Looking Back on the 2013 International Contest and Convention, Toronto

 

Bronze medals are not all the same – especially when you earn one as the third place chorus in the contest at the 75^th anniversary BHS convention in Toronto July 2-6.  The Alexandria Harmonizers’ third place was a major advance from their previous and most recent fifth place bronze medal earned by the chorus in 2011.  (The Harmonizers went to China in ’12 and did not compete. The chorus last placed third in Portland in ’02.)

 

The 110-man chorus earned 2,750 points (out of 3,000) in third place, 91.7%. The ballad was “All the Things You Are” arranged by Steve Delehanty.  The uptune was “Anything Goes” arranged by Kevin Keller. The choreography for the uptune, designed and taught by our own Carlos Barillo, helped us earn high marks in presentation!

 

This was the 18^th medal earned by the Alexandria Harmonizers, including the four golds in ’86. ’89, ’95 and ‘98. We have competed at 24 International chorus contests since our first one in 1978.

 

Master director Joe Cerutti and his music team kept the week fun and productive.  Rehearsals began on Tuesday evening when the huge Harmo family started arriving in Toronto.  Joe was instrumental in having lots of folks come to see and hear us, some sang for us and there were some special moments of harmony and fellowship with other choruses such as host chapter and ultimate chorus champs, Toronto Northern Lights directed by Steve Armstrong; and with our M-AD neighbors from Dundalk directed by Rick Taylor who ranked 21^st.  Several groups from the German affiliate BING sang for us too including a mixed quartet with one man and three women, KLANG KUSSE.

 

Other M-AD choruses in the contest included mic testers Westchester County, NY;  Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen NY who were 8^th place; and Brothers in Harmony from  Hamilton Square, NJ who were 6^th place.

 

Toronto was first, Westminster, CA was second, Alexandria was third, Denver was fourth, and Greater Central Ohio – Alliance was fifth.

 

AND there is also the news about our chapter quartets in the competition this year.  DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, tenor; Tony Colosimo, lead; Joe Sawyer, baritone; and Wayne Adams, bass, made the top ten and placed tenth.  Our congrats to them for that success!  We also claim THROWBACK as a chapter quartet with Sean Devine singing lead.  His quartet placed seventh. Congrats to our men on stage in quartets! Former member Russ Blackstone sang with QUANTRUM from Ontario District.  Our coach Tony DeRosa sang with MAIN STEET and they placed fourth.

 

Other M-AD quartets were ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT in 12^th place; FRANK THE DOG in 20^th place; UP ALL NIGHT in 28^th place.

 

The Harmonizer convention week began with rehearsals at the Fairmont Royal York Tuesday, July 2^nd.  The hard working 15 men in the 2013 front row, Ben Roberts, Ken White, Scip Garling, Doug White, Randall Eliason, Peter Hubbard, Carlos Barillo, Steve White, Josh Roots, Ken Rub, Terry Reynolds, Chuck Hunter, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa and Chris Clark, met at 7 pm. Then the entire chorus and family gathered for a 7:30 session. There was a lot of excitement with folks having had to get off flights or find parking, getting settled in rooms in a huge and sprawling hotel, and seeing who had made it so far.  The chorus members brought their suit coats for practice. As usual there were a number of crews at work such as the guys who continued to add details to the props; av crews who kept the sound equipment running; and uniform folks sewing and adding Velcro.  Bob Griesemer and Chris Clark drove the Harmo truck from Alexandria with our equipment and had to be careful with the C02 canisters.  It was not until Thursday when all 110 of us were on the risers since some guys could not get off work all week, or some guys were working at the convention or competing in quartets.

 

There were seven 2013 Special Forces guys who sang with us in Toronto and who had made over-and-above efforts to travel and be with us for preparation – Bruce Roehm, Sean Devine, Mike Wallen, Kevin McKenzie, Bob Wilson, Mike Geipel and Dave Ellis.

