Looking Back on the 2016 International Contest and Convention, Nashville

 

Amazing numbers of current and former members of the Alexandria Chapter were at the 78^th annual BHS International Convention and Contest in Nashville, TN, July 3-11, 2016. All were there to sing together, rehearse, compete, work and volunteer, attend meetings, cheer for our friends from M-AD, meet old friends and hang out with each other.

 

And the always-competitive Harmonizer chorus returned to the International stage with 103 singers with our director Joe Cerutti. Our ballad was “Yesterday” and our uptune was “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” - both arranged by David Harrington. Our package included a tribute to director Emeritus Scott Werner. We earned 2689 points, 89.6% and a sixth place finish!  

 

We have competed at 26 International chorus contests since our first one in 1978 when we placed fourth.

 

The Harmonizer convention week and rehearsals began on Tuesday evening at the Omni when the huge Harmo family started arriving in Nashville. Many drove and some took flights. Some guys combined the trip with family vacations.

 

We got started right at 7:30 pm. Chuck McKeever set the mood by playing “We Will Rock You” which the guys clapped to as they mounted the risers. The entire Harmo family was on hand for the first gathering.  There was a lot of excitement with folks having had to get off flights or find parking, get settled in the room, and see who made it so far. As usual there were a number of crews at work such as Mike Kelly, Dennis Ritchey and Doug White who kept the sound equipment running for all the rehearsals and performances. Casey Belzer and Ken Henderson drove the Harmo truck to TN and Brian Ammerman had riser crews ready to set up and take down as needed.  Doug and Bob Blair helped as load masters. It was not until Thursday when all 103 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.

 

Director Joe was busy managing the BHS Youth Quartet Contest on Tuesday as part of his duties as a Society staff member.  That event lasted until midnite, so associate director Tony Colosimo warmed us up and directed us for the evening.  Choreographer Carlos Barillo did a lot of work in the early part of the evening with blocking and placement of the guys on the floor during the ballad. Coach Cindy Hansen arrived and helped with choreo too.

 

Chapter communications director Scipio Garling gave out promotional pins plugging Sgt. Pepper’s logo to all members, family and friends with the intent to spread them far and wide at the convention.

 

Before we ended, Australian quartet THE MELLOW DINERS cane by to sing for us. Alex Morris, who was host on the webcast, sings tenor.  He has visited the Harmonizer rehearsals in VA.

 

On Wednesday morning we were back in our rehearsal space in the Omni at 8 am. Tony did the warm ups and when Joe arrived we did drills on transitions in the package.

 

Past president of BHS, Shannon Elswick, addressed the chorus after our first run-through of the set. He had kind words to say about the chapter and its leadership.

 

There are many Harmonizer traditions during International convention week.  One special one is the surprise of the director.  And this year was no exception.  On signal, the first time doing the ballad intro, the chorus jumped into singing “Sticks and Stones” instead of the correct “Yesterday” words.  It got Joe for sure. And Shannon had a good laugh too!

 

The TAKE FOUR quartet from Barbershop in Germany (BinG) also came by to sing for us and renew friendships made when they were with us in VA for the send off concert a few weeks ago. We were also proud of the BinG chorus HEAVY MEDAL which sang on major shows during convention week.

 

When the chorus broke for the nite, the basses met with section leader Tom Jackson and the front row worked on their routine. Throughout the week the front row reported a half hour early or stayed an extra half hour to work on their routines.

 

The quarter finals round of the quartet contest was on Wednesday.  We had two quartets in the contest with Harmonizer members.  DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Andrew Havens.  They placed 10^th.   LAST MEN STANDING placed 30^th with TJ Barranger, Drew Feyrer, Ed Bell and Mike Kelly. The other M-AD quartets were ROUTE 1 with former Harmonizer Scott Disney who placed 19^th; GIMME FOUR that placed 24^th; FRANK THE DOG placed 28^th; UP ALL NIGHT placed 31^st.  The youth quartet from M-AD won that contest – PRATT STREET POWER from the Hershey area.

