Looking Back on the March 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the March 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Assistant director of Metro Voices Maggie McAlexander did the warm up session for all singers on the risers.  She taught a round that they enjoyed singing – Pizza is Great, I Can’t Believe How Many Slices That I Ate” and finished the exercise with the “Danny My Boy” tag.

Associate director Tony Colosimo was maestro for this week since Joe Cerutti was stranded in Germany because of the transportation strikes in Europe. 

Tony reminded all singers to check the emails about the changes in schedule as to when ensembles will and will not meet in April.  

He extended congrats to the singers who participated in the contests the past weekend in York, PA.

While both ensembles were in the auditorium, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed guests for both groups. Casey, Megan and Lenna were present to sing with Metro Voices. Two new members have been welcomed to this group – Jeanne Hillinck and Allissa Fernandez.

Five recent Harmonizer guests were back on the risers – Sean O’Brien, Matt Gordon, Chad Ross, John Tabor, andEdgar Blancas. They are in various stages of preparing to audition for the chorus.

At this point, Tony welcomed some members we have missed for a long while – Ken White and Calvin Schnure; And a couple guys who were back after a few weeks – Scott Beach and Nic Petersen.  Assistant director emeritus Will Coxdirected the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

Tony introduced a new song that both ensembles will perform together – “Why We Sing.”  It is an original piece by prolific song writer Greg Gilpin and arranged for mixed voices by David Wright. The message of this beautiful song is perfect for our chapter. Music team admin staffer, Terry Reynolds, projected the music and played a quartet performance of it for all to experience the future number both ensembles will be working on in the weeks ahead. 

At this point, Metro Voices moved to the cafeteria to work on their risers with Maggie and interim director Tessa Walker.

  

The Harmonizers worked on “Something’s Comin” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” Part of that time was for ‘riser ready singers.’  

When Tony moved to work with Metro Voices, Terry took directed the Harmonizers sing through the songs for the April 22^nd show in Newport News including “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Impossible Dream,” “A Little Help from My Friends,” “Never Fully Dressed,” “I’m the Music Man,” “New York, New York,” and “Wee Small Hours.”

Tony rejoined the chorus to work more on the last song.

When Metro Voices returned to the auditorium, communications director Steve Murane moderated the business meeting period.  

Chapter president Noah Van Gilder congratulated the quartets who competed at the recent Southern Division contest. There were cheers for PRAXIS, with David Breen and Lance Fisher, who earned a high enough score to qualify their participation in the International quartet contest in Louisville in July, 2023. There were also cheers for BREAKTHROUGH with Mike Fasano, Jordon Zimmerman, Jason Lee and Ken White that was second place in the division.  BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth Colosimo, Heather Havens, Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens that was first place.

Noah also thanked the members who worked as volunteers at the convention and those who went to represent our chapter. (See the Looking Back report issued earlier with all the details.)

There will be another contest on April 14-15 in PA for the Northern Division contest and there are a couple quartets competing there with Harmonizer singers. Also some of our members will be volunteering to operate that contest.

Steve asked members to share on Facebook that the chapter will be singing on the Newport News show so that patrons and chapter supporters will know about the concert. BETTER TOGETHER will be appearing with the chorus. 

Be on the lookout for details about how each member needs to participate in the Spring2ACTion fundraising event on April 26.  Each member will be expected to solicit contributions from friends, co-workers, neighbors, family, other barbershoppers, and other singing friends. The last few years we earned a significant payment for having the most donors during a particular hour. Ken Rub will be alerting members of both ensembles of how it will all work.

Chapter historian Don Harrington put out extra pictures of past chorus appearances that anyone could pick up from the lobby.  

Chapter education director Sheryl Berlin gave a plug for Harmony College East, June 15-18, at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.  This great weekend of learning about barbershop and personal music skills is operated by our Mid Atlantic District. There are also classes for quartets, for music educators, or for students. Sheryl and Bill Colosimo from our chapter manage this weekend event. Watch for messages from the district to register.

As a reminder,  the Heavy Medal chorus from Germany will be coming to the DC area en route to the 2023 International in Louisville. (They visited with us before prior to the Nashville International.) This Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) chorus will be in our area June 30-July2 and leaders have asked the Harmonizers to help host the guests in homes.  There will likely be a few events while Heavy Medal is in the area such as singing together and maybe a social at the Harmo House. Chapter members that have not volunteered to host should email Terry ReynoldsASAP.

