Looking Back on the June 23rd Chapter Meeting
(Thanks again to Alan Wile for preparing this copy while YeEd was out of town.)
Prior to the meeting Chuck McKeever was on the stage reviewing contest uptune choreo; risers were set up; truck was positioned to take the risers at the end of the evening (for Thursday at Jeff-Houston and beyond); tables were set up in the usual places and on the back of the stage; Bob Rhome had convention packets at the ready; etc.
K-12 called the Harmonizers to the risers just before 7:00 p.m. Will conducted the warm-up before turning the chorus over to director Joe Cerutti. Initially Joe continued to work warm-up elements and then introduced coach Geri Geis. All three emphasized the Harmonizer press. Geri reminded us of the effect when the chorus repeatedly presses. She asked that each man be prepared to do each and every run-through by internalizing his "story" before we sing; that there be contrast in every lyric line; what needs to be done to capture the judges' attention ... to get them to look up from the papers in front of them; to lighten up on each "except" phrase (when we're talking to ourselves and being honest ...unlike the rest of the song when we're trying to convince ourselves that we're OK); and to contrast those portions with the "But I get along without you" lines when we're trying to convince ourselves "I don't need you"; and that, after all, no one (NO one) ever says "no" to us!
Joe drilled parts of both songs. Geri helped with reminders and additional artistry. Joe noted that every chorus will sing loud -- "The audience expects it and it's what we do." But it's the softs with "white fire" presence that make the Harmonizers great.
Throughout the rehearsal a professional photographer ("Joe") was at work. Evidently he will be taking pictures during the Sunday show and was getting acquainted with us and our contest package.
K-12 announced this week's birthday boys -- Mick Stamps and Max Keiba. Our Joe jumped in and called them up together with Craig Kujawa's niece Michelle Bash whose 15th birthday was tonight ... and then directed as the chorus serenaded all three appropriately.
Chapter Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership cards to Matt Barnes (6 years), Dave Welter (34 years), and Craig Odell (41 years). He also presented Dean Martin with his first Man of Note award for bringing Steve Matuszewski back into the chapter (after a prolonged absence from the Society).
Membership VP Dan O'Brien announced this would be his "swan song appearance" in this position. This announcement resulted in rousing applause in appreciation for his wonderful work over the last year and one-half. He then introduced the guests: Chris Clark -- a new applicant; Michelle Bash; Stephen Haynes from the Ambassadors of Harmony; Trevor Doney -- a friend of Steve Lingo and Lise Lingo (Steve's wife).
After a brief break, K-12 announced that all the missing uniform parts have arrived and would be distributed at the end of the night. Rick Wagner addressed housing for our guests this weekend and provided tips for hosts and greeters. Those guests desiring to do group sight-seeing are to meet Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Smithsonian Metro station (mall exit). The Westminster chorus will be here until Tuesday and need to be dropped off at the Kena Temple by 9:30 a.m. to catch the bus to Philly. Questions should be addressed to Rick.
Ken Fess announced that 1,624 tickets have been sold for the Choir of the World show on Sunday! He is in need of a riser crew at 1:00 p.m. on Friday; someone to help replenish food/drink back stage; sightseeing questions should be addressed to Noah Van Gilder; handouts were available with show details; parking is free in Lot K and for $5 in the parking garage; the show and the aftershow will both be webcast and be available until July 27th; bus tickets to Philly are still available; two invited guests are John Glenn and Harry Reid (but we've not heard yet whether either will attend); AND upon arrival at the performance venue, chorus members should go to room 327C to drop their uniforms (but we'll dress and make up later, after rehearsing).
M&P VP Terry Reynolds announced that we'll be singing at the Inova Alexandria Hospital on Tuesday, July 6. There will be a regular chapter meeting on Tuesday, July 13th ... to prepare for our show at Fort Ward on Thursday, July 15th. But the next three Tuesdays will be chapter meetings with a number of innovative events and activities.
Director Joe announced sadly that Phil Ferguson's 19 year old brother in law was killed in Afghanistan and asked that Phil and the family be held close. Then he asked for volunteers to provide laptops and TVs (and cabling) to provide show coverage backstage. Then he worked some of the show tunes: “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Summertime,” and “There's a Meetin' Here Tonight.” Joe said he is "psyched" over our mastery of TS&SF and congratulated the chorus on what it has accomplished with this song. Thirty-seven men volunteered to sing TS&SF on Sunday morning. Joe had them come off the risers and sing while he wandered through a maze of singers to hear them. At the end he took a picture of the group (with the tenors in back and pretty much out of sight) and hoped he can secure permission for all to participate. If not, he'll randomly pick 25 guys.
As risers were put on the truck, uniform parts were distributed on the stage. Hopefully, everyone has all the necessary parts for Sunday and for our time in Philly.
For the record, Alan also reported on the Harmonizers who attended the recent Mid Atlantic District Harmony College East weekend. As usual the chapter supported the event in many ways: judges, coaches, administrators, tag singers, joke tellers and guys who went to learn and expand their knowledge about our hobby. Here are the guys who attended:
Keith Jones
Gary Plaag
Joe Cerutti
Wayne Adams
Ryan Griffith
Bob Wachter
Mike Kelly
Dean Martin
Scipio Garling
Tony Colosimo
Mike Geipel
Bob Mattes
Alan Kousen
Frank Fedarko
Eric Wallen
Bob Eckman
Jack Stonesifer
Rick Taylor
Joe Sawyer
Craig Odell
Martin Banks
Alan Wile.
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.)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Looking Back on the June 8th Chapter Meeting
We met at Jeff-Houston school, adjacent to Durant, this week. So there were a few adjustments in using a different space. No coffee, but goodies thanks to those who brought things to share!
Even the Harmo truck needed a “jump” to get it to start. But drivers Howard Nestlerode and Bob Blair got it going and over to the hall. Chapter members jumped in and got things set up and ready for a riser call at 7!
There was a FRIENDS meeting tonite also.
Tony did the vocal warm ups and included drills on quality soft singing and worked on a revised hand move to go with the music.
The Men Of 10 have new purple shirts to go with their class bandanas! Looking sharp men.
When Director Joe got to the front, he started with accolades about ticket sales and thanked all those who took him serious and bought tickets (if they didn’t sell any) for Joe to give to students and music educators. He also announced that an anonymous Harmonizer has bought 20 tickets and given them to the district Harmony Youth camp program.
In a continuation of giving, Joe thanked a donor of gift cards for him to use as he thought appropriate to recognize guys in the chapter. This time he chose a leader who went beyond the call – Chuck McKeever. Chuck is a visual trainer and coordinator of pre-rehearsal sessions and quad work. AND he took on the annual chorus retreat again. Thanks Chuck. (And thanks Ellen for the support.)
To start off the singing portion of the nite, Joe had the guys get into voice part sections on the risers and launched into “Stars and Stripes” in preparation for the June 27th show. He encouraged those guys who had prepared word cheat sheets to help themselves. And he asked all to have the words down soon. YeEd has just gotta add – wow it is fast, geez there are a lot of words, and man, does it sound good!
Joe confirmed that the gig is "on” for the morning of July 4th in Philly to do a TV spot with “Stars and Stripes” too. He will narrow down the 25 singers that can do it next week.
When they finish “S & S” Joe had the guys walk back to their regular risers spots doing the intro to “Summertime” which will also be on the June 27 show. It was fun to see all the new guys absorb the moves and emotional plan from those guys who knew it from the past.
Joe also had the men sing other songs for the show – “God Bless The USA,” “Great Day” and “Meeting Here Tonight.”
Then it was time for serious work on the uptune with moves (including some adjustments to the plan and review of the adjustments from retreat).
Before break, Mark Klostermeyer listed all this week’s birthdays. And reminded all about the extra rehearsal this Thursday at 7 pm at Jeff-Houston. He also did a bandana check for the class of 2010! One guy went running to his briefcase to get his, but all had them to show!
Secretary Buechler welcomed newest member Jack Stonesifer. And then presented membership renewal cards to the following: Don Dillingham, 2 years; Patrick Kim, 3 years; Nick Murane, 5 years; Tim Buell, 6 years; and Jim Lake, 17 years.
Dan O’Brien, our hard working membership guy, welcome Daniel Secco, from Brazil, who is a student staying at Lew Klinge’s.
After break, the chapter meeting period continued. Sandy Stamps, FRIENDS president presented a cash gift to CRUNCH TIME (Eric Wallen) for their trip to Philly. Also the FRIENDS group gave President Newton a cash gift for the chorus. Many thanks to those who help raise the monies and cheer for us at contests and shows.
Rick Wagner alerted all of us who are hosting Westminster chorus members in our homes that he has details for us as to arrivals and such.
Ken Fess spoke briefly about the show too. If you need tickets, contact him. He may need some help blanketing GMU to get students to the show. And if you wish to ride the one-way bus to Philly, see Bruce Lauther.
Terry Reynolds, music and performance vp, reminded all of this week’s extra rehearsal and the extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 24th.
The second half of the evening was mostly work on the ballad with Geri Geis who had come in to help us. Thanks to Royall for coming too!
The excitement level and quality was so high, Joe didn’t want to stop. We sang right up til 10:10 or so, then hurried to put things back on the truck and escape the school to go to the afterglow at 815 S. Washington.
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.)
Even the Harmo truck needed a “jump” to get it to start. But drivers Howard Nestlerode and Bob Blair got it going and over to the hall. Chapter members jumped in and got things set up and ready for a riser call at 7!
There was a FRIENDS meeting tonite also.
Tony did the vocal warm ups and included drills on quality soft singing and worked on a revised hand move to go with the music.
The Men Of 10 have new purple shirts to go with their class bandanas! Looking sharp men.
When Director Joe got to the front, he started with accolades about ticket sales and thanked all those who took him serious and bought tickets (if they didn’t sell any) for Joe to give to students and music educators. He also announced that an anonymous Harmonizer has bought 20 tickets and given them to the district Harmony Youth camp program.
In a continuation of giving, Joe thanked a donor of gift cards for him to use as he thought appropriate to recognize guys in the chapter. This time he chose a leader who went beyond the call – Chuck McKeever. Chuck is a visual trainer and coordinator of pre-rehearsal sessions and quad work. AND he took on the annual chorus retreat again. Thanks Chuck. (And thanks Ellen for the support.)
To start off the singing portion of the nite, Joe had the guys get into voice part sections on the risers and launched into “Stars and Stripes” in preparation for the June 27th show. He encouraged those guys who had prepared word cheat sheets to help themselves. And he asked all to have the words down soon. YeEd has just gotta add – wow it is fast, geez there are a lot of words, and man, does it sound good!
Joe confirmed that the gig is "on” for the morning of July 4th in Philly to do a TV spot with “Stars and Stripes” too. He will narrow down the 25 singers that can do it next week.
When they finish “S & S” Joe had the guys walk back to their regular risers spots doing the intro to “Summertime” which will also be on the June 27 show. It was fun to see all the new guys absorb the moves and emotional plan from those guys who knew it from the past.
Joe also had the men sing other songs for the show – “God Bless The USA,” “Great Day” and “Meeting Here Tonight.”
Then it was time for serious work on the uptune with moves (including some adjustments to the plan and review of the adjustments from retreat).
Before break, Mark Klostermeyer listed all this week’s birthdays. And reminded all about the extra rehearsal this Thursday at 7 pm at Jeff-Houston. He also did a bandana check for the class of 2010! One guy went running to his briefcase to get his, but all had them to show!
Secretary Buechler welcomed newest member Jack Stonesifer. And then presented membership renewal cards to the following: Don Dillingham, 2 years; Patrick Kim, 3 years; Nick Murane, 5 years; Tim Buell, 6 years; and Jim Lake, 17 years.
Dan O’Brien, our hard working membership guy, welcome Daniel Secco, from Brazil, who is a student staying at Lew Klinge’s.
After break, the chapter meeting period continued. Sandy Stamps, FRIENDS president presented a cash gift to CRUNCH TIME (Eric Wallen) for their trip to Philly. Also the FRIENDS group gave President Newton a cash gift for the chorus. Many thanks to those who help raise the monies and cheer for us at contests and shows.
Rick Wagner alerted all of us who are hosting Westminster chorus members in our homes that he has details for us as to arrivals and such.
Ken Fess spoke briefly about the show too. If you need tickets, contact him. He may need some help blanketing GMU to get students to the show. And if you wish to ride the one-way bus to Philly, see Bruce Lauther.
Terry Reynolds, music and performance vp, reminded all of this week’s extra rehearsal and the extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 24th.
The second half of the evening was mostly work on the ballad with Geri Geis who had come in to help us. Thanks to Royall for coming too!
The excitement level and quality was so high, Joe didn’t want to stop. We sang right up til 10:10 or so, then hurried to put things back on the truck and escape the school to go to the afterglow at 815 S. Washington.
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.)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Looking Back on the June 1st Chapter Meeting and So. Div. Contest Report
This week’s column starts off with a report from the Southern Division contest where quartets and choruses via for the chance to compete at the district convention in the fall. It was in Roanoke, VA, in the newly refurbished Hotel Roanoke and convention center.