 

FOREFRONT from Cardinal District won the quartet gold medals on Saturday nite. LEMON SQUEEZY from SNOBS won second. MAIN STREET from Sunshine District with our coach Tony DeRosa won third again.  SIGNATURE from FL who were the coaches for our chapter’s youth harmony weekend, placed fourth. Former member Sean Devine sang in THROWBACK that placed fifth. 

 

Wednesday afternoon the chorus met a second time for that day from 3-5 pm. Former director Scott Werner had arrived earlier in the afternoon thanks to our chapter AH Inc. board member Liz Birnbaum who got him from the airport to the Omni.  Scott arrived in the practice hall to rousing applause.

 

Joe had us singing tags as a warm up and then we went right to work on the package.  As was true during every rehearsal, there were a lot of guys in the room to hear and see us from other choruses. Last year’s champ chorus, Westminster, sent two guys to bring the traditional gift from the outgoing champ to each guy on the stage for the chorus contest.  This year was guitar picks.

 

 

At the end of the evening, the Voices of Gotham chorus arrived and we did our set for them. Then they did their set for us.

 

We left right away to catch DA CAPO at 5:30.

 

Thursday July 7^th rehearsal started at 9 am. Tony warmed up the chorus and promptly gushed like a school girl when he realized he was directing Scott Werner on the risers. That got a big laugh.  We also got our first look at the costume that was created for Scott – a lavender long coat with lots of appliqués and epaulets.

 

We drilled the set until about 10:30 am when the Vocal FX chorus from New Zealand came to visit. Don Dillingham brought our special group of guys down who had been practicing the HAKKA for the last few months. The guys from FX came down to the front and faced our HAKKA team for a reply.  It was stunning. We were all impressed.

 

Afterwards we did our set for them and then switched places on the risers so they could perform. Before their set, their director Charlotte Murray expressed how much the HAKKA meant to her and the chorus.  She said no group had ever taken the time to learn a HAKKA before. She expressed her emotions about it.

 

We broke for the morning to enjoy the semi-finals quartet round.  Then everyone hurried back for the evening rehearsal at 4 pm.

 

Joe started right away without a warm up.  He gathered the whole chorus into a tight circle twice during this rehearsal to talk about self confidence and “believing” in what we are singing.

 

About 5 pm, the Brothers of Harmony from NJ arrived.  Their director Jack Pinto spoke about the Harmonizer history before they did their set for us. And we did our set for our fellow M-AD guys.

 

In the evenings during the week, many of us adjourned to socialize with our friends in the Harmo Hideaway.  Good crowds made it there each nite to the suite hosted by Jeri White and Dennis Ritchey, with Craig and Ken Rub whose room we used.  Thanks to those who helped finance the suite or made contributions for goodies.

 

Another important tradition for our chapter is the Togetherness Breakfast to start the day of competition. President Randall Eliason was emcee for the 8 am gathering.  The menu was typical eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries and more. As is the tradition, many former members attended along with all members and their family and friends. Jacob George, Steve Murane, Bob Rhome and Al Herman helped distribute breakfast tickets to members and guests prior to the event.

 

Randall recognized several folks including Craig Kujawa who was convention director and helped us all get there, get info we needed, organized all aspects of the week and coordinated the many other Harmo volunteers who made things happen. Kudos to Craig from all of us.  Robyn Murane was thanked for her work on the tear-away costumes, Rick Savage for his help with fitting uniforms, and to the many family members who helped sew uniform parts during the wee. Bob Rhome collected preregistration monies from all of us and got the $35,000 in the bank! Chuck McKeever with help from others guys including Bruce Minnick coordinated our annual retreat.

 

Randall made some opening remarks, including speaking about Harmonizer confidence and also did speak about our Harmonizer schedule after Nashville such as our singing at the fall contest in Lancaster, PA, and our fall show called Revolution, and our upcoming holiday show.

