Looking Back on the Jan. 2^nd 2018 Chapter Meeting 

The freezing cold temps outside did not keep Harmonizers away from our first meeting for 2018 which brings us back into Durant. Riser crews and av crews and hospitality crews were busy at 6 pm getting ready.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti got us singing on “Blow Gabriel Blow.”  He apologized to all that this week’s meeting would have a lot of talking and reports as we kick off a huge year-long plan for 2018. But he was excited to share news and plans and new directions with the chapter.

Executive director Terry Reynolds began the meeting portion by welcoming a number of members we have not seen for a while – Bob Mattes, Matt Kahn, Masahisa Takahashi Terry Jordan, Calvin Schnure and Ken Fess.

Terry announced that all chapter meetings/rehearsals will be at Durant for the month of January.

He reminded everyone that Tuesday was the last time you could give your money to convention chairman Craig Kujawa to purchase a seat in the Harmonizer block of seats at the International convention in Orlando in July at the early-bird price. There are provisions for getting a registration/ticket/seat later.  Be sure to watch for messages from Craig and his periodic “Magic City Countdown” newsletters.

Craig also suggested strongly that Harmonizers should use the link he published to get their housing in Orlando.  There was also talk among members at break and afterglow about some guys finding good airfares. 

Terry asked all attendees this week to indicate on the charts he posted behind the risers which of the one-on-one interview sessions each of us would be able to attend.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a new member certificate to Ben Watsky and a Man Of Note Award to Mark Klostermeyer.

 

Those who ordered CDs from our Carnegie appearance were asked to pick them up at break.

Membership director Dave Kohls welcomed six singer guests for the evening – Mike, Jerry, Connor, Andre, Dan and Zak. 

After break, we took seats for a “sort-of” State of the Chapter session.  We reviewed the successful 2017 Harmonizer year including the good news that we ended the year “in the black.” Certainly the support of many members and former members helped with that, as did the successful holiday show headed up by Brian Ammerman. A complete “Looking Back at 2017” edition will be published right after the Presidents’ Banquet.

Incoming president Shawn Tallant presented an exciting look at his plans and expectations including his goal to be open, to seek input and to be our voice. He spoke about the honor he felt in being our president and the challenge to manage a combined budget of over $200.000. He emphasized it is a TEAM EFFORT. Shawn’s military and professional background will prove useful for him as he leads the board this year – Chris Buechler, Al Herman, Dave Branstetter, Clyde Crusenberry and Matt Doniger. As a leader you would not be surprised Shawn suggests that every couple years, each member needs to step up to the plate to head up an event or activity (Shawn asked for a show of hands of men on the risers who have had military or leadership experience – it was 100%!).

Liz Birnbaum, president of Alexandria Harmonizer, Inc. spoke about the role of that board and its composition – four non-Harmonizer community members (Liz Birnbaum, Julie Rizzo and Pat Miller and five Harmonizers (Ken Fess, Bruce Roehm, Shawn Tallant, Randall Eliason). Yes - currently there is an opening for a community member and for a Harmonizer. If you have ideas for candidates, Ken Fess is nominating committee chairman.

The operations team was announced that does the day-to-day work for the chapter with leadership from Executive Director Terry Reynolds. Every member will serve on a team and those team meetings will be held on a couple Tuesday nites during the year. 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti then presented an exciting look-ahead for the chapter and its chorus.  He too thanked many for their work last year and for the contributions by the membership in general.  An overview of topics he covered include;  the plan to do another major musical performance at Strathmore; a new contest ballad for us to sing in Orlando, arranged by David Wright, to go with our uptune  “Blow Gabriel Blow;” a retreat in preparation for contest with super coaches; a fantastic 70^th anniversary show (Platinum Moments) Sept. 8th at Schlesinger Hall with major VIPs and BHS talent with the chorus singing the top ten songs from the past as voted by fans and members in a survey; the production team for the anniversary show is headed by Matt Doniger, Rebecca Conner, Krissi Folsom and Rob Langston; producer for the holiday show in 2018 will be Jeff Burkey; section leaders this year will be Brian Ammerman, Reed Livergood, Chuck Hunter and Andrew Havens.

