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

Looking Back on the Jan. 9th 2018 Chapter Meeting

The break in the weather helped a good crowd of singers get to Durant on time for this week’s meeting. 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and started work on one of our show songs for this year’s show season.  When director Joe Cerutti arrived from the airport, he went right to work on our contest uptune, “Blow, Gabriel Blow.”  During his time up front he also stressed the point that the upcoming one-on-one interviews are not auditions.  He also pleaded with guys to get back on the risers on time at the end of the break.

Executive director Terry Reynolds conducted the chapter meeting and welcomed Tom Jackson, who we had seen for a while.  Terry also stressed that the Whiffenpoof Show on Sunday Feb. 4^th is in the afternoon at the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria – so football fans can be in front of their TV for the Super Bowl. He also asked guys to sell tickets for this event.

Terry made note that some of the rehearsal dates for the “Iron and Coal” concert at Strathmore have changed, so please use the list of dates he sent our Tuesday nite as your current schedule.

Chapter convention chairman Craig Kujawa extended the deadline to purchase Orlando International convention registrations in the Harmo block to the end of Tuesday nite’s meeting.  

Terry explained the chapter’s plans for Singing Valentines the evening of Sat. Feb. 10, afternoon of Sun. Feb. 11, and during the day on Wed. Feb. 14.  Singers are need to form quartets that would sing “Hear of My Heart’ and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at assigned locations that chapter selects in the community as public relations and community outreach. Sign ups are encouraged.

Speaking of forming quartets, Calvin Schnure has offered to help any members – new or long timers – to form a quartet.  Maybe even to enter the Southern Division contest this spring which will be held in Alexandria. See Calvin or contact him if you would like to find parts for a quartet to sing with you.

Chapter choreographer Carols Barillo asked all the members to be well prepared to perform the choreo for “Gabriel” on Tues. Jan. 23^rd so that he can coach the next level of performance plans for that song to take on to Orlando.  Watch for videos from Chuck McKeever and also note that Chuck will meet with all singers for the next two weeks on Tuesday nite at 6 pm on the stage at Durant  to review the moves.

   

Terry explained more about the pending interview plans for all – updated assignments were posted in the hall for all to check during break.  They were sent out via email before midnite Tues. too. That email also explained what each member needed to do in order to prepare including filling out a survey that goes to section leaders. 

Immediate past president Randall Eliason extended an invite for all members to get their tickets for the important 44^th Presidents’ Banquet on Sat. nite Feb. 4^th at the Elks Lodge in Fairfax. Tickets are just $29 per person which includes the dinner. They can be purchased from Dave Branstetter each Tuesday nite in January.  The evening includes a cash bar happy hour, the banquet with officer installation followed by dancing to the Riptide band. New members are welcome too. Past presidents welcome all their fellow Harmonizers and significant others to attend – including in-active singers.  

President Shawn Tallant reminded everyone about our youth policy in the chorus and announced a task force will review and present an updated version. A study committee is reviewing the chapter dues structure too. 

Stay tuned for more details also about our hosting the Kingsmen chorus from England this year in our homes.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented new member materials to Jon Frank and then membership renewal cards to Brian Ammerman for 24 years; Matt Kahn for 29 years and Mark Klostermeyer for 37 years.

Ben Watsky introduced the guests this week – Jerry, Connor, Dan and Carter back again, and first timers Maxi, John and Gary.

Terry ended the meeting with notes from the Alan Lamson family thanking the chapter for our songs sent last week during the time of their loss. 

After the break we worked on “New York, New York” including presentation for this favorite Harmonizer song.  And we reviewed the melody for our new contest ballad.

In honor of our 70th Anniversary, the chapter is asking members, our Harmonizer fans, friends, and family, to recommend their favorite Harmonizer songs of all-time. Submit the title of any favorite Harmonizer songs at http://favoritesongs.questionpro.com! The survey will be open through January 14th, so don't delay.  Also, save the date for the show on September 8^th, 2018 at the Schlesinger Performing Arts Center.  We will be performing with another award winning chorus and a gold medal quartet.

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. 2^nd 2018 Chapter Meeting 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 70^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd