Looking Back on the June 21st 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 21^st 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week the chapter leadership asked all members who attended the June 14th meeting to take a COVID test and confirm a negative report to covidinfo@harmonizers.org.  There was some exposure last week so everyone needed to comply. A few members stayed home or were on Zoom. Of course masks were worn inside again and all guests had to show proof of vaccination. This seemed to go well enough and some members who missed the instructions were given a test when they arrived. 

Consequently there was some shifting of meeting spaces during the evening with a start outside for warm ups with artistic director Joe Cerutti, then a move into the cafeteria without risers, then a break outside for a few minutes at 9 pm, and then into the auditorium to practice on the risers.  This week the meeting was extended to 10 pm.

Joe thanked all the members for their patience and understanding and flexibility as we implement safety precautions for the chorus preparing for the contest in Charlotte.

Prior to the meeting, new riser layout charts were distributed via email to all. The nifty Daily Tidbits have continued coming from music team members to remind the chorus of important points in preparation for the contest. Turner Arndt was on hand early at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) to offer choreo review for those who wanted it. 

Joe welcomed Lew Klinge, former owner of the Harmo House, who was in town from Ames, IA, for a visit with friends and to check out what Joe has done to the place. (At the afterglow, he gave his full approval!)

Then Joe welcomed fellow Harmonizer Chuck Hunter, now living in Chicago, who came to coach the chorus this week. Chuck said his goal was to help the chorus provide their Charlotte audience with a moving experience – like the one he experienced in Miami when he first heard the Alexandria Harmonizers perform (it was the gold medal package with “I’ll Be Seeing You”).

Joe and Chuck worked with the chorus on both songs and there was a sectional in the middle of the evening. Their coaching was mostly musical, but it contributed to improving performance on the risers too.  The continual work on the songs also helped members adjust to their latest riser positions and singing and performing with their fellow Harmonizers. 

One great take away from Chuck – “emotion weighs less and has more impact that effort.”  He also encouraged the chorus to study the gift of poetry David Wright has given the chorus in his arrangement of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning.”  

The uptune gave the front row men quite a work out on a warm summer night as we repeated singing sections of the songs and they danced the whole time.  Chuck’s best note for this song was “don’t be frantic” in your singing/performance. And Chuck’s explanation of “Broadway jack built” was really helpful!

Chapter contest director, Craig Kujawa, provides information that Harmonizers need to know for the convention in Charlotte via the Queen City Countdown newsletters he sends to all members . There have been nine issues so far, providing important deadlines and details which every convention attendee from Alexandria should note.  For example, here are the times for the Harmonizer rehearsals during convention  in Charlotte – Tues. July 5 – 8:30 pm-9:30 pm; Wed. July 6^th – 2:45 pm-4:45 pm; Thurs. July 7 – 1 pm-3:30 PM; and Fri. July 8^th starting at 9 am before going to the stage. All of these rehearsals will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel in Charlotte Ballroom A-B-C.

Joe let it slip this week, so there was no bandana check for the Class of 2022 – although there were plenty of the bandanas showing. The Class of 2022 includes: Turner Arndt, Scott Beach, Michael Berkson, Jacob Broude, Tyler Carpenter, Gary Cregan, Lance Fisher, Devin Gerzof, Ryan Mextorf, Josh Myers, Duncan Peacock, Tessa Walker, David Breen, Michael Pugh, Cy Shuster, Frank Shipp, John Sifuentes, Dylan Smith, Tony Amante Schepers, Zak Sandler and Ben Watsky. 

In addition to this list, the seven members of 17^th Street Dance group of the Washington DC Gay Men’s Chorus who will appear with us in Charlotte were added to the class as well:  Danny Aldous, Seam Cator, Craig Cipollini, James Elzy, Jeffrey Holland, Cole Jaconski and Darryl Pilate

Communications director Sam Whiteoak conducted the business session at this week’s meeting. Terry Reynolds, music team administrator, asked singers not to ask questions from the risers during the weeks ahead.  Get those questions to Terry, Joe, Tony or section leaders.  

President Noah Van Gilder supported the work of our COVID committee and stressed that the chapter encourages all members to be fully boosted. The plan is – vaccinated and boosted gets more Harmonizers on the risers at the contest!

Noah is also coordinating getting a quartet to sing for chorus fan, Rose Hoffman, for her 101^st birthday.

Membership director Jacob Broude welcomed former Harmonizer Ron Precup who sang in the era of 2013-14. We sang the “Harmonizer Welcome” song for Ron. 