 

Tuesday nite we had the first check for the yellow/orange bandanas of the 27 members of the  Class of 2013 (those are guys who had never sung on the International stage with the Harmonizers): Carlos Barillo, Lou Bergner, Dave Branstetter, David DesPortes, Josh DesPortes, Sean Devine, TJ Donahue, Randall Eliason, Dave Ellis, Tom Frederick, Gary Fuller, John Greene, Bob Griesemer, Rich Hewitt, David Hood, Peter Hubbard, Kevin McKenzie, Stan Quick, Ben Roberts, Calvin Schnure, Dean Sherick, Steve Szyszka, Shawn Tallant, Mike Vlcej, Harold Weinberger, Doug White and Duncan Woodbury.

 

(Actually one guy didn’t have his, so he performed “I’m A Little Teapot” with gestures!! YeEd suspects that motivated the Class of ’13 to have their bandanas, as well as all the chorus members to be on time the rest of the week, too, in order to avoid having to do a solo show.)

 

As usual there were lots of announcements and organizational details, often managed by chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer and assistant director Terry Reynolds.  Before we got too busy there were cheers and good luck yells to our quartet men before the start of their contest the next day. 

 

We were especially honored to have arranger Steve Delehanty with us on Tuesday nite to hear his ballad.  And coach David Wright and his wife Sandy came to offer ideas and points to help us with our quest.  After our rehearsal we shared songs with Toronto, who came to hear us and sing for us.

 

Wednesday morning rehearsals began with warm ups conducted by assistant director Will Cox.  Dixie Kennett and Keith Jones helped the chorus manager take attendance.  Greg Tepe began his weeklong effort to get our pocket stuffers all folded to fit the new coats!  Others began the huge task of final touch points for the rip-away vests on the front row over the gold sequin vests.  Also we commandeered a black uniform bag to hide the director’s gold sequined coat for our uptune finale.  You could tell the front row was getting serious as they started using their knee pads! And TJ Donahue, Doug White, Carlos Barillo, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa, Bob Blair, Dean Rust, Randall Eliason and Jeremy Richardson continued their work on the boxes/steps for the finale.

 

The sparkling vests of the front row with the classy black overlay vest were a smashing success. A huge thanks to all the folks who made them work! To the front row men who worked on their own vests, and to some of the front row wives who made major alterations to the vests including Jerri White, Michelle White, Kristen Vlcej, and Amy Roots. And a big thanks to the pool of seamstresses who gave up much of their free time in Toronto to assist with alterations too -
including: Ninamarie Maragioglio, Joia Hertz, Carol Dangel, Sandi Ulibarri, Robyn McQueen, Mary Blair, Michelle White, Kristen Vlcej, Tena Branstetter and Peggy Wagner.

 

The FRIENDS IN HARMONY helped right from the start of the first rehearsal:  cheering and creating excitement, helping with uniforms and preparing to recognize each guy with a gift and fun “we have your backs” postcard slipped under the doors of the chorus guys’ rooms during the nite on Thursday. Many thanks to our families and friends!

 

Cindy Hansen Ellis, our friend and presentation coach, also was on hand for all of our rehearsals and went with us to the stage on Friday. She gave us assurances and kept us on our toes as performers!!

 

Thursday sessions started early with news that both of our chapter quartets had made it into the top 20 semi-finals round!!  VIP guests were present including Alan Lamson, past BHS president; Shannon Elswick, current BHS president; Don Fuson, current BHS EVP; Bill Colosimo, M-AD president; and Marty Monson, BHS CEO.

 

There are many Harmonizer traditions during International convention week.  One special one is the surprise on the director.  And this year it really worked – we almost gave him a heart attack when after the emotional “day” chord in the ballad, we came back in with the shout of “Anything Goes!!”  It was one of our best-ever director surprises!

 

Friday we had more rehearsals in the morning and then a Togetherness meal. This tradition helps us thank many who have made it all happen.  Our Harmonizer chair for the Toronto convention, Carl Kauffmann, organized a luncheon event.  After the meal, we had remarks from the president of the Class of ‘13 Rich Hewitt who conducted his class in singing the ballad. Sean Devine spoke on behalf of the special forces guys. Chapter president Alan Wile presented a message from CEO Marty Monson, and notes of encouragement from other chapters such as Richmond. Alan spoke of always singing for someone you love as a theme for his remarks.  He also brought greetings from our friend and fellow Harmonizer Bob Wachter who could not make the trip with us and shared Bob’s favorite motivational poem.  Sandy Stamps represented the FRIENDS IN HARMONY with an adaptation of the ballad words which ended in a presentation by FRIENDS members of a token for each man to take on stage.

 

During the meal time, members who had earned a gold medal in the past, quietly presented one of his medals to a guy who did not have one and invited him to wear it on stage.  This team building effort of “Quiet Confidence” was organized by Keith Jones.

 

Cindy Hansen spoke heart-to-heart with us about the job ahead.  One of her stories had a strong impact on each man – there will likely be two sorts of people in the audience who we will sing for – one who has never heard us before, AND one who will never hear us again!!

 

Director Joe ended the event with a motivational talk about our entering a contest of “opportunity and possibility” and shared this vision: Sharing the Song of Possibility through Passionate Music-making without Boundaries.

 

After the Togetherness luncheon, we assembled for a promo photo shoot on the circular steps in the hotel lobby with Phil Ashford at the camera. 

 

Then the chorus was adjourned to change into our uniforms with gold scarf hidden in our coat pockets and to put on our stage make-up.  There was a training class for the new guys for using the make-up.

 

After we reunited for a few final pointers, a major tradition was conducted again when chorus manager K12 asked all the men to step off the risers.  He then invited guys to return to the risers based on their international class to rebuild the 2013 chorus in historical order. Five guys from the class of 1978 took the risers first – Randy Lazear, Jack Pitzer, Rick Savage, Mike Wallen and Steve White. When all past classes were on the risers, K12 presented the Class of 2013 and told them to discard their yellow/orange bandanas. When applause ended, we were 110!

 

We were off then and headed to buses when our friends from the Toronto chorus applauded and wished us well as we left our final rehearsal space to go take the official BHS photo where Jack Cameron was our rep to place our order and sign the paperwork. 

 

Finally it was on to the Air Canada Center for the contest.  We filled two buses to take the drive thru rush hour traffic but got to the contest venue just in time to relax. The buses went under the stage and we got off the busses to enter back stage. Greg Tepe came with us to work with the lighting crew to call the cues for our performance.

 

We entered the stage just after intermission – about 6 pm – to a screaming and eager audience.  Director Joe saluted each man as we took the stage. We sang and gave it our best!  The standing ovation at the end of our package was most rewarding!!

 

The chorus members rushed into the hall to hear the last few chorus contestants.  Then, as scores were being totaled, the Ambassadors of Harmony, 2012 chorus champs, did their swan song. Wow. Our coach David Wright narrated their package.

 

As is also tradition, all the Harmonizer guys had gathered around the Harmo seating block, even if they had been sitting in other spots in the hall, to be together for the results announced by the contest officials. Those officials reported 1,622 men sang in the chorus contest.

 

Before the scores were announced, the new BHS board of directors was introduced which included our own Gary Plaag, Joe Cerutti and his fiancée, Bridgette Winter, plus M-AD friend Dick Powell and  his wife Roxanne (she is editor of Mid ‘L Antics).

 

Finally we got the great news and cheered and applauded the other choruses for their successes.  And we adjourned to social events (and a chance to shower and get out of the black suits).  A huge crowd made it to the Harmo Hideaway/ Suite hosted this year by Rick and Peggy Wagner.  They had a great spread of food and snacks – especially appreciated since we had not eaten since the luncheon. Thanks for hosting both Friday nite and Saturday! Thanks also to those who helped finance the suite or made contributions.

 

Earlier in the week we were given a key chain token from the Ambassadors of Harmony, last year’s champs.  We sang happy birthday to Joe Cerutti Sr. via cell phone.  When former director John Hohl was introduced, that meant all four associate directors ever to have served the chorus were present – John, Mike Wallen, Terry Reynolds and Tony Colosimo.

 

Saturday we loaded our truck to head back to VA.  We enjoyed the city and the BHS events such as a series of Harmony University classes.  In one class, Joe was moderator of a panel of major chorus directors offering advice and suggestions for being a better director.  And in another class, Alan Wile, Terry Reynolds and Steve White were part of a panel of representatives from successful choruses/chapters who spoke about music, membership, marketing and money ideas.