Notes from the speakers this week will be released to the membership via email.  That message will include the very complete calendar of events, rehearsals and activities.  Everyone will need to get those dates posted on their personal calendars. 

In other news, a number of Harmonizers attended the annual holiday blast hosted by the Dundalk Chapter on Thurs. Dec. 28^th. Past district popular quartet ARCADE made an appearance for their 25^th anniversary.  Mike Kelly filled in as bass. Rick Taylor sang with ARCADE too and with BSQ, 

Hope many members will take the suggestion from Craig Kujawa about participating in the Scrip program.  It is an easy way for a member to help the chapter increase its income.  We made $1,200 last year, according to Craig.  That is nice, but it’s less than a tenth of what the chapter could be earning with wider participation.  Craig was at the rehearsal to assist people in signing up. If you didn’t speak with him, do so next week.

Before we adjourned, the chapter sang a message of condolence to Alan and Jan Lamson and their family.

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

Looking Back on the Dec. 19^th Heat Glow Party

The tradition of a Heat Glow party for the Harmonizers continued this year on Tues. the 19^th at the home of Jack and Pat Pitzer near Hayfield High School. Festivities started at 7:30 pm and the chapter leaders declared no meeting or rehearsal that nite.

A huge crowd came to the party bringing goodies share.  The Pitzers prepared the recipe of holiday punch that was from the recipe passed down from chapter leaders in the late 1960s when the Heat Glow event began. In those days, the chorus sang for the annual burning of the greens (discarded Christmas trees) in the City of Alexandria.

As expected, a few songs were sung and a lot of good treats were consumed by the members and their significant others. There were some recipe exchanges for sure. For sure, the house was packed!!

There were two memorials held recently for the Harmonizer family.  Bob Wachter’s wife Jean was celebrated in Alexandria on Dec. 20^th. A celebration for the life of Mark Klostermeyer’s mother who died Dec. 2 was held on Dec. 24^th in Mark’s framing shop which was in honor of her having started the family business years ago. Also the chapter was saddened to learn of the auto accident a few days before Christmas that took the life of Alan and Jan Lamson’s daughter-in-law in CT. 

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

Looking Back on the Dec. 12^th Carol Crawl in Old Town Alexandria

There were over 50 of us in Santa hats strolling thru the streets near the riverfront area to stop in and sing two or three carols in several popular restaurants and bars.  Mark Klostermeyer and Ryan Kasperski went ahead of us at about 6:30 pm to alert the managers that we were coming to sing for their patrons again this year.

It was really cold and windy, but the Santa hats helped and guys came prepared.  We assembled at Durant to organize, announce how the nite would go and have a brief chapter meeting. Associate director Tony Colosimo was director for our carol crawl.

There were many extra copies of “Yuletide Favorites” for all to use including any and all former or inactive members. Several guys came to sing with us who are not active on the risers: Matt Kahn, Joe Wagovich, Lew Klinge, Joe Cerutti Sr., Keith Jones and Alan Wile. There were a couple guests too: Brian and Carter.

Highlights from the meeting:

1.  Turn in your checks for registrations for the International convention next summer in Orlando to Craig Kujawa tonite, 12/19 and 1/2.

2, The next chapter meeting and rehearsal will be Jan. 2 at Durant. On the second we will have a state of chapter session including the exciting news about 2018 and 2019 events and opportunities. All meetings in Jan. will be back at Durant.

3. The Whiffenpoof show time has been changed to 3 pm on Feb. 4 at the Washington Masonic Memorial.

4. President Randall Eliason reminded members of his request for end-of-year contributions.

5. On Dec. 19, we will have a Heat Glow (an afterglow in the winter) at the home of Jack and Pat Pitzer, 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria VA 223155, for singers and their significant others.  Near Hayfield Hi School on Telegraph Rd.  Arrival at 7:30 pm. Bring finger foods to share and your favorite drink too.  A holiday grog will be served too that is from the original recipe from Harmonizer Heat Glow events begun in the 1960s when the chorus sang for the annual burning of the greens (discarded Christmas trees) in the City of Alexandria. Car pools would be a good idea since the parking will be a little tight or you could walk from one of the nearby schools. The house is not far from the Franconia Metro.  Jack’s cell is 703-627-9424.