As our 75^th anniversary year activities start up, take note of this new Harmo shirt you can get to wear during this special year for the chapter.  Tyler Carpenter will begin taking orders starting next Tuesday (4/4) for a light blue camp shirt with the new 75th anniversary logo embroidered on the left side above the pocket. These are the identical short-sleeved light-weight camp shirts that he has provided before in black that many of you already have. He has sizes S to 6XL. The blue shirt is not required and will not be used for performances, but it is a beautiful commemoration of our anniversary year and great advertising for the chorus when you are out-n-about.  The Steve White will be wearing one of the new shirts next Tuesday if you would like a closer look.

 

Also, if you would like to order other items (T-shirts, coffee mugs, water bottles, pens, phone cases, hats, and much more), please go to the Café Press at https://harmonizers.org/.  Hit the About tab at the top, go to Shop on the pull-down menu where you will find The Harmonizers Gift Shop.  Note: These items are silk-screened.

 

There was no formal afterglow this week, but some folks got in some tag singing before they left SRT.  Devin Gerzof won the 50/50 this week.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the March 24-25, 2023 Alexandria Chapter Members’ Involvement at Southern Division

 Looking Back on the March 24-25, 2023 Alexandria Chapter Members’ Involvement at Southern Division

There were many Alexandria Chapter members and former members at the combined Southern and Central Division contest this past weekend in York, PA. There was also an International quartet preliminary contest held concurrently in which quartets could earn a score to compete in Louisville this summer in the International quartet contest. A total of 31 quartets sang and 13 choruses.

A number of quartets had singers who are current or former Harmonizers on stage. PRAXIS with Lance Fisher andDavid Breen placed 5^th and will go to Louisville in July.  Five other quartets from this contests weekend will go to the International.  Possibly some other quartets from the second prelims in M-AD which is in PA April 14-15 at the time of the Northern Division contest will also qualify. 

BREAKTHROUGH with Mike Fasano, Jordan Zimmerman, Jason Lee and Ken White was eighth overall. The quartet was also second place in the Southern Division contest.

BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth and Tony Colosimo and Heather and Andrew Havens was listed in 11^th place and was Southern Division champs. The quartet did not compete in the prelims scoring this weekend because Tony andAndrew will compete at a prelims in the NED and hope to  go to Louisville in FIRST TAKE. Thus BETTER TOGETHER did not sing in the top ten and was listed as 11^th. (A great moment happened when the quartet was given their medals - their kids came up on stage with their parents! Some in arm and some following dad up the steps to the stage.)

BREAKAST BLEND with our Harmonizer guys from Richmond, Mike Geipel, Scott Beach and Vinny Capaccio, was 18^th. SILVER ALERT with Kris Zinkievich, Kevin McKenzie, Mike Edison, and Steve Murane was 19^thoverall and competed for recognition as a Seniors quartet from M-AD.

BAYSIDE HARMONY with Tim Buell as lead was 21^st. ODD MAN OUT with Krissi Folsom, Casey Belzer andSamantha Whiteoak was 25^th and was named Southern Division Novice Champs. THE ELDERLY BROTHERS with Mike Wallen was 26^th

Other former members on stage:  Will Daniel Simmons sang bass with SECRET BEST FRIENDS that placed 4^th and Ed Schubel sang lead with PRATT STREET POWER that placed 3^rd. 

The Harmonizer chorus did not compete at this event, but a number of former or current members were on stage during the chorus contest on Saturday. Mike Wallen directed Richmond with Clark Chesser, Mike Greipel, Scott Beach, Vinny Capaccio, and Jim McConnell on the risers. Their chorus was named Southern Division Champs.

Kris Zinkievich directed Heart of Maryland, Patapsco Valley, Chorus with John Santora and Tim Buell on the risers. This chorus was third in the Southern Division contest.

Frank Shipp and Bob Arbetter sang with the Old Dominion Chorus that placed second in the Southern Division contest. 

Al Hanenbaum sang with the DC Chorus. Bob Mattes, Bob Hirsh, and Rick Taylor sang with the Dundalk Chorus. 

Rick Taylor sang in the mic testing quartet for the contest with TAYLOR MADE. Sean Devine and Chris Yates sang with Hershey on the Saturday night show. 

Alan Lamson was administrative judge for the contest with a couple familiar names  including Kevin Keller, Steve Delehanty, and Tim Waurick. 