As a reminder, here is a quick look at the calendar for the chorus.  Our traditional sendoff is on June 28^th at SRT – a chance for family and friends to hear and see the Harmonizer package and give a cheer as the chorus heads to NC for the International contest. The sendoff will be all masked while indoors and guests will also show proof of vaccination. Members should arrive wearing their contest outfit (or come early enough to change) for the 7 pm start.  Guests can arrive around 7:45-8:00 pm for the first performance of the contest set.  

There will be extra rehearsals on June 23 and 30 – continuing the Harmonizer policy of wearing masking while inside. On the 23^rd, the meeting will go until 10 pm again. 

Earlier in the evening the chapter’s history team spoke briefly to celebrate Charter Night for the chapter – the charter from June 29^th, 1948 was on display for all to see. It was signed by O C Cash. The chapter’s plans for celebrating its 75^th anniversary will be less about the past years and more to launch and initiate plans for the future 75 years. 

Any current or former members who discover a “collection of Harmonizer files or documents” are encouraged to let one of the history team members know about the materials so they can be added to the chapter’s collection.  Team members are Don Harrington, chairman; Jack Pitzer, Bob Blair, Howard Nestlerode, David Welter, Ike Evans, John Sifuentes; plus Gary Cregan, Bob Rhome and Martin Banks.

At the afterglow this week, there was a tasty lemon birthday cake to celebrate the BirthdayGlow for the following members who have June birthdays: Jeff Ashford, Bob Bowman, Tim Cash, Michael Gilmore, Joel Golden, Dave Kohls, Steve Murane, Josh Myers, Duncan Peacock, Mickey Robertson and Mick Stamps. 

It was also fun to share the afterglow evening at the Harmo House with Lew and Chuck.  Joe had made up a batch of Lew’s famous “’Cosmos” in his honor!  The weather was great so most of the gang spent the evening outside on the screened deck. 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

 

Looking Back on the June 7th and June 14th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meetings.

 Looking Back on the June 7^th and June 14^th  2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meetings. 

First – the report on the June 7^th meeting.  (Thanks for Jerry Jayjohn for taking notes that week.)

The evening started off with Turner Arndt doing a choreo review starting at 6:45 until 7:00. Then artistic director Joe Cerutti did a warm up for about 20 minutes.

 

Starting at 7:30, we adjourned into sectionals to review points that retreat coach Jim Henry had suggested the section leaders work on at this first meeting after the retreat weekend in Westminster.

 

The first item in this week’s business meeting was the celebration of membership renewal when  secretary Dave DesPortes recognized Andrew Haven's 14 years. Then president Noah Van Gilder congratulated all for a wonderful retreat weekend. He also announced the passing of Susan Williams. She was the wife of longtime Harmonizer Ross Johnson. Susan did the chapter’s annual financial review for many years pro bono.

 

Membership director Jacob Broude welcomed back new member Cy Shuster, who had been out with emergency dental surgery.

 

After business, the chorus concentrated their work on the ballad. 

 

Members went to the Harmo House for that week’s afterglow, as usual. 

Second – here is the report of a busy June 14^th meeting with special emphasis on the uptune and the choreo for it.  Before the meeting started, there was choreo review in one room with Turner again; riser set up in the auditorium; music team preparations to help any singers that needed some help; Alan and Walt selling 50/50 tickets in the foyer; uniform chairman Robyn Murane meeting with many individuals to confirm the fit of their contest uniform or making certain the singers had all the parts they needed; and associate director Tony Colosimo conducted a vocal and physical warm up session.  

Our choreographer and coach, Cy Wood, was back with us this week to fine-tune and to add the dancers to the front row for the uptune.  Seven members of 17^th Street Dance from the Washington DC Gay Men’s Chorus will perform with us in Charlotte.  This was the first time the chorus members had met them and they cheered and applauded the dancers for their addition to the contest package.  The dancers are Danny Aldous, Seam Cator, Craig Cipollini, James Elzy, Jeffrey Holland, Cole Jaconski and Darryl Pilate. 

Our front row captain, Bruce Reahm, made them official name tags and Joe gave them a Class of 2022 bandana to welcome them to the Harmonizer family. 

Chapter contest director, Craig Kujawa, provides information that Harmonizers need to know for the convention in Charlotte via the Queen City Countdown newsletters he sends to all members . There have been nine issues so far, providing important deadlines and details which every convention attendee from Alexandria should note.  For example, here are the times for the Harmonizer rehearsals during convention  in Charlotte – Tues. July 5 – 8:30 pm-9:30 pm; Wed. July 6^th – 2:45 pm-4:45 pm; Thurs. July 7 – 1 pm-3:30 PM; and Fri. July 8^th starting at 9 am before going to the stage. All of these rehearsals will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel in Charlotte Ballroom A-B-C.

