Looking Back on the Jan. 30^th 2018 Chapter Meeting 

This week’s meeting was more hard work in helping us grow and expand our musical skills as a chorus.

Special coach Steve Scott from Nashville worked with the chorus and our musical leaders to launch a new dynamic for sound production and performance by each singer.  It was a noticeable change that everyone embraced. 

Before the meeting started, associate director Tony Colosimo assembled all the tag singers for some fun new tags in a corner of the hall.  Chuck McKeever met guys on the stage and worked on reviewing the uptune moves. The tech team worked to prepare for the busy nite; riser crews and hospitality crews set up for guests and refreshments.

Tony did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti introduced his co-worker from the BHS staff  - our coach for the evening.  Steve works in the music education department. It was confirmed that Steve will be one of our coaches for the annual pre-contest retreat.

At one point, Joe also read a letter from a show patron thanking us for the invite to attend the 70^th show in Sept, expressed his enjoyment of our holiday show in December, and offered that he would recommend us to the Supreme Court Historical Society for another appearance there.  The letter was from Justice Samuel Alito. 

During Steve’s coaching time, we sang from some songs we will do on a show soon, and each man tried hard to incorporate his suggestions.

Before the break, our tech team leader Mike Kelly set up camera so we could record a Singing Valentine for the chapter to send to TV personality Hoda Kotb who is the new co-host on the TODAY show. She grew up in Alexandria and was attended Fort Hunt High School. Joe did some narration as we sang quietly and then we all joined in to complete “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Ike Evans gets credit for creating this opportunity and handling the details of scrip and making the contacts.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting beginning with a reminder that next week’s meeting will be at Convergence on Quaker Lane.

A reminder for the Whiffenpoof performance on Sun, Feb. 4 at the Masonic Memorial including chorus call time of 1:30 pm. Show is at 3.  

Singing Valentine plans and duties will be released via email soon.  Stay tuned – especially if you signed up to help.

President Shawn Tallant reminded chapter members that he is hoping to build an “angel” fund to help members with travel and other expenses when they are strapped for funds this year.  Speak with Shawn if you can help. 

Shawn also reported that Gary Fuller would be coordinating the visit by the Kingsmen Chorus from the British Association of Barbershop Singers when they visit DC in May.

Shawn also announced that Sam McFarland has agreed to take on the role of Sunshine Director for the chorus. The Sunshine Director is essentially the liaison between the chorus and the extended Harmonizers family, and is responsible for such things as tracking Harmonizers and family medical situations, weddings/funerals/births/deaths/life transitions, reaching out to the individuals, sending sympathy cards when appropriate, etc. etc.  It's a big job with a lot of moving parts, and it's a core element of what makes the Harmonizers an extended family. So take note that Sam needs to be made aware of the information as it comes in from any source. 

Uniform chairman Tom Kern had a rack of former chorus uniform pieces that were free for the taking and any donation to the chapter.  Remaining items will be given to a shelter facility.

Chapter secretary Chris Buecher presented membership renewal cards to Adam Afifi for three years and to Bruce Roehm for seventeen years.

Membership chairman Dave Kohls welcomed our singer guests this week – several who have been with us several times - Connor, Carter, Jerry and Gary; and first-time guests Dave and Steve who got the coveted “I Visited The Harmonizer” buttons.

After break, it was back on the risers for more work with our coach. Near the end of the evening, Joe asked us to apply what we had learned to a song we had not used all evening and the results were great.

Thanks again to those who have been bringing goodies to add to the refreshment table. Note that we will not be having refreshments when we are at Convergence, so plan ahead – especially if you usually don’t get time for dinner on Tuesday.

A good crowd of members and guests came to LaPorta’s for the afterglow this week and tag-teacher Chuck Hunter was busy. 

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 Jan. 23^rd 2018 Chapter Meeting

This week’s meeting was another hard-work session on music and administrative things.

The riser crew was hard at work at 6 pm (with director Joe Cerutti lending a hand too).  Chuck McKeever was conducting a performance review session on the stage for the contest uptune.  Carlos Barillo and the front row men were reviewing too in the lobby at Durant.

When the clock struck 7, Joe did the vocal warm ups.  Then he worked on voice placement leading to new riser positions soon – the final decision will come when coach Steve Scott works with us next Tuesday.

Joe had the chorus work on “Gabriel,” “Bring Him Home,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “New York, New York” during the evening.  

Chapter leaders took time for all members to meet with the various operational teams they are assigned to for about 20 minutes.  Team leaders are Steve Murane, communications; Mike Edison, operations; Craig Kujawa, conventions; Johan Westberg, development; Joe Cerutti Sr., shows; Dave Kohls, membership; Joe Cerutti, education/outreach; and Terry Reynolds, music admin.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted this week’s chapter meeting. He asked everyone to fill out their survey ASAP. Locations for the interviews have changed some, so be sure to check before you depart from home on the nites you are assigned.

There was a reminder to get your tickets for the 44^th annual Presidents’ Banquet, Sat. Feb. 3^rd at the Elks Lodge in Fairfax.  Just $29 per person. If you were not at chapter meeting or can’t get to one before the banquet, you can reserve tickets for pick up and payment at the door by contacting Dave Branstetter at dmb5665@comcast.net.