 

After breakfast, there was the final bandana check for the Class of 2016 (they have been wearing a wildly colorful scarf since our retreat in May). Casey Belzer, their president, gave a rousing talk based on a new guy’s perspective. This year’s class of guys who have never sung on the International stage with us before included tenors: Jay Sorenson, Masahisa Takahashi; leads: Casey Belzer, Jason Lee, Art Medici; baris: Jeff Burkey, Jim Kirkland, Antony Takahashi; basses: Tim Cash, Matt Doniger, Tom Jackson, Steve Spar. At the end of Casey’s talk he tore his bandana into strips and invited his classmates to do the same and share the piece with other members of the chorus to take onto the stage.

 

There were two Special Forces guys who sang with us in Nashville and who had made over-and-above efforts to travel and be with us for preparation – Mike Geipel – from Richmond, and Mike Fasano – from Delaware.

 

Randall noted the members who have been Harmonizers the longest and shortest number of years: Scott Werner since 1964 was the longest; second was Rick Savage since 1974.  The newest members on the risers were Jason Lee and Masahisa Takahaski, both of whom became members on May 10^th. Randall also saluted the oldest member on the risers, Dick Dangel, and the youngest, Masahisa Takahashi, and noted that we had a 67-year age spread of men singing on the risers.

 

Coach and friend of all the chorus members, Cindy Hansen, gave a confidence building talk and thanked Carlos for his choreography and Chuck for helping us realize the vision.

 

Honored guest Scott Werner spoke about each singer’s part in the plan for success.

 

Director Joe made a fantastic presentation to motivate each man and inspired us all.

 

Halfway thru Joe’s talk, BHS CEO Marty Monson stopped in and spoke briefly to thank the chapter for all its contributions to the Society.

 

Right after the breakfast, we switched into rehearsal mode with Tony doing the warm up. We had a surprise visit from our coach Tony DeRosa who fired us up too.

 

After Joe’s last pep talk, we adjourned to get into our uniforms for the contest package – black suits, shoes, and narrow black ties.  Several of the front row guys wore Velcro-rigged black suit and tie outfits over wildly color jackets that appeared after the ballad as we launched into the uptune.  Joe had a wild coat too that he changed into on stage.  Scott actually sang the ballad with us, then sat down on the back riser and changed into his purple coat to rise at the point in the uptune when we parted the chorus on the risers to introduce him.

 

We boarded the busses and headed to the Bridgestone Arena for the contest. Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer helped get us lined up for the travel. Greg Tepe came with us to work with the contest stage video crew to call the cues for our performance. The chorus members got to hear nearly all of the choruses since we sang early. Most returned to the Omni to change, grab some food and get back for the second half of the contest. Then as scores were being totaled, Westminster – 2015 champs, did their swan song.

 

As is also the tradition, the Harmonizer guys had gathered around their 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 – who as it turns out included our own Chris Buechler who was contest administrator.

 

Finally we got the contest results and cheered and applauded the other choruses for their successes. We had no time to waste and returned to the Omni to practice for our Saturday class presentation.

 

The Ambassadors in Harmony chorus won the contest with 96.8%.  Our friends from Central Standard were second with 95.2%. Masters of Harmony was third. Toronto Northern Lights was fourth. Denver Sound of the Rockies, with our own TJ Donahue on the risers, was fifth.

 

On Saturday  the chorus regrouped for our special presentation as part of the Harmony University (HU) classes.  We did a presentation about our work on “I Am Harvey Milk” earlier in the year. We had guests Cy Wood (a friend from the Voices of Gotham) who sang the Harvey Milk solos; Heather Krones (a member of CLASS RING – an SAI quartet that has sung for us) did the female solos; and a pianist from Vanderbilt University.

 

The actual class was on Saturday at noon.  A large crowd attended and cheered wildly for the messages, the testimonies for some of our singers, and the explanation of how this project has affected our chapter. Thanks to Matt Doniger for transporting the digital keyboard we rented in Nashville for this event.

 

Member John Santora also taught a HU class for chapter treasurers during the week.

 

During Saturday nite’s Spectacular show, we all heard fellow Harmonizer Martin Banks announced as inductee into the PROBE Hall of Honor (PROBE is an organization for public relations officers and bulletin editors.) Martin was chosen for his huge amounts of pr work for BHS and our chapter.  Two other Harmonizers have been so honored – Wilbur Sparks and Terry Jordan.