President Noah Van Gilder seconded the need for all members to read and study the Queen City Countdown Newsletter 

Before the chorus work began, Joe thanked the music team for the Daily Tidbits from the team to singers – one for each of the 30 days leading up to being on stage at the International chorus contest. He thanked Jason Lee for making the idea happen. 

Joe called for this week’s bandana check which revealed class president Michael Pugh had forgotten his bandana, He was brave enough to perform a solo to atone for his forgetfulness.  He was a great sport and performed well!!

The Class of 2022 includes: Turner Arndt, Scott Beach, Michael Berkson, Jacob Broude, Tyler Carpenter, Gary Cregan, Lance Fisher, Devin Gerzof, Ryan Mextorf, Josh Myers, Duncan Peacock, Tessa Walker, David Breen, Michael Pugh, Cy Shuster, Frank Shipp, John Sifuentes, Dylan Smith, Tony Amante Schepers, Zak Sandler and Ben Watsky.

An early part of this week’s meeting was working on choreo for the uptune and the addition of the dance segments. Then the chorus went outdoors to work on the songs more and the Harmo front row and the 17^th Street Dance front row worked with Cy in the auditorium. 

As a reminder, here is a quick look at the calendar for the chorus.  Chuck Hunter is coach for June 21.  Our traditional sendoff is on June 28^th at SRT – a chance for family and friends to hear and see the Harmonizer package and give a cheer as the chorus heads to NC for the International contest. The sendoff will be all masked while indoors and guests will show proof of vaccination. There will be extra rehearsals on June 23 and 30 – continuing the Harmonizer policy of wearing masking while inside.

At the afterglow this week, there was a good crowd that appreciated a chance to chat and relax outside in the screened deck with Joe and Cy – especially after working til 10 pm this week (and part of that time outside in the heat!).  The tag singers of course continued their weekly quest in the Harmo House basement.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 3-4-5 2022 Pre-International Harmonizer Retreat

 Looking Back on the June 3-4-5 2022 Pre-International Harmonizer Retreat

The chorus celebrated the joy of making great music again at their first pre-International retreat since 2018.  About 65 members drove up to Westminster, MD, for the Friday night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning coaching session. We were blessed with great weather all weekend!

Special coaches for this year were Jim Henry, director of the Ambassadors of Harmony and bass of gold medal quartets GAS HOUSE GANG and CROSSROADS; and David McEachern, from Toronto who had been at our retreat in the past.

There are 21 members of the Class of 2022 – members who have not sung at an International Contest with us before. The class includes: Turner Arndt, Scott Beach, Michael Berkson, Jacob Broude, Tyler Carpenter, Gary Cregan, Lance Fisher, Devin Gerzof, Ryan Mextorf, Josh Myers, Duncan Peacock, Tessa Walker, David Breen, Michael Pugh, Cy Shuster, Frank Shipp, John Sifuentes, Dylan Smith, Tony Amante Schepers, Ben Watsky, and Zak Sandler.

Artistic director Joe Cerutti conducted the work/rehearsal/coaching sessions. Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted major warm up sessions and assisted Joe. Turner Arndt was often asked to review choreo for the uptune and he even held a couple review sessions during the weekend. 

The two contest songs are powerful musical arrangements the chorus has prepared for July in Charlotte, NC – “42^ndStreet” arranged by Kevin Keller, and “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” arranged by David Wright.  There will likely be 72 singers on stage for the Harmonizers on Friday, July 1.

This weekend work session was back at McDaniel College in the student center where we have met over the years for these sessions. This year, however, we stayed at the Best Western near campus.

Chapter convention chairman Craig Kujawa was also coordinator for this retreat weekend. Music team administrator Terry Reynolds orchestrated the sessions and work times. There was riser crew to set up on Friday evening early enough so that the front row could rehearse at 6:30 pm.  A stage crew marked the floor for dimensions of the Charlotte stage. On Sunday, everyone pitched in to help load the Harmonizer truck with risers, sound and operational equipment.

Members paid a fee to attend which included housing and meals. There were refreshment breaks during the weekend including a fun ice cream treat break Friday evening.  The facility has added a relaxing patio area outside the hall where we could spread out and visit during breaks. That was also were most of us celebrated and enjoyed the goodies served at the usual Saturday night party.