Tho the Harmonizers did not sing at our division this year, we were all over the place all weekend. Many guys wore Harmo shirts and logos – it gave us a chance to talk about the chapter and especially our hugely popular June 27th show with Westminster.
There were Alexandria guys in 8 of the 13 quartet contestants. YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (with Mike Wallen) won with a solid hit. (They were also competing for senior quartet recognition.)
Second place was our own DOWNTOWN who came out with a solid package and new bass, Arthur Louis along with Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko.
The other Harmonizer quartets included BELTWAY BLUES in 4th (with Kevin Roth); FRiDAYS! in 5th (with Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives, Steve Murane); FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND in 6th (with Randy Lazear, Bob Bates, Larry Walker, Dave Cureton); RING OF GOLD in 8th (with Don Thompson); SURPRISE! in 9th (with John Grant, Bob Hirsh, Bruce Minnick) and FOUR IN THE MORNING in 10th (with Mike Geipel). FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND and FRiDAYS! were also competing as seniors quartets.
Besides the guys on stage, Director Joe was a judge, Chuck Harner was in charge of the contests, Joe Sawyer and Dennis Ritchey served as MCs during the weekend, and as usual several of our guys are board members for the district or serve on the operations team that makes sure the contest runs smoothly. Several of our guys also volunteered as mic testers for the quartet contest Fri. eve and the chorus contest Sat. morning.
There were a number of Harmonizers and former Harmonizers on stage with other choruses Saturday: Bob Wilson and Paul Laurenz in first place chorus, James River; Mike Calhoun, Alan Durick and Dewey Feuerhelm in the new Harrisonburg chorus that was named Most Improved Chorus.
Mike Wallen directed the Richmond chorus which included Mike Geipel and Paul Lensch. They came in second.
Singing in the DC chorus were Bob Hirsh, Bob Wells, Don Dillingham and Torsten Wezel. They came in third. Tony’s Dad, Bill, was excited about their success.
Southern Division will send 6 choruses to the fall contest in Lancaster in Oct. – James River, Richmond, DC, Germantown, Fairfax, and Roanoke.
Others YeEd saw in the audience: Frank Beahm, who belongs to Smith Mountain Lake; Ian Poulin, Alan Wile, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Mike Kelly who operated the video filming operation; Ben Smith, and Gary Plaag who is district president.
Tuesday nite, June 1st was another hard working nite for the Harmonizers. But for sure a very productive one. (Some guys were joking as to what kinda surprises Joe would pull off this week – and he had a few!!)
The big one was to announce that since we have almost reached our goal of 80% sales, we are gonna webcast the big June show. Subscribers can check it out and pay online.
Joe was especially proud to report the success of consignment ticket sales and the number of guys who had sold 10 or more. He announced the names of all of those guys and then he gave a gift card (thanks to the Harmonizer supporter for providing the cards) to the top salesman, Rick Wagner at 20 tickets. (Well actually, Director Joe has sold 45 and Ken Fess has sold 54 – but they work together so we didn’t make them top!!!) (Then again, who ever heard of a chorus director selling a lot of tickets and the show producer? Thanks guys.)
The musical warm up included some physical stretching and moves also tonite with Tony Colosimo doing the honors. He also stressed proper breathing!
Joe welcomed back Mark Klostermeyer who keeps the chapter meeting and chorus rehearsal flowing. Then he thought of another ticket matter – who is covering and selling to all the local barbershop chapters both male and female in the DC area? We found out a bunch of guys have them covered, and other guys volunteered to go after the rest.
After all that, Joe decided it was important to go into sectionals for “Stars and Stripes” to finish the hard work started in previous weeks. When the chorus reassembled, he had them stand in sections on the risers. Wow – what a sound when he had them sing as if in a choral or church choir singing Bach.
Then another surprise: Joe received a request for the chorus to sing on July 4th at the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Independence Hall ceremony. They need 25 to be on mic for the TV special at 7:30 am. Guys are to think it over and Joe will follow up. What a great way to use “Stars and Stripes” after all this work.
The music team also worked on “Meeting Here Tonight” and “ObLiDi/ObLiDa” for shows coming up. If you weren’t at rehearsal this week, ask one of the singers about the “non-scooping xylophone” example.
Joe then explained the plan for using “Great Day” as the opener with Westminster and also for the closing on that show. MC for the show will be Ev Nau, with the Harmony Foundation in Nashville.
When Joe asked how many on the risers had been to a vocal studio, YeEd noted about 99% of the hands went up. That is great. And we all thank Joe, Tony, Terry Reynolds and others for the extra effort in arranging for them.
Michael Gellert was in the house again this week and Terry orchestrated those taking vocal coaching sessions with him during the evening.
Before starting on the ballad, Director Joe remarked that he will never forget as long as he lives last week’s surprise visit by former director, Scott Werner.
A huge chunk of time was used to work, coach and repeat the ballad.
Then over to the uptune, the presentation team announced some major, but not difficult, changes to the visual plan. Coach Hansen had worked long distance with our guys to plan it and help them prepare to teach the chorus. Good work all. The chorus members were good sports in trying, listening to instructions and making it work.
The pre-break events included the usual birthday reminders. The chorus manager K12 called out the 17 men in the Class of 2010:
Matt Barnes
Tim Buell
Don Dillingham
Don Farrell
Myles Glancy
Andrew Havens
Ken Henderson
Victor Hills
Jeremy Knobel
Jim Lake
Dean Martin
Bert Phillips
Andrew Plocher
Kevin Roth
Steve Lingo
Jack Stonesifer
Don Thompson
This is the third largest freshman class in chapter history, according to Mark K. He presented them purple bandanas this year and gave them the usual admonishment to wear them at ALL TIMES and be ready to present them whenever asked. (Hope they won’t forget them for the retreat this weekend!)
Secretary Buechler presented Big Ten Awards to Jack Pitzer and Chuck Harner for bringing 10 men into the BHS and our chapter. He and president Dick Newton presented 35 year pins to Austin Cotton and Howard Nestlerode. Dick then presented Chris his 25 year pin. Other recipients of renewal cards were Craig Kujawa, 7 years; Tony Colosimo, 17 years; Ken Rub, 19 years; Ike Evans, 23 years; Bob Eckman, 26 years; Martin Banks, 27 years; and Dick Hall, 46 years.
Glad to have pitch man and membership vp back tonite. Dan O’Brien welcomed guest and applicant Jack Stonesifer.
Then a fast break time since there was much musical work to do. (Even tho it was short, the guys ate the cupboard bare – so some of you chow hounds bring in some goodies like cookies or chips or pretzels to share. Thanks.)
After guys grabbed a bite or soda from the FRIENDS or a coffee, bought tickets or grabbed uniform parts, it was back to some chapter meeting matters.
Jack Cameron started his plugging about ordering chorus pixs from Philly.
Chuck McKeever, dean of our retreat weekend, asked everyone to help Bob Blair load things on the truck to take to Westminster, MD, this weekend. Guys were reminded to be there by 7:30 or 8 to check in and be ready to sing. Coffee will be served. Anyone who wants to go up Friday nite should contact Chuck McKeever. It is $24.50 in addition to the $50 guys need to pay, if they have not already done so. Sounds like there will be some fun on Saturday nite too.
For the retreat, don’t forget to bring towels, pillow, sheets, your tearaways (and bandanas if you are in the freshman class).
Two quartets with Harmonizers (Steve White in TOUCHSTONE, and John Reece ON THE ROAD) will compete at the Western Division contest in PA Friday nite and those guys will drive over to check in for retreat.
Steve White announced results of the Southern Division contest as reported above.
Someone announced a reminder that there will be special rehearsals on Thurs. June 10 and June 24. Mark your calendars. These are mandatory.
President Newton welcomed Chris Buechler back after some heart health work since our last meeting. And asked the chapter to keep Chuck Powell in their thoughts as he is having some kidney stone issues again.
Dick received a Harmony Foundation Award for our chapter contributions at the Gold level of $188.27 per member.
The rest of the nite was work, work, work on the uptune. Then for a while, Phil Ferguson recorded the ballad and Joe and Scipio coached while Tony directed. All thought it was a great learning tool for the chorus (and reminded us of when Hohl and Werner did this sort of thing in prep for previous contest successes).
We worked til after 10 and then hustled to get things loaded on the truck and put away. Some auditions were held. Some chapter ensembles practiced. And still we all got to the afterglow.
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.)
Tho the Harmonizers did not sing at our division this year, we were all over the place all weekend. Many guys wore Harmo shirts and logos – it gave us a chance to talk about the chapter and especially our hugely popular June 27th show with Westminster.
There were Alexandria guys in 8 of the 13 quartet contestants. YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT (with Mike Wallen) won with a solid hit. (They were also competing for senior quartet recognition.)
Second place was our own DOWNTOWN who came out with a solid package and new bass, Arthur Louis along with Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko.
The other Harmonizer quartets included BELTWAY BLUES in 4th (with Kevin Roth); FRiDAYS! in 5th (with Bob Caldwell, Ken Ives, Steve Murane); FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND in 6th (with Randy Lazear, Bob Bates, Larry Walker, Dave Cureton); RING OF GOLD in 8th (with Don Thompson); SURPRISE! in 9th (with John Grant, Bob Hirsh, Bruce Minnick) and FOUR IN THE MORNING in 10th (with Mike Geipel). FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND and FRiDAYS! were also competing as seniors quartets.
Besides the guys on stage, Director Joe was a judge, Chuck Harner was in charge of the contests, Joe Sawyer and Dennis Ritchey served as MCs during the weekend, and as usual several of our guys are board members for the district or serve on the operations team that makes sure the contest runs smoothly. Several of our guys also volunteered as mic testers for the quartet contest Fri. eve and the chorus contest Sat. morning.
There were a number of Harmonizers and former Harmonizers on stage with other choruses Saturday: Bob Wilson and Paul Laurenz in first place chorus, James River; Mike Calhoun, Alan Durick and Dewey Feuerhelm in the new Harrisonburg chorus that was named Most Improved Chorus.
Mike Wallen directed the Richmond chorus which included Mike Geipel and Paul Lensch. They came in second.
Singing in the DC chorus were Bob Hirsh, Bob Wells, Don Dillingham and Torsten Wezel. They came in third. Tony’s Dad, Bill, was excited about their success.
Southern Division will send 6 choruses to the fall contest in Lancaster in Oct. – James River, Richmond, DC, Germantown, Fairfax, and Roanoke.
Others YeEd saw in the audience: Frank Beahm, who belongs to Smith Mountain Lake; Ian Poulin, Alan Wile, Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Mike Kelly who operated the video filming operation; Ben Smith, and Gary Plaag who is district president.
Tuesday nite, June 1st was another hard working nite for the Harmonizers. But for sure a very productive one. (Some guys were joking as to what kinda surprises Joe would pull off this week – and he had a few!!)
The big one was to announce that since we have almost reached our goal of 80% sales, we are gonna webcast the big June show. Subscribers can check it out and pay online.
Joe was especially proud to report the success of consignment ticket sales and the number of guys who had sold 10 or more. He announced the names of all of those guys and then he gave a gift card (thanks to the Harmonizer supporter for providing the cards) to the top salesman, Rick Wagner at 20 tickets. (Well actually, Director Joe has sold 45 and Ken Fess has sold 54 – but they work together so we didn’t make them top!!!) (Then again, who ever heard of a chorus director selling a lot of tickets and the show producer? Thanks guys.)
The musical warm up included some physical stretching and moves also tonite with Tony Colosimo doing the honors. He also stressed proper breathing!
Joe welcomed back Mark Klostermeyer who keeps the chapter meeting and chorus rehearsal flowing. Then he thought of another ticket matter – who is covering and selling to all the local barbershop chapters both male and female in the DC area? We found out a bunch of guys have them covered, and other guys volunteered to go after the rest.
After all that, Joe decided it was important to go into sectionals for “Stars and Stripes” to finish the hard work started in previous weeks. When the chorus reassembled, he had them stand in sections on the risers. Wow – what a sound when he had them sing as if in a choral or church choir singing Bach.
Then another surprise: Joe received a request for the chorus to sing on July 4th at the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Independence Hall ceremony. They need 25 to be on mic for the TV special at 7:30 am. Guys are to think it over and Joe will follow up. What a great way to use “Stars and Stripes” after all this work.
The music team also worked on “Meeting Here Tonight” and “ObLiDi/ObLiDa” for shows coming up. If you weren’t at rehearsal this week, ask one of the singers about the “non-scooping xylophone” example.
Joe then explained the plan for using “Great Day” as the opener with Westminster and also for the closing on that show. MC for the show will be Ev Nau, with the Harmony Foundation in Nashville.
When Joe asked how many on the risers had been to a vocal studio, YeEd noted about 99% of the hands went up. That is great. And we all thank Joe, Tony, Terry Reynolds and others for the extra effort in arranging for them.
Michael Gellert was in the house again this week and Terry orchestrated those taking vocal coaching sessions with him during the evening.
Before starting on the ballad, Director Joe remarked that he will never forget as long as he lives last week’s surprise visit by former director, Scott Werner.
A huge chunk of time was used to work, coach and repeat the ballad.