 

Saturday nite we joined other M-AD chapters – Hershey and Brothers in Harmony - to host a hospitality room.

 

It was great to see Harmonizer family members’ pictures in the convention’s daily bulletins!

 

Early in the week, Dick Powell from M-AD was elected a Society executive vice president. John Santora attended board meetings as a member of the body. Dennis Ritchey participated in district president meetings and Chris Buechler attended contest and judging committee meetings. Rick Taylor is now on the staff of Harmony Foundation International (HFI).  Chuck Harner is a member of the board of trustees for the HFI.

 

There were several Harmonizers who actually sang with other choruses in the contest.  Marvin Evans actually sang with us and with the THX chorus from FL. Pookie Dingle sang with Hershey. John Adams sang with Carolina Vocal Express.

 

There were a lot of Harmonizers who were not in this year’s competition chorus who we saw during the week and not mentioned earlier in this article (here’s hoping we got everyone’s name!).  Many of them were frequent visitors at rehearsals.  The list includes Bill Colosimo, Bill Conway, Darryl Flinn, Tom Gannon, Al Herman, Ross Johnson, Dave Ellis, Alan Lamson, Dick Newton, Bert Phillips, Jim Shoenhard, Ken White, Bob Wilson, Lew Klinge, Jim McConnell, JT Price, Bob Eckman and Eric Wallen.

 

And it was great to see the many former members who were in attendance.  Some competed in the chorus contests such as Lou Berger (Hamilton and Toronto choruses); Jay Buttefield, Sean Devine, Fred Womer, Mike Vilcej ( Hershey); Ray Johnson (Masters); Gary Plaag and Mark Rodda (Carolina Vocal Express); Paul Wietlisbach (Nashville); Spencer Wight (Voices of Gotham). Dave Binetti is chief engineer of the new contest scoring program. Dwain Chambers named a judge emeritus. Ryan Killeen is on the HFI staff. Richard Lewellen was a judge for the youth quartet contest. Plus Steve Guy, Bob Hirsh, Jim Lake, Mike Louque, John Rettenmeyer, Mark Samuels, Steve Tramack, Glenn Williamson, Chuck Botts and Bob Caldwell.

 

Altho it is not the same, some of us were able to watch the contest back in Virginia via webcast.  John Smith had to stay home to recover from gall bladder surgery.  Rich Payton hosted a viewing for Walt Page and Jack Pitzer who was also recovering from gall bladder surgery. Jack was to receive his 50-year membership pin in Nashville at a special ceremony honoring BHS men who had hit the golden year mark. Thanks to Joe Cerutti for accepting it on Jack’s behalf. 

 

Many thanks to Clark Chesser for taking great notes and forwarding them to YeEd for this year’s report.  And thanks to Dixie Kennett, Keith Jones and Alan Wile for contributing additional info too. Dixie’s work on our Harmo convention handbook was much appreciated.

 

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

Looking Back on the June 30^th International Send Off for 2016

The venue at Providence Presbyterian Church was packed with a huge crowd of fans which included many non-competing members, former members and family friends and our guests from Barbershop in Germany (BING). There was excitement in the air!

The 103-chorus singers arrived in their contest outfits and were on the risers at 7 pm for a good warm up session with associate director Tony Colosimo. Great to have the Class of 2016 on the risers - tenors: Jay Sorenson, Masahasa Takahashi; leads: Casey Belzer, Jason Lee, Art Medici; baris: Jeff Burkey, Jim Kirkland, Antony Takahashi; basses: Tim Cash, Matt Doniger, Tom Jackson, Steve Spar.

The singers from BING mostly all had just arrived at Dulles and came to the venue with their Harmo hosts. They warmed up in a separate room.  The chorus is called Heavy Medal and are all medalist quartet singers in their organization.  Their chorus will rehearse in Alexandria on Friday in preparation to sing on shows in Nashville.

