SIGN UP FOR VOCAL STUDIOS: Sun Feb 17 - 2-5pm, Thurs Feb 21 - 7-10pmBe sure to bring a recording device, pencil, and music to the vocal studio.
GUEST NIGHT: This coming Tuesday Feb 19
Don't be the odd man out, bring a guest to rehearsal!
RETREAT/COACHING - Fri. Feb 22 7-10pm, Sat. Feb 23 9am-5pm
Don't miss our special guest coach for the retreat!
Thanks to Dean Rust for this weeks installment of chorus notes!
Clap Yo Hands
- first note singers; be ready
- bass, "Chase the hoo do" (m 17): get the words right
- "You do" (m 20): on the beat, first "you do" in m 19 is syncopated.
- "Clap-a yo hands" (ms 29-30): linear singing; "clap" vowel is like vowel in "at"; make the "C" on "Clap" small and get right to the vowel. No fuzziness.
- "thigh. Hallelujah..." (ms 30-31, 54-55): Be ready to go on the downbeat on "Ha" of "Hallelujah". Entrance on "Ha" is too tentative.
- lead, "Come join me" (ms 35-36): need lots of linear singing, here and elsewhere.
- "send him to the devil. Clap-a yo hands" (ms 52-53): Jump right back in on "Clap..." after "devil." Sing it light, but sing it!
Mona Lisa
- "...or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art?" (ms 52-56, begins with lead-bari duet): watch the Director, take some time on "lovely", then break after "lovely"; take it easy on "art"; baris: more melodic on "or just".
- "Mona Lisa" (ms 56-57): you are crying out to her, but be restrained the first time, not too much, you should feel like you have more to give.
- Bari, "Lisa" (m 57): open sound with more presence when you jump to the high note. Have plenty of air and ready to give as soon as you hit the high note, then crescendo but don't lose control.
- "Mona Lisa" (ms 58 to the end): give more on 2nd Mona Lisa, but then back off. lead: have plenty of air, let it flow, don't shut down as you get softer, listen to others and match, unit sound.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Looking Back on Feb. 12th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Feb. 12th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chapter met in Jeff Houston School last nite because Durant was being used as a voting place for the Virginia primary.
But to complicate things – an ice storm hit the whole area about 4 or 5 pm. Streets were not too bad, but overpasses like the new ones in Springfield were solid ice and filled with crashes. People walking had to use the streets as brick sidewalks in Old Town were slick too – tough for the guys coming from Metro stop. But as always, the streets were at a standstill.
The record was about 3 hrs. and 45 min. to get to the meeting. And some of the guys who lived closest took a couple hours.
BUT – from a start of 7 guys or so, there were over 50 guys singing when Director Joe told everyone to get home safely at about 9 pm.
He started with a small circle of guys in the school gym and then as the numbers grew, it became two circles. He worked hard on vocal warm up, and offered some great exercises.
When the crowd swelled, he and Tony worked the chorus on some solid singing for “Clap Your Hands” and “Mona Lisa” – including some sectional work.
There were a couple guests present, and Joe Sawyer was back to see us. And some new guys who are making their way thru the membership process were there too. The ranks are growing!
Next week is the official guest nite. Bring some one!! There will be extra refreshments – the cookies each of us are asked to bring. Joe has a plan to entertain and involve the guests. Roger has asked each of us to bring a guest. This is especially true of some of the new men who had not already brought all their neighbors and buddies. And those of you who read this but don’t get down to Durant each week – come on down on Feb. 19th at 7 pm.
The Singing Valentine project was being managed too during the evening. A crew of us wrote the personal messages in cards that would go out with the quartets when they delivered their songs. I think I heard there were 80 Valentines sold. Good job all.
We did have some goodies to share thanks to the Jordans. (And thanks to Dennis Ritchey who made the coffee and set things up for me last week!) Some of the guys gotta turn around and do it all again on Wed. nite for the Board meeting. Thanks to them for making things run smoothly.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
The chapter met in Jeff Houston School last nite because Durant was being used as a voting place for the Virginia primary.
But to complicate things – an ice storm hit the whole area about 4 or 5 pm. Streets were not too bad, but overpasses like the new ones in Springfield were solid ice and filled with crashes. People walking had to use the streets as brick sidewalks in Old Town were slick too – tough for the guys coming from Metro stop. But as always, the streets were at a standstill.
The record was about 3 hrs. and 45 min. to get to the meeting. And some of the guys who lived closest took a couple hours.
BUT – from a start of 7 guys or so, there were over 50 guys singing when Director Joe told everyone to get home safely at about 9 pm.
He started with a small circle of guys in the school gym and then as the numbers grew, it became two circles. He worked hard on vocal warm up, and offered some great exercises.
When the crowd swelled, he and Tony worked the chorus on some solid singing for “Clap Your Hands” and “Mona Lisa” – including some sectional work.
There were a couple guests present, and Joe Sawyer was back to see us. And some new guys who are making their way thru the membership process were there too. The ranks are growing!
Next week is the official guest nite. Bring some one!! There will be extra refreshments – the cookies each of us are asked to bring. Joe has a plan to entertain and involve the guests. Roger has asked each of us to bring a guest. This is especially true of some of the new men who had not already brought all their neighbors and buddies. And those of you who read this but don’t get down to Durant each week – come on down on Feb. 19th at 7 pm.
The Singing Valentine project was being managed too during the evening. A crew of us wrote the personal messages in cards that would go out with the quartets when they delivered their songs. I think I heard there were 80 Valentines sold. Good job all.
We did have some goodies to share thanks to the Jordans. (And thanks to Dennis Ritchey who made the coffee and set things up for me last week!) Some of the guys gotta turn around and do it all again on Wed. nite for the Board meeting. Thanks to them for making things run smoothly.