There were several bandana checks of the Class of 2022 with wrangler Mark Klostermeyer providing bandanas for new men added to the class. As has been the tradition, the class presented a funny skit during the Saturday party that started after the evening work session. They conducted a typical chapter meeting scene and members of the class portrayed the usual cast of characters from a Tuesday night meeting!  The rest of us roared with laughing as the skit progressed!!

Another fun event at the party, after the skit, was the first-ever Stump a Harmonizer contest. Joe and our tech guy Mike Kelly filmed about 30 members while they were arriving on Friday evening - some new guys, some leadership guys, some longtime members. Each peron was asked a question about a variety of topics or opinions (such as who is more organized – Terry or Craig; or how to spell COLOSIMO, or what is SBEBSQSA).  When the guy made a funny face and was about to answer, the recording stopped.  

Joe then asked the members to vote by walking to one side of the room or the other to indicate how they thought member would answer the question. Then the video continued to great cheers if the most guys agreed with the member. The game also brought tons of great laughter.   (Credit goes to a bunch of guys who thought up the questions last Tuesday night at the Harmo House afterglow.)

After the program Saturday night, it didn’t take long for tag singing to break out among members scattered everywhere.

Also during the weekend, there were sectional breakouts, front row breakouts, Class of 2022 meetings, and tons of fellowship among the members and the coaches.  Chapter general manager Susan Fitzpatrick was on hand for the Saturday morning session for her first retreat.  Alan Wile brought the notebooks of Harmo Hero forms for guys to look through during the weekend.

The retreat had it challenges for the attendees and the staff.  Based on current COVID statistics, everyone wore a top quality mask whenever inside. There was graduation on campus that caused some glitches in room reservations which Craig and this carpool teammates managed. The retreat was not on Zoom but was on Facebook and several members tuned in for all or part of the sessions.  All attendees had to show a negative COVID test on Friday and that meant a few members had to stay home as well as some who had been exposed and had to quarantine. 

The retreat ended on Sunday morning after some reviews of what was learned, what was discovered and what was there to look forward to in the next few weeks before Charlotte.  Joe spoke to the chorus and shared his enthusiasm and thanks for the work of his chorus members and the music team.  Both coaches spoke and shared deep thought about the power of working as one to make music. The final music for the weekend was our traditional singing of the “Friends” tag as we locked arms on the risers. The saying continues – “It Is Great to Be a Harmonizer!”

The next few meetings scheduled include a regular hybrid rehearsal Tuesday June 7^th (there will not be a Looking Backreport after the June 7^th meeting – those notes will be combined with the June 14^th edition); there will be a choreo coaching session on June 14^th with Cy Wood who will also work with the 17^th Street Sound dance team from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, who will join us for the contest performance; Chuck Hunter will coach and speak to the chorus on Tuesday June 21^st and the meeting will also include a brief celebration of the June 29^th, 1948, chartering of the chapter. The June BirthdayGlow at the Harmo House will be that night as well. 

The traditional Send Off celebration and performance of the contest package will be Tuesday, June 28^th at SRT at 7 pm. Former members, family and friends are all welcome.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the May 31st 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 31^st 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

First off – Here is a report on the successful and fun Crawfish Boil on Memorial Day at the Harmo House. The event was held to thank those members who had raised $250 or more during Spring2ACTion in April. 

Former Harmo House resident, Scott Kahler, came up from New Orleans to serve as chef for the event.  About 80 lbs. of crawfish were shipped in. They were combined in a huge pot with pieces of sweet corn, small potatoes, lemon halves, chunks of onions, celery, lots of garlic, Andouille sausage, spices – for sure some cayenne pepper, and any other secret ingredients Scott added.

As each batch was ready, it was cooled with dry ice and drained and poured out onto long tables covered with brown paper.  Everyone used their fingers and enjoyed the feast.  There were plenty of cold drinks on ice in coolers too. 

The event was organized by chapter development director, Ken Rub, who enlisted his boyfriend, Will Whittaker, to cook the brats and burgers up on the deck.  Scott was cooking the “main dish” on a gas burner on the lower patio. Of course Harmo House host, Joe Cerutti, was on hand to welcome folks, show them around, and help where ever needed. He was a busy guy!

Harmonizers attended with their significant others and brought sides to share – the deviled eggs disappeared in minutes!!

Luckily HOT PURSUIT was in town and the quartet sang a few songs for the folks from a shady spot on the back lawn. 

The party started around 3 pm and went well past the posted closing time of 7 – that is when Joe sent out a message to the whole chapter to come help eat up the goodies!