 

In other meetings Chris Buechler was named category specialist for the Contest and Administration category of judges.  In that capacity, he will serve on the Contest and Judging Committee. 

 

Some of us were able to get over to see the huge 75^th BHS History display.  It was very well done. There were two Harmonizer items there too – the huge display of every convention patch framed by Mark Klostermeyer; and one of the Frankie Welch scarves that were developed by our chapter auxiliary in cooperation with Ms. Welch, a noted designer in Old Town. The scarf was sold by the BHS marketplace in the past. Martin Banks had helped the M-AD historian with our district display to get Harmo chorus champion year photos.

 

We also got to see Mike Kelly filming the Sing with the Champs events.  And Sean Devine was busy as a Harmony Foundation staffer.  Chuck Harner serves on the board of trustees of that organization.  Chris Buechler also serves as assistant parliamentarian for the BHS board.

 

Many Harmonizers were proud to see Dr. Greg Lyne, one of our major coaches from the past, honored by his induction into the BHS Hall of Fame.

 

In other news about Harmo family members, Dave Hood was at the convention with his new bride for their honeymoon!! We had two father-son teams on stage with us this year – Joshua and David DesPortes, and Eric and Mike Wallen. Dixie Kennett broke her hand before coming to Toronto but continued to make notes for this report!!  She also prepared the very complete pre-convention handbook for Harmonizers.

 

Three of our guys who sang with our chorus on stage also sang in other choruses on Friday: Brad Jones and Chris Yates sang with Dundalk, and Sean Devine sang with Brother in Harmony.  Other Harmo members or former members who sang in choruses included Joe Kane with Sunrise FL from SUN district; Dwain Chambers and Bert Phillips with Germantown, TN from DIX district; Bill Conway with Mount Pleasant SC in NSC district; and Rick Taylor and Bob Hirsh with Dundalk.  Mike Louque was a judge for the week, as was Steve Tramack, who had been one of our coaches. 

 

Joe served as emcee for the second session of the quarter final quartet contest on Wednesday.  He also was part of the Saturday nite tribute to music educators and the launch of a Harmony Foundation effort to generate more support for music education in schools.

 

At our sendoff in Alexandria, Joe had recognized his musical team: associate director Tony Colosimo; assistant directors Terry Reynolds, Will Cox and Mike Kelly; pitchman Jim Lake; section leaders Rick Savage, Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Ken Ives, Chuck Hunter, Will Cox and Mike Kelly.  The visual team with riser coach Chuck McKeever; assistant riser coaches Keith Jones and TJ Jones; front row captain Craig Kujawa; face coach Randall Eliason; presentation craft Troy Hillier; the visual row leaders Chuck Powell, TJ Donahue, Carl Kauffmann, Don Thompson, Bob Blair, Nick Leiserson, Ian Poulin and Troy Hillier; and choreographer Carlos Barillo.

 

Joe also acknowledged the admin team for the chapter’s convention appearance: chairman Carl Kauffmann; housing Craig Kujawa; convention registrations and facility coordinator Bob Rhome; truck and riser manager Bob Blair; the riser rats who always volunteer; scrip sales Ian Poulin; contest entry and music approval Chris Buechler; Roger Day for creating special Toronto polo shirts for the chapter; togetherness tickets Nick Murane; and many angels (members or couples) who provided funds or tickets or travel support for those members who needed it.

 

There were many folks who reached out by phone or email to send their congratulations or encouragement such as Dick and Carolyn Hall, and former chorus director Scott Werner.

 

And in an effort to get everyone’s name in this report, here is the list from Dixie of all the former and current members that were at convention (and not mentioned above) who did not sing on the risers: John Pence, Al Herman, Ross Johnson, Lew Klinge, Ron Dionne, Larry Shelton, Bill Ward, Tom Gannon, JT Price, Dan Cook, Darryl Flinn, Carlos Correa, Jerry Kindred, Pookie Dingle, Bill Sowers and Gary Smith. 

 

It is Great to Be a Harmonizer!