Until next time – editorjack!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Guest Night
Harmonizers!!!
Last nights rehearsal was so unexpected!!! It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to go 10 miles, and many of you had a much, much longer commute (I need to teach some of you Virginians how to drive in ice and snow, my friends from Boston would've laughed at the mess last night). I thought we would've never had rehearsal, let alone a productive one! We started with a whopping 7 and ended with around 50+ and had a a surprising and very productive rehearsal. I hope that you all got home safe and I can't thank you enough for coming out in that weather and traffic.
I write you this email to remind you that we have guest night on Tuesday. Please be sure to bring a guest with you. It can be a family member, neighbor, former harmonizer, waiter/bartender at your local watering hold, bag boy at the grocery store, stranger on the street that was humming as he was waling past you, anyone!!! Bring a guest! The format of the rehearsal is going to be very different and geared towards the guests for the evening so be ready for a couple of twists and turns and be ready to showcase your best vocal behavior!
Please remember to wear a shirt with the Harmonizer logo and to bring some sort or refreshment, cookies, chips, cake, etc.
We will be performing, at the very least, Great Day and Music of the Night for the guests at the very beginning of the rehearsal so please brush up on those songs before Tuesday so that we can WOW them from the start!
Thanks for turning a horrible night last night into a fun and productive one! It's GREAT to be a Harmonizer!
Last nights rehearsal was so unexpected!!! It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to go 10 miles, and many of you had a much, much longer commute (I need to teach some of you Virginians how to drive in ice and snow, my friends from Boston would've laughed at the mess last night). I thought we would've never had rehearsal, let alone a productive one! We started with a whopping 7 and ended with around 50+ and had a a surprising and very productive rehearsal. I hope that you all got home safe and I can't thank you enough for coming out in that weather and traffic.
I write you this email to remind you that we have guest night on Tuesday. Please be sure to bring a guest with you. It can be a family member, neighbor, former harmonizer, waiter/bartender at your local watering hold, bag boy at the grocery store, stranger on the street that was humming as he was waling past you, anyone!!! Bring a guest! The format of the rehearsal is going to be very different and geared towards the guests for the evening so be ready for a couple of twists and turns and be ready to showcase your best vocal behavior!
Please remember to wear a shirt with the Harmonizer logo and to bring some sort or refreshment, cookies, chips, cake, etc.
We will be performing, at the very least, Great Day and Music of the Night for the guests at the very beginning of the rehearsal so please brush up on those songs before Tuesday so that we can WOW them from the start!
Thanks for turning a horrible night last night into a fun and productive one! It's GREAT to be a Harmonizer!
Retreat Coming Soon!!!
Just a friendly reminder...
We have a local retreat scheduled for Fri Night Feb 22 from 7-10pm and all day Sat Feb 23 from 9am-5pm at our regular rehearsal venue, Durant Center. PLEASE plan to attend, this has been on the schedule for quite some time!
During the retreat we will be covering the following:
- voice placement on the risers for international (mucho importante)- heavy duty work on the uptune
- learning new tag to the uptune
- sectional work on unit sound
- beginning work on the ballad
- introduction of choreo for the uptune
- we will have a coach on Saturday to help us with the uptune so please be note and word perfect!
See you at the retreat!
We have a local retreat scheduled for Fri Night Feb 22 from 7-10pm and all day Sat Feb 23 from 9am-5pm at our regular rehearsal venue, Durant Center. PLEASE plan to attend, this has been on the schedule for quite some time!
During the retreat we will be covering the following:
- voice placement on the risers for international (mucho importante)- heavy duty work on the uptune
- learning new tag to the uptune
- sectional work on unit sound
- beginning work on the ballad
- introduction of choreo for the uptune
- we will have a coach on Saturday to help us with the uptune so please be note and word perfect!
See you at the retreat!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Looking Back on Feb. 5th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Feb. 5th Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Thanks again to Alan Wile who was this week’s reporter.
As usual, Will Cox warmed up the voices of those on the risers at 7 -- a number that grew steadily for the next 30 minutes or so. Then Craig Kujawa took over to warm up the rest of our body parts to some funky music that gave Joe a reason to smile.
Assistant Director Chuck worked on craft again tonite. He reminded us of two previous themes/exercises: singing with the whole instrument and what it feels like when imagining what a favorite childhood dish smells like. Then he worked a tag and then four repertoire songs all in the same key but presenting different vocal demands.
Joe wrapped up the first half working on “Ave Maria” to develop needed artistry and vocal presentation. Interestingly, the music coordinator for Stafford County, Shawn Thorpe, arrived during this time and was blown away by the beauty of the song and the chorus’s performance, even in rehearsal. He later told M&P VP Brad that he will send information on our youth harmony festival to each of his five high schools and encourage attendance.
Bob Blair, filling in for Ops VP Bob Rhome, orchestrated the break, at which
Ike Evans reminded the members about the need (and how) to get current pictures on the chapter picture board;
Sandra Stamps announced the finalists in the Valentine verse contest (for inclusion in the cards to be presented to next week’s recipients) and read those that took top honors -- all of which were great and showed great imagination and sense of the desired poetic message:
3rd = Dick Hall
2nd = Matt Kahn
1st = Ginger Jordan
President Mick reported that Bruce Minnick had come through his heart surgery with flying colors (double bypass and the insertion of a new heart valve), for which there was a big sigh of relief. Chuck McKeever added that he’d been rousted out of bed to do a “walk about” already.