The next news to report is the review of the exciting Tuesday night, May 31^st, rehearsal with chorus friend and coach, and the arranger of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning,” David Wright. 

The chorus continues to wear masks when indoors at Scottish Rite Temple.  Before the chorus work started, Turner Arndt was doing a choreo review session at 6:30 pm in the lodge room, the front row was meeting in the small lodge room, and a VLQ was meeting in the library.  When it was determined that the air conditioning in the auditorium was not working well, the chorus was moved into the lodge room – no risers, so artistic director, Joe Cerutti, stood on a chair so the chorus could see him.

Associate director Tony Colosimo kicked things off with warm ups at 7 pm. The new riser chart was displayed to help guys confirm their  standing spots.

Joe took a few minutes to report on other news items. He was happy about the fun crawfish boil and welcomed Scott Kahler for this week’s meeting.  Joe also was happy to welcome back Johan Westberg who had not been with us since Covid issues began but will sing with the chorus in Charlotte. 

Joe shared his enthusiasm for the successful work session last Wednesday night by our combined front rows for the tap dance section of the uptune.  (He will likely show the video of it at Retreat for all to see.

He stressed a few points about the retreat – front row early meeting at 6:30 pm Friday; chorus members must self-assess at level 5 to be on the risers at retreat; members must follow instructions from COVID team regarding testing; and singers should review the choreo on their own before Friday.

Joe thanked Turner Arndt for his extra efforts to create an updated written choreo plan after Cy’s visit last week as well as for filming training videos of how to execute the moves.  (Singers should NOTE and REVIEW the Reference Page and Glossary of Terms that Turner added to the written choreo – they help explain many of the lyrics of “42^ndStreet.”)

The chapter then officially welcomed our friend and coach,  David Wright, and Joe shared David’s background as an arranger, coach and historian in the BHS (although many guys had been chatting with David as soon as he arrived at SRT).  

David was pleased with the level of the chorus performance of his arrangement of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” – always a treat for an arranger to hear the song come alive after he has put the spots on the paper!

The thrust of his several hours working with the chorus this week was to strengthen the delivery of the lyrics and message of the song. After a couple hours, the chorus left the lodge room and went outdoors on the steps of SRT with David continuing his work with the chorus – this time without masks.  (At one point, a couple taking an evening walk, stopped and listed and then offered their applause!)

There was a little break and the chorus reassembled in the lodge room for a business meeting conducted by Sam Whiteoak. Music team administrator, Terry Reynolds, spoke on behalf of uniform coordinator, Robyn Murane, to reinforce the reminder she sent to all members about the deadline for ordering uniform parts so they arrive in time for contest.

Chapter contest director, Craig Kujawa, had major announcements about the convention in Charlotte. He stressed the importance of everyone reading the Queen City Countdown newsletters he sends to all members – they include important deadlines and details such as info about housing in Charlotte. He is counting on members to respond when asked.  He explained how members could purchase scrip to use in paying for their rooms in our assigned hotel (and the chapter earns money from those purchases). He pointed out that singers could buy a convention t-shirt from the BHS. He reminded all singers of the importance of having renewed their dues early – all contestants must be paid. 

He pointed out that the chapter needs drivers to take our risers on the Harmo truck to Charlotte – contact Gary Creganin you would like to offer. 

Craig is also coordinator for the annual Harmonizer pre-International contest  retreat this weekend - June 3-4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Coaches for the weekend will be Jim Henry and David McEachern.  Friday night June 3 will start at 8 pm so guys have time to get to Westminster, get some dinner, check into their hotel room,  and be ready to work on campus at McDaniel College. A riser crew is needed at 5:30 on campus and then the front row will practice at 6:30. Housing for the retreat will be at the Best Western Hotel. 

All attendees are expected to follow instructions about a COVID test on Friday with results submitted to the chapter. 

On Saturday June 4^th breakfast will be free at the hotel, then the retreat will continue on campus at 8:30 am.  Both lunch and dinner will be on campus followed by an afterglow and “party” time. The Sunday June 5^th session starts after guys check out of the hotel and eat breakfast there and get back to campus from 9-11:30 am.

For sure, guys should organize car pools – there will not be a bus or group transportation provided.  And for those who will arrive on Friday evening, we have often found a lot of our fellow Harmonizers having dinner at O’Lordans, a restaurant offering Irish dishes, at 14 Liberty Street in Westminster.