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

Looking Back on the Dec. 8^th and 9^th Holiday Sings at Senior Centers

Our holiday season for 2017 included a series of mini appearances at senior centers in the No VA area.  Community service director Clyde Crusenberry helped organize them.

Friday, Dec. 8^th about 30 singers assembled at Lee Center in Alexandria to warm up with Terry Reynolds directing.  We sang there for a large holiday luncheon for seniors, then moved to Hollin Hall Center on Ft. Hunt Rd.  We sang several songs from our recent show.  We were happy to see Alexandria’s Mayor at the Lee Center too.

On Saturday, Dec. 9^th there were two groups formed from the chorus to sing at centers.  Group 1 was lead by Joe Cerutti and assembled at Sunrise of Alexandria on Duke Street. After singing there, this group made appearances at Woodbine on King Street, Paul Spring Center on Ft. Hunt and The Kensington in Falls Church. Group 2 was directed by Tony Colosimo and assembled at Sunrise of Springfield.  They sang at Spring Hills Mount Vernon, Sunrise of Mount Vernon and The Hermitage. While group 2 was at Sunrise of Mount Vernon, some guys stopped to get Bob Wachter on their way there and Bob joined them for the fun and a chance to sing.

These appearances were fun and of course somewhat emotional as we watched and met older folks who would sing along, clap and keep time to the music, and tease with us.

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

Looking Back on the Dec. 2^nd and 3^rd Holiday Show Weekend

Our holiday show was held at TC Williams High School auditorium on King Street.  It had been many years since we did a show there – in fact there is a whole new school building.  The auditorium and stage were great with plenty of warm up space and dressing space.

The theme was “Peace and Joy – an a cappella holiday concert” and featured the Harmonizers doing 11 songs, TBD doing two holiday pieces, current M-AD district quartet champs PRATT STREET POWER, and a local bell ringer group Virginia Bronze Resonances.  Also Will Cox did his funny and well-liked “The Night Before Christmas” story.

Many thanks from all of the chapter to Brian Ammerman for his leadership and dedication and “push” to make it a successful show for the chapter.  Of course there were lots of other helpers and volunteers.

There was a tech rehearsal on Fri nite Dec. 1 and chorus members were there to help decorate the stage, set up risers, and the lobby for the silent auction and other sales efforts. Mostly we worked on entrances and staging.

The stage set was well done  – snowdrift effect on the edge of the stage (cotton bunting with white lights inside), and many lighted Christmas trees above and behind the risers and on the edge of the stage. 

Warm ups before the shows were in the orchestra room.  We wore holiday sweat shirts with white scarves the first half, and our black suits with red tie on the second half. This was the first show holiday show for new members Chris, Jon, Ryan and Ben.  Dean Rust brought waters and snack items for the chorus which was much appreciated by all. Alan Kousen also brought a cake on Sunday to share.

Director Joe Cerutti and associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and helped us prepare for the start of each show. Executive director Terry Reynolds did much to keep things flowing at the tech rehearsal and back stage, plus he served as the major emcee for the show.

At the Sunday show there was a pledge during intermission of a generous gift from chorus fans (Bill and Charli Sowers) if Tony would sing a solo in the second half of the show. So we added “O Holy Night” just minutes before the curtain went up!

The finale of each show was “Do You Hear What I Hear” with PRATT STREET singing the solos and the bell choir coming in on the last verse and the tag.  It was wonderful and the audience jumped to their feet both shows.

Our own SILVER ALERT quartet sang a verse of one song, some guys stepped forward to do the intro of another, and Mickey Robertson sang a solo spot too. Steve White provided the sleigh bells for “Sleigh Ride” – they were made by his grandfather for him when he was little. Always great addition to our holiday show. TBD lead by Reed Livergood did a great song in each half of the show including a Hanukah song.

The printed show program created by Adam Afifi with help from Ken Rub, Jeff Burkey and Liz Birnbaum was also great.

