Looking Back on the Aug 25th Dog Days Event in Manassas; Passing of John Hohl

According to the hosts from the Prince William County Chapter, last night's annual gathering of BHS chapters to sing for each other during the August summer Dog Days was the best attended ever!  According to reporter Keith Jones, the hall was full.  The hosts actually had to set up additional chairs.  The refreshment table was full tho and everyone enjoyed that.

 

The Harmonizers brought our risers which the hosts helped set up and we brought our sound equipment which Doug White, Mike Kelly and Dennis Ritchey managed for the nite.

 

The evening started with a warm up act of Dick Dangel playing his accordion for a sing-along. Those of us who came from the Alexandria area fought some tough traffic delays but a good crowd made it.

 

The opening chorus was the Harmony Heritage singers with Drew Fuller as director.  Several Harmonizers sang with them too – Chuck Harner, JT Price, Paul Greiner, Lou Manfre.

 

The Blue and Gray chorus from the Inwood WV Chapter was invited to participate this year.  They had 18 guys.

 

Next the Chorus of the Old Dominion from Loudon County sang, with John David Maybury as their new director.  He has been a recent guest at Durant. Brian Ammerman and Matt Doniger sang with two other Loudon guys in the MISFIRE quartet who earlier this year was named Southern Division novice champions. Matt sings with Loudon too plus is one of the newest Harmonizers.  This was his first time to sing a show with us.

 

The Loudon chorus shared their time slot so a chorus of guys from the Frederick Chapter could also sing.

 

Keith reports: “Fairfax Chorus sang next with Sam McFarland and Harold Weinberger singing on the risers with them. Sam’s quartet AIN’T MISBEHAVING sang. The host chapter sang next and Bruce Lauther sang in a quartet with some of those guys.

 

 “There were about 65 Harmonizers there to sing. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups for us and then director Joe Cerutti did some quick reviews in preparation for our appearance. The Icon songs went over well with the audience. The chorus performed "Thriller," "America," "Happy," (Josh DesPortes was the featured performer), and "Sweet Caroline." Terry told the audience about John Hohl's illness (we didn't know yet that he had passed last evening – see below) and the chorus sang "A Place on the Risers" in tribute--not many dry eyes in the house after that one.”

 

Shows manager Greg Tepe and choreographer Carlos Barillo were there to help us prepare for the show too. There were about a half dozen other Harmonizers there who did not sing, a large number of former members and several of the recent guests or current applicants attended too. Many of the newer Harmonizers brought their families out to hear the chapter and enjoy the fellowship. 

Thanks to Al Litchfield, president of Prince William chapter, the Bull Run Troubadours, for hosting another great event. They sang just before us. Joe Cerutti directed an overflowing risers in singing “Keep The Whole World Singing” as a finale for the nite.

 

Just about the time the Harmonizers sang their tribute to John Hohl is just about the time he passed.  This message was sent to all members first thing on Wednesday morning by president Terry Reynolds: “It is with great sadness that I must tell you that John Hohl passed away peacefully Tuesday evening at Holy Cross Hospital, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at the age of 71. His nephew Rick and friend Charlie were at his bedside when he passed.

Per John's wishes he will be cremated. A memorial service is being planned for late September, in Ft. Lauderdale. Terry will forward the details when they are announced.

 

John has been fighting cancer for over two years. After removal of a kidney and both adrenal glands the cancer then spread to his liver and one lung. Chemo treatments over the past many months seemed to be keeping the liver and lung cancer in check, but shortly after Pittsburgh, John learned that the cancer had spread to his brain. Two weeks of radiation treatments on the brain were not successful and he was moved into Hospice late last week.

 

John was the first associate director of the Harmonizers from 1976-1979 and our sixth director from 1980-1983. He led the chorus to a third place bronze medal in 1982 with two songs that he arranged. He received the chapter's Oz Newgard Award in 1979 and the Harmonizer Memorial Award in 2009.

 

John sang in many quartets over the years most notably THE NOVA CHORDS with two medals and VAUDEVILLE with five medals, including a silver medal in 1985. He was a prolific arranger for quartets and choruses across the society. John literally arranged dozens of songs for the Harmonizers over the years including the "Harmonizer Welcome Song" that we sing to our guests each week, "A Place On The Risers," our 1989 gold medal ballad "Oh How I Miss You Tonight," as well as "A Gift of Music," "Director's Lament,, "A Chorus Line Medley," and many many more.