Several of our members helped back stage too including Dennis Ritchie, Brian Ammerman, Mike Kelly,  and Ken Rub. And some members were there to cheer on our quartets including Bob Eckman, Alan Wile, Jack Pitzer, Bill Colosimo, and Steve White. Former members Joe Eckert and Fred Womer were there too.

District leaders did a good job in moving the contest to a middle school to keep the costs down. The contest venue was pretty good. The hotels were all located near each other and the headquarters hotel was convenient. President Steve Kirsch was emcee for the Saturday night events.

 

For those interested, the five quartets going to Louisville from this contest include GQ, GIMME FOUR, PRATT STREET POWER, SECRET BEST FRIENDS, PRAXIS and RULE #1.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the March 21 and March 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the March 21 and March 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) on March 21. The Harmonizers will meet for office hours and a social time on Thursday March 23,

Assistant director of Metro Voices Maggie McAlexander did the warm up session on Tuesday. Interim director Tessa Walker worked with the chorus on “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and “I Can See the Light.”

Dennis Ritchey set up the sound and Terry Reynolds was on hand to coordinate their meeting.

On Thursday, the Harmonizers were invited to use the “office hours” time if they personally wanted to work on their music.  Music team leaders were at SRT to assist as needed – from 6:30-7:30 pm – in the small lodge room. Here again, Terry Reynolds was on hand to coordinate the evening.

Meanwhile, Harmonizers were also invited to a social event at Lost Boy Cider from 7-9 pm.  It is at 317 Hoofs Run Dr. in Alexandria.  Membership director Jacob Broude was coordinator of this extra event for the members.  About a dozen attended.

Music team leaders announced the last call for entries in the  Cabaret night on April 26  as part of our participation in the City of Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion day of fundraising. Anyone interested in auditioning should submit a recording or let Joe, Tony, Terry or Tessa know that they are interested – this weekend.

Music team leaders are also eager to hear from any members who could host singers from the barbershop chorus, Heavy Medal from Germany, that will be visiting us just the week before the Louisville International convention. If you can host some of their singers for a couple nights, contact Terry right away.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 74^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the March 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the March 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session with both choruses on the risers in the auditorium. A riser crew was needed at 6:30 to get things ready, then while the warm up session was underway, several guys went with operation manager for the chapter, Gary Cregan, to set up rises in the cafeteria for MVs. 

\

Artistic director Joe Cerutti was wearin' the green already with his bright green hooded sweatshirt.  He got some laughs and asked a trivia question about a movie.  Jerry Jayjohn got it right and won a bottle of the latest hot sauce Chris Huber had made.  Joe also reminded everyone about the meetings next week – only Metro Voices meet on Tues. and the Harmonizers will meet on Thursday for optional events – work with section leaders on a self-determined need basis at SRT from 6:30-7:30.  Then from 7-9 pm singers can gather at Lost Boys Cider at 317 Hoofs Run Drive. 

He also explained more about the plans for a Caberet night on April 26  as part of our participation in the City of Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion day of fundraising. The chapter will feature a Cabaret of individuals (or small groups) from the Harmonizers and Metro Voices performing for a live audience of friends and family and live cast to our supporters.   It will have a bit of a “Telethon” feeling as we remind those tuning in of our Spring2ACTion fundraising goals.

The music team will audition, select, and schedule the acts to perform in the cabaret.   A professional piano accompanist will be available for the event and for a rehearsal the week before on Thurs, April 20.

Auditions due Mar 21 - Members of Metro Voices and the Harmonizers are encouraged to consider performing a non-barbershop act for the cabaret.  Family members can sing with any member. You may audition by submitting a video or in person.   To arrange an in-person audition, or if you have any questions about the event or auditions, please contact Joe, Tony, Tessa or Terry or talk to them at rehearsal. 

Before the musical work began this week, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed back recent guests: Matt Gordon visiting in the tenor section;  Ian Kelly in the lead section; and Edgar Blancas in the tenor section. First time guest John Taber, a friend of Randall Eliason, sang in the baritone section. Elizabeth Robilla was a Metro Voices guest. Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

Metro Voices adjourned to sectionals and the Harmonizers worked on “I’m the Music Man,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” for singers who were ‘riser ready,” and “New York, New York.” Plus there were small group work sessions for “Wee Small Hours” with Jason Lee, Tony Colosimo, Ben Watsky and David Breen as group leaders.

During the business session with the combined choruses, Ken Rub elaborated more about Spring2ACTion for all to start making plans on who they would contact.