The chapter had a lot of activity in the lobby of the auditorium selling CDs for the guest artists, and a silent auction with all the many items the members of the chapter had solicited or collected or donated. There was a membership table too.

Director of volunteers, Robyn Murane, submits this thank you note to the huge number of members, their significant others and chapter friends who handled all sorts of tasks as part of the show:

Dear Holiday Show Volunteers, -- You are amazing! Thank you all for your hard work this weekend! You rolled with the flow, jumped in wherever you were needed and did everything with a smile.

Saundra, the Silent Auction was a great success, and your work and organization in advance was wonderful! You and Kristen ran a smooth auction, and y'all were a great team!

Rebecca, you sold a lot of CDs, (I had to re-stock Choir of the World for the Sun. show!) and took on the added duties taking on credit card sales for tickets, donations, WHOs and the silent auction.

Ken, your scouting for Donations was a huge success!

Aideen, Litic and Carol F. had the huge job of manning the ticket desk with Jason. Even with the challenges thrown your way Sat. night, you sold a lot of tickets and kept our patrons happy.

Sandy, you bounced from WHO to Silent Auction and back again, and did a great job on both!

Janet, Jessica, Jerrod, and Naida did a great job ushering, handing out programs and getting everyone in their seats and ready for the show.

Aideen, Sam, Judy, Debbie, Will and Kitty did double duty ushering and wrapping up the Silent Auction, and were awesome at both!

Judi and Carol D worked both as an ushers and jumped it to help break down the set on stage while Tracy and Grace helped the Silent Auction winners gather their loot and got them on their way!

Krissi, Rob, Janet and Joe were amazing utility players, setting up trees, running electrical to the trees, ushering, running the video camera, striking the set, and taking on any task I need to have taken care of! I know any task I threw at you would be handled without question!

Thank you ALL!

When I receive a complement of the way we run things, I always say I couldn't do it without you, the volunteers, and it's so very true!

If you can find the time before this all becomes a distant memory, please send me your thoughts on what went well, and where (and HOW) we can improve our systems. I'd love to get us all together for a "lessons learned" session, but with the Holidays approaching, we'll just have to do it via email!  Robyn

Many teams worked behind the scenes to ensure this show would be a success: ticket sales team at the show was headed by Jason Lee; silent auction team was headed by Saundra Deltac; the riser crew headed by Matt Doniger; the show marketing efforts were headed by Steve Murane for ticket sales, Frank Fedarko and Clyde Crusenberry for retirement ticket marketing, Jeff Burkey for the website, and Walt Page for the “Alexandria Gazette” contact; back stage work included Dixie Kennett; and an admin team included Chris Buechler who did the ASCAP paperwork and Carl Kauffmann as treasurer.

Just before the Sunday afternoon show, we sang farewell “A Place on the Risers for You” to Rick and Peggy Wagner. They are moving to Hawaii where they have family.  They say they will only be gone a year!  Both Rick and Peggy have served in leadership positions for the chapter, were dedicated volunteers and are recipients of the annual Wilbur and Ibbianne Sparks Award.

Sunday we learned the sad news that Mark Klostermeyer’s mother had died during the nite.  And then on Monday we got word that Bob Wachter’s wife, Jean, had died.  Details about any arrangements will come from the president.

Our schedule for the weeks ahead do not include an actual chapter meeting on Dec. 5^th.  However on Fri and Sat Dec. 8-9, we will sing at a large number of senior homes or facilities.  Watch for details as to meeting places and details. We need more guys to sign  up so we can send two mini choruses around the metro area.

Next event is the annual and fun pub caroling  in Old Town Alexandria on Dec. 12^{th -}  meet at 7 pm at Durant.  The chapter’s Santa hats will be available as well as copies of the music book “Yuletide Favorites” for all to use including any and all former or inactive members.

On Dec. 19, we will have a Heat Glow (an afterglow in the winter) at the home of Jack and Pat Pitzer, 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria VA 223155, for singers and their significant others.  Near Hayfield Hi School on Telegraph Rd.  Arrival at 7:30 pm. Bring finger foods to share and your favorite drink too.  A holiday grog will be served too that is from the original recipe from Harmonizer Heat Glow events begun in the 1960s when the chorus sang for the annual burning of the greens (discarded Christmas trees) in the City of Alexandria. Car pools would be a good idea since the parking will be a little tight or you could walk from one of the nearby schools. Jack’s cell is 703-627-9424.