 

He had served as a M-AD District Vice-President and on the Society Chorus Director Development Committee. He was a member of the M-AD Hall of Honor and the Honor Chapter DELASUSQUEHUDMAC.  We miss you John.  – Terry

 

(More information about John Hohl’s years as a Harmonizer are recorded in the 50 Year Harmonizer History book, “Breathless Moments,” on pages 77 and 111 particularly.)

 

In other important chapter news, here is the official announcement from president Terry Reynolds about upcoming chapter elections.  “At least once a year we have to have a formal general meeting of the Chapter members to elect the Chapter Board. This year we will be having two general meetings. Both will be held during the business meeting of Tuesday night chapter meetings. On Tuesday, Sept 1 we will vote to elect the Incorporating members of the new Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc. organization; and we will vote on adjusting the structure of our BHS Chapter Board (from 15 to 7 members, as presented in July).  Then on Tuesday, Oct 13

we will vote to elect the Chapter board for 2016.

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the Aug 18th Chapter Meeting

Amazing how much work we get done on a Tuesday nite of fun and fellowship.  The usual set up crews were at work.  Lots of things were going on around the Durant Center besides setting up – choreo review on the stage, certified singer program work in a classroom, the nominating committee met at Hard Times Café before coming to Durant, and special front row choreo work in another classroom.

 

Director Joe Cerutti did the vocal warm ups this week and got us ready to go to work on the songs for the Icon Show in Sept.   He stopped after a bit and had us sing happy birthday to our favorite Tuesday nite fan, Carolyn Hall, celebrating her 83^rd!

 

Also during the first part of the nite, bass section leaders Tom Jackson and Andrew Havens met with the large number of bass singers interested in doing the verse solos for “Riders in the Sky” and three lead signers auditioned to be the soloist for “Happy” – Noah Van Gilder, Josh Des Portes and Kevin McKenzie.

 

When we did “Thriller” our choreographer Carlos Barillo helped us add the extra zombie effect to our moves.

 

Joe also welcomed Alexandria Mayor William Euille who stopped in to listen a while after attending another meeting in Durant. 

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the regular chapter meeting.  Fall weekend coordinator Shawn Tallant asked guys to take care of making the room reservations for Ocean City and to get their convention registrations.  Frank and Kitty Fedarko are helping organize a group purchase so more Harmonizer fans are seated together in the hall up there.

 

Shows producer Greg Tepe reviewed details for the event in Manassas where all the chapters in No VA sing for each other.  It is on Tues Aug. 25^th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd, Manassas.  We sing last but all of us  that can make it at the 7 pm start should be there to meet and greet other barbershoppers in the area. There are refreshments.  Our guys actually provide sound support and the host chapter, Prince William County, will unload our Harmo van and set up the risers.

 

Uniforms are the black logo shirt and jeans.  New members and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a great chance for your family and friends to come hear us too.  There are lots of seats in this air conditioned hall at the church. And there is plenty of parking.  Plan ahead to combat a little traffic if you can leave the city til after work.  Or plan a ride with some other guys.

 

Carlos spoke to us about costumes for the Icon show.  We will need to wear both the black suit with tie (that we wore in Toronto) as well as the black tails and white tie.  AND the last act will be all red, white and blue.  Robyn Murane helped explain the variations of those colors for the outfits and passed out a nice chart with suggestions. Singers should plan to bring their red/white/blue costume to the chapter meeting on Sept 1^st.

 

The costume for the fall Mid Atlantic District chorus contest is the same one we wore in Pittsburgh.  All those new men need to be sure they are working on their outfit and get it approved right away by Carlos.

 

Chuck McKeever announced a by-invitation-only special stage presence review sessions will be held at Durant in classrooms 3 and 4 from 7-9 pm on Aug. 26^th.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tom Jackson for 20 years and Randy Lazear for 41 years.

 

President Terry Reynolds announced that Alan Kousen’s brother died recently, that former district champ Chip Guffey had a heart attack and is due for surgery this week; and that John Hohl is in the hospital in Florida.