Then over to the uptune, the presentation team announced some major, but not difficult, changes to the visual plan. Coach Hansen had worked long distance with our guys to plan it and help them prepare to teach the chorus. Good work all. The chorus members were good sports in trying, listening to instructions and making it work.
The pre-break events included the usual birthday reminders. The chorus manager K12 called out the 17 men in the Class of 2010:
Matt Barnes
Tim Buell
Don Dillingham
Don Farrell
Myles Glancy
Andrew Havens
Ken Henderson
Victor Hills
Jeremy Knobel
Jim Lake
Dean Martin
Bert Phillips
Andrew Plocher
Kevin Roth
Steve Lingo
Jack Stonesifer
Don Thompson
This is the third largest freshman class in chapter history, according to Mark K. He presented them purple bandanas this year and gave them the usual admonishment to wear them at ALL TIMES and be ready to present them whenever asked. (Hope they won’t forget them for the retreat this weekend!)
Secretary Buechler presented Big Ten Awards to Jack Pitzer and Chuck Harner for bringing 10 men into the BHS and our chapter. He and president Dick Newton presented 35 year pins to Austin Cotton and Howard Nestlerode. Dick then presented Chris his 25 year pin. Other recipients of renewal cards were Craig Kujawa, 7 years; Tony Colosimo, 17 years; Ken Rub, 19 years; Ike Evans, 23 years; Bob Eckman, 26 years; Martin Banks, 27 years; and Dick Hall, 46 years.
Glad to have pitch man and membership vp back tonite. Dan O’Brien welcomed guest and applicant Jack Stonesifer.
Then a fast break time since there was much musical work to do. (Even tho it was short, the guys ate the cupboard bare – so some of you chow hounds bring in some goodies like cookies or chips or pretzels to share. Thanks.)
After guys grabbed a bite or soda from the FRIENDS or a coffee, bought tickets or grabbed uniform parts, it was back to some chapter meeting matters.
Jack Cameron started his plugging about ordering chorus pixs from Philly.
Chuck McKeever, dean of our retreat weekend, asked everyone to help Bob Blair load things on the truck to take to Westminster, MD, this weekend. Guys were reminded to be there by 7:30 or 8 to check in and be ready to sing. Coffee will be served. Anyone who wants to go up Friday nite should contact Chuck McKeever. It is $24.50 in addition to the $50 guys need to pay, if they have not already done so. Sounds like there will be some fun on Saturday nite too.
For the retreat, don’t forget to bring towels, pillow, sheets, your tearaways (and bandanas if you are in the freshman class).
Two quartets with Harmonizers (Steve White in TOUCHSTONE, and John Reece ON THE ROAD) will compete at the Western Division contest in PA Friday nite and those guys will drive over to check in for retreat.
Steve White announced results of the Southern Division contest as reported above.
Someone announced a reminder that there will be special rehearsals on Thurs. June 10 and June 24. Mark your calendars. These are mandatory.
President Newton welcomed Chris Buechler back after some heart health work since our last meeting. And asked the chapter to keep Chuck Powell in their thoughts as he is having some kidney stone issues again.
Dick received a Harmony Foundation Award for our chapter contributions at the Gold level of $188.27 per member.
The rest of the nite was work, work, work on the uptune. Then for a while, Phil Ferguson recorded the ballad and Joe and Scipio coached while Tony directed. All thought it was a great learning tool for the chorus (and reminded us of when Hohl and Werner did this sort of thing in prep for previous contest successes).
We worked til after 10 and then hustled to get things loaded on the truck and put away. Some auditions were held. Some chapter ensembles practiced. And still we all got to the afterglow.
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.)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Looking Back on the May 25th Chapter Meeting
Director Joe said there was gonna be a BIG surprise at chapter meeting. And indeed it was!!
Scott Werner came up from Florida to coach a little, see all his friends, meet all the new guys he did not know and encourage our director.
To pull off the surprise, Joe started the guys working on the contest ballad first thing after warm up. And he invited Geri Geis, who was on hand for the evening, to make suggestions. After about 1 run thru, she said she wanted to do something different and have a closed eye drill. She cautioned several times that guys should not open their eyes during the song, because it would destroy the mood and effect.
Soooo – near the end of the song, Joe signaled a ‘shooosh’ sign with his finger to his lips for all of those watching. And then escorted Scott into the room to stand in front of the chorus.
When Geri released the guys from the closed eye drill, there he was. You should have seen the faces. All the men who knew Scott were beaming and ready to come charging off the risers. And of course their applause and cheering was huge. The looks on the 30 or 35 new guys was also fun – who in the world is this guy and why does he have on the red and black Harmo travel shirt. Joe made the introduction, “Gentlemen, meet the Harmonizer musical director for all four of the gold medals the chapter has earned!” More outbursts and cheers.
Some of you may know that Joe has often mentioned, in a joking way, that he wished Scott Werner could come over and help him with the famous Harmonizer soft singing. So some of the guys in the chapter spoke to Joe and made it happen!!
Right away, Scott jumped in to coach and suggest. And after just a few remarks, the magic was back. Geri was all smiles because much of her work to get guys to sound like they looked happened.
Geri then continued her coaching and Scott offered some more advice. There was a great photo op with Joe and Scott together and then the two of them with Geri. A historical, or Breathless Moment, for the chapter for sure.
YeEd was wondering why so many former members were in the hall, or guys we don’t see often – Everard, Greiner, Abel, Louis, Botts, Levine, Jordan, Galloway. Great to have them all.
As mentioned above, Will Cox took the guys thru a terrific vocal warm up and included some physical movement too. Joe was quick to thank Will for always helping and conducting warm up points that Joe felt were needed. Since Dan O’Brien had a work conflict again, Will was pitchman tonite.
Joe also pushed more on ticket sales and pleaded that if a member has not sold three tickets, he should go buy three himself and give them to Joe to give to youth singers, music educators or other possible supporters.
At the pre-break chapter meeting period, quartet promo chair, Eric Wallen, listed all the quartets that have or will sing in M-AD divisional contests this spring; and as is our chapter custom, presented a check from the chapter to the quartet to help cover their contest registration (the amount based on how many Harmonizers are in the quartet). The line of guys who came up to represent their quartets spread all the way across the building. Congrats to all.
FRiDAYS! sang for the chapter in prep for their appearance this weekend in Roanoke at the Southern Division. YeEd thinks he has the following quartets listed for this weekend: FRiDAYS!, FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND, DOWNTWON, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FOUR IN THE MORNING, BELTWAY BLUES, RING OF GOLD, and SURPRISE! (YeEd hopes we did not forget or overlook anyone.)
Secretary Buechler passed out copies of our 50th anniversary history book, Breathless Moments, to the many new men who have join in recent months and have not gotten a copy yet.
Chris also filled in for membership guy Dan. As mentioned earlier, there were a lot of visitors in the hall and forming an audience for the chorus. Ryan Killean from the BHS Foundation staff in Nashville was with us. And Jack Stonesifer, an applicant, was on the risers working to catch up and be ready for Philly.
President Dick Newton shared about Mark Klostermeyers’ father’s memorial service today. Bill Klostermeyer was one of our early Santa Claus guys for holiday shows – with a real beard and all.
Dick also reported that he, Martin Banks and Jim Lucey, attended a reception at Alexandria City Hall tonite and were given word that the chapter will receive another significant grant from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The Harmonizers are one of the major arts groups in the city, and likely the only one that spreads the word of our city around the nation.
And Dick asked the chorus to thank Bob Blair and Bob Rhome for repainting the front of the stage area in Durant, which covers the doors to our riser storage area.
Ken Fess reported on ticket sales for the June 27th fantastic show, as well as the almost sell out of the afterSHOW tickets. He mentioned too that there might be a need for some guys to jump in and help with last minute tasks to make this huge effort continue being so successful.
Then it was back to work musically. Director Joe got the men into “Stars and Stripes” again. Phil Ferguson was projector operator. This song along with the contest package and “Summertime” and “Meeting Here Tonight” will be on that show. So guys should get to work on songs they are not familiar with.
The remainder of the evening was used to polish more of the uptune for Philly. Visual team was hard at work helping. New uniform tests were conducted and worked great!
We worked hard til 10:10 pm and then hurried to get the hall back in order and get off to the afterglow at 815 S. Washington. Nice crowd again tonite including Royall and Geri, and Ryan. Fun to see the guys outside singing tags.
Recent report of Men Of Note guys in our chapter is interesting. (When a guy brings in a new member or serves as his sponsor, the Society presents the sponsor with a small 1/8th note pin, or Man Of Note pin.) Several of our guys were in the listing of those with 10 or more: Buechler, 59; Werner, 17; Adams, 14; Everard, 14: Plaag, 13; Wachter, 12; Flinn, 11; Witmer, 11; Harner, 10; Pitzer, 10, Sutton, 10. Good work men.
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.)
Scott Werner came up from Florida to coach a little, see all his friends, meet all the new guys he did not know and encourage our director.
To pull off the surprise, Joe started the guys working on the contest ballad first thing after warm up. And he invited Geri Geis, who was on hand for the evening, to make suggestions. After about 1 run thru, she said she wanted to do something different and have a closed eye drill. She cautioned several times that guys should not open their eyes during the song, because it would destroy the mood and effect.
Soooo – near the end of the song, Joe signaled a ‘shooosh’ sign with his finger to his lips for all of those watching. And then escorted Scott into the room to stand in front of the chorus.
When Geri released the guys from the closed eye drill, there he was. You should have seen the faces. All the men who knew Scott were beaming and ready to come charging off the risers. And of course their applause and cheering was huge. The looks on the 30 or 35 new guys was also fun – who in the world is this guy and why does he have on the red and black Harmo travel shirt. Joe made the introduction, “Gentlemen, meet the Harmonizer musical director for all four of the gold medals the chapter has earned!” More outbursts and cheers.
Some of you may know that Joe has often mentioned, in a joking way, that he wished Scott Werner could come over and help him with the famous Harmonizer soft singing. So some of the guys in the chapter spoke to Joe and made it happen!!
Right away, Scott jumped in to coach and suggest. And after just a few remarks, the magic was back. Geri was all smiles because much of her work to get guys to sound like they looked happened.
Geri then continued her coaching and Scott offered some more advice. There was a great photo op with Joe and Scott together and then the two of them with Geri. A historical, or Breathless Moment, for the chapter for sure.
YeEd was wondering why so many former members were in the hall, or guys we don’t see often – Everard, Greiner, Abel, Louis, Botts, Levine, Jordan, Galloway. Great to have them all.
As mentioned above, Will Cox took the guys thru a terrific vocal warm up and included some physical movement too. Joe was quick to thank Will for always helping and conducting warm up points that Joe felt were needed. Since Dan O’Brien had a work conflict again, Will was pitchman tonite.
Joe also pushed more on ticket sales and pleaded that if a member has not sold three tickets, he should go buy three himself and give them to Joe to give to youth singers, music educators or other possible supporters.
At the pre-break chapter meeting period, quartet promo chair, Eric Wallen, listed all the quartets that have or will sing in M-AD divisional contests this spring; and as is our chapter custom, presented a check from the chapter to the quartet to help cover their contest registration (the amount based on how many Harmonizers are in the quartet). The line of guys who came up to represent their quartets spread all the way across the building. Congrats to all.
FRiDAYS! sang for the chapter in prep for their appearance this weekend in Roanoke at the Southern Division. YeEd thinks he has the following quartets listed for this weekend: FRiDAYS!, FOUR MAN VOCAL BAND, DOWNTWON, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, FOUR IN THE MORNING, BELTWAY BLUES, RING OF GOLD, and SURPRISE! (YeEd hopes we did not forget or overlook anyone.)
Secretary Buechler passed out copies of our 50th anniversary history book, Breathless Moments, to the many new men who have join in recent months and have not gotten a copy yet.
Chris also filled in for membership guy Dan. As mentioned earlier, there were a lot of visitors in the hall and forming an audience for the chorus. Ryan Killean from the BHS Foundation staff in Nashville was with us. And Jack Stonesifer, an applicant, was on the risers working to catch up and be ready for Philly.
President Dick Newton shared about Mark Klostermeyers’ father’s memorial service today. Bill Klostermeyer was one of our early Santa Claus guys for holiday shows – with a real beard and all.
Dick also reported that he, Martin Banks and Jim Lucey, attended a reception at Alexandria City Hall tonite and were given word that the chapter will receive another significant grant from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. The Harmonizers are one of the major arts groups in the city, and likely the only one that spreads the word of our city around the nation.
And Dick asked the chorus to thank Bob Blair and Bob Rhome for repainting the front of the stage area in Durant, which covers the doors to our riser storage area.
Ken Fess reported on ticket sales for the June 27th fantastic show, as well as the almost sell out of the afterSHOW tickets. He mentioned too that there might be a need for some guys to jump in and help with last minute tasks to make this huge effort continue being so successful.
Then it was back to work musically. Director Joe got the men into “Stars and Stripes” again. Phil Ferguson was projector operator. This song along with the contest package and “Summertime” and “Meeting Here Tonight” will be on that show. So guys should get to work on songs they are not familiar with.
The remainder of the evening was used to polish more of the uptune for Philly. Visual team was hard at work helping. New uniform tests were conducted and worked great!