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the June 25^th Chapter Meeting and Send Off to Toronto

A huge crowd of friends, family members, other choruses, many former members, FRIENDS of HARMONY, ticket holders and show fans all turned out to fill the auditorium at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria on June 25^th. There were a lot of folks who had come a long distance to cheer and see us. 

 

The chorus came prepared to demonstrate the full package we will present next week at the 75^th International convention and contest.  We wore our complete costume/uniforms with new ties and shirts and all.  The Class of 2013 was all primed with their bandanas on display.  Six of our Special Forces guys were with us on the risers too.

 

International BHS board member and chapter member Gary Plaag was emcee and got the crowd primed to cheer and build up the excitement for the arrival of the chorus on stage.

 

We performed a complete set and then director Joe Cerutti explained how the evening would go, and then thanked a large list of members who make the Great Alexandria Chapter run!! He included all the admin guys, the music leaders, his musical team, the visual team and the folks who do the behind-the-scenes tasks each week.

 

President Alan Wile presented a gift of financial support to the two chapter quartets also going to the contest with Harmonizer members – DA CAPO and THROWBACK.  Also the FRIENDS group gave them each a gift.

 

Joe invited associate director Tony Colosimo, presentation judge Sean Devine and presentation coach Cindy Hansen to offer suggestions to the chorus with the audience listening too.  Then we did the package again.

 

We dismissed early so folks could be with friends and relatives. A good crowd went to the afterglow.  Thanks to all the hard workers who hauled risers and props into the school auditorium.  After the chorus had gotten dressed, Will Cox did the warm ups in the band room.  Producer Greg Tepe helped us prepare last minute uniform details.  Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer helped us with the plan to go on stage.

 

Ian Poulin was selling holiday show tickets in the lobby and did a brisk business.

 

This is the last Looking Back column until after the convention. Reminder: there is a rehearsal on Thursday nite June 27^th at Kena Temple on Arlington Blvd.  Bring the black suit coat!!

 

And then we meet again Tuesday nite, July 2, (7 pm for front row, 7:30 for chorus), in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.  Travel safe all!!

 

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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the 2013 Jefferson Awards Show and Extra Rehearsal June 20^th

For the second year in a row, the Harmonizers were asked to provide music for the annual Jefferson Awards for Public Service ceremony.  This year the chorus was back-drop for the award ceremony at Arena Stage in DC, Wednesday, June 19^th.  The emcee for the event was Chris Wallace from Network television.

 

The award ceremony official photo includes a great shot of the chorus in their tuxes and white tail.  The chorus had an early morning call and were finish early afternoon. 

 

At the Thursday nite rehearsal following the event, many men shared the emotional and inspirational stories from the ceremony.  Greg Tepe was show producer and Bruce Lauther was major contact for the show.

 

The extra rehearsal this past week was at Kena Temple on Arlington Blvd./ Rt. 50.  It was a perfect big hall to get used to selling to the large audience in Toronto.  After warm ups by associate director Tony Colosimo, director Joe Cerutti thanked operation vp Bob Rhome for getting us into the facility – just what we needed to experience.

 

Joe also thanked all the men who got to DC so early for the Jefferson Awards show, and he asked men to share their experiences and stories.

 

Then it was work, work, work in preparation for Toronto.  We used our props and new uniform pieces so we were used to coats and dressy clothes.  We drilled staging and worked on the musical precision we are getting used to.

 

Of course there were many of the usual announcements leading up to our trip to International again. One especially important was for men to see Tom Kern for any uniform parts and make up kit materials.

 

Next Tuesday nite is our dress rehearsal on the stage at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. The chorus members were invited to continue efforts to bring friends and family and guests to that event to give us an excited audience to perform to.   Guests may come anytime and leave anytime, as we will warm up first, change into our full uniforms and then do several runs of the contest package.

 

There will be another Thursday nite rehearsal on the 27^th at Kena Temple again.

 

And then we all head to Toronto with our first rehearsal on Tuesday nite, 7:30-9:30 pm in the Ontario Ballroom of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.  Again, Joe has encouraged us to invite friends and supporters to the rehearsals during the week up there.