 

Terry also made the official announcement that there will be a chapter meeting on Sept 1^st to elect officers for the new Alexandria Harmonizers Inc. organization.  This is the two-week notice.

 

After break we worked hard on the contest songs for Ocean City.  Great to see so many of the new members on the risers to perform the contest package with us!!

 

There was a great afterglow at LaPorta’s after all the work got done to put things away.

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the Aug 11th Chapter Meeting

(Thanks to Alan Wile for taking notes for YeEd who is on vacation in the Adirondacks.)

By 6:00 p.m. the risers were beginning to be put up. There was no choreo refresher tonight, as Chuck McKeever was away. Eventually, Dick and Carolyn Hall were selling 50-50 tickets, Bruce Lauther was accepting/returning medals and had five large cards for Harmonizer shut-ins, Dixie Kennett was taking attendance, Tony Colosimo was holding “one-on-ones” for the first group of men in the “Certified Singer” program (with admin assistance from Dean Rust), Mike Kelly was setting up the sound equipment, Rich Hewitt was busily welcoming guests, Carl Kauffmann was attending to treasurer “stuff,” Terry Reynolds, Joe Cerutti, Steve White, Carlos Barillo, and (perhaps) others were conferring on the plans for tonight’s rehearsal and beyond, etc.

 

Reed Livergood conducted the warm-up session and then turned the evening over to Joe. He began with a session on the “Sky” tag and then turned to rehearsing sections/all of “Lullaby,” “America,” “Happy,” “Thriller”, and “Sweet Caroline” --- which will be the five songs we’ll perform at the Dog Days multi-chapter event in a couple of weeks. Marvin Evans was the first audition to sing the solo part in “Happy;” others will have an opportunity to do so in upcoming weeks.

 

Sectionals were the next order of business.

 

When all back together, director Joe Cerutti explained again about the “Certified Singer” program – that a pilot group of about 25 men, selected by part and experience levels to complete prior to the district contest and that all will have gone through it by the time we head to Nashville for the international convention/contest. He emphasized that this is NOT designed to weed out anyone NOR is it a program to identify elite singers - it’s an approach to make each member a better singer and contributor to the whole of the chorus. It is designed to ensure comprehension of five specific areas explained and demonstrated by Tony at last week’s chapter meeting and for individuals to understand whether they are “doing it” or not. After district, “lessons learned” will be collected in order to continue and improve the program.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the business meeting.  Chapter coordinator for this fall’s contest weekend, Shawn Tallant, reminded all to get their room reservations at the Harmo-Hotel in Ocean City for the district contest – only four weeks left. Also, he stressed the need for all competitors to have registrations. And he needs volunteers to make it a great weekend.

 

Bruce Lauther asked members to sign the cards for our shut-ins and noted that 61 medals have been engraved ... and he’s looking for more, if desired.

 

Tom Kern was “introduced” as the guy for uniforms, should anyone need any of the various parts.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler noted that 22 men still need to renew their membership before the district contest and handed out cards to four members who recently renewed: Spence Wight (2 years), Todd Ryktarsyk (10), Alan Wile (34), and Carl Kauffman (43).

 

Terry Reynolds announced (1) that we’ll need both black suits and the tails for our American Icon show in September; (2) that Ross Johnson is home from the hospital but pretty much confined to a wheel chair for the next few weeks with a broken leg; (3) that there is an all-parts sectional at the First Baptist Church on Saturday; and (4) that those who contribute $100 or more to the CD project by midnight, August 12, will be listed in the liner notes of the CD for sale at the American Icon show (which will include songs sung on the show).

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt (1) welcomed Matt Doniger as our most recent bass member; (2) reminded that “open auditions” are scheduled for September 23rd; (3) displayed brand new chapter business cards which debuted at the Market Square show, Friday, August 7th; (4) noted that there were sign-up sheets for the two Icon shows (some may have indicated they would attend one but forgot about the other ... for the two shows on September 19th); (5) announced that the membership goals for the second half of the year would be coming soon; and (6) introduced six guests and six applicants with us tonight!!!

 

After singing to the guests, led by assistant director emeritus Will Cox, we took a break for coffee and goodies prepared by Walt Page (in the absence of Jack Pitzer).