We worked hard til 10:10 pm and then hurried to get the hall back in order and get off to the afterglow at 815 S. Washington. Nice crowd again tonite including Royall and Geri, and Ryan. Fun to see the guys outside singing tags.
Recent report of Men Of Note guys in our chapter is interesting. (When a guy brings in a new member or serves as his sponsor, the Society presents the sponsor with a small 1/8th note pin, or Man Of Note pin.) Several of our guys were in the listing of those with 10 or more: Buechler, 59; Werner, 17; Adams, 14; Everard, 14: Plaag, 13; Wachter, 12; Flinn, 11; Witmer, 11; Harner, 10; Pitzer, 10, Sutton, 10. Good work men.
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.)
Monday, May 24, 2010
Looking Back on the May 18th Chapter Meeting and Mic Test at Atlantic Division
Here is a nice report by Alan Wile (thanks Alan - YeEd) regarding the Harmonizer appearance this past weekend in DE at the Atlantic Division contest. We were asked to be mic testers for the chorus contest on Saturday, May 15th.
“While most Harmonizers arrived at the Wilmington DoubleTree Hotel early Saturday morning, a fair number came up Friday afternoon, battling a variety of traffic delays, rain and hail storms.
The Friday night quartet contest began at 6:00 p.m. with Harmonizer (and District Board Member at Large) Dennis Ritchey as Master of Ceremonies. Quartets appearing on the contest stage included CRUCNH TIME (Eric Wallen) as the mic testing quartet. As this quartet will be competing at the international quartet contest in Philly, it performed here for score and evaluation, only). Other quartets with Harmonizer members included MUSIC THERAPY (Don Farrell, Dean Martin, Steve Mateuszewski, Chris Yates), TRIBUTE (Tony Colosimo, Ryan Griffith, former Harmonizer Joe Eckert, and Ryan's father, Steve), DOWN A FOURTH! (Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Troy Hillier, Wayne Adams). Unfortunately PHIL ‘N THE BLANKS (Rick Savage, Phil Ferguson, Joe Cerutti, Terry Reynolds) had a conflict and had to scratch. In all, 21 quartets crossed the stage before the contest concluded at 8:00 p.m.
TRIBUTE, with a score of 76.4%, won the contest and was named Atlantic Division Champion. Competing out-of-division, DOWN A FOURTH! wowed the audience with a great parody which "addressed" each judge by name and, feigning ignorance of his identity, identified the contest administrator simply as "that guy," and MUSIC THERAPY, which sang for us last Tuesday, gave a very creditable performance. Had they been ranked with the Atlantic Division quartets, these two quartets would have finished fourth and ninth, respectively. Well done to all the Harmonizer quartet singers!
By 8 am Saturday, the Harmonizers were on the stage for warms up with Tony Colosimo, rehearsal with Joe Cerutti, herding by K-12 (Mark Klostermeyer), and visual reminders by Chuck McKeever. We first worked the up-tune, took a break for another chorus to have some pre-arranged stage time, and then hit the ballad and both songs. We were reminded that "softs win contests" and Joe worked to get us to sing softer and softer. Much emphasis on attitude, energy, and focus. K-12 also explained how and when we would be leaving the stage following our performance.
The Harmonizers never left the stage until the start of the chorus contest at 10:00 a.m. As there was no curtain, we were asked to remain in our beginning poses while the audience filed in, took their seats, housekeeping announcements were made ... and we were announced. The package was performed nearly flawlessly (well, OK, that was my take). Once over, we left the stage and were on our own until the evaluation, which began at 1 pm. Those with registrations were permitted back into the auditorium to enjoy the rest of the chorus contest; those without were free to do ... whatever.
Following the contest, district vice president Dick Powell presented certificates to seven chapters in recognition of their financial contributions to Harmony Foundation. The Alexandria Chapter received a gold level certificate for an average contribution of $188.20 per member. If you'd like to know how this works (and about opportunities to support the Society ... and the chapter and/or district), see Alan Wile.
Our evaluations -- 20 minutes per judge -- were conducted in the auditorium and although we began sitting down, we quickly moved to the stage. First we heard from Music Judge Dylan Oxford (from the Dixie District (DIX)). Next, we heard from Singing Judge Larry Deters (also from DIX and a former Harmonizer) and candidate Mark Stock (from the Johnny Appleseed District (JAD)). Last, we heard from Presentation Judge Mike Louque (from Central States District (CSD) ... and a former Harmonizer) and Candidate Mark Kettner (from DIX). On average, we were scored a solid 85% (some higher; some lower). Specific comments and will be covered in more detail at a Tuesday night chapter meeting. However, we received a number of complimentary comments and, as expected and valued, several areas which, if addressed/mastered, will improve our performance even more.
By 2:10 p.m. we were released. While most headed home, some remained behind to take in the Show of Champions at 7pm with Harmonizer (and District President) Gary Plaag as Master of Ceremonies.
Tuesday nite, May 18th was a hard work out session. All the usual Tuesday nites aspects were in place – room set up and volunteers in place, Will Cox did the vocal warm-ups.
Director Joe welcomed Michael Gellert who was on hand to provide voice lessons for those who want them. He will be present now and then as needed. Some guys had individual sessions, other guys met with Michael as a small group of 5 or so.
And Joe announced the recent passing of Mark Klostermeyer’s father. Steve White filled in for Mark as program mc for the nite.
Dan O’Brien had to miss the meeting too for work, so Tony Colosimo was pitchman for the nite and YeEd welcomed the guests.
YeEd also noted Ike Evans working to post new member photos on the big Harmo picture board and he was trying hard to squeeze in the bios he posts there too for all the many new members we are adding.
When the singing got going, Joe and team worked more on “Stars and Stripes” and then he welcomed again our coach Brandon Guyton. Brandon worked hard on sound production and immediately made a huge difference and the guys were able to continue it thru out the nite.
Joe made a surprise gift certificate give away to a guy on the risers really going the extra mile to include emotion with the singing. Nick Aiuto was honored this week. The certificates are donated by a fan of the Harmonizers.
Ken Ives was proud to shout out that 100 % of his baritone section was present again this week!
The pre-break business session included reminders that guys could order a competitor t-shirt for Philly – see Cark Kauffmann; get your uniform parts from Tom Kern; watch for detailed emails about vocal studios in the coming days.
Secretary Buechler offered to take orders for Lands End clothing items with Harmo logos. He also presented membership renewal cards to Edris Qarghah for 2 years; Steve Murane for 8 years, Tom Berkey for 13 years, and Bruce Lauther for 24 years.
Speaking of Chris – you may not all know that he will be working as a contest administrator with the judges in Philly. Thus he can not sing with us.
YeEd and Director Joe welcomed our college students back for the summer – Kellen Hertz and Edris; Max Kieba back after becoming a new dad; and Craig Kujawa back from a several month temporary assignment in Europe. All three will be singing in Philly. There were several other singer guests present too. Al Hanenbaum, who we don’t see often, was in the hall too.
After break, the meeting time continued. (Thanks to those who have brought in goodies to share, we can always use them. And thanks to those who drop a buck or so in the container by the coffee!)
Ken Fess stressed ticket sales for the June 27th show with Westminster. Our director is out to break the record of number of tickets sold. We can’t let him take the lead!!!! But thanks for the enthusiastic sales effort, Joe.
Also it was announced that we do have some afterSHOW tickets left to sell. They are $28. See Steve Murane for these tickets as well as taking show tickets on consignment. Remember that money or tickets must be turned back in to Steve by end of the meeting on Tues. May 25th.
Craig Kujawa reported interim results of the 10for10 weight loss program. Some guys have made quite an effort to loose weight.
Then the chorus went back to work, right up til a little after 10 pm. The troops worked fast and hard to put all away, sing a tag, help new guys try out with a quartet and get guys to pay the $50 for their room and board for the chorus retreat (and $24.50 if they are coming up on Fri nite). Pay to YeEd on Tuesday nite. Give rooming requests to retreat master, Chuck McKeever. Retreat is June 5-6 at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, again.
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.)
“While most Harmonizers arrived at the Wilmington DoubleTree Hotel early Saturday morning, a fair number came up Friday afternoon, battling a variety of traffic delays, rain and hail storms.
The Friday night quartet contest began at 6:00 p.m. with Harmonizer (and District Board Member at Large) Dennis Ritchey as Master of Ceremonies. Quartets appearing on the contest stage included CRUCNH TIME (Eric Wallen) as the mic testing quartet. As this quartet will be competing at the international quartet contest in Philly, it performed here for score and evaluation, only). Other quartets with Harmonizer members included MUSIC THERAPY (Don Farrell, Dean Martin, Steve Mateuszewski, Chris Yates), TRIBUTE (Tony Colosimo, Ryan Griffith, former Harmonizer Joe Eckert, and Ryan's father, Steve), DOWN A FOURTH! (Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Troy Hillier, Wayne Adams). Unfortunately PHIL ‘N THE BLANKS (Rick Savage, Phil Ferguson, Joe Cerutti, Terry Reynolds) had a conflict and had to scratch. In all, 21 quartets crossed the stage before the contest concluded at 8:00 p.m.
TRIBUTE, with a score of 76.4%, won the contest and was named Atlantic Division Champion. Competing out-of-division, DOWN A FOURTH! wowed the audience with a great parody which "addressed" each judge by name and, feigning ignorance of his identity, identified the contest administrator simply as "that guy," and MUSIC THERAPY, which sang for us last Tuesday, gave a very creditable performance. Had they been ranked with the Atlantic Division quartets, these two quartets would have finished fourth and ninth, respectively. Well done to all the Harmonizer quartet singers!
By 8 am Saturday, the Harmonizers were on the stage for warms up with Tony Colosimo, rehearsal with Joe Cerutti, herding by K-12 (Mark Klostermeyer), and visual reminders by Chuck McKeever. We first worked the up-tune, took a break for another chorus to have some pre-arranged stage time, and then hit the ballad and both songs. We were reminded that "softs win contests" and Joe worked to get us to sing softer and softer. Much emphasis on attitude, energy, and focus. K-12 also explained how and when we would be leaving the stage following our performance.
The Harmonizers never left the stage until the start of the chorus contest at 10:00 a.m. As there was no curtain, we were asked to remain in our beginning poses while the audience filed in, took their seats, housekeeping announcements were made ... and we were announced. The package was performed nearly flawlessly (well, OK, that was my take). Once over, we left the stage and were on our own until the evaluation, which began at 1 pm. Those with registrations were permitted back into the auditorium to enjoy the rest of the chorus contest; those without were free to do ... whatever.
Following the contest, district vice president Dick Powell presented certificates to seven chapters in recognition of their financial contributions to Harmony Foundation. The Alexandria Chapter received a gold level certificate for an average contribution of $188.20 per member. If you'd like to know how this works (and about opportunities to support the Society ... and the chapter and/or district), see Alan Wile.
Our evaluations -- 20 minutes per judge -- were conducted in the auditorium and although we began sitting down, we quickly moved to the stage. First we heard from Music Judge Dylan Oxford (from the Dixie District (DIX)). Next, we heard from Singing Judge Larry Deters (also from DIX and a former Harmonizer) and candidate Mark Stock (from the Johnny Appleseed District (JAD)). Last, we heard from Presentation Judge Mike Louque (from Central States District (CSD) ... and a former Harmonizer) and Candidate Mark Kettner (from DIX). On average, we were scored a solid 85% (some higher; some lower). Specific comments and will be covered in more detail at a Tuesday night chapter meeting. However, we received a number of complimentary comments and, as expected and valued, several areas which, if addressed/mastered, will improve our performance even more.
By 2:10 p.m. we were released. While most headed home, some remained behind to take in the Show of Champions at 7pm with Harmonizer (and District President) Gary Plaag as Master of Ceremonies.
Tuesday nite, May 18th was a hard work out session. All the usual Tuesday nites aspects were in place – room set up and volunteers in place, Will Cox did the vocal warm-ups.
Director Joe welcomed Michael Gellert who was on hand to provide voice lessons for those who want them. He will be present now and then as needed. Some guys had individual sessions, other guys met with Michael as a small group of 5 or so.
And Joe announced the recent passing of Mark Klostermeyer’s father. Steve White filled in for Mark as program mc for the nite.
Dan O’Brien had to miss the meeting too for work, so Tony Colosimo was pitchman for the nite and YeEd welcomed the guests.
YeEd also noted Ike Evans working to post new member photos on the big Harmo picture board and he was trying hard to squeeze in the bios he posts there too for all the many new members we are adding.
When the singing got going, Joe and team worked more on “Stars and Stripes” and then he welcomed again our coach Brandon Guyton. Brandon worked hard on sound production and immediately made a huge difference and the guys were able to continue it thru out the nite.
Joe made a surprise gift certificate give away to a guy on the risers really going the extra mile to include emotion with the singing. Nick Aiuto was honored this week. The certificates are donated by a fan of the Harmonizers.
Ken Ives was proud to shout out that 100 % of his baritone section was present again this week!
The pre-break business session included reminders that guys could order a competitor t-shirt for Philly – see Cark Kauffmann; get your uniform parts from Tom Kern; watch for detailed emails about vocal studios in the coming days.
Secretary Buechler offered to take orders for Lands End clothing items with Harmo logos. He also presented membership renewal cards to Edris Qarghah for 2 years; Steve Murane for 8 years, Tom Berkey for 13 years, and Bruce Lauther for 24 years.
Speaking of Chris – you may not all know that he will be working as a contest administrator with the judges in Philly. Thus he can not sing with us.
YeEd and Director Joe welcomed our college students back for the summer – Kellen Hertz and Edris; Max Kieba back after becoming a new dad; and Craig Kujawa back from a several month temporary assignment in Europe. All three will be singing in Philly. There were several other singer guests present too. Al Hanenbaum, who we don’t see often, was in the hall too.
After break, the meeting time continued. (Thanks to those who have brought in goodies to share, we can always use them. And thanks to those who drop a buck or so in the container by the coffee!)
Ken Fess stressed ticket sales for the June 27th show with Westminster. Our director is out to break the record of number of tickets sold. We can’t let him take the lead!!!! But thanks for the enthusiastic sales effort, Joe.
Also it was announced that we do have some afterSHOW tickets left to sell. They are $28. See Steve Murane for these tickets as well as taking show tickets on consignment. Remember that money or tickets must be turned back in to Steve by end of the meeting on Tues. May 25th.
Craig Kujawa reported interim results of the 10for10 weight loss program. Some guys have made quite an effort to loose weight.
Then the chorus went back to work, right up til a little after 10 pm. The troops worked fast and hard to put all away, sing a tag, help new guys try out with a quartet and get guys to pay the $50 for their room and board for the chorus retreat (and $24.50 if they are coming up on Fri nite). Pay to YeEd on Tuesday nite. Give rooming requests to retreat master, Chuck McKeever. Retreat is June 5-6 at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, again.
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.)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Looking Back on the May 11th Chapter Meeting
Even the warm up session this week was fun and with Will Cox up front, our coach Cindy Hansen got into the act and fired up the singers to add excitement and energy to their very precise and correct warm up drills. It was humorous and the chorus really got into the idea.
So after this background, we had some quartets sing for us. Both will be singing at the Atlantic Division contest this weekend on Friday nite. First was DOWN A FOURTH with Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Troy Hillier and Wayne Adams. Second was MUSIC THERAPY with Don Farrell, Dean Martin, Steven Matuszewski and Chris Yates.
Later in the evening we learned from quartet promotion guy, Eric Wallen, that Tony Colosimo and Ryan Griffith are singing in that contest too in TRIBUTE quartet. Also Eric’s quartet, CRUNCH TIME, will be the mic testers for the Friday nite quartet contest in Wilmington.
Then it was back to chorus work with Cindy and Joe. She set the stage by allowing the men to make a mistake, take a risk, push their performance to the limit.
She had to laugh tho when the guys were cranking it up on the new song “Stars and Stripes” and got a little bogged down on the new part they were working on. But after a couple of times hitting it again, the tune started to gel. More work next week for the next segment. See messages from Music and Performance VP Terry Reynolds. Joe Sawyer had projector duties tonite. Dennis Ritchey had all the sound and av equipment working.
Another funny point during the coaching tonite was the reference to the “Greg Lyne Pentagon boys” which referred to a fun retreat a few years ago when Greg alleged that too many of the guys were stiff and rigid and not able to get into the emotion of a song. Of course that turned out to be just the challenge the guys needed to “fix it” and become the best at selling a ballad.
Much of the evening was concentrated on the uptune for Philly. Chuck McKeever had worked his pre-rehearsal drills as usual. And tonite he made sure the guys knew which of the 8 quads they were in for a particular ripple move.
Before the nite was over, Cindy thanked Chuck a couple times for his efforts and getting the guys ready to perform for her and being ready to take it up a notch.
She also thanked our front row for their 3-hour session Monday nite to drill and work and revise to make it so good. Tony Colosimo was chorus director stand in for that session so that a visual plan could be developed for Joe.
The chapter meeting period began with singing happy birthday to Mark Klostermeyer and Bruce Lauther. Announcements included:
If you want a competitor t-shirt for Philly, see Carl Kauffmann.
Pay your $50 retreat fee to Jack Pitzer. $24.50 more if you are gonna stay up there on Friday nite.
Sign up during break for the vocal studies
AND - sign up for the new vocal coaching sessions with Michael Gellert. The chapter has arranged for him to provide these sessions for individuals or for small groups.
Chapter Secretary Buechler presented renewal packet for Bruce Roehm and recognized his 9 years of membership. Chris also presented renewal cards to Andrew Plocher for 2 years and Phil Ferguson for 2 years.
Membership vp Dan O’Brien introduced our guests – some of whom are applicants and preparing to sing with us in Philly.
After coffee break during which quartets sang, guys got new uniforms or parts of their uniforms as first time contest singers, or took care of other paperwork and business matters, the chapter meeting continued.
Chorus manager K12 ran down the details for this weekend’s performance in DE where the chorus will sing as mic testers for the chorus contest on Saturday and be given an evaluation by the judges, as a courtesy for a chorus going to represent our district at the International this summer. The chorus is all expected to sit in on the report from the judging panel after the contest ends.
Many more details were released regarding the June 27th show with the Westminster chorus. We are getting closer and closer to a sell out. The afterSHOW party is practially sold out with tickets being saved for the CA guys and the guest quartets. Joe plugged tickets sales all nite and he was proud to report some personal success at it. He challenged all the guys to get some tickets and sell them. (Or else!)
The sign ups for hosting the other chorus has moved along well. And Brian Ammerman got volunteers to make airport runs for guest quartet members.
Then back to a pistol hot rehearsal session with Cindy and Joe working hard. And for sure the guys were firing back too. What a great nite. Worth your dues just to be part of it – as testified by Don Thompson who won the raffle and thus the right to take us out for the nite on KTWWS.
YeEd reports that the FRIENDS group met tonite. AND that 100% of the baritones were present tonite.
Next week will be another great session with coach Brandon Guyton. He won a gold in his quartet FOUR VOICES and last year in CROSSROADS. He is very active with the Ambassadors of Harmony with David Wright. Brandon was our retreat coach a few years ago too.
For former members and chapter friends, this is a great time to come visit the chapter and get a taste of what is happening.
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.)
So after this background, we had some quartets sing for us. Both will be singing at the Atlantic Division contest this weekend on Friday nite. First was DOWN A FOURTH with Joe Sawyer, Joe Cerutti, Troy Hillier and Wayne Adams. Second was MUSIC THERAPY with Don Farrell, Dean Martin, Steven Matuszewski and Chris Yates.
Later in the evening we learned from quartet promotion guy, Eric Wallen, that Tony Colosimo and Ryan Griffith are singing in that contest too in TRIBUTE quartet. Also Eric’s quartet, CRUNCH TIME, will be the mic testers for the Friday nite quartet contest in Wilmington.
Then it was back to chorus work with Cindy and Joe. She set the stage by allowing the men to make a mistake, take a risk, push their performance to the limit.
She had to laugh tho when the guys were cranking it up on the new song “Stars and Stripes” and got a little bogged down on the new part they were working on. But after a couple of times hitting it again, the tune started to gel. More work next week for the next segment. See messages from Music and Performance VP Terry Reynolds. Joe Sawyer had projector duties tonite. Dennis Ritchey had all the sound and av equipment working.
Another funny point during the coaching tonite was the reference to the “Greg Lyne Pentagon boys” which referred to a fun retreat a few years ago when Greg alleged that too many of the guys were stiff and rigid and not able to get into the emotion of a song. Of course that turned out to be just the challenge the guys needed to “fix it” and become the best at selling a ballad.
Much of the evening was concentrated on the uptune for Philly. Chuck McKeever had worked his pre-rehearsal drills as usual. And tonite he made sure the guys knew which of the 8 quads they were in for a particular ripple move.
Before the nite was over, Cindy thanked Chuck a couple times for his efforts and getting the guys ready to perform for her and being ready to take it up a notch.
She also thanked our front row for their 3-hour session Monday nite to drill and work and revise to make it so good. Tony Colosimo was chorus director stand in for that session so that a visual plan could be developed for Joe.
The chapter meeting period began with singing happy birthday to Mark Klostermeyer and Bruce Lauther. Announcements included:
If you want a competitor t-shirt for Philly, see Carl Kauffmann.
Pay your $50 retreat fee to Jack Pitzer. $24.50 more if you are gonna stay up there on Friday nite.
Sign up during break for the vocal studies
AND - sign up for the new vocal coaching sessions with Michael Gellert. The chapter has arranged for him to provide these sessions for individuals or for small groups.
Chapter Secretary Buechler presented renewal packet for Bruce Roehm and recognized his 9 years of membership. Chris also presented renewal cards to Andrew Plocher for 2 years and Phil Ferguson for 2 years.
Membership vp Dan O’Brien introduced our guests – some of whom are applicants and preparing to sing with us in Philly.
After coffee break during which quartets sang, guys got new uniforms or parts of their uniforms as first time contest singers, or took care of other paperwork and business matters, the chapter meeting continued.
Chorus manager K12 ran down the details for this weekend’s performance in DE where the chorus will sing as mic testers for the chorus contest on Saturday and be given an evaluation by the judges, as a courtesy for a chorus going to represent our district at the International this summer. The chorus is all expected to sit in on the report from the judging panel after the contest ends.
Many more details were released regarding the June 27th show with the Westminster chorus. We are getting closer and closer to a sell out. The afterSHOW party is practially sold out with tickets being saved for the CA guys and the guest quartets. Joe plugged tickets sales all nite and he was proud to report some personal success at it. He challenged all the guys to get some tickets and sell them. (Or else!)
The sign ups for hosting the other chorus has moved along well. And Brian Ammerman got volunteers to make airport runs for guest quartet members.
Then back to a pistol hot rehearsal session with Cindy and Joe working hard. And for sure the guys were firing back too. What a great nite. Worth your dues just to be part of it – as testified by Don Thompson who won the raffle and thus the right to take us out for the nite on KTWWS.
YeEd reports that the FRIENDS group met tonite. AND that 100% of the baritones were present tonite.
Next week will be another great session with coach Brandon Guyton. He won a gold in his quartet FOUR VOICES and last year in CROSSROADS. He is very active with the Ambassadors of Harmony with David Wright. Brandon was our retreat coach a few years ago too.
For former members and chapter friends, this is a great time to come visit the chapter and get a taste of what is happening.
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.)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Looking Back on the May 4th Chapter Meeting
YeEd bets every guy went home Tuesday nite and was awake for an hour after such an exciting meeting and rehearsal. The session with Geri Geis on the ballad was awesome. Amazing how deep into the emotion the guys are getting.
It all started with the usual flurry of set up, meetings, getting something to eat, buying things, and getting aferShow or consignment tickets.
Carl Kauffmann is sporting a cast on his left arm. He had a head on car crash last Friday and has a broken arm. But what a trooper – up on the risers anyway and doing the moves too.
Tony Colosimo did a serious and good-for-the-singer vocal warm up and then turned it over to Director Joe. Well, Joe was full of excitement and got the troops laughing and ready to work right from the start.
He bugged them all by saying he has 55 show tickets to sell and expects every guy to sell 5!!! And to do some hosting or any of the other tasks needed. AND IF NOT – he might hurt you!! The guys all laughed but he got his point across.
First big singing period was on “Stars and Stripes” for the show in June. We used the projector again – Terry Reynolds had projector duty. He and Joe made it easier to follow on the screen too. Good. Joe is working t his song in chunks – starting from the back. Progress is underway for a tough musical piece.
Geri and Royall Geis were welcomed by Joe too. And then she worked with the front row for a period. Joe revisited some of the recent note changes. He also expressed again his thanks to Chuck Hunter for his input while here in the DC area from his work overseas.
A major thrust early in the evening was to ask for “First Note Singers” from all.
When the front row returned, Geri worked on the ballad for a good while. At the end of her time, she had Joe do one of her famous “closed eye drills” so the men could feel and experience the depth of their musical presentation. As always, it was a moving event for the singers and the audience.
For the chapter meeting time, Kostermeyer invited all the speakers to the mic. Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Ian Poulin for 7 years, and Don Farrell for 15 years.
Dan O’Brien welcomed former member Larry Silva and in-active member Bob Sutton. Plus we had three singing guests – two who are part of the youth chorus our chapter is fostering.
After eating all the goodies, more announcements:
We will wear the casual uniform at Atlantic Division show – get yours from Tom Kern.
Eric Wallen congratulated Noah Van Gilder for his quartet success last weekend at the Northern Division.
Ken Fess pushed ticket sales for the June show, and afterShow ticket sales. What a great name for an event – YeEd thinks it might be that the Harmonizers have created another Society first. Congrats who ever thought of it.
Terry Reynolds explained lasted details of the eval process and sought sign ups for vocal sessions.
Then it was back to singing both contest songs and songs for the June show. Everyone worked hard til past 10. Joe almost lost his voice. But everyone was pumped!
New guy Bert Phillips directed KTWWS and then it was a rush to get stuff all away.
A good crowd got to 815 too!
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.)
It all started with the usual flurry of set up, meetings, getting something to eat, buying things, and getting aferShow or consignment tickets.