Director Joe Cerutti took over the Harmonizers in prep for tonite’s demo of the contest package.  He first welcomed everyone, thanked our friends from Germany for coming, and set the stage for how the nite would unfold. He particularly thanked the chorus men and their families for the dedication to the package in the last couple months. After he finished his warm up time, the chorus took a break to regroup uniforms and all.  AND since the crowd for the send off had grown so large, more chairs were brought in after the warm up.

Soon executive director Terry Reynolds announced the start of the contest send off demo.  He encouraged cheering and welcoming the chorus to the risers.  The Harmonizers performed their set – “Yesterday” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” both arranged by David Harrington.

After the first run-thru, Joe invited Heavy Medal to sing for us.  Their singing stimulated a couple standing ovations!

President Randall Eliason thanked all those who came to support us, thanked the riser and set up crews and thanked Robyn Murane and her uniform crew. He also explained that the Harmonizers will honor director emeritus Scott Werner as part of their contest package where he will appear as part of the Sgt. Pepper number and even direct a part of the song.  Scott is an icon in the BHS world having directed the Alexandria Chapter to earn its four gold medals.

Soon it was time to cheer again and the chorus performed the contest set again.

To wrap up the nite, the two choruses combined and sang “Tribute to World Peace” as a fitting conclusion to the great nite of barbershop harmony.

Two Harmonizers have had to cancel their participation in Nashville – Jack Pitzer is recovering from gall bladder surgery and Phil Ashford is recovering from a serious car accident.  Both made it out to cheer on their chorus pals.

Other reporters (Dixie Kennett and Keith Jones) kept track of the many other non-competing Harmonizers in the hall for the send off (of course they have their fingers crossed that no one was missed!).  That list includes Martin Banks, Geoff Berman, Chris Buechler, Larry Dennis, Len Dornberger, Mike Everard, Paul Greiner, Dick Hall, Al Hanenbaum, Don Harrington, Al Herman, Troy Hillier, Ross Johnson, Terry Jordan, Matt Kahn, Dave Kohls, Lew Klinge, Walt Page, Rich Payton, Ron Precup, Dave Reyno, Ben Roberts, John Smith, Bob Sutton, Greg Tepe, Bob Wachter and Joe Wagovich. Some former member spotted in the hall included Chuck Botts, Sean Devine, Dave Ermick, Bob Hoffman and Dean Schienbein. Mark Medrik, one of the “milkmen” was also with us. Great to have their support on this important nite.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 68^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd

Looking Back on the June 28^th Chapter Meeting and Charter Nite Celebration

This was a milestone nite in Harmonizer history – celebration of our chartering as a chapter 68 years ago – and right here in Durant Center!!  There were 19 guys who signed on that nite.  Jack Pitzer spoke briefly about that charter nite in1948. Director Joe Cerutti spoke about where we go from here based on the foundation of those great barbershoppers. (YeEd wonders how many other chapters are still meeting in the same hall where they got their first charter?)

Martin Banks and John Smith prepared a historical display for all to enjoy including the actual charter signed by O C Cash, and Bob Blair with help from Kevin Kaiser had “birthday” cake for all served in the lobby, Joe brought another cake made by SAI member Ashley Miller featuring our medals and logo and historical points. All yummmmy.

But of course the chapter was also hard at work in preparation for our trip to Nashville for the International convention and contest.

Even with the large crowd of family and friends and other barbershop guests, the front row worked on their routine in front of the risers in the main hall. At 7 pm, associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups.  (He got a lot of cheers of congrats for his quartet appearance singing the National Anthem this weekend for the ball game.)

When Joe took the helm, he welcomed some long time members with us this week and also welcomed the early arrivals from BING who will be singing with us at the send off on June 30^th. He then had the chorus start each contest song three times in a row to get the juices flowing. He and his team used every minute to refine and remind and rekindle excitement.

Chapter executive director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone about the send off on Thursday at the Providence Presbyterian Church on Little River Turnpike.  Chapter singers due there at 7 pm dressed in contest uniform.  Actual performance for guests will be at 8 pm.