We are hosting a performance of the Yale Whiffenpoofs on Sunday, Feb. 4^th at 3 pm at the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria.  Tickets are $30.  Chorus will sing too.  Members are asked to tell their friends about this show so they will buy tickets.  Plenty of free parking.

Ian Poulin spoke to the chapter. First – he issued his sincere appreciation for all those who helped with the hosting duties last fall at the district contest.  Second – he will need us all to help again for the hosting of the Southern Division contest at the Mark Center Hilton in Alexandria the weekend of May 18-19. Ian will chair this team again. Mark your calendar and plan to sign up. For the record, this contest is combined with the Central Division.

Ian will also be ticket chairman for the chapter’s 70^th anniversary show Sept. 8^th at Schlesinger Hall on the campus of Alexandria Community College.   He is planning to sell three tiers of prices – VIP down front, general seating on the main floor; general seating upstairs. Prices will be announced soon. Tickets will be available on consignment in a couple weeks. Start making contacts with friends and customers so they will be able to get a ticket.

He also put out this carrot to boost sales – names of all members who sell 20 tickets or more will go into a drawing and the winner will get his dues paid for next year. 

Terry reminded everyone to sign up for Singing Valentine projects the evening of Feb. 10^th, afternoon of Feb. 11^th, and all day on Feb. 14^th.

Mark your calendar for the U of MD Invitational choir event Sat. Feb. 24^th; and for the intercollegiate men’s choral event Thurs. Mar. 1^st at National City Christian Church in DC.

Immediate Past President Randall Eliason reported that the FAIRFIELD FOUR quartet was on NPR recently and Randall reached out to the quartet on behalf of their friends in the chorus.  He also shared that the chapter got a request for a recording of our 1998 performance of “The Wee Small Hours” for a barbershopper’s wife in IL. She had always loved it and we were able to get a recording and video to the barbershopper to give to his wife.

Artistic director Joe announced the songs we will sing on the anniversary show – as a result of the survey of chapter fans. This brought a lot of cheers from the men on the risers who have been in the chapter a while as we will sing some favorites of the singers too!!

Tickets for the ACA Challenge, April 15^th are on sale on the web.  This contest will be at a Historical Synagogue, at 6^th and Eye Street in DC. 

President Shawn Tallant reported that AH, Inc. president Liz Birnbaum and her board have approved their budget for the year. 

Shawn thanked Bob Rhome for all his work on keeping up a chapter calendar and particularly for arranging for meeting and rehearsal spaces in concert with the calendar.

For old timers, Shawn reports that the restaurant now in the old Geno’s location is about to close. So there are just a couple weeks left for those who wanna go back to reminisce.  It is now called The Pines of Florence and has a good Italian menu. 

Finally, Shawn announced that Gary Fuller will coordinate the visit by the Kingsmen Barbershop Chorus from England who will be in the DC area, May 27-28-and attend our meeting on 29^th. We may be asked to host their members in our homes.

Membership director Dave Kohls welcomed 11 guests this week: Andre, Mathew, Connor, Jerry, Gary, Carter, Mushin, Richard, Josh and Mike. He also welcomed back members Garret Garner, Paul Grimes and Tom Jackson.

In other news, there were a number of Harmonizers at the recent Mid Winter convention in Orange County (Costa Mesa) CA, Jan. 17-20, 2018.

Some of our members, such as director Joe, left on Wed. right after last week’s chapter meeting.  Others took off from the DC area early last week. Joe was busy at the convention as BHS Outreach staffer and particularly managing the youth chorus festival at the event. Ross and Susan Johnson helped sponsor the youth festival and were there to cheer the youth groups. 

John Santora was there for BHS board meetings as its treasurer as were past Society board members Alan Wile, Joe Cerutti and Alan Lamson who are current members of our chapter. Bob Eckman attended a meeting of district leaders. 

Mike Wallen competed with his quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, along with Roger Tarpey, Hardman Jones and Vic Owen, Jr. in the senior quartet contest.  John Adams attended and sang in the Association of Senior Quartet Champs Chorus (AISQC).  His quartet REMINISCE won their gold in the senior contest in 1995 with Scott Werner, Alan Durick and Dick Whitehouse. 

Chris Buechler attended to continue his efforts at testing new scoring software for BHS contests. Mike Kelly was busy doing video recording of the youth choruses. Alan Wile sang in the All Member Chorus. 

Other Harmonizer attendees included Sam McFarland, Tom Gannon and Bruce Minnick. 

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 Jan. 16th 2018 Chapter Meeting

This week’s meeting was a fast-paced session of hard work and excitement – even with 82 guys each singing “Row Row Row Your Boat” for a current placement exercise in preparation for Jan 30^th session with Steve Scott.

At 6pm, while crews did the set up for the nite of risers, screen, keyboard, coffee and refreshments, and guest chairs and tables, Chuck McKeever was conducting choreo review for the contest uptune.  He will repeat those sessions in the weeks to come at 6 pm.