Joe reminded everyone that the Heavy Medal chorus from Germany will be coming to the DC area en route to the 2023 International in Louisville July 4-9. They visited with us before prior to the Nashville International. The Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) chorus will be in our area June 30-July2 and Joe asked the Harmonizers to help host the guests in homes.  Terry Reynolds will be sending out an inquiry to see how many the chapter can host.   There will likely be a few events while Heavy Medal is in the area such as singing together and maybe a social at the Harmo House.

Michael Pugh was at the afterglow at the Harmo House this week with word they he and his wife and their new baby are moving back to Atlanta to be closer to a network of family.  He will be missed!

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

ing Back on the March 7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 ing Back on the March 7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was only for the Harmonizers at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Metro Voices will have an optional meeting on Thursday March 9, at the Harmo House. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session with the chorus in the auditorium seating area. 

Joe also explained more about the plans for a Caberet night on April 26  as part of our participation in the City of Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion day of fundraising. The chapter will feature a Cabaret of individuals (or small groups) from the Harmonizers and Metro Voices performing for a live audience of friends and family and live cast to our supporters.   It will have a bit of a “Telethon” feeling as we remind those tuning in of our Spring2ACTion fundraising goals.

The music team will audition, select, and schedule the acts to perform in the cabaret.   A professional piano accompanist will be available for the event and for a rehearsal the week before on Thurs, April 20.

Auditions due Mar 21 - Members of Metro Voices and the Harmonizers are encouraged to consider performing a non-barbershop act for the cabaret.  Family members can sing with any member. You may audition by submitting a video or in person.   To arrange an in-person audition, or if you have any questions about the event or auditions, please contact Joe, Tony, or Terry or talk to them at rehearsal. 

Before the musical work began this week, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed Harmonizer guests: Matt Gordon visiting in the tenor section;  Sean O’Brien in the bass section; and Edgar Blancas in the tenor section.  Will Cox directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.” Yuhan Roh was back from Indiana where he was working for a number of months.

The Harmonizers worked on “Wee Small Hours,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “New York, New York,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Plus there were sectionals for “Wee Small Hours.”

During the business session, chapter secretary David DesPortes recognized Dean Rust for his 42 years of membership. 

Joe reported that the Heavy Medal chorus from Germany will be coming to the DC area en route to the 2023 International in Louisville July 4-9. They visited with us before prior to the Nashville International. The Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) chorus will be in our area June 30-July2 and Joe asked the Harmonizers to help host the guests in homes.  Terry Reynolds will be sending out an inquiry to see how many the chapter can host.   There will likely be a few events while Heavy Medal is in the area such as singing together and maybe a social at the Harmo House.

In other news, the 75^th anniversary committee met via Zoom on Monday and provide a couple dates for the Harmonizer family to post on their calendars: on June 13^th the chorus will sing at the Alexandria City Council meeting as part of a ceremony proclaiming June as Alexandria Harmonizer Month; and a big party to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of our chartering will be on Tuesday, June 20, at Scottish Rite Temple.  BHS president John Santora, and a fellow Harmonizer, will be one of the guest speakers that night. (John is the fourth Harmonizer to be elected as Society president – Wilbur Sparks, Darryl Flinn, Alan Lamson and John.) Chapter general manager Susan Fitzpatrick has added a whole section to the Harmonizer website about the 75th anniversary. 

Will Cox won the 50/50 this week.  A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow – this week featuring Italian food donated by Mark Klostermeyer who had won the meals from a restaurant where he had put his business card in the bowl at the counter. He got it from the restaurant and brought it to the Harmo House to share. 

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). There were a lot of singers on the risers at the 7 pm start time and Maggie McAlexander did a warm up session for the combined choruses. The singers had fun with the round she taught, “Whose Pigs Are These?” 

Artist director, Joe Cerutti, reminded singers that Metro Voices is not meeting next Tuesday but will have a gathering on Thursday, March 9.  He asked what the Harmonizers did last Thursday when they had a social evening and Turner Arndt reported on the trivia game the attendees played at the brewery in Alexandria.

Joe also announced plans for a Caberet night on April 26 – as a wrap up to our spring2ACTion day of fund raising. Anyone can audition to sing on that evening’s program – any kind of singing other that barbershop.  Auditions will be March 21. Speak to Terry Reynolds, Tony Colosimo or Joe if you have questions, and if you would like to audition.  Maybe get out your old guitar or ukulele or invite your partner to sing with you, or maybe your kids.  The chapter will even have an accompanist for the event.