Mick then gave a PowerPoint presentation on the State of the Chapter, subtitled the “Elephant in the Room.” He began by briefly reviewing the accomplishments of the previous year and then highlighted areas in need of continued attention. The “elephant” turned out to be the financial state of the chapter. With a 2008 budget of $283K, we have lots to do. Specifically, by selling 2/3 to 3/4 of our show houses. The message was clear!
VP M&P Brad described what was being done to populate a sufficient number of chapter quartets to fulfill our singing Valentine requirements. He also announced that the learning tracks for the new contest ballad will be posted on the members only website in the next few days. Once entered into Finale, the charts will follow.
Singing Valentine Coordinator Michael Calhoun (shamelessly sporting a cap and sweatshirt with NY Giants logos) announced the very small number of Valentines ordered to date and exhorted the members to sell, sell, and sell!
Secretary Chris asked Mick to present a Society “Music Director” lapel pin to Joe, and Chuck Harner with his 40 year membership pin (wow!) and Past President Alan to present Carl Kauffmann with a Society lapel pin recognizing him as the chapter’s Barbershopper of the Year.
VP Membership Roger reminded us about the Guest Night on February 19th and asked that the members bring refreshments (cookies!). Then he introduced our six guests: Kyle Blomgren, Rocky Ebener, former Harmonizer Rich Garodnick, John Simpson, Shawn Thorpe, and Noah VanGilder.
Joe brought us back on the risers by working on two of our Valentine songs: “Heart of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” To make the first even more fun, he asked those men who joined the chapter within the last two years to sing their parts, those between two and seven years to sing any part other than the one they normally sing, and those who have been members more than seven years to sing any part other than lead. Interesting!
Part-specific breathing charts for “Clap Yo Hands” were distributed to all “hands” and drilled by Joe while we stood in sections. Joe made it clear that the learning tracks were good for learning notes and words but have now served their purpose and should not be used. Instead, the new chart needs to be followed, as the interpretation and breathing has changed and we have a contest to prepare for.
Finally the 50-50 ticket was pulled and was held by a jubilant Mrs. Ritchey (Dennis’ mom). When asked if she’d “take us out” she said “yes” with no hesitation … thinking she was being asked to take us out for a drink. Informed of the “chapter” meaning, she did a fine job directing “Keep the Whole World Singing” and brought the meeting to an appropriate close.
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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Thanks again to Alan Wile who was this week’s reporter.
As usual, Will Cox warmed up the voices of those on the risers at 7 -- a number that grew steadily for the next 30 minutes or so. Then Craig Kujawa took over to warm up the rest of our body parts to some funky music that gave Joe a reason to smile.
Assistant Director Chuck worked on craft again tonite. He reminded us of two previous themes/exercises: singing with the whole instrument and what it feels like when imagining what a favorite childhood dish smells like. Then he worked a tag and then four repertoire songs all in the same key but presenting different vocal demands.
Joe wrapped up the first half working on “Ave Maria” to develop needed artistry and vocal presentation. Interestingly, the music coordinator for Stafford County, Shawn Thorpe, arrived during this time and was blown away by the beauty of the song and the chorus’s performance, even in rehearsal. He later told M&P VP Brad that he will send information on our youth harmony festival to each of his five high schools and encourage attendance.
Bob Blair, filling in for Ops VP Bob Rhome, orchestrated the break, at which
Ike Evans reminded the members about the need (and how) to get current pictures on the chapter picture board;
Sandra Stamps announced the finalists in the Valentine verse contest (for inclusion in the cards to be presented to next week’s recipients) and read those that took top honors -- all of which were great and showed great imagination and sense of the desired poetic message:
3rd = Dick Hall
2nd = Matt Kahn
1st = Ginger Jordan
President Mick reported that Bruce Minnick had come through his heart surgery with flying colors (double bypass and the insertion of a new heart valve), for which there was a big sigh of relief. Chuck McKeever added that he’d been rousted out of bed to do a “walk about” already.
Mick then gave a PowerPoint presentation on the State of the Chapter, subtitled the “Elephant in the Room.” He began by briefly reviewing the accomplishments of the previous year and then highlighted areas in need of continued attention. The “elephant” turned out to be the financial state of the chapter. With a 2008 budget of $283K, we have lots to do. Specifically, by selling 2/3 to 3/4 of our show houses. The message was clear!
VP M&P Brad described what was being done to populate a sufficient number of chapter quartets to fulfill our singing Valentine requirements. He also announced that the learning tracks for the new contest ballad will be posted on the members only website in the next few days. Once entered into Finale, the charts will follow.
Singing Valentine Coordinator Michael Calhoun (shamelessly sporting a cap and sweatshirt with NY Giants logos) announced the very small number of Valentines ordered to date and exhorted the members to sell, sell, and sell!
Secretary Chris asked Mick to present a Society “Music Director” lapel pin to Joe, and Chuck Harner with his 40 year membership pin (wow!) and Past President Alan to present Carl Kauffmann with a Society lapel pin recognizing him as the chapter’s Barbershopper of the Year.
VP Membership Roger reminded us about the Guest Night on February 19th and asked that the members bring refreshments (cookies!). Then he introduced our six guests: Kyle Blomgren, Rocky Ebener, former Harmonizer Rich Garodnick, John Simpson, Shawn Thorpe, and Noah VanGilder.
Joe brought us back on the risers by working on two of our Valentine songs: “Heart of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” To make the first even more fun, he asked those men who joined the chapter within the last two years to sing their parts, those between two and seven years to sing any part other than the one they normally sing, and those who have been members more than seven years to sing any part other than lead. Interesting!
Part-specific breathing charts for “Clap Yo Hands” were distributed to all “hands” and drilled by Joe while we stood in sections. Joe made it clear that the learning tracks were good for learning notes and words but have now served their purpose and should not be used. Instead, the new chart needs to be followed, as the interpretation and breathing has changed and we have a contest to prepare for.