 

Back at it, Joe worked a bit on the “What a day” tag. He explained that at Harmony University it was made clear that the BHS presentation category is moving away from what has become “traditional” choreographed moves for larger/better barbershop choruses and is now concentrating more on artistry believable emotion. Carlos asked that we give 50% less in our body moves and, instead, sing not to the audience but to someone “standing directly in front of you.” He asked that we do away with “wide eyes/raised eyebrows" and frown lines --- and specifically asked that we work at home in front of a mirror when singing the ballad. Similarly, the up-tune should be light and carefree; have fun with the song; treat it “tongue in cheek.”

 

Finally, Ina Berkey won the 50-50 and directed us all in “Keep The Whole World Singing.” It was good to see one of our Friends In Harmony in this role! Nice job, Ina!!

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the Aug 7^th Market Square Sing

It was a lovely nite in Old Town Alexandria for this year’s Market Square sing out.  Despite threats of rain all day, the evening was cool and dry.  That helped the crowd grow as the people strolled thru the city.

 

A really good crew of Harmonizers made this annual show that we do as appreciation for support from the City of Alexandria.

 

Our riser crew and sound crew worked hard to set it all up.  Mike Kelly with Doug White did the sound – Mike was using all of our newly acquired sound equipment for this big show (including what looked like a I-pad to hold and direct sound even if he were singing on the risers).

 

Our a cappella group TBD wowed the audience with a couple of new songs – and using their new individual mics.

 

A chapter quartet of Rick Savage, Tony Colosimo, Drew Fuller and Steve White sang “God Bless the USA” and then the chorus did the last part with them and the tag.

 

Our audience really responded to this revamped patriotic package. They totally got into the “Armed Forces Medley” and clapped along for the “Stars and Stripes Forever.  ”

 

Dennis Richtey and Gary Fuller did the emcee work for the show.

 

The finale with the chorus moving off the risers out into the crowd was fun for all – and we were given nice postcard sized flyers about the Icon show to pass out.  Me might have even gotten a singer to come next Tuesday.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and was the soloist for “Bring Him Home.” Director Joe Cerutti was up front for the show and prompted a good review before the show inside City Hall. Tony and Terry Reynolds were soloists in “Tribute to World Peace.”

 

Community service guy Clyde Crusenberry helped with the contacts and chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer coordinated gathering and returning complimentary parking passes for the lot under the Square. Greg Tepe was show producer.

 

We wore our black casual chorus shirts and jeans.

 

Many members of the Harmonizer family went out to dinner with friends after the show.

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

 

Looking Back on the July 28^th Hospital Sing and Aug 4th Chapter Meeting

On Tuesday July 28^th, we continued a many-year tradition of singing at Alexandria Hospital in July – usually right after International convention or when many men in the musical leadership team are out of town for Harmony University.  Because all the directors were gone, assistant director emeritus Will Cox did the honors.  Men wore some kind of Harmo logo shirts for the occasion.  According to Alan Wile, reporter, “We began to gather in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. Will warmed us up. With Community VP Clyde Crusenberry in the lead, we were on our way through the wards by 7:10. We sang at the nursing stations. Songs included “Sweet and Lovely,” “Sweet Caroline,”  “Stars & Stripes Forever,”  “Lullaby,”  “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Heart of My Heart,”  and even “Jingle Bells.” We were done by 8:20 and dispersed. There were 24 of us.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 4 it was back to our normal routine.  Many hands were at work for set up, getting refreshments ready (including left overs from the picnic when we hosted the German ladies’ chorus recently – who by-the-way thanked the chapter during their show appearance at Harmony U last week), and welcoming many guests and helping applicants work on their audition songs.

The risers were full and director Joe Cerutti was in good spirits after taking over from bari section leader, Reed Livergood,  who did the vocal warm ups.

 Joe shared that his voice was worn and he was tired from his week away at Harmony University.  Joe (who was a dean of part of the school; associate director Tony Colosimo who taught and coached; tech advisor Mike Kelly who helped the HU staff; president Terry Reynolds who taught/coached leadership for choruses; and choreographer Carlos Barillo who coached choruses and quartets enrolled for the school were all on the staff of  the week-long BHS school held at Belmont College in Nashville. Four members of the chapter attended the school (YeEd heard that all enrolled in the director’s college aspect of the week) – three of our section leaders: Andrew Havens, Josh DesPortes, Reed Livergood; and Chris Buechler.