 

Before the musical work began, Ben Watsky welcomed guests.  He announced that Sofie Clarke passed her audition for the Voices, and that Matt Ambler passed his audition for the Harmonizers.  Matt was given his Harmo casual shirt with the logo.  Other Harmonizer guests included Matt Gordon for his third or fourth visit in the tenor section;  Sean O’Brien for his first visit and as a guest of Duncan Peacock and the other Georgetown Chimes guys; Chad Ross for his first visit after deciding he wanted to get back into singing and looking us up online;  and Edgar Blancas who was a member in 2010 and also wanted to get back to singing.  Terry directed the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.” 

At this point, Metro Voices moved to sectionals in various rooms in the Temple and the Harmonizer worked on the risers in the auditorium. First song was “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” with just those men who self-assessed at level 5. Joe offered many performance points for that song, and encouraged singers to take notes of them.  

Joe invited all the Harmonizers back onto the risers to work on “I’m the Music Man.” That was followed with sectionals for “Wee Small Hours.” When the sections returned to the risers to work as a whole on this classic Harmonizer ballad from our 1998 gold medal year.

Rehearsal time ended with rehearsal of “Impossible Dream.”  Joe was a happy man after a whole night of wonderful singing!

Metro Voices retuned to the auditorium for the chapter business meeting period conducted by communications director Steve Murane.

Chapter secretary David DesPortes recognized Harmonizers who had rejoined since last time.  He presented a membership lapel pin, as is the chapter’s custom for milestone years, to Don Thompson for 30 years and to Will Coxfor 45 years.  Membership cards went to Clyde Crusenberry for 13 years; Joe Cerutti, Jr. for 22 years; Brad Jonesfor 31 years; and Dennis Ritchey for 31 years.

Steve White presented a detailed report about the chapter’s plans for the 75^th anniversary so members would have an idea of what to expect in the months ahead.  Some of the plans had been shared by the music team and the chorus is hard at work on songs for the big show in Sept. The general committee for planning the anniversary include Steve as chairman and Mick Stamps as vice chair.  Others include Susan Fitzpatrick, general manager for the chorus; Joe Cerutti, Jr., artistic director; Randall Eliason, executive director; Bruce Roehm, past president; and Jack Pitzer, past historian. In addition to this committee, there is considerable overlap with the chapter’s Operations Team for things like shows, history, membership, communications and development.

Steve showed the new 75^th anniversary logo – inspired by the chorus photo taken at the International in Toronto – coordinated by Randall.  That logo will be available for the chapter to use in many ways, including on merchandise like mugs, caps, decals, all of which can be ordered from the chapter’s store on the website. Brian Ammerman is the go-to-person on the store project.

Some anniversary activities are already underway, such as the ‘throwback Thursday’ messages prepared by Martin Banks, historian emeritus for the chapter, and distributed on Facebook.  Mike Kelly continues to prepare Harmonizer features that are on the YouTube channel. Steve Murane is preparing articles for publication. 

The first big anniversary event on the horizon is the Tuesday, June 20, 2023, celebration of the chartering of the chapter.  This event will be held at SRT for all of the Harmonizer family to attend. Carl and Kathy Kauffmann are in charge of this party that will include a brief program, and then refreshments.  The actual date of the charter is June 29, 1948.

The anniversary show will be Sept. 9, 2023, at Schlesinger Hall, with a large afterglow event following the performance. Joe Cerutti Sr. and Janet are producing this show.

There will be a huge 75^th Anniversary Gala in October of 2023 that Ken Rub is managing as one of the major fundraising efforts during this anniversary year. 

Throughout the year, the chorus will be making Sing-Out-Alexandria appearances starting with a major one with the singers from Alfred Street Baptist. 

Steve wanted members to have these things on their calendars and to make plans to attend, plus to be willing to step up and help or volunteer.  This milestone anniversary is clearly bigger than just a show of great singing.  Alumni members can also be of great help in making this a wonderful year.

Don Harrington won the 50/50 this week. A crew put the risers back stage in the auditorium and in the cafeteria.  A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow with pizza, snacks and tag singing.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meetings

 Looking Back on the Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meetings

The Alexandria Chapter meeting on Feb. 21 was for Metro Voices only. They met at the Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) and worked on “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and “I Can See the Light.” 

The Harmonizers did not meet on Feb. 21and instead they will gather at the Aslin Brewery, 847 South Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304, at 7 pm  on Thursday, Feb. 23. 