Finally the 50-50 ticket was pulled and was held by a jubilant Mrs. Ritchey (Dennis’ mom). When asked if she’d “take us out” she said “yes” with no hesitation … thinking she was being asked to take us out for a drink. Informed of the “chapter” meaning, she did a fine job directing “Keep the Whole World Singing” and brought the meeting to an appropriate close.
Until next time – editorjack!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Looking Back on Jan. 29th Chapter Meeting & MidWinter
Looking Back on Jan 29th Chapter Meeting and MidWinter Convention
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Tony worked hard with the chorus during warm up helping them learn to coordinate good breathing and support with good singing. It was working too. There was a lot of action around the hall, too, prior to the Harmonizers-on-the-Risers call at 7 pm. Quartets were being formed or were practicing for the big event tonite. Plus there was the usual selling of script and raffle tickets and all.
Director Joe thanked Will, Tony and Chuck for keeping things rolling while he was (1) out sick one Tuesday and (2) at the MidWinter convention in San Antonio a second Tuesday. Rumors are he did a great job as MC of the new youth chorus event. Gary Plaag was one of the three judges for that event too.
The visual team worked hard tonite to reinforce riser and chorus basic moves. It was a review for long-timers and useful info for the newer performers. All from the Primer given to each member in their mail slot recently.
There were plugs for quartets to be forming to fill the requests for Singing Valentines including those for soldiers on active duty who might want to send a greeting to someone here in the DC area. A contact friend of Mike Schwartz is telling his buddies in his unit about the offer.
Also there is a contest going on for the Harmonizer who creates the prize winning message in the Valentine card we deliver with our songs and candy and roses. Entries go to Sandystamps@aol.com right away.
Bruce Lauther announced a newly signed contract for a show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for Sept. 13th. Good paying job too. Our 8th time there he reports.
Dick Weick is some improved and hoping to get to a rehab area out of cardiac care area. Bruce Minnick’s operation is on Friday of this week. Bede Bender had a hand operation recently. Ross Johnson suffered a ruptured appendix while at the MidWinter and thus was unable to go on the post convention cruise. All the best, men.
Tomorrow is the singout for music students at West Potomac High School. Thanks to those going. There is an urgency for bari and tenor singers to come help.
During Tuesday nite breaktime during the chapter meeting, the chapter tech crew will be showing performances of other International chorus competitors for all to compare and to see.
Secretary Chris, also fresh back from MidWinter, presented membership cards as follows: 8 years, Rob Nutt; 12 years, Scip Garling; 32 years, Bob Caldwell.
Roger introduced 9 guests tonite and reminded all of the Feb. 19 formal guest nite for the chapter.
After break, the annual Wilbur Sparks Memorial Put Together Quartet Contest was staged in our meeting hall. By time it ended, we had 18 entries. There were lots of laughs, some good singing and some guys got up for their very first time to sing in front of the chapter. Several guests even got in the act, as did some of our brand new members.
Trophies were presented to the top three quartets in each category. (The quartet members listed below are not in order of part sung.)
Winners of the Traditional Category: third was Mercury (Sutton, Colosimo, Schwartz, Louis); second was Blue Notes (Reynolds, Day, Brad Jones, Ken White); and first was FRiDAYS (Caldwell, Steve Murane, O’Brien, Ives).Winners in the Comedy Category: third was Cane Less (Kauffmann, Cerutti, Schwartz, Rust); second was Trading Places (Colosimo, Wallen, Kahler, Cerutti); and first was Mama’s Boys (Reynolds, Garling, Richardson, Ken White).The overall winner was FRiDAYS.
CLASSIC CONNECTION quartet (Danny Smoot-Wood, Ed Shaw, Bob Mattes, Sam McFarland) judged the contest and sang while the scores were tabulated. Master of Ceremonies was Terry Jordan. Sound set up was done by Dennis Richey, Scott Kahler. Photographer was Ike Evans. Contest Administrator was Jack Pitzer. Backstage Assistant was Dick Hall. A big thanks to overall chairman and Dr. Put, Joel Golden.
The following info about the MidWinter was prepared by Dixie Kennett, who was our reporter on the scene.
The MidWinter convention held in San Antonio, for most, is a much more relaxed convention that Internationals. The attendance in San Antonio of 1,335 was the second highest for a MidWinter. For many there was time for group tours; others toured on their own by foot, trolley and river taxi – El Mercado, The Alamo, historic hotels and numerous restaurants.
The Municipal Auditorium was only three blocks from the headquarters hotel and was a wonderful venue – great sight lines, good sound, good lighting (and shuttle buses for those who didn’t want to walk). The auditorium was said to seat 5,000.
However, for many Harmonizers, the convention consisted of daylong meetings that continued into the evening.
Director Joe Cerutti is a member of the Chorus Director Development Committee that met on Tuesday and Wednesday. Society Board Member Alan Wile had board discussions and meetings on Thursday and Friday. Chris Buechler is a member of the Governance and Bylaws Committee and serves the Society Board as assistant parliamentarian at meetings. He also represented Mt. Vernon president Mike Everard at the chapter presidents’ meeting on Thursday evening.
Gary Plaag represented District President Joe Stangl at the meetings for district presidents and also served as a moderator for an evening meeting of both district and chapter presidents. He also was a judge for the youth chorus contest.
Anthony Colosimo is a member of the Youth Activities Committee and sang with ROAD TRIP on both evening shows and at the youth chorus competition.