Carl Kauffmann is sporting a cast on his left arm. He had a head on car crash last Friday and has a broken arm. But what a trooper – up on the risers anyway and doing the moves too.
Tony Colosimo did a serious and good-for-the-singer vocal warm up and then turned it over to Director Joe. Well, Joe was full of excitement and got the troops laughing and ready to work right from the start.
He bugged them all by saying he has 55 show tickets to sell and expects every guy to sell 5!!! And to do some hosting or any of the other tasks needed. AND IF NOT – he might hurt you!! The guys all laughed but he got his point across.
First big singing period was on “Stars and Stripes” for the show in June. We used the projector again – Terry Reynolds had projector duty. He and Joe made it easier to follow on the screen too. Good. Joe is working t his song in chunks – starting from the back. Progress is underway for a tough musical piece.
Geri and Royall Geis were welcomed by Joe too. And then she worked with the front row for a period. Joe revisited some of the recent note changes. He also expressed again his thanks to Chuck Hunter for his input while here in the DC area from his work overseas.
A major thrust early in the evening was to ask for “First Note Singers” from all.
When the front row returned, Geri worked on the ballad for a good while. At the end of her time, she had Joe do one of her famous “closed eye drills” so the men could feel and experience the depth of their musical presentation. As always, it was a moving event for the singers and the audience.
For the chapter meeting time, Kostermeyer invited all the speakers to the mic. Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Ian Poulin for 7 years, and Don Farrell for 15 years.
Dan O’Brien welcomed former member Larry Silva and in-active member Bob Sutton. Plus we had three singing guests – two who are part of the youth chorus our chapter is fostering.
After eating all the goodies, more announcements:
We will wear the casual uniform at Atlantic Division show – get yours from Tom Kern.
Eric Wallen congratulated Noah Van Gilder for his quartet success last weekend at the Northern Division.
Ken Fess pushed ticket sales for the June show, and afterShow ticket sales. What a great name for an event – YeEd thinks it might be that the Harmonizers have created another Society first. Congrats who ever thought of it.
Terry Reynolds explained lasted details of the eval process and sought sign ups for vocal sessions.
Then it was back to singing both contest songs and songs for the June show. Everyone worked hard til past 10. Joe almost lost his voice. But everyone was pumped!
New guy Bert Phillips directed KTWWS and then it was a rush to get stuff all away.
A good crowd got to 815 too!
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.)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Looking Back on the April 27th Chapter Meeting
Amazing to observe the jobs guys do to help their chapter. Last nite, YeEd noticed Bob Blair carrying in his tool box and getting under the risers for some repair work. And the gang had all the sound stuff ready, tables up, chairs set for guests, the screen ready. Carl Kauffmann was adding new tape onto the two sections of reversed risers the Harmonizers use to give our riser configuration a better spread to face the audience. The tape will hold the risers skirts. Ike Evans was adding mug shots to the Harmonizer Picture Board and also the bios of the newest guys he posted. There was a good crowd practicing on the stage with Chuck McKeever too. And the pizza boxes were delivered on time and Tim Buell filled in for Steve Lingo to collect from the customers.
When ticket man Steve Murane arrived, he was swamped with guys picking up their block of tickets on consignment.
Tonite the guys had to find a new spot on the risers as the music team had rearranged the riser position. Chorus manager K12 had the chart up front and ready for all to check before taking their place. (YeEd didn’t hear why, but it seemed to be spreading out the basses from the center.)
After a good vocal warm up session by Will Cox, Director Joe launched work on “Stars and Stripes” which will be a combined chorus song for the June 27th show. Joe is introducing it in chunks – tho it appears a lot of guys have been doing their homework and learning at home. We used the projector to show the music for all – Joe Sawyer had projector operator duties.
We missed Dan O’Brien tonite (he got called to stay at work at the last minute. Terry Reynolds and Jim Lake had pitch pipes ready tho. And Chris Buechler managed the guest sign in.
Joe welcomed back coach Kirk Young; and as promised last week, he spent a huge time period on the uptune for contest. At one point he said, “Rhythm – it won’t kill you. It may hurt a while, but it won’t kill you!”
Before break, Joe and Kirk turned the mic over to operations guy Klostermeyer. Secretary Buechler presented a new member packet from the Barbershop Harmony Society headquarters to Andrew Havens, and a Man of Note pin (his first) to Tony Colosimo who brought Andrew to the chapter. Chris presented membership renewal cards to Bill Stewart for 7 years and to Dick Newton for 26 years.
Chris continued at the mic to introduce our guests including Lou from Canada again, and two local men from the DC area. One of them, Jack, attended our youth festival two years ago and has been tapped for participation in the Youth Chorus being formed within the chapter. (Later in the evening, Tony Colosimo, announced that THE CAPTIAL FORCE youth chorus will have its first meeting this Saturday. The chorus is for men under 30.)
After the guys emptied the snack table and coffee pot during break, they were called back to the risers with cheers led by Griff again.
Ken Fess brought everyone up to date on the plans and details for the huge show June 27th. Over 900 seats have been sold. He visited the hall and it is gonna be terrific. He reminded all to get some consignment tickets from Steve Murane, and then turn in the money or tickets by May 25th. Ken stressed the need for guys to sign up to house the chorus members in our homes, to help get them in to see DC and such, and to stay tuned for a chance to get tickets for the afterglow event being organized at a location within walking distance of the show.
Quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, led cheers for Noah Van Gilder who is singing with his quartet this weekend at the Northern Division.
Joe’s Sweet Adeline chorus, PRIDE OF BALTIMORE, won the Region 19 contest this past weekend. Congrats to Joe and our friends in the chorus.
Terry Reynolds reminded guys of the Thurs. midnite deadline for getting in eval things. AND he stressed that next week starts the mandatory rehearsals. PLEASE submit absence forms if work will take you out of town, or other major events prevent you from attending. Better to come late that miss it all, too.
There will be a board meeting on Thursday.
Guys should pick up their uniform parts after the meeting.
The finance committee met in the kitchen during break with President Newton.
Back to work then on the contest songs. Kirk worked more on the uptune. And since Chuck Hunter was here for one more nite before returning to Damascu, Joe asked Chuck to spend some time on the ballad interp.
When it was time to quit and put things away, Joe thanked our coaches. Kirk directed us out on KTWWS.
We just didn’t have time to record our songs for the new CD tonite – so keep practicing them for next 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 of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
When ticket man Steve Murane arrived, he was swamped with guys picking up their block of tickets on consignment.
Tonite the guys had to find a new spot on the risers as the music team had rearranged the riser position. Chorus manager K12 had the chart up front and ready for all to check before taking their place. (YeEd didn’t hear why, but it seemed to be spreading out the basses from the center.)
After a good vocal warm up session by Will Cox, Director Joe launched work on “Stars and Stripes” which will be a combined chorus song for the June 27th show. Joe is introducing it in chunks – tho it appears a lot of guys have been doing their homework and learning at home. We used the projector to show the music for all – Joe Sawyer had projector operator duties.
We missed Dan O’Brien tonite (he got called to stay at work at the last minute. Terry Reynolds and Jim Lake had pitch pipes ready tho. And Chris Buechler managed the guest sign in.
Joe welcomed back coach Kirk Young; and as promised last week, he spent a huge time period on the uptune for contest. At one point he said, “Rhythm – it won’t kill you. It may hurt a while, but it won’t kill you!”
Before break, Joe and Kirk turned the mic over to operations guy Klostermeyer. Secretary Buechler presented a new member packet from the Barbershop Harmony Society headquarters to Andrew Havens, and a Man of Note pin (his first) to Tony Colosimo who brought Andrew to the chapter. Chris presented membership renewal cards to Bill Stewart for 7 years and to Dick Newton for 26 years.
Chris continued at the mic to introduce our guests including Lou from Canada again, and two local men from the DC area. One of them, Jack, attended our youth festival two years ago and has been tapped for participation in the Youth Chorus being formed within the chapter. (Later in the evening, Tony Colosimo, announced that THE CAPTIAL FORCE youth chorus will have its first meeting this Saturday. The chorus is for men under 30.)
After the guys emptied the snack table and coffee pot during break, they were called back to the risers with cheers led by Griff again.
Ken Fess brought everyone up to date on the plans and details for the huge show June 27th. Over 900 seats have been sold. He visited the hall and it is gonna be terrific. He reminded all to get some consignment tickets from Steve Murane, and then turn in the money or tickets by May 25th. Ken stressed the need for guys to sign up to house the chorus members in our homes, to help get them in to see DC and such, and to stay tuned for a chance to get tickets for the afterglow event being organized at a location within walking distance of the show.
Quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, led cheers for Noah Van Gilder who is singing with his quartet this weekend at the Northern Division.
Joe’s Sweet Adeline chorus, PRIDE OF BALTIMORE, won the Region 19 contest this past weekend. Congrats to Joe and our friends in the chorus.
Terry Reynolds reminded guys of the Thurs. midnite deadline for getting in eval things. AND he stressed that next week starts the mandatory rehearsals. PLEASE submit absence forms if work will take you out of town, or other major events prevent you from attending. Better to come late that miss it all, too.
There will be a board meeting on Thursday.
Guys should pick up their uniform parts after the meeting.
The finance committee met in the kitchen during break with President Newton.
Back to work then on the contest songs. Kirk worked more on the uptune. And since Chuck Hunter was here for one more nite before returning to Damascu, Joe asked Chuck to spend some time on the ballad interp.
When it was time to quit and put things away, Joe thanked our coaches. Kirk directed us out on KTWWS.
We just didn’t have time to record our songs for the new CD tonite – so keep practicing them for next 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 of the great things going on each week at an Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter meeting. —Ye Ed.)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Looking Back on the April 20th Chapter Meeting
Have you noticed that the rising volume level from 6 – 7 with 85 – 100 guys at work on their stage presence, eating the pizza and visiting and setting up all the stuff it takes to run a regular Tuesday nite chapter meeting and rehearsal? Not complaining, for sure. All good.
Tony Colosimo did the honors of a solid vocal warm up and used some new exercises for the guys to get ready to sing and perform. Director Joe added some more drills before he had the chorus work on songs.
He reminded us all that Kirk Young will be coaching next week – concentrating on the uptune for contest.
He also shared that OLD SCHOOL and OC TIMES will sing the intro for “God Bless The USA” and both Alexandria and Westminster choruses will join in. WOW – can you just imagine that sound!
There was more work on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and some start to adding the scenario or theme of the song to the musical presentation or interp.
Then Joe launched into what was a great work out on the ballad. He began by introducing some terrific musical adjustments suggested by Chuck Hunter who was in the hall last week.
After the long and successful workout on the package, Joe quit early and turned the meeting over to our operations honcho, K12. Mark announced birthdays and alerted the chow hounds to the huge chocolate cake being cut to serve at break.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Dan O’Brien, 5 years; Dennis Ritchey, 18 years; John Reece, 22 years; and Jim Shoenhard, 22 years.
Scipio showed the guys the new vests to be worn in the contest package and he and uniform chair, Tom Kern, invited everyone to pick up one. Nice looking.
Ken Fess, chair of the Westminster show, made a personal appeal for guys to sign up to host our guest chorus and quartets, help with CD sales and other such tasks, and to SELL TICKETS. Already over 800 have been sold. But we have over 1000 more to sell. Our director suggested we should all sell at least 5 – and do so in the next 10 days or less. He pledged to lead the way on the sales effort.
Next week, our chapter ticket guru, Steve Murane, will have blocks of tickets guys can take on consignment. (Readers of this column who are not regulars at Durant on Tuesday should get online and order tickets too. Don’t miss your chance to get a good seat.)
Terry Reynolds reviewed latest details and deadlines for the self evaluation process . AND announced that the chapter’s music team has received the music for “Stars and Stripes” and will have it up on the website for members to get – so continue to prepare for the launch of that new song next Tuesday!
After eating up all the cake and lots of coffee and sodas, everyone was invited back to take a seat on the risers.
Phil Ashford introduced a guest quartet, THAT QUARTET, from the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline chapter. They are competing this weekend in Ocean City. Also Joe’s POB chorus will be competing at that contest as well. Good luck to all. (YeEd learned that the tenor of our guest quartet was Steve Guy’s wife – and that he has had a bad fall and broken his arm or some such pain and thus not on the risers for a couple weeks.)
Speaking of health issues – we have a couple guys combating kidney stones lately, and many guys fighting the crud from allergies!!
There is a chapter board meeting this week.
Then back to work on the risers as prompted by cheerleader Griff. There were many drills and the necessary recordings for vocal or visual assessment. And a beneficial review of hand movements and timing for a few ripple moves. Thanks Chuck McKeever and Joe for taking time for it.
After the long work session, the chorus recorded more songs for an upcoming CD.
At 10 pm, we did a wrap up to end another great nite with the Harmonizers. Guys were asked to load the risers onto our truck as someone has rented them this weekend. Bob Blair was load master.
Section leaders were summoned to do an audition or two. And men under 30 were summoned by Tony to discuss the future youth chorus in our chapter.
And after all that cake, there was a weigh-in for guys in the 10 FOR 10 program. Joe Sawyer took down the figures for Craig Kujawa who is still overseas.
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.)