Director Joe Cerutti did warm ups and then got us right to work on singing including the melody for our new ballad. Then we worked on the uptune.

And then the placement exercise with help from associate director Tony Colosimo.

During the nite we worked on a complete performance of “New York, New York” and a reach back rehearsal of a song we sang in Normandy, France and in Germany - “Deep River.”  Both songs will be needed for upcoming shows such as the Intercollegiate Choral event at National City Christian Church in DC, Mar. 1^st.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting part of the evening.

He started with a reminder and encouragement for every member – old and new – to plan to attend the 44^th annual Presidents’ Banquet, Sat. nite Feb. 3^rd at the Elks Club (8421 Arlington Blvd.). Attire - dressy casual. Cocktails at 6 and dinner at 7.  See Dave Branstetter to reserve a seat (former and any members who can’t get to a chapter meeting soon can email Dave at dmb5665@comcast.net.)

The music team asks members to complete the online survey by Sunday, Jan 20^th so they can study the data and be ready for the one-on-one interviews.

The Whiffenpoof performance with us singing on the show is Sun. Feb. 4^th at the Masonic Temple in Alexandria.  Chorus call is 1:30 pm.  Black camp shirts with black chorus suit pants and shoes. Help bring an audience.

Plan for your participation in the Men’s Choral invitational at the U of MD on Feb. 24^th. 

Every chorus member is assigned to work on one of the operational teams that function to keep the chapter running. Current assignments were posted at Durant. New members should see Terry to get an assignment.  All teams will meet next week during the chapter meeting.

Chapter president Shawn Tallant offered to help coordinate rides for members that need them to events. He also wants to rebuild the angel fund (some monies he can use as assistance when a member can’t afford a contest or show performance). If you can chip in some dollars to this fund, see Shawn.

Shawn reports that Brad Jones has agreed to help coordinate a possible international trip in the next couple years.

Shawn also needs some volunteers to help us host the Southern Division contest at Mark Center in Alexandria, May 18-19; and volunteers to help coordinate hosting a chorus from England coming the end of May. 

In that regard, he also reports that our district is seeking to form a new district events team that will take over the chapter hosting duties for contest weekends.  If you are interested, see Shawn or our own Dennis Ritchey, who is current district president.

Finally, Shawn reports that Mike Schwartz’s father passed away unexpectedly over the holidays.

Director Joe spoke up and reports that we need about ten more women singers for the “Iron and Coal” concert at Stathmore.  Those singers can contact Joe for audition.

There is much work underway for the 70^th anniversary celebration and show Sept. 8^th at Schlesinger. There will be a great show projected during that event and we need good milestone photos.   If you have photographs, it would be best if Mike Kelly scans them and gets hi-res digital photos from them. Bring them to Mike as soon as possible. He may even bring in his scanner to rehearsal some nights.  (There’s nothing crappier than low-res camera-phone pics of old photographs – Mike can do magic with original materials!)

Membership matters were next:  chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented member renewal cards to Jerry Foil for 2 years, Matt Doniger for 6 years, and Drew Fuller for 28 years. Membership director Dave Kohls welcomed our singing guests this week: Connor, Carter, Gary and Josh. 

After break, it was back to work on the risers.  (Thanks to all those who have been bringing in goodies to share. Yes, the Harmonizers can eat up goodies fast.) Also don’t forget to drop in a donation once in a while too for coffee and cups and such.

As part of our work on “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” we watched the fall 2017 contest video. The many new men and those who did not sing in the Sept. contest watched the chorus perform.

In other chapter news, past president Alan Wile invites members to submit a Harmonizer Hero report form.  Upon submission, each individual form is shared with the membership, printed and placed in binders that are available for review at almost every chapter meeting, and archived on the chapter’s Groupanizer (members only) website -- such an easy and direct way to get to know our riser-mates! Alan invites more submissions from wives or partners, too – all are invited to participate.

Finally, Craig Kujawa reports that 2017 participants in the chapter Scrip program earned a respectable $1,214 to support chorus activities. (Compared to 2016’s record haul of $1,824.) Here are the Champions of 2017, those earning over $100 for the chapter.

#7     Ian Poulin Scrip orders:  4          Rebate Revenue:           $116.25

#6     Carlos Barillo Scrip orders:       8          Rebate Revenue:           $116.50

#5     Ken Fess Scrip Orders:             14        Rebate Revenue:           $125.55

#4     Ken Ives Scrip Orders:              9          Rebate Revenue:           $140.50

#3     Craig Kujawa Scrip Orders:       35        Rebate Revenue:           $141.35

#2     TJ Jones Scrip Orders:              12        Rebate Revenue:           $146.25

#1     Randall Eliason Scrip Orders:   13        Rebate Revenue:           $268.00

And thank you to the other 6 people who earned revenue in 2017:  Brian and Christina Ammerman, Jack Pitzer, Keith Jones, Al Herman, Carl Kauffmann ($35.00), and Ninamarie Maragioglio ($72.84). Instructions on how to set up an account are available on Groupanizer under Documents -> Harmonizer Shop With Scrip Program.  It’s never too late to start.

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