Joe also shared the successful efforts for the BHS to invite non-barbershopper music educators to HU – there were 100 attending this year from 14 countries. 

Joe shared the good news that had come out earlier in the day from Rick and Peggy Wagner that Rick was declared cancer free!!!  You can bet that brought about a huge cheer of congratulations.

Our first singing for the nite was to sing one of the tag’s Joe taught us during our prep for the Pittsburgh contest.  It was written by Gene Cokeroft, a giant in the BHS, who died just prior to HU. 

Then we went right to work on the songs for the Market Square show at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria. The show is at 7:30.  Chorus call is 6:30 with riser crew at 6. Uniform is black chorus shirt, jeans with black accessories. Plus your medal. Stay tuned for final word from chapter leadership in case of cancelation due to predicted rain that nite. New members are welcome to come sing songs they know.  Family members are urged to come too – bring chairs to sit on.  Park under the Square. If you park on the street, be sure to prepare to feed the meter late into the evening!

Shows vp Nick Leiserson announced tickets for our fall show went on sale, online on Aug. 2^nd.  "AMERICAN ICON", is our concert tribute to some of America's greatest male popular singers (including Nat King Cole, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash, Pharrell Williams, and Michael Jackson). The shows are Saturday, September 19 at Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4916 East Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311.) at 2 pm and 8 pm. Tickets prices range from $20 to $32 with box seats at $50. Parking is available onsite. For more information, go to tickets@harmonizers.org.

Bruce Lauther offered one more week for guys to get their Pittsburgh medals engraved. $8 paid when you turn in the medal to him.

Ken Fess offered free CDs he had collected during his years of membership – free to any takers.  The chapter history team got first-look to get a complete set of the CDs that our chapter produced.  Thanks Ken.

President Terry Reynolds shared that Steve Szyszka was to appear on TV Wednesday morning early where he is singing in a choir that is appearing at the Knights of Columbus convention in Philadelphia.

Terry reported a number of health situations for our members:  John Pence is facing a move to Hospice care now and is eager to hear from his brother Harmonizers; Ross Johnson fell and broke his leg; and Darryl Flinn who just was 80 recently is battling a serious bacterial infection. When Jeremy Richardson arrived Joe noticed the sling – Jeremy had some major shoulder surgery and is doing therapy now.

Calendar reminders: all sectionals Sat. Aug 15 at First Baptist at 9 am.

And Aug 25^th is our annual trip down to Manassas to sing for all of the other barbershop chapters in the area at the event called “Dog Days” – an extra event during these hot summer days when many chapter take the nite off.  The event is hosted by the Manassas Chapter who provides refreshments too.  We sing last so more of our guys can get on down there after work.  Watch for exact details. Guys who can’t sing should plan to come too – it is fun to share the nite with our buddies from nearby chapters.  Families are welcome to attend this event too. Good chance for family and friends of the many new members to hear the chapter in performance.

President Terry reports that the chapter board did in fact vote to form a 501(c)3 organization, Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc., at the board meeting recently. Related to that - Terry proudly shared that the BHS had invited major chorus/chapter groups to send representatives to a pre-HU think tank session.  Our leaders, which YeEd heard included community board member Liz Birnbaum, met with reps from the Vocal Majority, Great Northern Union, Toronto Northern Lights, Ambassadors of Harmony, Sound of the Rockies.  One of things they learned is that we are just one chapter who is forming a related not-for-profit organization.

After break we worked more on songs for the Icon show coming up Sept. 19^th.

