7 pm, Chuck McKeever was on the stage teaching contest stage moves for a bunch of our newest members.

Director Joe Ceruitti congratulated Ken White and his MAYHEM quartet buddies for their great start up the ladder toward International quartet champ. As well, he recognized the guys from DA CAPO and TOP SHELF.

Joe also shared some of the fun events of the week in Portland. (See more details in an upcoming Looking Back column.)

Before we started singing, Will and some other leaders met with the new members this year.

And Joe went right to work on “Circle of Life” which we are learning for our shows and for the show in China. One of our guests this week, Lou Bergner from Toronto, shared with us some of the interp they use for the song and that helped us be one step closer to ready to sing with their chorus in China.

We also worked on “That’s Amore” and “Jersey Boys.”

Operations vp Scott Kahler conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  He reminded guys about the special barbershop event at Arena Stage this Saturday nite, July 14^th, for the “Music Man” performance.  You can get a huge discount by calling 202-488-4380 and mention code word Barbershop.

Jacob George, part of the membership committee, introduced our guests including some first timers and a number of applicants.

For break we had FrostyPops and other goodies.

Noah Van Gilder announced plans for the chapter’s audition nite on Wed., July 25^th at Durant from 6-9 pm.  He asked members to assist in announcing the event by using Facebook, getting out flyers and making personal contacts. The team of Noah, Scipio Garling and Chris Clark are in charge. Candidates will be auditioned and accepted on the spot.  Current chapter applicants are welcome to come and speed up their audition process.  This is not a change in our procedures, but a one-time attempt to make contact with singers who are used to having to audition to be in a group.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone to be off the music for “Circle” by next week. 

Then Terry shared some kudos from General Petraeus about the Harmonizers which Terry learned from some folks at work.  Similarly, Nick Leiserson also reported that his congressman boss congratulated the General, who was surprised he knew.  The congressman shared that one of his staff members sang in the Harmonizer chorus, and the General responded with good comments about the chorus.

Next Joe spoke about our plans to prepare for the contest cycle leading to Toronto starting with a very important fall contest in Ocean City.

He moved on to working on “Sweet Georgia Brown” and then had the guys work in sectionals.

We finished the singing portion of the nite with review of several songs.

Without AC, it was good to hit the 10 pm hour, pack up and move out to the afterglow.

Until next time – editorjack!

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

Looking Back on 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).