Another Harmonizer tradition for contest is the naming of the Class of 2022 – anyone going to the pre-Charlotte retreat who has never sung with the Harmonizers at an International contest. Each of the 20 members of the Class of 22 was presented with a bandana to be worn at every Harmo event until we go on stage in Charlotte.  There will be bandana checks frequently!!!  Joe invited the class member to step forward as Mark Klostermeyer (the traditional “wrangler” for the contest class) handed them their red bandana with the logo and class year!! 

The class includes: Turner Arndt, Scott Beach, Michael Berkson, Jacob Broude, Tyler Carpenter, Gary Cregan, Lance Fisher, Devin Gerzof, Ryan Mextorf, Josh Myers, Duncan Peacock, Tessa Walker, David Breen, Michael Pugh, Cy Shuster, Frank Shipp, John Sifuentes, Dylan Smith, Tony Amante Schepers, and Ben Watsky.

When the class was told that one of their major tasks was to prepare a skit for the Saturday night party at the Retreat – even a bad skit, Michael Pugh spoke up and said they’d have “a prize winning skit.”  And that was the way he was chosen as chairman or president or leader of the Class of 2022!

Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a 35-year membership renewal to celebrate Ike Evans. 

President Noah Van Gilder thanked the members for their generosity in donating to an “angel fund” to help any Harmonizer who needs some financial support for going to the contest.  Donations of any amount should go to the chapter. Men who might need help should speak with Noah in person and express a need. 

Noah also announced the need for an ensemble to sing for a lady’s 101^st  birthday on June 25th

Then it was back to work on the ballad with David.

As a reminder, here is a quick look at the calendar for the chorus:  Cy Wood is back on June 14;  Chuck Hunter is coach for June 21.  Our traditional sendoff is on June 28^th at SRT – a chance for family and friends to hear and see the Harmonizer package and give a cheer as the chorus heads to Charlotte for the International contest. There will be extra rehearsals on June 23 and 30.

There were several family member guests at the meeting this week too

At the afterglow this week, there was a good crowd that appreciated the left over goodies from the Crawfish Boil including slices of cold watermelon.  The members enjoyed talking to David, the eager tag singers held forth in the basement, and Joe was “holding court” around the dining room table this week!

Alan Wile and Walt Page continue their weekly efforts to get guys to participate in the 50/50 drawing – half of the proceeds goes to create our chapter’s donation to the M-AD Endowment Fund, and the other half goes to the member with the winning ticket.  

In other news, the link on the Harmo website to the Blog is now active thanks to webmaster Donell Torres. In that regard, there will not be a Looking Back report after the June 7^th meeting – those notes will be combined with the June 14^th edition.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the May 24th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 24^th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Wow – what a great rehearsal and Harmonizer time!  Even though we were wearing masks again this week, there was lots of excitement and eagerness to work on the contest songs.

Everyone knew that our coach this week, Cy Wood, was coming to work on the choreo plan for “42^nd Street.”  He had submitted a video for all to study in advance – and it was clear the men of the chorus did indeed prepare themselves.  Artistic director Joe Cerutti was thrilled and the men themselves were proud of their work to demonstrate their knowledge of the plan. Lots of progress was made this week.

Associate director Tony Colosimo kicked things off with warm ups at 7 pm . There was a new riser chart to help guys find their likely standing spots for this version of the chorus.  After listening, a few changes were made and then the rehearsal began!

Joe reminded everyone of the upcoming schedule – David Wright coaching on May 31 (singers must self-evaluate at level 5 for this – Joe explained the details of how this can be determined); the retreat is June 3-3-5 (singers must self-evaluate at level 5 for this); Cy is back on June 14;  Chuck Hunter is coach for June 21.  Our traditional sendoff is on June 28^th at SRT – a chance for family and friends to hear and see the Harmonizer package and give a cheer as the chorus heads to Charlotte for the International contest. There will be a couple extra rehearsals on June 23 and 30.

When Cy got to hear the musical progress of the chorus, he was super excited!  And he went right to work reviewing the earlier materials and clarifying things he had taught a couple years ago during COVID. He thanked Turner Arndtfor his efforts to help the chorus know the oldest material. 

And by the time the night ended, and the whole song was ready – it was a great treat to hear and see it call come together.

Our traditional chorus retreat before going to an international contest will be June 3-4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Coaches for that weekend will be Jim Henry and David McEachern. Starting times for the retreat have been announced so guys can plan ahead.  Friday night June 3 will not start until 8 pm so guys have time to get to Westminster, get some dinner, check into their hotel room,  and be ready to work on campus at McDaniel College.  Housing for the retreat will be at the Best Western Hotel. 