In other news, YeEd got this nice note from Peggy and Rick Wagner after they visited the widow of past Harmo president Jack Shields: Rick, April, and I just had a wonderful visit with Ginny Shields and daughter Marrianne and son-in-law Rob Henry in Irvine, CA. Ginny is now living with Marianne, and she is enjoying the wonderful weather in California. Even though she is in a wheelchair due to leg weakness and pain, she is doing very well and gets along nicely. She enjoys exercise, meditation, and ukulele classes. She said to tell all of the Harmonizers hi, and she misses everybody back in VA. We talked a lot about Jack and reminisced about the "good ole days" with the chorus and at Massanutten. By the way, she is selling the Massanutten house if anyone is interested. We had a great time!! And she sends her congratulations to everyone! – Peggy

Kudos to the fine coverage in the recent district newsletter, Mid ‘L Antics, by our marketing guys Dave Branstetter.

Another good sized crowd of members and guests came to the afterglow at LaPortas at 1600 Duke Street where there is lots of good tag singing for those who want to join in.  And there is plenty of fellowship and food too.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the July 21^st Chapter Meeting

In other news that happened before Tuesday nite, our a cappella group, TBD, performed for the summer show at Carlisle Park at 7 pm Thurs. July 16.  They were great and attracted a good sized audience in the park.  Mike Kelly was sound engineer and used the new mics to make the performance really fill the space.  Some other chapter members attended as well.

 

And Saturday July 18^th, there was an all sectionals rehearsal at First Baptist Church in Alexandria from 9-noon.  Tony was overall director and then the section leaders worked in break out sections in various parts of the music suite at the church.  New member Tom Jackson was recently named as a bass section leader to join Andrew Havens and replace Jim Lake had left the chapter. We worked on songs for the Icon show mostly.

 

On Tuesday, the set up crew was hard at work early and the risers were in place by 6 pm.  Then the other crews went to work for sound, av, refreshments, membership, seating for guests, and a FRIENDS IN HARMONY meeting.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti pushed right into singing on the shows for the Icon show in Sept.  He did welcome the many guests who are members of Barbershop in Germany (BING) who are staying in the area hosted by members of our chapter and several other chapters and Sweet Adeline chapters. 

 

After we sang a while, Joe invited Tony to explain a plan from the executive music committee (Cerutti Jr, T Colosimo, Reynolds, S White, Barillo, Kelly) to implement a Certified Singer Program for the fall and then the summer contest seasons. A pilot group of 25 will be named to start the process and work out any details before all members will be added.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarksyk conducted a chapter meeting.  Bruce Lauther is coordinating engraving of the Pittsburgh medals - so see him to pick up or drop off your medals. Just $8 to get them engraved with the logo and your info.

 

Craig Kujawa explained using our scrip sales program a new way – using your phone to buy scrip onsite at restaurants and stores when you need it.  He asked about interest from the members and got a good response.  So he will develop a handout about how it works.

 

Secretary Buechler has announced membership renewals for some long-time Harmonizer guys we don’t see at chapter meeting regularly: Scott Werner - 53 years, Don Johnson - 47 years, Phil Stern - 29 years, JJ Jackson -28 years and Dave Cureton - 24 years. Chris also reminded members to pay dues in order to be eligible to sing in the fall contest.

Josh Roots announced that when David Hood left for his military assignment, he donated his 2002 car to the fund raising team of the chapter.  Josh offers it first to any member who needs a car at the Blue Book price.  Contact Josh immediately as he plans to sell it on the market this weekend if no member takes it.

President Terry Reynolds welcomed again the BING members and reminded everyone about the BBQ picnic Thursday nite at 6 pm.  Be sure to sign up online so planners know who to expect.

Terry also promises that Icon show tickets should be on sale online by Aug.1^st  - if not before!!

Finally Terry happily reported that the chapter has received a grant for fiscal year 2016 of $10,548 from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts.  Thanks to Clyde Crusenberry, our community service chairman, for his work to submit the paperwork for this grant.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed a ton of guests this week including the singers and friends from the BING group. And then there were several new local guests in various stages of membership – first timers, returnees, applicants.  He presented Jeff Burkey as our newest member.  Rich also announced the next Open Auditions nite for Wed. Sept. 23^rd – right after our Icon show.

After our break for lemonade and cookies and snacks, it was back to singing.  The Ladies First chorus from BING sang for us as well.