 

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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the June 18^th Chapter Meeting

The Harmonizers continued the hard work in prep for their contest appearance on Friday eve, July 5^th in Toronto. No surprise then that the hall was full early as men came to attend the presentation review session, buy things, get uniform parts and help set up the room.

 

Chuck McKeever’s 6 o’clock session on the stage included a review of the enHANSENMENTS from last week.  And he helped new guys learn the moves for “Great Day” so they could sing it on Wednesday.

 

 Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups.  Dick Hall gave one of his now-famous annual pep talks. And Chuck alerted all that, for the rest of the rehearsals before Toronto, visual questions should go to him or the row leaders; only very general visual suggestions like focal or facial reminders will come from out front; and if you are not up to snuff the visual team will invite you out to the lobby for a private session.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo and director Joe Cerutti then worked as a team of coach and director while the chorus performed both songs. They continued the plan of incorporating barbershop craft maxims all evening.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting and called president Alan Wile up first for announcements.  Alan reported on the successful Harmony College East in Salisbury this past weekend.  There were several members present as students and as instructors.  DE CAPO, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, SURPRISE!, GRAND OLDE TYME, and MONORAIL FOUR  quartets were there too.

 

While at HCE, Alan was given a check from the Mid Atlantic District for support of our chorus trip to Toronto.  He handed the check to treasurer Dave Welter, along with a check for monies earned from online contribution plans.

 

Show producer Greg Tepe announced final details for the Jefferson Awards performance on Wednesday June 19 at Arena Stage.  Chorus call time is 8:30 am; uniform is tux with white tie/vest/pocket stuffer.

 

Greg also invited all singers to get the new tie and stuffer that will be worn in Toronto from Tom Kern. 

 

Bob Rhome had Toronto info packets for each member going to International (the Harmo schedule for the week and a general info book about visiting the city). Jack Cameron is eager to get each man’s photo order form and payment this week for any chorus photos they want. Roger Day had the Toronto shirts for those who ordered them.  And many guys had to get more parts of uniforms from Tom for the contest uniform and for the tux outfit.

 

YeEd found out the props were painted their first coat by Doug White and TJ Donahue.  A second painting crew was solicited for this weekend.

 

Scipio Garling encouraged members to order tickets for the Holiday Show that they might want for family or friends – cause sales are going well and you won’t wanna miss out.

 

Rick Wagner thanked those who brought items to use in the Harmo Hideaway (hospitality room in Toronto on Friday nite and Saturday nite). The hours of the suite are included in the published schedule for our week. The room will also be open on Friday for any members who are staying at a different hotel than the Royal York, and will need a place to dress and make up.

 

The rehearsal this Thursday, June 20^th, is at Kena Temple on Arlington Blvd. at 7 pm. Riser crew is due there at 6:30. We will be in the main ballroom of the Shriner Temple (not the annex we have used other years). Address is 9001 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, 22031.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Don Dillingham for 4 years; Edris Qarghah for 5 years; Tony Colosimo for 20 years; Ken Rub for 22 years; Ike Evans for 26 years; Martin Banks for 30 years; Al Herman for 30 years; Dave Welter for 37 years; and Dick Hall for 49 years.  Martin and Al will also receive a 30-year membership pin as is the custom in our chapter.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Ken White introduced and welcomed a group of guests including Bert Szabo; a college student in town as an intern; several applicants; and friends of Mark’s from Germany.

 

During the break, many guys continued conducting business matters. The front row worked on their amazing contest package in front of the risers so they had enough space.

 

After break we watched the Toronto Northern Lights contest package they used for the contest in Philly. 

 

And then we worked long and hard on the contest package.

 

Just before closing we sang thru the songs for the Wednesday show.

 

Also before closing, Bob Wachter announced his disappointing news that his health would not allow him to compete with us in Toronto!  There was a standing o in tribute! He recited his annual rendition of the poem he has lived by and served by in the military, government and barbershop leadership. Bob is a 61 year barbershopper.

 

The gang put all the equipment away, including the oh-so-welcome electric fans, onto the truck for Thursday nite.  We were asked to bring our black suit coats Thursday too.