There were many current and past Harmonizers in attendance:
Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Dick Newton
Ross Johnson and Susan Williams (Ross had appendix surgery on Friday while in San Antonio)
John and Jean Adams (performed with AISQC [association of seniors quartet champs] chorus)
Alan and Lois Durick (performed with AISQC chorus)
Tom and Marilyn Gannon (from South Dakota)
Alan Kousen (competed in seniors quartet contest representing the Dixie District – finished 11th)
Til 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Tony worked hard with the chorus during warm up helping them learn to coordinate good breathing and support with good singing. It was working too. There was a lot of action around the hall, too, prior to the Harmonizers-on-the-Risers call at 7 pm. Quartets were being formed or were practicing for the big event tonite. Plus there was the usual selling of script and raffle tickets and all.
Director Joe thanked Will, Tony and Chuck for keeping things rolling while he was (1) out sick one Tuesday and (2) at the MidWinter convention in San Antonio a second Tuesday. Rumors are he did a great job as MC of the new youth chorus event. Gary Plaag was one of the three judges for that event too.
The visual team worked hard tonite to reinforce riser and chorus basic moves. It was a review for long-timers and useful info for the newer performers. All from the Primer given to each member in their mail slot recently.
There were plugs for quartets to be forming to fill the requests for Singing Valentines including those for soldiers on active duty who might want to send a greeting to someone here in the DC area. A contact friend of Mike Schwartz is telling his buddies in his unit about the offer.
Also there is a contest going on for the Harmonizer who creates the prize winning message in the Valentine card we deliver with our songs and candy and roses. Entries go to Sandystamps@aol.com right away.
Bruce Lauther announced a newly signed contract for a show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for Sept. 13th. Good paying job too. Our 8th time there he reports.
Dick Weick is some improved and hoping to get to a rehab area out of cardiac care area. Bruce Minnick’s operation is on Friday of this week. Bede Bender had a hand operation recently. Ross Johnson suffered a ruptured appendix while at the MidWinter and thus was unable to go on the post convention cruise. All the best, men.
Tomorrow is the singout for music students at West Potomac High School. Thanks to those going. There is an urgency for bari and tenor singers to come help.
During Tuesday nite breaktime during the chapter meeting, the chapter tech crew will be showing performances of other International chorus competitors for all to compare and to see.
Secretary Chris, also fresh back from MidWinter, presented membership cards as follows: 8 years, Rob Nutt; 12 years, Scip Garling; 32 years, Bob Caldwell.
Roger introduced 9 guests tonite and reminded all of the Feb. 19 formal guest nite for the chapter.
After break, the annual Wilbur Sparks Memorial Put Together Quartet Contest was staged in our meeting hall. By time it ended, we had 18 entries. There were lots of laughs, some good singing and some guys got up for their very first time to sing in front of the chapter. Several guests even got in the act, as did some of our brand new members.
Trophies were presented to the top three quartets in each category. (The quartet members listed below are not in order of part sung.)
Winners of the Traditional Category: third was Mercury (Sutton, Colosimo, Schwartz, Louis); second was Blue Notes (Reynolds, Day, Brad Jones, Ken White); and first was FRiDAYS (Caldwell, Steve Murane, O’Brien, Ives).Winners in the Comedy Category: third was Cane Less (Kauffmann, Cerutti, Schwartz, Rust); second was Trading Places (Colosimo, Wallen, Kahler, Cerutti); and first was Mama’s Boys (Reynolds, Garling, Richardson, Ken White).The overall winner was FRiDAYS.
CLASSIC CONNECTION quartet (Danny Smoot-Wood, Ed Shaw, Bob Mattes, Sam McFarland) judged the contest and sang while the scores were tabulated. Master of Ceremonies was Terry Jordan. Sound set up was done by Dennis Richey, Scott Kahler. Photographer was Ike Evans. Contest Administrator was Jack Pitzer. Backstage Assistant was Dick Hall. A big thanks to overall chairman and Dr. Put, Joel Golden.
The following info about the MidWinter was prepared by Dixie Kennett, who was our reporter on the scene.
The MidWinter convention held in San Antonio, for most, is a much more relaxed convention that Internationals. The attendance in San Antonio of 1,335 was the second highest for a MidWinter. For many there was time for group tours; others toured on their own by foot, trolley and river taxi – El Mercado, The Alamo, historic hotels and numerous restaurants.
The Municipal Auditorium was only three blocks from the headquarters hotel and was a wonderful venue – great sight lines, good sound, good lighting (and shuttle buses for those who didn’t want to walk). The auditorium was said to seat 5,000.
However, for many Harmonizers, the convention consisted of daylong meetings that continued into the evening.
Director Joe Cerutti is a member of the Chorus Director Development Committee that met on Tuesday and Wednesday. Society Board Member Alan Wile had board discussions and meetings on Thursday and Friday. Chris Buechler is a member of the Governance and Bylaws Committee and serves the Society Board as assistant parliamentarian at meetings. He also represented Mt. Vernon president Mike Everard at the chapter presidents’ meeting on Thursday evening.
Gary Plaag represented District President Joe Stangl at the meetings for district presidents and also served as a moderator for an evening meeting of both district and chapter presidents. He also was a judge for the youth chorus contest.
Anthony Colosimo is a member of the Youth Activities Committee and sang with ROAD TRIP on both evening shows and at the youth chorus competition.
There were many current and past Harmonizers in attendance:
Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Dick Newton
Ross Johnson and Susan Williams (Ross had appendix surgery on Friday while in San Antonio)
John and Jean Adams (performed with AISQC [association of seniors quartet champs] chorus)
Alan and Lois Durick (performed with AISQC chorus)
Tom and Marilyn Gannon (from South Dakota)
Alan Kousen (competed in seniors quartet contest representing the Dixie District – finished 11th)
Til next time - editorjack.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Looking Back on Jan. 22nd Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Jan 22nd Chapter Meeting
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
This week there were a number of guys already in San Antonio for the Society’s MidWinter convention. Director Joe was there for committee meetings and to prepare to serve as MC for the first Youth Harmony Chorus contest. Other folks were leaving tomorrow morning for TX.