Another good sized crowd of members and guest came to the afterglow at LaPortas at 1600 Duke Street where there is lots of good tag singing for those who want to join in.  And there is plenty of fellowship and food too.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the July 14^th Chapter Meeting

This week was another busy one for the Harmonizers. We had a huge number of guests, a big crowd on the risers and there was lots of work to do musically and administratively.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti welcomed all the singers and some special guests from Germany – John and Marci Warner from Germany where they sing barbershop and she is a director. They have worked with Joe in coaching sessions. But there is more – her Dad is former Harmonizer Seth Huisman. And

 Seth was with them. He had a great time renewing friendships with guys he sang with 1975-81 in the chorus and quartets such as Walt Page, Jack Pitzer, Randy Lazear, Rick Savage and Steve White who Seth brought to barbershop.

 

Joe started the singing with patriotic music which will be our package for city shows like Market Square in Old Town Alexandria on Fri. eve Aug. 7.  These are mostly the same songs we used last year for our trip to Normandy France.

 

Then we worked on some parts of the songs we will use for the American Icon show on Sat Sept 19. 

 

After the music work, Joe welcomed about 25 of Peelee Clark’s theater students from West Potomac Hi School.  They have been invited to the Fringe Festival in Scotland this summer and so they came to sing one of their numbers for us.  They sang a number from their show “Spelling Bee” which brought the chorus to their feet in cheering.  The West Potomac Theater Dept will present the whole show at their school Thurs and Fri July 23 and 24 at 7 pm, and then on Sat 25^th at 2 and 7.  Tickets are $12 at the door one hour before show time.  The school is at 6500 Quander Rd., Alexandria VA 22307.  Several of the guys in the group had joined the chorus on the risers for the first part of the evening including our own David Jarzen.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  We heard from Chuck McKeever that our retreat contact at McDaniel College, Wesley Brown, had joined the Carroll County chorus up in Maryland. He was motivated to find a chapter after watching us  and singing tags with us at retreat.

 

Pittsburgh chairman Craig Kujawa expressed his personal thanks to the admin team that made things move smoothly for housing, tickets, travel, equipment hauling, meeting space and events like the Togetherness Breakfast.  He asked us all to respond to a survey he will issue soon.

 

Bruce Lauther is heading up the plan to get our recently acquired medals engraved.  You fill out a simple form for him and put it in an envelope he provides with $8 and your name on the outside of the envelope.  It comes back to you in a week or so.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented new member certificate and materials from BHS to our newest member, Nathan Vomocil.  Chris changed hats to his duties as a member of the BHS contest and judging committee and presented Master Director Joe a plaque in recognition of his 5 years as a music judge.

 

President Terry Reynolds reported that John Hohl had a mild stroke over the weekend but has headed home to FL where he can consult with his own doctors. Austin Cotton’s wife is still in the hospital.

 

Terry announced that our a cappella group, TBD, will be the singers for the summer show at Carlisle Park at 7 pm Thurs. July 16.

 

The chapter is helping host a ladies chorus from Germany this month who are on their way to Harmony University in Nashville.  There will be a barbeque for all the evening of the 23^rd. Stan Quick is helping coordinate this project.

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt then tackled the huge job of welcoming all the guests in addition to those already mentioned.  There were several prospective singers, some barbershoppers from other chapters on vacation in the DC area, some new arrivals to the DC area and some applicants who are in the process of joining.

 

For break there were tons of chips and goodies AND a delicious dark chocolate cheese cake made by Marvin Evans to share with us all. It was a hit!

 

After break it was back into the main hall for a meeting/presentation by president Terry with input from community board member Liz Birnbaum.  The thrust of the report (which will likely be coming to all members soon), was a proposal to form a parallel 501(c)3 organization called Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc. The current board will decide at their July 22^nd meeting if they will go ahead.  Much of the work for this proposal came out of a governance review committee headed by Liz, with  John Roots, Chris Buechler, Brad Jones and Nick Leiserson plus Terry.  There was time for a few basic questions with a promise to offer a chance next Tuesday nite as well.

 

Then we got to see the webcast performance of our contest package in Pittsburgh. 

 

Joe then spoke about some major upcoming events as part of the new direction of community outreach for our chapter.  He spoke of some major social events as well.

 

Finally we sang “A Place on the Risers for You” for Jim Lake who has decided to leave the chapter.

 

We closed the nite with “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by our guest from Germany, Marci Warner.

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.