Our convention director Craig Kujawa covered a few last minute points: he will be passing out remaining convention registrations; Mark Klostermeyer is coordinating chorus photo sales; every Harmonizer is welcome to attend the Togetherness breakfast on Friday in Nashville and should get a  ticket for it from Steve Murane or buy a guest ticket from Jacob George on Thursday nite; there will be a Harmo Hideaway on Wed and Thurs nite in Nashville at our hotel; the combined hospitality room with other M-AD choruses will be Sat nite in our hotel

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reminded all members to alert him if there is an change in contact info or address if you move. Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed our guests and we sang the Harmo welcome song to all.

The coffee and goodies for break were a welcome treat for all – especially those who had to rush in early from work or dodge the rain storm to get to chapter.  Thanks to those members who brought in some goodies to restock the cupboard for break time.

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

Looking Back on a Compilation of  June 16-June 23 Events with Harmonizer Participation

(Thanks to all those who sent messages and took notes to help record while YeEd was out of commission for surgery – YeEd)

This report covers:

1^st  - Harmony College East weekend June 16-18

2^nd  - Rehearsal June 21st

3^rd  - Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd

4^th  - CROSSROADS in DC on Capitol Hill

5^th  - Extra Chorus Rehearsal June 23rd

First - Alan Wile reported on the M-AD organized Harmony College East (HCE) weekend June 16-18^th at Salisbury University in MD.  DACAPO was there and a number of our members were there for classes or to teach, coach or provide admin support for the weekend or receive coaching in preparation for the International quartet contest. Former member Mike Louque was on the faculty again for the youth program. Alan did his usual good job as arm twister to get guys to contribution to the M-AD Endowment Fund that provides scholarships for HCE each year.

Second - the rehearsal on Tuesday June 21^st at Durant was, of course, a major work session in preparation for the chorus going to Nashville. Coach Cindy Hansen was in town to push us forward in our performance efforts. Director Joe Cerutti and his music team continued to help us refine and improve the contest package. Some time was also used to refresh our music for the “I Am Harvey Milk” class in Nashville. SAI quartet CLASS RING sang for the chapter. And the chorus got a sneak preview of the costumes for the front row in the uptune.

Third - Mike Everard reported on the Harmony Heritage Singers Anniversary Luncheon and Tribute to Bob Wachter June 23^rd . This was a celebration for the 20^th anniversary of the Mt. Vernon Chapter and a salute to Bob for his dedication from the beginning as their director.  He recently became director emeritus and Drew Fuller was named director.

Bob spoke and shared his thoughts and joys from the successes of HHS. Harmonizer John Adams came to town for the event as he had been instrumental in promoting the formation of the day-time chorus. Marty Monson sent his regards as CEO of the BHS. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented plaque awards.  A good number of Harmonizers attended the luncheon at Ft. Belvoir Officer Club.  Chuck McKeever did a video of the event.

Fourth – Harmonizer Joe Cerutti was on Capitol Hill on June 23^rd with CROSSROADS quartet for their recognition as 2016 Stand for Music Award winner from the National Association for Music Education (WAfME). The quartet was specifically honored for their efforts as advocates for music education.

Fifth – the extra rehearsal on June 23^rd was at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax VA 22031. Since Joe was on Capitol Hill, associate director Tony Colosimo was at the helm for the nite. He stimulated hard work and help singers prepare for Nashville.  He asked octets to come down and do the uptune several times. There was a large crew of chapter fans sewing uniform parts for the contest package too. Past Harmonizer president John Adams was in the house too.

Looking ahead: Tues June 28^th is charter nite celebration for our 68^th year; International send off is Thursday June 30^th at Providence Presbyterian Church (guest can attend at 7 or wait til closer to 8 to see the contest package); we are hosting German barbershoppers this week 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 June 14, 2016 Chapter Meeting

 

A riser crew began to assemble by 6:00 p.m. A new riser configuration was used with two sections of six risers, each, arranged at opposite ends of the hall, facing each other (one for stage left; the other for stage right), with a sizeable amount of floor space between them. As usual, Ginny Wells helped put the visitor chairs out – this time in the middle of the room, facing the open space between the risers. Chuck McKeever held a choreo review session in a separate room. Director Joe Cerutti, Choreographer Carlos Barillo, and the front row blocked some uptune moves/positions from the risers and to/in the open floor space. Carolyn and Dick Hall set up their 50-50 positions at tables on the opposite side of the room from the guest chairs. Big changes all around that created quite a stir … until explained.