A riser crew set things up before the meeting which was held in the auditorium at SRT. Cy Shuster set up the sound for their session, and Terry Reynolds was on hand to coordinate the evening. 

Assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, welcomed the Metro Voices singers on the risers and conducted the warm up session.  Interim director Tessa Walker conducted the music work session for the ensemble. 

The Metro Voices singers checked in and made name tags before going into the meeting room. There was one guest this week.

The alternative Alexandria Chapter meeting for the Harmonizers was on Feb. 23 and was held at the Aslin Taproom Brewery on South Picket Street. This was a special event for the Harmonizers organized by membership director Jacob Broude starting at 7 pm. About a dozen men made it out for the evening. It was Trivia night, and the Harmonizer team did pretty well! 

There was an “office hours” gathering at the Harmo House earlier in the evening, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm, for anyone who wanted to work on music or get help from the music team on current songs. Lance Fisher and Jason Lee plus Sophie Clarke from Metro Voices were there to help the half-dozen Harmonizers work on their music.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb. 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb. 14, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voice included some fun Valentine greetings to each group. Some members dressed in red and were festive for Valentine’s day.  

Next week Metro Voices meet at Scottish Rite Temple and the Harmonizers will not meet on Feb. 21. Instead they will gather at the Aslin Brewery, 847 South Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304, at 7 pm  on Thursday, Feb. 23. Stay tuned for final details for both groups’ final plans for that week.

There was a lot of barbershop activity on Tuesday with this week’s meeting and  Valentine’s Day Quartet Singing. We sent six volunteers (Dean Rust, Rob Barnovsky, Bob Blair, Ken Rub, Nic Petersen, and Don Thompson) into the community for prearranged visits to spread holiday cheer. 

We reached around 250 people in total –  in the afternoon, mostly for seniors, highlighted by a Lee Center luncheon by the Successful Aging Committee. We also visited Woodbine Healthcare and Sunrise Alexandria.  While singing for Mayor Wilson’s staff at City Hall –  we were joined by Council Member Sarah Bagley, City Manager James Parajon, and City Clerk Gloria Sitton, who had been drawn out of a meeting by our singing.  

In the evening we visited several restaurants, highlighted by singing for a private party at Chadwicks comprising the national leadership of the Salvation Army. The evening guys also sang at a private residence on Lee St in response to a request from the person’s partner who is on an extended study trip abroad.  

Thanks to Terry Reynolds for organizing the quartets and to Dean Rust for scheduling. All the singers testified how much fun they had singing for folks. The quartets wore dark suits with the Harmo red tie. 

A riser crew set things up before the meetings, which included risers in the cafeteria and the auditorium for the two ensembles. 

Associate director, Tony Colosimo, welcomed the singers on the risers and lead the warm up session this week.  

Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked all the Valentine singers and shared several announcements. He had brought a collection of barbershop “things” from Terry Jordon’s estate that members were welcome to take.   He also showed some photos of the first appearance by the Harmonizers for a Kennedy Center Honors show. 

He reminded attendees about the afterglow invitation which included a February birthday celebration this week.  February birthdays included  Mary Cooper, Ed Allen, Frank Fedarko, Brad Jones, Howard Nestlerode, Terry Reynolds, Dennis Ritchey, Rick Savage, Ben Watsky, and Steve White. 

Before starting the actual singing, membership director Jacob Broude welcomed first time Metro Voices singer Mary Cooper, and returning Harmonizer singers Matt Ambler and Matt Gordon. Terry Reynolds directed the “Chapter Welcome Song.”

Joe also announced that development director Ken Rub reports that the chapter is well on its way to raise the second $75,000 for our anniversary year from major donors. The first $75,000 has been received from one major donor – David Wilt. David was an officer in the chapter years ago and was in Charlotte for the third place finish by the chorus. 

At this point, Metro Voices moved to the cafeteria where they worked on “It Don’t Mean a Thing” with Tessa Walker.

The Harmonizers took major time to work on “I’m the Music Man,” “New York, New York’ and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.” For the last song, Tony directed and Joe coached and made suggestions. The chorus was doing a great job on the song.

At the end of rehearsal time, the Harmonizers joined the Voices to hear them working on their song.

A chapter business session was conducted at this time for all members.  Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a membership renewal card to Don Thompson in honor of his 30 years.