 

Joe did a shout out to Dave Hood who was married to Katie last weekend in NC. Congrats to them both!

 

There was a bandana check for the Class of 2013.  All passed!  AND yes, we did notice their class mascot, named LEAD, on display.

 

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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the June 1 1^th Chapter Meeting

The Harmonizers were hot and sweaty last nite as we plowed hard into raising the bar on our performance package for Toronto.  Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal and rhythmic warm ups in the music suite of First Baptist Church.  Then director Joe Cerutti took the helm and helped us record our two contest songs – gettem while they are hot!!  The usual recording team was working hard to set up and take down the mics and other equipment. Thanks guys. The AC was off as well as the much of the lighting to keep down extra noise, but it was still mighty warm!!

 

Everyone was so glad to see Dennis Ritchey back for a visit with a new knee in the healing process.  Looking good Dennis!  There were a few other guests too – Dominic Hawkins and Peter, a former student of TJ Donahue’s from Denver. Both guests stopped in to hear and see our contest package. Legendary BHS arranger and coach Burt Szabo was with us again this year on his way to Harmony College East this weekend. (As a reminder, it is not too late to register and attend to take classes and meet lots of other barbershop singers.)

 

The chorus left the music suite and went down to the main hall of the church (where we have our holiday show) to work with Cindy Hansen, here from Denver to help us.  She was on fire too and helped push us as a chorus and as individuals in our personal performances.  It was great to be a part of it and feel the rising levels.  Tony and Joe worked to make sure we maintained the vocal performance levels from the retreat weekend.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds, choreographer Carlos Barillo, front row captain Craig Kujawa,  and riser coach Chuck McKeever were all busy with tasks to make the nite productive for all.

 

We did spend considerable time using our coats, so that would not be a surprise to us in Toronto. And the front row repeated and repeated their routines as we sang parts over and over.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome, of course, was on top of physical arrangements and conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  President Alan Wile saluted front row guy Ben Roberts who was named Best Actor in a Musical for hi school performers – the presentation was at the Kennedy Center this past weekend! Wow, Ben.

 

Alan, with comments from Scipio Garling, prompted us all to use the recently distributed show flyer to start getting holiday show ticket orders.  Scipio reminded the members that they should not wait too long for family and friend tickets, as the show is already 25% sold out.

 

Then Alan announced that he and community services vp Clyde Crusenberry had been to City Hall to receive the 2013 grant from the Alexandria Commission on the Arts for our chapter.  Many thanks for that support as well.

 

As a reminder of things on the calendar in the next two weeks:

 

Next Tues, June 18^th – we meet back at Durant.  That is our last chance to get uniform parts from chairman Tom Kern out of our storage closet there.

 

New folks also NOTE that you need to talk to Tom on the 18^th about make up kits if you don’t have one, and about the casual shirt uniform we will wear in Toronto.

 

 

Same thing for tux and vest and tie etc. for the Jefferson Awards show on June 19^th at Arena Stage.  Call time is now 8:30 am.  Best to take the Metro. Come with trousers and shoes and can bring vest and shirt and tie. We may be there until 1 or 1:30 pm.  You can change there if needed.

 

June 25^th is our big dress rehearsal nite at Bishop Ireton Hi School at 7 pm.  Bring friends and neighbors so we have an audience.  We will wear the contest uniform.

 

Two extra rehearsals before we go to Canada – Thrs. June 20 and 27 at Kena Annex on Arlington Blvd. Watch to correct report times. 

 

If you are a Metro rider, plan ahead now for rides on 20^th, 25^th and 27^th, as those locations are not near a Metro stop.

 

Also NOTE that all remaining rehearsals are mandatory attendance.

 

Before guys left there was the usual business matters such as paying for scrip to use at our hotel in Toronto, ordering contest pictures from Intl thru Jack Cameron, and paying deposits for Normandy to Mick Stamps.

 

The class of 2013 was readily apparent with their orange bandanas again this week!

 

As mentioned, we worked hard on the package until about 10:30, then everyone pitched in to reload the Harmo truck.

 

A good crowd came over to La Portas for an 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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)