Then our first actual meeting and rehearsal will be Jan 2^nd and Jan 9^th. On the second we will have a state of chapter session including the exciting news about 2018 and 2019 events and opportunities.

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

Looking Back on the Nov. 28th Chapter Meeting

The meeting was back at Durant this week so we could use risers to practice for the holiday shows. It helped us get used to a new chorus line up and to perform the great staging plan created by choreographer Carlos Barillo.

We worked hard after warm ups by associate director Tony Colosimo.  Director Joe Cerutti pushed us hard to be at our best, or even better, and to capture the holiday excitement in our performance.

We went thru every song just in the order they will be on the show.  That included a quartet appearance for one song, a small ensemble for a verse of one song, and a soloist in another song.  You gotta come to the show to see who they are – Sat. nite Dec. 2 at 8 pm at TC Williams on King Street and Sun afternoon at 2 pm Dec. 3 at TC Williams.

There were a number of show related items of business during the nite – holiday sweat shirts and white scarves issued to new singers; White House Ornament sales wrap up (Thanks Sandy Stamps!); silent auction collection of packing materials and new donations. Call time for the tech rehearsal on Fri. Dec. 1 at TC Williams is 6 pm; 5 pm for the Sat nite show; and 11 am for the Sun afternoon show. Bring your own dinner items for Sat nite – no break for leaving campus; and same for lunch on Sunday.  Also, bring two white shirts for the show – one long sleeve to wear under the sweat shirt and one to wear with the uniform.

Ticket sales are going good – but of course there are lots of seats available. So don’t let up on your push to attend.

After the show we are gonna get a break – no meeting or rehearsal on Dec. 5^th. 

Over the weekend of Dec. 8 and 9, we will form up into two mini choruses and entertain at several senior centers in the area. All details will be provided soon via email.

And on Dec. 12^th we will assemble at Durant at 7 pm in room 3 and 4 and then adjourn to Market Square in Old Town for our annual Pub Caroling event.  We will sing from BHS published “Yuletide Favorites” books – some will be provided but you could bring your own. Sixth Row singers are invited to join in this fun nite.

On Dec. 19, we will have a Heat Glow (an afterglow in the winter) at the home of Jack and Pat Pitzer, 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria VA 223155, for singers and their significant others.  Near Hayfield Hi School on Telegraph Rd.  Arrival at 7:30 pm. Bring finger foods to share and your favorite drink too.  A holiday grog will be served too that is from the original recipe from Harmonizer Heat Glow events begun in the 1960s when the chorus sang for the annual burning of the greens (discarded Christmas trees) in the City of Alexandria. Car pools would be a good idea since the parking will be a little tight or you could walk from one of the nearby schools. Jack’s cell is 703-627-9424.

Secretary Chris Buecher presented new member materials to Ben, Jon and Nick. And a seven year membership renewal card to Gary Fuller.

Guests this week included Chef, a friend of Duncan Woodbury; and Carter, a friend of Jeff Burkey.  Steve White reported news that the widow of former member Alan Durick, Lois, passed away recently.  Alan was gold medal senior quartet champ in REMINISCE and district champ with ALEXANDRIA’S RAGTIME BAND.

Before we adjourned, Joe formed a chorus huddle and shared some exciting plans for 2018-2019 including a plan to prepare for our 70^th anniversary show in 2018 with a plan to sing the Top Ten songs from our past as voted on my patrons and members.

In other chorus news, thirteen guys sang with the Congressional Chorus on Nov. 19^th at Church of the Epiphany in DC. They sang “You Are Here” from the “I AM Harvey Milk” oratorio and Tony Colosimo sang the solo.  The concert was a multisensory experience to celebrate the human spirit and power of people to rise above oppression.  The accompanist for our group was with the Congressional Chorus.  Others on the concert included a dance group, an orchestra and the another chorus DC area chorus.