President Noah Van Gilder announced the deadline of Saturday, Feb. 18^th for submitting suggestions of members to be honored with the chapter major awards.  All members were sent a message with descriptions of those awards. 

Membership director Jacob offered to get chapter name tags for anyone who needs one. 

Joe got a message that the burial at Arlington Cemetery for Royal Geis will be June 12^th.  The chorus will sing for this service. 

A large crowd made it to the Harmo House for this week’s afterglow and birthday cake.

In other news – here is a report on the Harmonizer family participation at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter in Daytona Beach from reporter, Dixie Kennett with inputs from Keith Jones.

There were many folks from the Harmonizer family involved in the 2023 Midwinter. Wednesday and Thursday Chris Buechler and Steve Tramack participated in the Society Contest and Judging Committee (SCJC) meeting.  Thursday morning was the Society Board meeting where John Santora was installed as Society president.  Alan Lamson did the installation.  Also attending the board meeting was Bill Colosimo representing the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association.

 

Thursday afternoon was the NextGen youth quartet contest with Joe Cerutti emceeing.  Joe also announced the results of the youth chorus contest on Friday. Chris Buechler and Steve Tramack were on the judging panel for the chorus and seniors quartet contests.

 

There were several involved in the All Chapter Chorus that served as the mic tester chorus on Friday.  Tony Colosimowas one of the co-directors with Katy Dane.  Singing with the chorus were Mick Stamps, Gary Mankin, Rick Wagner, Ken Fess, Jim Gammon, Andrew Havens and John Rettenmayer.

 

Terry Reynolds said he went just to have a good time — no responsibilities! He celebrated his birthday there too!  Other Harmonizer family attending included Sheryl Berlin, Keith Jones, Tom Gannon and Bob Hirsh. Lynn Hineman sang with the Heralds of Harmony on a show, Rick Taylor was there with HFI, and Paul Wietlisback sang in the seniors quartet contest.

 

FIRST TAKE with Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens sang on the Friday night show, as did THROWBACK with Sean Devine.  FIRST TAKE also joined GQ on the Saturday night show with an 8-part arrangement of “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

 

Erin Odell Cook gave the keynote address for this year’s Midwinter outlining how her accident in 2012 changed her life and how the barbershop community was so important in her recovery.  She mentioned the terrible effects of traumatic brain injuries and how each brain injury is different.  She focused on how important it was to have a goal and a plan and then to work the plan.  It has taken ten years, three and a half of which were spent working with a program in North Carolina, to get to where she is today.  And throughout, she described how individuals and groups of barbershoppers, including those on Caring Bridge, supported her throughout her journey.  

 

Erin also directed a combined youth chorus which included the quartet contestants and the chorus contestants from the convention.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Feb.7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb.7, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter meeting this week was just for the Harmonizers.  Metro Voice will meet on Thursday at the Harmo House.  Looking ahead, the Harmonizers will not meet at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) on Feb. 21 but will gather at the Harmo House on Thursday, Feb. 23. 

Associate director, Tony Colosimo, welcomed the singers on the risers and lead the warm up session.  A few members who lived in DC arrived late – likely because of the many street closings in DC for the State of the Union address. 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti and assistant director Terry Reynolds were in Florida at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter Convention.  Tony will go there on Wed. and sing with his medalist quartet, FIRST TAKE, on Friday at the convention.  He will also be directing the “Every Member Chorus” in Daytona Beach with Katy Dane from Austin, TX.  Our chapter will have some 

representatives in that chorus – reportedly, Mick Stamps, Gary Mankin, Ken Fess, Rick Wagner, and Bede Bender that YeEd has learned about.  

Turner Arndt coordinated this week’s meeting for Terry, and Tony kicked off the rehearsal. This week’s plan was to do small group work on “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” Tony took a minute to explain the purpose of the small group work and explained the octet singing exercise that would be held after the meeting for those who wanted to get personal feedback. 

He thanked the men who joined the smaller ensemble of Harmonizers  who sang at the SRT in DC on Feb. 4. Some of the singers mentioned the great food too!  Former community representative on the chapter board, Paul Dolinsky,orchestrated this performance at their installation banquet in exchange for fees when the chorus used their auditorium in December. 

Before starting the actual singing, membership director Jacob Broude announced that Stephen Gudauskas was our newest member, and presented Stephen his own black casual camp shirt. He joins the bass section!