Will, Tony and Chuck (our assistant directors) took turn up front with warm ups, craft, song run-throughs. Chuck McK and Gary worked on several SP things. And Craig did the aerobics warm up. There were also sectionals for working on “Clap Yo Hands” and “Ed Sullivan.”
Dick Weick was reported still in the hospital at Fairfax, and Bruce Minnick is waiting for a serious heart operation.
Brad Jones spoke to all about the efforts to get quartets ready to fill orders for Singing Valentines. There are some prospects for doing gigs for soldiers who are overseas and have someone here in DC area we could sing to.
The PUT TOGETHER contest is next week. If you aren’t in a quartet yet, and starting to work on some fun song, you should do so – especially those of you who read this article each week but don’t currently sing in the chorus. Or just show up on the Jan. 29th. I hear the musical leaders will form some quartets on the spot for the contest and have them sing Pole Cat songs. If you want to help with the contest, contact Joel Golden, who is chair this year (you could help escort contestants, set up chairs at break for audience, help sound/tech crew set up mics and such.
Treasurer Eckman announced the good results of our Script sales efforts for last year. Thanks of course to Dick and Carolyn Hall for taking charge each week. We sold $71,000 and netted $5,200 for the chapter!! Fifth place salesman was Harner, fourth was Eckman, third was Ives, second was Fess and first was Rust who sold $8,600.
Ike Evans offered to make a Holiday Show book (like the one the chapter gave Terry Reynolds at the president’s banquet on the 19th). Speak with Ike about your request. It was really a terrific piece.
The technical crew on Tuesday nite set up and recorded a song or two. They will be used by the SP team for training sessions on the stage before chapter meeting on Tuesday nites.
The famous Harmonizer photo board that gets put up each week with mug shots of the members is getting a face-lift. Ike Evans is putting new guys on the board and updating those that needed updating. He is using more technology so that he shoots the picture, and processes it and puts it on the board in a few minutes. Sure looks nice. Thanks, Ike.
The “Riser Rats” for 2007 were acknowledged again last week and given their usual candy, popcorn and movie coupons. Thanks to those guys too.
Secretary Chris offered to order any Harmo logo items for guys – now is the time to get in on the order. Jackets, shirts, caps, etc.
He also presented membership cards for Mark Klostermeyer – 27 years, and Rick Savage – 34 years.
Roger Day, our membership VP, reminded us that Feb. 19th is the formal guest nite for the chapter. We continue to welcome guys back to the fold who have been out for a while like Paul Grimes, Bill DePuy and Arthur Louis.
Reminder—there will be sectionals this Saturday at Durant at 9 am. All come.
There were handouts in each guy’s mailbox regarding a fundraiser show for Nancy Sterling who is battling ALS. Show is Feb. 24th, 3 pm in MD at Todd Performing Arts Center. Contact Steve White who has more details.
Lots of guys were off tonite that we know of who are fighting colds and the crud. Heard several guys sharing that they had missed last week because of some things going around.
And we drank 40 cups of coffee and ate a lot of holiday left over goodies – it was darn cold outside too.
Til 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
This week there were a number of guys already in San Antonio for the Society’s MidWinter convention. Director Joe was there for committee meetings and to prepare to serve as MC for the first Youth Harmony Chorus contest. Other folks were leaving tomorrow morning for TX.
Will, Tony and Chuck (our assistant directors) took turn up front with warm ups, craft, song run-throughs. Chuck McK and Gary worked on several SP things. And Craig did the aerobics warm up. There were also sectionals for working on “Clap Yo Hands” and “Ed Sullivan.”
Dick Weick was reported still in the hospital at Fairfax, and Bruce Minnick is waiting for a serious heart operation.
Brad Jones spoke to all about the efforts to get quartets ready to fill orders for Singing Valentines. There are some prospects for doing gigs for soldiers who are overseas and have someone here in DC area we could sing to.
The PUT TOGETHER contest is next week. If you aren’t in a quartet yet, and starting to work on some fun song, you should do so – especially those of you who read this article each week but don’t currently sing in the chorus. Or just show up on the Jan. 29th. I hear the musical leaders will form some quartets on the spot for the contest and have them sing Pole Cat songs. If you want to help with the contest, contact Joel Golden, who is chair this year (you could help escort contestants, set up chairs at break for audience, help sound/tech crew set up mics and such.
Treasurer Eckman announced the good results of our Script sales efforts for last year. Thanks of course to Dick and Carolyn Hall for taking charge each week. We sold $71,000 and netted $5,200 for the chapter!! Fifth place salesman was Harner, fourth was Eckman, third was Ives, second was Fess and first was Rust who sold $8,600.
Ike Evans offered to make a Holiday Show book (like the one the chapter gave Terry Reynolds at the president’s banquet on the 19th). Speak with Ike about your request. It was really a terrific piece.
The technical crew on Tuesday nite set up and recorded a song or two. They will be used by the SP team for training sessions on the stage before chapter meeting on Tuesday nites.
The famous Harmonizer photo board that gets put up each week with mug shots of the members is getting a face-lift. Ike Evans is putting new guys on the board and updating those that needed updating. He is using more technology so that he shoots the picture, and processes it and puts it on the board in a few minutes. Sure looks nice. Thanks, Ike.
The “Riser Rats” for 2007 were acknowledged again last week and given their usual candy, popcorn and movie coupons. Thanks to those guys too.