The afterglow was back at LaPorta for a fun crowd.

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

Looking Back on the Nov. 21^st Chapter Meeting

The traffic was hectic again this week – people leaving the DC area for the Thanksgiving holiday. But we had a good sized chorus to arrive by 7 pm at First Baptist. Everyone knew we had plenty of work to do on our songs for the Dec. holiday shows.

Early arrivals found a sort-of holiday market scene – 50/50 sales, CD sales from Carnegie Hall, WHO sales, Harmo Heroes on display; and a refreshments spread. There were several meetings in break out rooms – mostly regarding for the show and up-coming events in Dec.

Tag singing fans were working in the back hallway with leadership from associate director Tony Colosimo. Director Joe Cerutti did the warm ups using segments from the show songs.Then we did run thrus of each of the 11 songs for the show.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting. First – the Nov. 28th meeting will be back at Durant Rec Center, 1605 Cameron St. in Alexandria. Make note.

A big push was made for guys to sign up for the Dec. 8^th and 9^th sing-with-seniors projects. More guys need to sign up on Groupanizer so we can form two mini choruses on those days visiting senior citizen facilities.

It was confirmed that the annual holiday pub crawl sing in Old Town Alexandria, set for Tues. Dec. 12^th, is another event when Sixth Row guys are welcome. Groupanizer says we will assemble at 7 pm at Durant Rec Center, then go into Old Town. We will sing holiday songs from the Society’s book “Yuletide Favorites” – extra copies will be available to use that nite for new members and others singing with us that nite. Joe has chosen the following songs from that book that we will possibly sing: “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and of course “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” If members have a copy of Favorites, take a look at some of those songs, and bring the book along on the 12^th to share.

Producer Brian Ammerman gave a few updates about the holiday show: ticket sales growing, but still lagging behind – we have 10 days to boost the number sold for the Dec. 2, 8 pm show and the Dec. 3, 2 pm show, both at TC Williams on King Street.

Correct call times for the chorus are: 6 pm for Tech Rehearsal on Dec. 1; then 5 pm for the Dec. 2 show; and 11 am for the Dec. 3 show. Note that non-singer helpers (family members, friends or chorus members not singing in the show) are needed on Friday evening for decorating the stage, also at 6 pm.

Continue collecting items for the silent auction such as gift cards. Give the items to Randall Eliason or Don Dillingham. You can even give things to them as late as Friday, Dec. 1 at the rehearsal. The committee needs bubble wrap and bags to use in sending purchases home with customers.

Chorus issued holiday sweatshirt and scarf is required for each singer on the show. If you don’t have one, quickly contact Robyn Murane.

Please use FaceBook a couple times a day to stimulate interest in the show. BUT more importantly, ask someone to buy a ticket. OR AT LEAST BUY ONE YOURSELF FOR YOUR FAMILY, SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AUNT OR YOUR CO-WORKER!

Casey Belzer did a little contest to see which section of the chorus could raise the most money in a donation jar. The basses won! And they will get a large ad in the show program.

President Randall alerted everyone to save the date for the Presidents’ Banquet which will be held on Sat. Feb. 3.

He also reported that Alexandria Chapter members were elected to head up the district’s honor club – DELASUSQUEHUDMAC (named for the four rivers in the district). Mike Kelly begins a term as president, Keith Jones a term as secretary and Mike Fasano a term as treasurer. The club’s annual meeting was in Ocean City, MD, over the Nov. 17-18 weekend.

Secretary Chris Buechler reminded folks to get their end of the year dues payments in.

Rick Wagner welcomed our guests: George from Maine (and member of the recent NED fall contest champ quartet; Carter (who has been with us the last few weeks); and LeAnn (Terry’s friend and frequent visitor with the chapter at International contests).

After the break, we were right back to work on the songs. There were auditions for a small group to sing part of one song, and a quartet to sing in a spot.

A big crowd of singers made it to the afterglow at Ramparts. Everyone is welcome to come to the afterglow which is an informal gathering most weeks. Likely next week we will be going back to LaPorta’s since rehearsal is back at Durant on Nov. 28^th.

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