Saturday June 4^th breakfast will be free at the hotel, then retreat will continue on campus at 8:30 am.  Both lunch and dinner will be on campus followed by an afterglow and “party” time. The Sunday June 5^th session starts after guys check out of the hotel and eat breakfast there and get back to campus from 9-11:30 am.

For sure, guys should start organizing car pools – there will not be a bus or group transportation provided.  And for those who will arrive early on Friday evening, we have often found a lot of our fellow Harmonizers having dinner at O’Lordans, a restaurant offering Irish dishes, at 14 Liberty Street in Westminster.

During the business session, president Noah Van Gilder announced that the chapter is establishing an “angel fund” to help any Harmonizer who needs some financial support for going to the contest.  Donations of any amount should go to the chapter. Men who might need help should speak with Noah in person and express a need. 

Noah also announced the need for an ensemble to sing for a lady’s 101^st  birthday on June 25th

Membership chairman Jacob Broude welcomed first-time guest Mike Multer, a co-worker of Dave Des Portes, and he welcomed the several guys on Zoom this week including Ian Poulin, recovering from his retina issue and Keith Jones from FL. Terry Jordan was in the hall again this week, too. Terry Reynolds directed the chorus in singing our traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

Secretary Des Portes presented membership renewals to celebrate Mike Fasano, 25 years, and Dave Welter, 46 years!

At the afterglow this week, there was a good crowd that ate every bite of the five pizzas ordered!! The members enjoyed talking to Cy around the dining room table and the eager tag singers held forth in the basement.

Alan Wile and Walt Page continue their weekly efforts to get guys to participate in the 50/50 drawing – half of the proceeds goes to create our chapter’s donation to the M-AD Endowment Fund, and the other half goes to the member with the winning ticket.  This week’s winner, Steve White, donated his winnings to the kitty that pays for pizza and drinks at the afterglow.  Thanks, Steve.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the May 17th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 17^th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Last minute announcement before this week’s meeting called for wearing masks again inside the meeting place. Luckily the weather was nice and so we set up outside the entrance and the chorus stood on the steps facing the street. All chorus work was done outside even though it was getting dark before we ended.

At some points during the night, small groups were inside and masked.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the outside warm ups at 7 pm while the choreo review session with Turner Arndt continued in the auditorium. Director Joe Cerutti was in Nashville for a BHS staff meeting.

Music team admin helper Terry Reynolds was in Europe and so he had assigned about a half dozen guys to manage the many tasks he carries out each week. Mike Kelly was on hand to do all the tech tasks for sound and hybrid Zoom connections.  Ian Poulin reported via Zoom that he is being treated for a detached retina. Chuck Hunter was in town from Chicago and visited the chorus.

Membership chairman Jacob Broude met with several of our newer members in a sort of Boot Camp effort to prepare them for “how things will go” for contests and shows and uniforms.

Tony started the music work session for several parts of “42^nd Street” and then did a whole chorus choreo review, with Turner.  Turner has provided a written version of the choreo plans for chorus members. Also just before the meeting, a message was send to all members with a video message from visual coach Cy Wood.  This includes the rest of the choreo plan for 
“42^nd Street.”  The chorus members are expected to have studied it and to be prepared to execute it next week when Cyis with the chorus at Scottish Rite Temple.

The business meeting was conducted by communications director Sam Whiteoak. President Noah Van Guilderreviewed the chapter’s latest COVID measures such as the wearing of masks inside. He remined members that if they are exposed, if tested positive or if they have any sickness signs, they should report it to covidinfo@harmonizers.org.

Next the chorus members were assigned to small groups that met inside the building with the following small group leaders for this week to work on the music: Randy Lazear, Ben Watsky, Lance Fisher, Jason Lee, Turner Arndt and David Breen.

When those groups finished, the chorus reassembled outside to work with Tony on “Oh What a Beautiful Morning.” Members were reminded that David Wright, who arranged this song for us, will be at our May 31^st meeting, and therefore, singers should be able to self-assess at a level of 5 or higher in order to be on the risers when David is here.

Our traditional chorus retreat before going to an international contest will be June 3-4-5 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Coaches for that weekend will be Jim Henry and David McEachern. 

Starting times for the retreat have been announced so guys can plan ahead.  Friday night June 3 will not start until 8 pm so guys have time to get to Westminster, get some dinner, check into their hotel room,  and be ready to work on campus at McDaniel College.  Housing for the retreat will be at the Best Western Hotel. 