Secretary Chris offered to order any Harmo logo items for guys – now is the time to get in on the order. Jackets, shirts, caps, etc.
He also presented membership cards for Mark Klostermeyer – 27 years, and Rick Savage – 34 years.
Roger Day, our membership VP, reminded us that Feb. 19th is the formal guest nite for the chapter. We continue to welcome guys back to the fold who have been out for a while like Paul Grimes, Bill DePuy and Arthur Louis.
Reminder—there will be sectionals this Saturday at Durant at 9 am. All come.
There were handouts in each guy’s mailbox regarding a fundraiser show for Nancy Sterling who is battling ALS. Show is Feb. 24th, 3 pm in MD at Todd Performing Arts Center. Contact Steve White who has more details.
Lots of guys were off tonite that we know of who are fighting colds and the crud. Heard several guys sharing that they had missed last week because of some things going around.
And we drank 40 cups of coffee and ate a lot of holiday left over goodies – it was darn cold outside too.
Til next time - editorjack.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Looking Back for Jan. 15th Chapter Meeting
Looking Back on Jan 15th Chapter Meeting and YMIH Event
(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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Editorjack was in Indianapolis for work on the 15th, so Alan Wile took notes for at the chapter meeting and at the high school event later in the week.
Tuesday nite, Jan. 15th news:
Tony Colosimo warmed us up. Director Joe was sick this week.
Then Craig Kujawa really warmed us up.
Will Cox rehearsed us on “God Bless The USA, the Ed Sullivan Show, Kiss The Girl, and Music of the Night.” Tony chimed in now and then to improve the vocal and emotional effect.
Chuck Hunter introduced "woodshedding," demonstrating first with a "pick up" quartet and then gave the chorus a chance to try their hand ... er ... their ears.
Gary Plaag & Chuck McKeever reviewed chorus focals and three basic moves.
At the break,
President Mick asked us to hold Bruce Minnick and Dick Weick close.
Terry Jordan gave an update on the Presidents' Ball/Award Banquet coming up on Saturday. Now we're up to over 120 attendees -- 40 more than the last several years.
Secretary Chris gave out two membership cards -- Vince Cazenas (21 years) and Keith Jones (30 years).
Sandy Stamps reported the results of our VERY successful White House Ornament sales -- over 3000 sold. She gave out "prizes" to the top five salesmen: Jerry Eiler, Burt Stueve, Roger Day, David Reyno (631), and Skip Coburn (632). Sandy claimed that both our top sellers vow to sell over 700 WHOs next year.
VP-Membership Roger Day welcomed eight great guests and Scott Nessler (visiting from Hawaii) and Rick Wagner (who we have not seen for a few weeks). He also reminded us that February 19th will be a guest night and asked the members bring guests.
Tony brought us back to the risers by directing “My Wild Irish Rose.”
Then Gary and Will went over the plans for the visit to the West Potomac High School tomorrow (Wednesday).
Our assistant directors rehearsed us on “Clap Your Hands, Drunken Sailor, Ave Maria, and Happy Feet.”
All this time Scott Kahler kept us on schedule by reminding those up front how much time they had left for their part of the program.
The 50-50 went to Rick Wagner, who then took us out with “Keep The Whole World Singing.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 16th, about 25 or so of us joined Director Joe, Will and Gary to demonstrate and sing for and with Ernest Johnson and "the West Potomac Guys" (I think that's what he called them). Ernest is the choral director for the school and the WPGs number 26. Before class, Will warmed us up while we stood in sections. Once the students arrived we sang “I've Been Working On The Railroad” (melody unison). We sang it a second time and Joe asked the boys/men to harmonize, explaining that's how barbershop first began. We did some drills, singing straight beat and then with interp using “If I Ruled The World.” Will demonstrated (with out help) the four parts of barbershop harmony using ‘My Wild Irish Rose,” one part at a time and then in combination until all four parts were sung. Then we sang it all the way through.
Joe explained that we are a competitive chorus and talked a bit about the three elements on which we're judged. Then Gary explained the presentation category and, using “Great Day” and now in our regular chorus positions, we demonstrated singing with stone faces, mouthing the words, with emotion, and, finally with the choreography. Will taught them the tag "When it's sleepy time down south" and we all sang together.
All this time, of course, our directors explained various facets of barbershop harmony, etc. When a faculty advisor came into the room, we'd been pre-warned that today was her 50th birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday to her -- with appropriate word response (she sang for years in all sorts of groups and appreciated us and the young men). Finally, we switched places and, with the guys now on the risers, we were treated to a rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas.” A quartet (can't recall the name) sang a couple of songs for us. We were taken by the overall quality of the singing and the self-confidence of all of them, especially the four guys in the quartet. These guys are good! A goodly number of them indicated they want to attend our Youth Harmony Festival at the end of March ... and one man had his application and money with him and wanted to turn it in right then. We were there for an hour and a half and had a ball. Sure looked like Ernest was very pleased with our being there -- gave a real boost (I hope) to his program which is growing.
AND you need to know that it all came about through Howard Nestlerode's missionary work. Evidently some of the boys sang at his church and that led to today's visitation.
Til 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 at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Editorjack was in Indianapolis for work on the 15th, so Alan Wile took notes for at the chapter meeting and at the high school event later in the week.
Tuesday nite, Jan. 15th news:
Tony Colosimo warmed us up. Director Joe was sick this week.
Then Craig Kujawa really warmed us up.
Will Cox rehearsed us on “God Bless The USA, the Ed Sullivan Show, Kiss The Girl, and Music of the Night.” Tony chimed in now and then to improve the vocal and emotional effect.