Associate Director Tony Colosimo conducted the warm-ups and taught a tag in the process: “Somewhere she’s all alone without you.” After a few words by Joe, Carlos provided needed choreo instruction for segments of both the uptune and the ballad, after which Joe worked the chorus on the ballad (bubbling, single voice, duets, three part, and full chorus).

Executive Director Terry Reynolds conducted the business meeting. He announced (1) that Education Director Vickie Dennis has taken the position of musical director of the Upper Chesapeake (Sweet Adelines International) Chorus; (2) that information about upcoming special rehearsals and the chorus’ sendoff (with a German chorus) would be coming out this week; (3) that Contest Director Craig Kujawa is in need of a second member to drive the Harmo-truck to Nashville; (4) that there will be a “Togetherness Breakfast” on Friday morning, prior to our contest appearance in Nashville – that there will be no cost for Harmonizers and a $30 charge for guests; and (5) that orders for chorus photos (taken on the international stage following our contest set) are being taken by Chorus Manager Mark Klostermeyer.

Joe announced that the two Joe Ceruttis were producing a golf tournament to benefit veterans and wounded warriors on July 15^th at an area resort. Volunteers are invited to pick up and contribute to housing the participants at the resort (cost: $380).

Continuing, Terry (6) highlighted a message from Chapter President Randall Eliason (currently traveling) about a proposal to have a joint hospitality room with the other competing M-AD choruses on Saturday night of the convention weekend; he asked for a show of hands of those who would support/attend such an event with/without guests and received a positive response; (7) that there would be rehearsals for our “Harvey Milk” class on Friday night of the convention weekend following the chorus results “call off” and again on Saturday morning prior to the presentation later in the day … with a song list coming soon; (8) that Ike Evans is continuing to take pictures for the Chapter picture board; and (9) that cake celebrating Steve Murane’s birthday (6/13) would be served in the lobby during the break.

Membership Director Rich Hewitt first called out the Class of 2016 to ascertain whether each member had his scarf on his person. Evidently each did. Then he introduced the current applicants and guests, asking section leaders to be prepared to attend auditions later in the evening.

Finally taking a break, while chorus members and guests enjoyed coffee, goodies, and cake (prepared by Kevin Kaiser), Don Dillingham conducted a brief HAKA rehearsal on the stage.

Following the break, Joe had the chorus sit down and listen (LISTEN) to recordings of the Westminster and Ambassador of Harmony Choruses which illustrate clean, precise, singing produced without distractions, consistent energy, melody vs. phrase singing, and micro dynamics. Asking the chorus to sing the ballad, he directed the volume levels while Tony did the same for the energy level (which should always be at a “10” regardless of the volume). He emphasized the need to avoid “flat-lining” (not a new concept but one that needs more attention).

We then did a couple of set run-throughs for recording and for videoing – be sure to check the latter out when Choreo Coach Chuck McKeever posts them!

Joe announced that we are hiring a Piano Professor from Vanderbilt University for our “Harvey Milk” program in Nashville; singing the part of Andrew Lippa (Harvey) will be the choreographer from the Voices of Gotham Chorus; and introduced Heather Krones who is “filling in” for Kristin Chenoweth. We then sang though “Leap,” followed by “San Francisco.”

Joe mentioned that his wife, Bridgette, is working at a Karaoke bar in Occoquan, VA. After Joe sang “New York, New York” a gentleman approached him, congratulated him for his fine singing, said he sang in a barbershop chorus, and suggested Joe visit. He was a bit taken aback when Joe told him he is the director of the Alexandria Harmonizers.

We understand David Jarzen receive (another) “Cappie” for his performance in West Potomac High School’s production of “Starlight Express.” Congratulations, David!! Cappie stands for “Critics and Awards Program.” David received his award at the Awards Gala, June 12^th, at the Kennedy Center.

Although Mike Gilmore will be competing with us in Nashville and we’ll see him several times between now and then, I believe tonight was his last regular chapter meeting as a local resident. He and Gigi are moving to Ohio.

It was good to see Bede Bender back from his new home in Vero Beach, FL for a visit.

The George Washington Middle School Choir put on a wonderful program on Monday night – the first “Clash of the Chords” by members of eleven groups of singers in grades 6, 7, and 8. The students picked their own songs, developed their own choreography, and selected their own props … and performed without a care in the world. Well done Casey Belzer, GWMS Choral Director!

Carl Kauffmann directed “Keep The Whole World Singing,” as he took home the “50-50” prize money.

One other thing. Please note the brand new gate installed at the entrance to the back door – installed to facilitate load-in/-out. The Durant Staff (principally Center Director Cheryl Anne Colton) is very pleased with this addition.

 

Until next time – Alan Wile (subbing for 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 June 7^th Chapter Meeting and Welcoming Scott Werner, Director Emeritus

(Thanks to Clark Chesser for taking notes for this report and to Kevin Kaiser for getting the coffee and break refreshments ready this week.  – YeEd)

The rehearsal started with a vigorous warm up by Tony Colosimo.

Director Joe Cerutti introduced our special guest and director emeritus, Scott Werner, who was here to practice his portion of our uptune, “Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The crowd erupted in a prolonged applause that was extremely heartfelt. We jumped right in and started practicing the uptune, and Scott must have been practicing his bit, because he picked it up extremely fast! Before we took our break, we started honing the ballad, “Yesterday,” incorporating the things we learned with David Wright at last weekend’s retreat at McDaniel College.

 

Before we took our break, chapter executive director Terry Reynolds, welcomed all our many guests who had come to see Scott including Mike Everard, Al Hanenbaum, Al Herman, Bill Sowers, Bob Wachter, Joe Cerutti Sr., TJ Jones and Martin Banks who had prepared a special history display for the nite.

 

Terry also welcomed back new dad, Josh Roots, and announced the birth last of his and Amy's daughter, Hope Elizabeth Roots - born May 30th and weighing 5.3 oz! Josh treated the chorus to several boxes of Dunkin Doughnuts Munchkins for break time snacks! Yum!

 

Terry reported that Jack Pitzer was one of the citizens honored tonite by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors with the title Lord Fairfax in recognition for his volunteerism in the county including as a member of the chapter.

 

An extra rehearsal was announced for Thursday nite June 9^th at 7 - 10 pm at Convergence sanctuary.  Joe will be there to help us with a vocal studio for the uptune – come when you can for as long as you can.

 

Carlos Barillo reminded the guys to check their uniforms and make sure that everything fits, and if it doesn't to consult with Tom Kern - the chapter uniform maestro. Joe announced that we would not be wearing makeup at international.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Beuchler announced the following renewals: Dave Welter 39 years; Bob Bates 38 years; Martin Banks 33 years; Al Herman 33 years; Mike Edison 25 years; Anthony Colosimo 23 years; Dave Branstetter 11 years!; Edris Qarghah 8 years; Don Dillingham 7 years; Marvin Evans 6 years and Stan Quick 5 years.

 

Membership director Rich Hewitt welcomed a bumper crop of guests and our newest applicants Litic Murali, Devon Thompson and Mickey Robertson.

 

After break, Joe led us in singing the tag "It's a Great Day;" then we launched right into drilling the ballad. We then went back to the uptune and ran though it a couple more times, then did a complete run though of the contest set - that really sounded fantastic.

 

The last part of the rehearsal was spent going over some of the songs from "I Am Harvey Milk", in preparation for our “master class” at International.  Any new members who want to sing in our Milk performance in Nashville and who did not sing it at Strathmore should speak with Terry.

 

Here is a chance to offer support for Casey Belzer’s middle school chorus concert - Mon, June 13^th at 7:30 pm, George Washington Middle School.  Doors open at 7 for early crowds.

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