The first song to work on was “New York New York.” Next the riser singers worked on “Sit Down” and part of the time Tony has them sit on the risers and take notes for their music.  He set the stage for work in small groups in order to strengthen understanding for the underlying rhythm. Then it was a short work period on “I’m the Music Man.”

There were nearly 60 singers on the risers by the time the chapter business session began which was monitored by communications director Steve Murane. Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a membership renewal card to congratulate Doug White for his 17 years.

The chapter will be sending out quartets to do Singing Valentines as public thank you messages to organizations and friends of the chapter on Feb. 14. The project coordinator, Dean Rust, needed one more lead and Bob Blairvolunteered.  We will likely hear more about those quartet appearances on that Tues. night.

Jacob welcomed two singing guests and Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song – Ian Kelly for a return visit, and Matt Gordon for his first time.

After the business work, singers were assigned to small group work sessions in various places in SRT with music team leaders Ben Watsky, Lance Fisher, Ryan Mextorf and Turner Arndt. 

When the groups returned to the risers in the auditorium, Tony had them review and put it all together to confirm what they had worked on. 

Bob Blair also won the 50/50 this week. There was no formal afterglow this week.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 31, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Jan. 31, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

The Alexandria Chapter warm up session this week for the Harmonizers and Metro Voice started with a session for both ensembles on the risers with associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, and concluded with more warm-up work with assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander. Tony included singing the “Harmonizer Welcome Song” as part of his session.  Maggie taught a fun round “Whose Pigs Are These?” 

When artistic director Joe Cerutti took over, he invited the Harmonizers to welcome the Metro Voices singers, and for the Metro Voices to welcome the Harmonizers. Joe announced that Harmonizer Michael Pugh and his Metro Voices wife, Kirstin, have a new baby named Ramona.  

Cheers of congrats were raised for operations director,  Gary Cregan, who becomes a civilian on Wednesday! Joethanked him for his years of military service

Joe thanked Craig Odell for inviting the chorus to the celebration of life for Linda on Saturday.  It was a wonderful celebration with many current and former members there to honor her. It was great to see their son, Ryan,  again who sang one year with the chorus for contest, and to see daughter Erin and her husband Dan Cook, also a former Harmonizer. 

As announced last week, an ensemble of the Harmonizers will sing at the SRT in DC on Feb. 4 to thank them for the use of their hall for one of our holiday performances. That group met after the meeting to review their songs. 

The chapter will be sending out quartets to do Singing Valentines as public thank you messages to organizations and friends of the chapter.  Singers from both ensembles were invited to sign up for one of three quartets to make appearances on Feb. 14 in the Alexandria Metro area.  There were small Valentine candy boxes on a table and volunteers could choose one of those boxes marked with the voice part needed, eat the candy and write their name on the bottom and leave the box. That is how they signed up to participate.

Ben Watsky welcomed the guests for both ensembles and Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song for Metro Voices attendees and  two singers guests for the Harmonizers – Stephen Gudauskas for his fourth time, and Matt Ambler for his third time.

At this point in the evening the Metro Voices moved to another room in SRT to work with Tessa Walker, Maggie andTony on “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Keep the Whole World Singing,” and the “Harmonizer Welcome Song.”

The Harmonizers worked with Joe in the auditorium on “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat.” This new song will be taught and learned using the 7-Step process as outlined and discussed by Joe. A part of the evening was devoted to sectionals on this new arrangement. Next week there will be small groups working on that song; and then on Feb. 14, singers will need to be ‘riser ready’ to sing it.

Joe did announced to the Harmonizers that “Music of the Night” will not be sung on the show this year, but the contest ballad, “Wee Small Hours” from the 1998 gold medal package will be used for any contests and for the show.  He also shared that “New York, New York” will be the uptune for the contest package. 

The Harmonizers also reviewed “Help from My Friends” – one of five songs from 2022 that will be used on the April road show in Newport News.  Joe invited the guys to do a push-out-quartet event for this song for some fun.

At the end of the meeting, the two ensembles of the chapter reconvened in the auditorium for the business meeting, hosted by communication director Steve Murane. Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to Harmonizers who have paid BHS dues recently: Gary Cregan for 6 years; Nick Murane for 16 years; Frank Shipp for 21 years; Bruce Roehm for 22 years; Drew Fuller for 33 years; Mark Klostermeyer for 42 years.

Joe took a count for pizza for the afterglow at the Harmo House, 3916 N Stevens, Alexandria 22311, following the meeting.  A good crowd made it to the house. Nick Murane won the 50/50 this week.

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 Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.