Chuck Hunter introduced "woodshedding," demonstrating first with a "pick up" quartet and then gave the chorus a chance to try their hand ... er ... their ears.
Gary Plaag & Chuck McKeever reviewed chorus focals and three basic moves.
At the break,
President Mick asked us to hold Bruce Minnick and Dick Weick close.
Terry Jordan gave an update on the Presidents' Ball/Award Banquet coming up on Saturday. Now we're up to over 120 attendees -- 40 more than the last several years.
Secretary Chris gave out two membership cards -- Vince Cazenas (21 years) and Keith Jones (30 years).
Sandy Stamps reported the results of our VERY successful White House Ornament sales -- over 3000 sold. She gave out "prizes" to the top five salesmen: Jerry Eiler, Burt Stueve, Roger Day, David Reyno (631), and Skip Coburn (632). Sandy claimed that both our top sellers vow to sell over 700 WHOs next year.
VP-Membership Roger Day welcomed eight great guests and Scott Nessler (visiting from Hawaii) and Rick Wagner (who we have not seen for a few weeks). He also reminded us that February 19th will be a guest night and asked the members bring guests.
Tony brought us back to the risers by directing “My Wild Irish Rose.”
Then Gary and Will went over the plans for the visit to the West Potomac High School tomorrow (Wednesday).
Our assistant directors rehearsed us on “Clap Your Hands, Drunken Sailor, Ave Maria, and Happy Feet.”
All this time Scott Kahler kept us on schedule by reminding those up front how much time they had left for their part of the program.
The 50-50 went to Rick Wagner, who then took us out with “Keep The Whole World Singing.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 16th, about 25 or so of us joined Director Joe, Will and Gary to demonstrate and sing for and with Ernest Johnson and "the West Potomac Guys" (I think that's what he called them). Ernest is the choral director for the school and the WPGs number 26. Before class, Will warmed us up while we stood in sections. Once the students arrived we sang “I've Been Working On The Railroad” (melody unison). We sang it a second time and Joe asked the boys/men to harmonize, explaining that's how barbershop first began. We did some drills, singing straight beat and then with interp using “If I Ruled The World.” Will demonstrated (with out help) the four parts of barbershop harmony using ‘My Wild Irish Rose,” one part at a time and then in combination until all four parts were sung. Then we sang it all the way through.
Joe explained that we are a competitive chorus and talked a bit about the three elements on which we're judged. Then Gary explained the presentation category and, using “Great Day” and now in our regular chorus positions, we demonstrated singing with stone faces, mouthing the words, with emotion, and, finally with the choreography. Will taught them the tag "When it's sleepy time down south" and we all sang together.
All this time, of course, our directors explained various facets of barbershop harmony, etc. When a faculty advisor came into the room, we'd been pre-warned that today was her 50th birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday to her -- with appropriate word response (she sang for years in all sorts of groups and appreciated us and the young men). Finally, we switched places and, with the guys now on the risers, we were treated to a rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas.” A quartet (can't recall the name) sang a couple of songs for us. We were taken by the overall quality of the singing and the self-confidence of all of them, especially the four guys in the quartet. These guys are good! A goodly number of them indicated they want to attend our Youth Harmony Festival at the end of March ... and one man had his application and money with him and wanted to turn it in right then. We were there for an hour and a half and had a ball. Sure looked like Ernest was very pleased with our being there -- gave a real boost (I hope) to his program which is growing.
AND you need to know that it all came about through Howard Nestlerode's missionary work. Evidently some of the boys sang at his church and that led to today's visitation.
Til next time - editorjack.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Pandora
Are you familiar with "Pandora"?
It's a free on-line music-streaming service from the good folks at the Music Genome Project.
Their goal is to analyze music by its components and elements of style, and to help people find new music to enjoy by extrapolating from their current tastes.
For example, if you go to Pandora and search for, say, the Oriole Four, it will start playing lots of barbershop music for you!
Pandora.com; it's free, fun, and musically educational!
It's a free on-line music-streaming service from the good folks at the Music Genome Project.
Their goal is to analyze music by its components and elements of style, and to help people find new music to enjoy by extrapolating from their current tastes.
For example, if you go to Pandora and search for, say, the Oriole Four, it will start playing lots of barbershop music for you!
Pandora.com; it's free, fun, and musically educational!
Welcome!
Hello, and welcome to the new Harmoblog.
We've set up this blog in the hope that it will make easier for chapter leadership to communicate with the chapter and vice versa.
Posted on here you may find many different types of notices. Notices about performances and rehearsals, personal and "sunshine" news, synopses of recent events and prospectuses of upcoming ones.
For those of you already familiar with blogs, this should be ready to use. For those who are new to blogs, we think you'll soon get used to the convenience of one. Used well, the Harmoblog may be able to cut down on chapter use of email and business announcements at chapter meeting.
Note that the blog is term-searchable (there's a little search window up top there) and keyword-searchable. But that will become important only later, as the blog grows so we can talk about that later.
Meanwhile, welcome to our latest step forward in chapter communications!
We've set up this blog in the hope that it will make easier for chapter leadership to communicate with the chapter and vice versa.
Posted on here you may find many different types of notices. Notices about performances and rehearsals, personal and "sunshine" news, synopses of recent events and prospectuses of upcoming ones.
For those of you already familiar with blogs, this should be ready to use. For those who are new to blogs, we think you'll soon get used to the convenience of one. Used well, the Harmoblog may be able to cut down on chapter use of email and business announcements at chapter meeting.
Note that the blog is term-searchable (there's a little search window up top there) and keyword-searchable. But that will become important only later, as the blog grows so we can talk about that later.
Meanwhile, welcome to our latest step forward in chapter communications!
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