Saturday June 4^th breakfast will be free at the hotel, then retreat will continue on campus at 8:30 am.  Both lunch and dinner will be on campus followed by an afterglow and “party” time. The Sunday June 5^th session starts after guys check out of the hotel and eat breakfast there and get back to campus from 9-11:30 am.

For sure, guys should start organizing car pools – there will not be a bus or group transportation provided.  And for those who will arrive early on Friday evening, we have often found a lot of our fellow Harmonizers having dinner at O’Lordans, a restaurant offering Irish dishes, at 14 Liberty Street in Westminster.

At the afterglow this week, there was birthday cake for our monthly BirthdayGlow in honor of Jorge Acevedo, Scott Beach, Geoff Berman, Dave Branstetter, Vinny Capaccio, Will Cox, Mike Geipel, Mark Klostermeyer, Nick Murane, Craig Odell, David Reno, Bob Rhome, Dean Sherick, Bob Sutton, Tessa Walker, Johan Westberg and Doug White.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the May 10th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 10^th 2022 Harmonizer Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week’s meeting was a busy work session on the contest songs and in preparation for the retreat on June 3-4-5.

Associate director Tony Colosimo started the work for the singers with a good warm-up period. Then artistic director Joe Cerutti welcomed everyone, gave a brief overview of the schedule for the night, and shared some info with the chapter. His first point was a calendar item - in two weeks we have Cy Wood with us to work more on choreography for the contest package (thus all singers were encouraged to do their homework and review the videos showing Cy’splans for “42^nd Street”). 

In three weeks, David Wright will be with us to work on our contest ballad, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” which he arranged especially for us.  Another great session working with the arranger of the song!  AND, there is a strong possibility that Jim Henry will be in town early ahead of the chorus retreat and thus able to attend the chapter meeting. Jim and his family are coming to DC and the chapter leadership has arranged for them to have some great tourist experiences.

Speaking of the chorus retreat, stay tuned for other details from contest/retreat organizer, Craig Kujawa.  Some guys still need to submit their payments.  Joe announced starting times for the retreat so guys can plan ahead.  Friday night June 3 will not start until 8 pm so guys have time to get to Westminster, get some dinner, check into their hotel room, and be ready to work on campus at McDaniel College.  Housing for the retreat will be at the Best Western Hotel. 

Saturday June 4^th breakfast will be free at the hotel, then retreat will continue on campus at 8:30 am. 

 The Sunday June 5^th session starts after guys check out of the hotel and eat breakfast there and get back to campus from 9-11:30 am.

For sure, guys should start organizing car pools – there will not be a bus or group transportation provided.  And for those who will arrive early on Friday evening, we have often found a lot of our fellow Harmonizers having dinner at O’Lordans, a restaurant offering Irish dishes, at 14 Liberty Street in Westminster.

Joe announced that Chuck Hunter will be in town to be the final coach for the chorus on June 21^st which is the week before the traditional sendoff performance on June 28^th when family and friends can come see the contest package. 

Next Joe invited Tony to continue work on vocal placements for all attendees (each man sang “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”). That lead to getting the singers onto the risers based on the vocal placements.

The first chorus work was to review choreo plans for “42^nd Street” that have already been presented to the chorus with Turner Arndt as demonstrator. Joe asked the men to sing the music as well as perform the plan. 

 

Following that, there were full-length sectionals on “Oh What a Beautiful Morning.” Before dismissal to other rooms in the building, Joe reminded singers that next week the music team will work with the chorus in small-group sessions. And the singers will have an opportunity for feedback since singers will need to be self-assessed at level 5 or higher to be on the risers when David Wright is here.

Tony had prepared the section leaders for what they needed to cover, so when the chorus regrouped on the risers there was consensus the sectionals were really beneficial. Joe thanked Tony and the section leaders (Rick Savage for tenors, Tessa Walker and Ben Watsky for leads, Jason Lee for baritones, and Ryan Mextorf for basses)  for their work and professionalism.

When the chorus returned to the risers, the chapter business meeting was conducted by communications director Sam Whiteoak. 

President Noah Van Gilder encouraged all members to observe our COVID policies reminding anyone exposed or testing positive should report to the chapter and follow guidelines for their return to the meetings. Masks are optional. 

Secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to celebrate members David Breen for 11 years; Kellen Hertz for 14 years; and Howard Nestlerode for 47 years.    

With everyone back on the risers, the chorus worked more on both the ballad and uptune. 

At the afterglow this week, there was a good crowd on hand again this week and the weather was great for some to gather outside on the deck.

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)