Tony Colosimo did the honors of a solid vocal warm up and used some new exercises for the guys to get ready to sing and perform. Director Joe added some more drills before he had the chorus work on songs.
He reminded us all that Kirk Young will be coaching next week – concentrating on the uptune for contest.
He also shared that OLD SCHOOL and OC TIMES will sing the intro for “God Bless The USA” and both Alexandria and Westminster choruses will join in. WOW – can you just imagine that sound!
There was more work on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and some start to adding the scenario or theme of the song to the musical presentation or interp.
Then Joe launched into what was a great work out on the ballad. He began by introducing some terrific musical adjustments suggested by Chuck Hunter who was in the hall last week.
After the long and successful workout on the package, Joe quit early and turned the meeting over to our operations honcho, K12. Mark announced birthdays and alerted the chow hounds to the huge chocolate cake being cut to serve at break.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to Dan O’Brien, 5 years; Dennis Ritchey, 18 years; John Reece, 22 years; and Jim Shoenhard, 22 years.
Scipio showed the guys the new vests to be worn in the contest package and he and uniform chair, Tom Kern, invited everyone to pick up one. Nice looking.
Ken Fess, chair of the Westminster show, made a personal appeal for guys to sign up to host our guest chorus and quartets, help with CD sales and other such tasks, and to SELL TICKETS. Already over 800 have been sold. But we have over 1000 more to sell. Our director suggested we should all sell at least 5 – and do so in the next 10 days or less. He pledged to lead the way on the sales effort.
Next week, our chapter ticket guru, Steve Murane, will have blocks of tickets guys can take on consignment. (Readers of this column who are not regulars at Durant on Tuesday should get online and order tickets too. Don’t miss your chance to get a good seat.)
Terry Reynolds reviewed latest details and deadlines for the self evaluation process . AND announced that the chapter’s music team has received the music for “Stars and Stripes” and will have it up on the website for members to get – so continue to prepare for the launch of that new song next Tuesday!
After eating up all the cake and lots of coffee and sodas, everyone was invited back to take a seat on the risers.
Phil Ashford introduced a guest quartet, THAT QUARTET, from the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline chapter. They are competing this weekend in Ocean City. Also Joe’s POB chorus will be competing at that contest as well. Good luck to all. (YeEd learned that the tenor of our guest quartet was Steve Guy’s wife – and that he has had a bad fall and broken his arm or some such pain and thus not on the risers for a couple weeks.)
Speaking of health issues – we have a couple guys combating kidney stones lately, and many guys fighting the crud from allergies!!
There is a chapter board meeting this week.
Then back to work on the risers as prompted by cheerleader Griff. There were many drills and the necessary recordings for vocal or visual assessment. And a beneficial review of hand movements and timing for a few ripple moves. Thanks Chuck McKeever and Joe for taking time for it.
After the long work session, the chorus recorded more songs for an upcoming CD.
At 10 pm, we did a wrap up to end another great nite with the Harmonizers. Guys were asked to load the risers onto our truck as someone has rented them this weekend. Bob Blair was load master.
Section leaders were summoned to do an audition or two. And men under 30 were summoned by Tony to discuss the future youth chorus in our chapter.
And after all that cake, there was a weigh-in for guys in the 10 FOR 10 program. Joe Sawyer took down the figures for Craig Kujawa who is still overseas.
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.)
Friday, April 16, 2010
Looking Back on the April 13th Chapter Meeting
Wow – YeEd got to Durant at about 6 pm and found the risers up, screen, tables and a lot of the troops onhand for stage presence review on the stage, some tag singing, some pizza eating, front row drills, and taking care of the usual paper work. And picking up their new chorus uniform parts.
Also guys were so glad to see Chuck Hunter back from Damascus for a little visit and some training classes in the DC area.
Will Cox did the vocal warm ups and Director Joe jumped in to expand the lessons during the warm up period.
Joe led a big cheer and congrats for Eric Wallen who competed with his quartet CRUNCH TIME this weekend at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims and qualified to sing at the International quartet contest in Philly this summer!
Then the chorus singing got serious with a work session on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and a lead break out session to shore up their part on it.
And then to work on the contest songs. Geri Geis (as well her husband, past Harmo president, Royall) was here to work with the chorus. For a while, she worked with the front row outside the main hall. Then she joined Joe upfront to coach the chorus even deeper into the plan and emotion of the ballad. It was so good to see the difference as guys let themselves go and share the story. The chorus was enthusiastic about a couple musical changes that came out of this session too – things that were needed to tell the same story visually and musically.
Before break time, operations VP Klostermeyer honored the week’s birthdays. Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to several: Steve Lingo, 2 years; Chris Huber, 18 years; Brad Jones, 18 years; Sam McFarland, 23 years; Rick Wagner, 29 years; Alan Kousen, 43 years; and Bob Wachter, 58 years!
Dan O’Brien welcomed guests – besides those mentioned above, Jon Abel was with us.
President Newton reminded board members of their upcoming meeting.
For break, guys finished off the pizza and wiped out a big pile of cookies and goodies, bought sodas and water from the FRIENDS group, and got ready to get back on the risers to the cheers led by Griff.
The music team had the guys sing several repertoire songs. Then do some of the needed run-throughs for making their self evaluation tapes.
Joe announced more big news – the chorus is gonna produce a CD as fast as possible for sale to our fans. He has assembled a team to help with it and the first couple songs were recorded tonite. Phil Ferguson is sound engineer and Mick Stamps is producer. Stay tuned for more details. (And the new CD project explains why it was getting warm in the hall – the AC unit will be off starting at 9 pm while we do the recordings.)
The chorus singing continued with coaching and suggestions right til 10. K12 reminded guys of the mandatory visual studios this weekend. And to pick up uniform parts.
Many hands got everything put away under the stage (YeEd heard some chatter that we might be having a painting crew put some paint on the doors that go under the stage as a help to the Rec Center).
And as is the case each week, a crowd of guys went to 815 South Washington for the afterglow.
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.)
Also guys were so glad to see Chuck Hunter back from Damascus for a little visit and some training classes in the DC area.
Will Cox did the vocal warm ups and Director Joe jumped in to expand the lessons during the warm up period.
Joe led a big cheer and congrats for Eric Wallen who competed with his quartet CRUNCH TIME this weekend at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims and qualified to sing at the International quartet contest in Philly this summer!
Then the chorus singing got serious with a work session on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and a lead break out session to shore up their part on it.
And then to work on the contest songs. Geri Geis (as well her husband, past Harmo president, Royall) was here to work with the chorus. For a while, she worked with the front row outside the main hall. Then she joined Joe upfront to coach the chorus even deeper into the plan and emotion of the ballad. It was so good to see the difference as guys let themselves go and share the story. The chorus was enthusiastic about a couple musical changes that came out of this session too – things that were needed to tell the same story visually and musically.
Before break time, operations VP Klostermeyer honored the week’s birthdays. Secretary Buechler presented membership renewal cards to several: Steve Lingo, 2 years; Chris Huber, 18 years; Brad Jones, 18 years; Sam McFarland, 23 years; Rick Wagner, 29 years; Alan Kousen, 43 years; and Bob Wachter, 58 years!
Dan O’Brien welcomed guests – besides those mentioned above, Jon Abel was with us.
President Newton reminded board members of their upcoming meeting.
For break, guys finished off the pizza and wiped out a big pile of cookies and goodies, bought sodas and water from the FRIENDS group, and got ready to get back on the risers to the cheers led by Griff.
The music team had the guys sing several repertoire songs. Then do some of the needed run-throughs for making their self evaluation tapes.
Joe announced more big news – the chorus is gonna produce a CD as fast as possible for sale to our fans. He has assembled a team to help with it and the first couple songs were recorded tonite. Phil Ferguson is sound engineer and Mick Stamps is producer. Stay tuned for more details. (And the new CD project explains why it was getting warm in the hall – the AC unit will be off starting at 9 pm while we do the recordings.)
The chorus singing continued with coaching and suggestions right til 10. K12 reminded guys of the mandatory visual studios this weekend. And to pick up uniform parts.
Many hands got everything put away under the stage (YeEd heard some chatter that we might be having a painting crew put some paint on the doors that go under the stage as a help to the Rec Center).
And as is the case each week, a crowd of guys went to 815 South Washington for the afterglow.
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.)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Looking Back on the April 6th Chapter Meeting
There was much anticipation for the Pizza Man this week thanks to the new activity headed up by Steve Lingo. (Only the Harmonizers would have an email address just set up for ordering pizza on chapter meeting nite. But a darn good idea!) It was a good start and likely more guys will place an order next week.
Chuck McKeever’s class also was full this week as many guys are eager to have the stage presence “down pat” on the uptune. It makes it so much easier to respond to the musical coaching from Director Joe when you don’t have to think!
And of course there was a huge stir at 6:58 pm when Tom Griffith started his chants to load up the risers. Well we made it over the quota of 85 guys on the risers at 7 before Joe would tell us his secret news – thanks to a couple slugs and to some guys who came in the door and climbed up onto the risers before Joe took his count. We had 86!!!
And so – as promised, Joe shared that the Harmonizers and the Ambassadors of Harmony of St. Charles, MO, are working on final details for a joint show in Washington, DC, in 2011. That means we will be sharing the stage with last year’s chorus champs and have a great chance to meet and sing with some other terrific barbershoppers. And the show will include two gold medal quartet champs from their chapter, CROSSROADS and VOCAL SPECTRUM, as well. Our retreat coach David Wright, who is also a key in their chapter, is eager to get the two choruses together for a show. (Maybe there will be a wonderful David Wright arrangement created just for that show for the two choruses to sing together. That would be spectacular.)
Actually the big news came after Will Cox and Joe did some serious vocal warm ups for the singers. That was followed by sectionals for “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then an octet did it in front of the chorus. And then the chorus sang it over several times. Sounding great.
While this musical workout was underway, a crew of guys was taking measurements in the kitchen for a vest for contest. Chorus manager Klostermeyer invited guys to come off the risers, go get measured and back to singing. (YeEd noted that the cookie and snack supply went down fast last nite as almost every guy grabbed a little something on his way past the coffee and refreshment table. Fun to see!) The uniform crew included clothier Rick Savage, uniform chair Tom Kern and visual coordinator Scipio Garling.
Prior to chapter meeting, the board settled on final fiscal matters regarding the new uniforms, which are apparently in our hands and ready for the distribution to take place. There will also be a recall of old uniforms for the chorus to clean and resell to a smaller chapter that is in the market for good outfits. Harmonizer should watch for details about what to bring in and when – likely after the new uniforms are given out.
The front row worked on their uptune routine in the lobby while McKeever worked with the chorus to clarify and drill some of the “enHANSENments” from last week. Good work out for the chorus and, better still, a chance for the guys to get it integrated with their singing performance skills.
Then when the front row returned, Joe took the chorus thru several repeated drills of the songs. He got in a chunk of time to work on the ballad as well, including emphasis on creating the famous “Harmonizer softs” that we have been noted for in other years.
Before official break, K12 recognized this week’s birthdays. Secretary Buechler reminded guys the importance of submitting any change of address, phone number or email (as Tom Kraus had done when he moved recently. Guess Wayne Adams is next, as he and his family have moved to a new home in Centreville area.).
Dan OBrien welcomed the guests.
Then it was officially time for the coffee and goodies, taking care of sales matters such as the gift cards we sell and chatting with other guys in the chapter. There was some quartet singing in the hall as well.
Back to the risers for a brief chapter meeting period: a reminder of this Saturday’s All Sections rehearsal from 10-1. It will include work on the contest songs but ALSO work on songs for the June show with Westminster.
Guys were reminded to mark their calendars for the appearance at the Atlantic Division contest in DE, Saturday, May 15th. Also guys were alerted that we will have an early morning call and will sing as mic testers about 10:30 am up there. Then we will get evaluations from the judging panel after the contest in mid afternoon.
Another reminder from Music and Performance VP, Terry Reynolds, was about the mandatory rehearsals starting in May. If you will need to miss a Tuesday nite or one of the special times, you are required to turn in an absence form.
And another reminder from Terry was that a week from Thursday is the deadline for the self-evaluation process.
President Dick Newton announced some details about how the chapter will pay the $20,000 or so needed to get the new uniforms (which YeEd understands includes formal attire and casual outfits). Each singing member will pay $100 and the chapter will cover the other $100. Guys can start bringing in checks next week.
After the meeting, Griff started chants again to reload the risers and get back to work. And work it was.
Drills and starts and stops and recording and taping. It was getting better and better each time. And lest we be called a two-song chorus, Joe had the guys worked on a couple repertoire songs.
Then as is our custom these days, we sang right up til 10 pm. Everyone hustled to get things put away, helped guys who wanted to audition, touched base with fellow chapter members on projects underway, and gave it a wrap for another week.
A good crowd got over to the 815 S. Washington afterglow spot.
It was fun to see former member, Chuck Botts, visiting last nite. He reports he has rejoined the Society and is singing in the Westminster, MD, chapter and had formed a quartet. Eric Hughes had quite a leading role in the Easter pageant at Immanuel Baptist church recently. And YeEd got a warm note of appreciation from Phil Stern, one of our members who lives in FL, who appreciates a chance to connect with us via this column.
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.)
Chuck McKeever’s class also was full this week as many guys are eager to have the stage presence “down pat” on the uptune. It makes it so much easier to respond to the musical coaching from Director Joe when you don’t have to think!
And of course there was a huge stir at 6:58 pm when Tom Griffith started his chants to load up the risers. Well we made it over the quota of 85 guys on the risers at 7 before Joe would tell us his secret news – thanks to a couple slugs and to some guys who came in the door and climbed up onto the risers before Joe took his count. We had 86!!!
And so – as promised, Joe shared that the Harmonizers and the Ambassadors of Harmony of St. Charles, MO, are working on final details for a joint show in Washington, DC, in 2011. That means we will be sharing the stage with last year’s chorus champs and have a great chance to meet and sing with some other terrific barbershoppers. And the show will include two gold medal quartet champs from their chapter, CROSSROADS and VOCAL SPECTRUM, as well. Our retreat coach David Wright, who is also a key in their chapter, is eager to get the two choruses together for a show. (Maybe there will be a wonderful David Wright arrangement created just for that show for the two choruses to sing together. That would be spectacular.)
Actually the big news came after Will Cox and Joe did some serious vocal warm ups for the singers. That was followed by sectionals for “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then an octet did it in front of the chorus. And then the chorus sang it over several times. Sounding great.
While this musical workout was underway, a crew of guys was taking measurements in the kitchen for a vest for contest. Chorus manager Klostermeyer invited guys to come off the risers, go get measured and back to singing. (YeEd noted that the cookie and snack supply went down fast last nite as almost every guy grabbed a little something on his way past the coffee and refreshment table. Fun to see!) The uniform crew included clothier Rick Savage, uniform chair Tom Kern and visual coordinator Scipio Garling.
Prior to chapter meeting, the board settled on final fiscal matters regarding the new uniforms, which are apparently in our hands and ready for the distribution to take place. There will also be a recall of old uniforms for the chorus to clean and resell to a smaller chapter that is in the market for good outfits. Harmonizer should watch for details about what to bring in and when – likely after the new uniforms are given out.
The front row worked on their uptune routine in the lobby while McKeever worked with the chorus to clarify and drill some of the “enHANSENments” from last week. Good work out for the chorus and, better still, a chance for the guys to get it integrated with their singing performance skills.
Then when the front row returned, Joe took the chorus thru several repeated drills of the songs. He got in a chunk of time to work on the ballad as well, including emphasis on creating the famous “Harmonizer softs” that we have been noted for in other years.
Before official break, K12 recognized this week’s birthdays. Secretary Buechler reminded guys the importance of submitting any change of address, phone number or email (as Tom Kraus had done when he moved recently. Guess Wayne Adams is next, as he and his family have moved to a new home in Centreville area.).
Dan OBrien welcomed the guests.
Then it was officially time for the coffee and goodies, taking care of sales matters such as the gift cards we sell and chatting with other guys in the chapter. There was some quartet singing in the hall as well.
Back to the risers for a brief chapter meeting period: a reminder of this Saturday’s All Sections rehearsal from 10-1. It will include work on the contest songs but ALSO work on songs for the June show with Westminster.
Guys were reminded to mark their calendars for the appearance at the Atlantic Division contest in DE, Saturday, May 15th. Also guys were alerted that we will have an early morning call and will sing as mic testers about 10:30 am up there. Then we will get evaluations from the judging panel after the contest in mid afternoon.
Another reminder from Music and Performance VP, Terry Reynolds, was about the mandatory rehearsals starting in May. If you will need to miss a Tuesday nite or one of the special times, you are required to turn in an absence form.
And another reminder from Terry was that a week from Thursday is the deadline for the self-evaluation process.
President Dick Newton announced some details about how the chapter will pay the $20,000 or so needed to get the new uniforms (which YeEd understands includes formal attire and casual outfits). Each singing member will pay $100 and the chapter will cover the other $100. Guys can start bringing in checks next week.
After the meeting, Griff started chants again to reload the risers and get back to work. And work it was.
Drills and starts and stops and recording and taping. It was getting better and better each time. And lest we be called a two-song chorus, Joe had the guys worked on a couple repertoire songs.
Then as is our custom these days, we sang right up til 10 pm. Everyone hustled to get things put away, helped guys who wanted to audition, touched base with fellow chapter members on projects underway, and gave it a wrap for another week.
A good crowd got over to the 815 S. Washington afterglow spot.
It was fun to see former member, Chuck Botts, visiting last nite. He reports he has rejoined the Society and is singing in the Westminster, MD, chapter and had formed a quartet. Eric Hughes had quite a leading role in the Easter pageant at Immanuel Baptist church recently. And YeEd got a warm note of appreciation from Phil Stern, one of our members who lives in FL, who appreciates a chance to connect with us via this column.
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.)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Looking Back on the March 30th Chapter Meeting
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, AGAIN there were 84 guys on the risers (including some slugs who are not current singers). Director Joe is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! He wouldn’t count himself nor Sam and Randy who arrived at 7:02 or so. As promised Tom Griffith got a chant started to get everyone on the risers about 6:58.
So we wait another week.
YeEd did hear some guys sharing details of how they got there on time. TJ Jones had to arrange for a co-worker to cover for his being on-call Tuesday nite. Len Dornberger, who drives from DE normally, flew into DC from his Midwest vacation. He was a new guy at the pre-rehearsal dinner gathering that happens every Tuesday nite at Hard Times on King Street. Some of us gather there starting at 5. The place saves a couple booths for our regulars. Come join us.
(In regards to the challenge from Cindy about walking: many of the fellas who come eat at Hard Times on Tuesdays, park first at Durant and walk back and forth. Just an idea.)
New guy Steve Lingo has volunteered to organize bringing in some pizza for those guys who must come right from work and know that even stopping for fast food will make them 15-20 minutes later. Watch for an email from Steve. The FRIENDS group continues to sell cold drinks for 75 cents too. We are getting the coffee pot on earlier now too so that is also an option. Thanks to those who brought in some goodies to share.
Assistant Director Will Cox conducted a thorough and successful vocal warm up and used some of the exercises we used to use every week. From 6-6:30 there was loud music coming from the stage and the visual warm up class. That music helped the guys who did the risers and ALL the other stuff we set up each week to make our chapter meeting and rehearsal run smoothly.
Fist singing was on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then Director Joe invited guests in the audience section to come to the risers and pick out some one to bring down front. Those chosen were the nucleus of an octet to sing the song again. Cheers for the guys who did it. “Expect more of that next week,” Joe says.
Special guest tonite and our coach, Cindy Hansen, was with us to help us go further with our visual plan for the uptune. She expressed her pride and joy for all the work the chorus has done (and acknowledged the in-house crew of Chuck McKeever and Scipio Garling for the training). She offered “enHANSENments” for our package and especially added some great new focal points for the uptune for the front row as well as for the riser singers. She also complimented the front row for rising to the challenge of such an aggressive package.
Cindy issued a couple challenges in the two hours or so she worked with Joe and the chorus: everyone walk the 150 it would take to get to Philly, or about 3 miles a day; download the to-be-prepared-by-the-music-team three repeats of the package and do your moves to those recordings.
About 9:30 the guys got a 5-minute break. Many picked up the nifty new Harmo apparel items they had ordered. Thanks to Chris Buechler for handling that.
We had just one guest, Lou back again from Ontario. Skip Coburn was visiting us this week and former member, Roy Hare, was in the audience. Next time you go by the guest sign-in cabinet, take a look at the nifty new guest books Librarian Bob Mattes has created. The have tabs, a color-index, etc. Nice work Bob.
Birthdays this week also include our coach Geri Geis.
Before the meeting ended, secretary Buechler presented a 25-year pin to Ken Ives and a 30-year pin to Dean Rust.
Before she took us out with KTWWS, Cindy thanked the chapter again for hosting her and she thanked Joe for allowing her to take the chorus on this obvious bump up the ladder visually.
The crew got things stashed away and many were off to the afterglow at the 815 on S. Washington St.
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.)
So we wait another week.
YeEd did hear some guys sharing details of how they got there on time. TJ Jones had to arrange for a co-worker to cover for his being on-call Tuesday nite. Len Dornberger, who drives from DE normally, flew into DC from his Midwest vacation. He was a new guy at the pre-rehearsal dinner gathering that happens every Tuesday nite at Hard Times on King Street. Some of us gather there starting at 5. The place saves a couple booths for our regulars. Come join us.
(In regards to the challenge from Cindy about walking: many of the fellas who come eat at Hard Times on Tuesdays, park first at Durant and walk back and forth. Just an idea.)
New guy Steve Lingo has volunteered to organize bringing in some pizza for those guys who must come right from work and know that even stopping for fast food will make them 15-20 minutes later. Watch for an email from Steve. The FRIENDS group continues to sell cold drinks for 75 cents too. We are getting the coffee pot on earlier now too so that is also an option. Thanks to those who brought in some goodies to share.
Assistant Director Will Cox conducted a thorough and successful vocal warm up and used some of the exercises we used to use every week. From 6-6:30 there was loud music coming from the stage and the visual warm up class. That music helped the guys who did the risers and ALL the other stuff we set up each week to make our chapter meeting and rehearsal run smoothly.
Fist singing was on “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” and then Director Joe invited guests in the audience section to come to the risers and pick out some one to bring down front. Those chosen were the nucleus of an octet to sing the song again. Cheers for the guys who did it. “Expect more of that next week,” Joe says.
Special guest tonite and our coach, Cindy Hansen, was with us to help us go further with our visual plan for the uptune. She expressed her pride and joy for all the work the chorus has done (and acknowledged the in-house crew of Chuck McKeever and Scipio Garling for the training). She offered “enHANSENments” for our package and especially added some great new focal points for the uptune for the front row as well as for the riser singers. She also complimented the front row for rising to the challenge of such an aggressive package.
Cindy issued a couple challenges in the two hours or so she worked with Joe and the chorus: everyone walk the 150 it would take to get to Philly, or about 3 miles a day; download the to-be-prepared-by-the-music-team three repeats of the package and do your moves to those recordings.
About 9:30 the guys got a 5-minute break. Many picked up the nifty new Harmo apparel items they had ordered. Thanks to Chris Buechler for handling that.
We had just one guest, Lou back again from Ontario. Skip Coburn was visiting us this week and former member, Roy Hare, was in the audience. Next time you go by the guest sign-in cabinet, take a look at the nifty new guest books Librarian Bob Mattes has created. The have tabs, a color-index, etc. Nice work Bob.
Birthdays this week also include our coach Geri Geis.
Before the meeting ended, secretary Buechler presented a 25-year pin to Ken Ives and a 30-year pin to Dean Rust.
Before she took us out with KTWWS, Cindy thanked the chapter again for hosting her and she thanked Joe for allowing her to take the chorus on this obvious bump up the ladder visually.
The crew got things stashed away and many were off to the afterglow at the 815 on S. Washington St.
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.)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Looking Back on the March 23rd Chapter Meeting
Guys were rolling in to Durant fast and furious between about 6:15 and 6:50 – getting some business items done, paying for things, helping set up the room, getting a coffee and some goodies (there were some tastee treats left from the Youth Festival.) The FRIENDS OF HARMONY launched a new service to members – sale of chilled sodas for 75 cents (a quarter less than the vending machine).
Those who got there at 6 attended the visual review with Chuck McKeever.
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, there were 84 guys on the risers. That pleased
Director Joe, but he is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! Come on guys – we wanta know.
Tony Colosimo revisited his important breathing exercises as part of the successful vocal warm up session this week. Director Joe extended thanks – and congrats – to Tony, who is getting married this weekend!
Royall and Geri Geis were back to visit and she spent the first half of the evening working just with the front row on their uptune routine. They worked over in the adjoining school and came back to the chorus at break all excited about how she had helped them work out the details and steps and moves.
Joe shared the many comments he received from last week’s Society guests about the way the chapter meeting and rehearsal are run, about the equipment used to make the director’s work a success, how many people are involved each week up front, nifty mirrors created by our guys, and nifty riser storage system under the stage! Joe shared all of this as a way of helping us all appreciate what great things happen at Durant on Tuesday nite. (And how we continue the things that have been part of our chapter for 50 years or more such as a well run program, guest welcoming system, having both a chapter meeting period and a rehearsal each week.)
Joe took another minute to share the news and encouraging email from Chuck Hunter at his overseas post. Joe was especially proud that Chuck commented on the great job the chorus is doing at keeping on pitch.
First half singing time included work on a new song “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” which the chorus sang as did the octet Joe selected last week to be ready to sing it this week. They earned applause from their risermates.
Then the chorus dusted off “You Tell Me Your Dream” with some special emphasis on lead unit sound.
They really reaching back and worked on “I’ll Take Manhattan” which Joe shared will be on the Carnegie Hall show per request from the producers.
And finally we sang “God Bless The USA” which we will sing together with Westminster at the June 27th show.
After these tunes, there was a concentrated period of work on the contest ballad. Great comment from Joe: “your face has to be driven by the emotion, not by the visual plan.”
For a quick sing of the uptune, Joe asked Chuck McKeever to work on a few spots to drill the plan.
Before the break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays for the week.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following Harmonizers: 3 years, Noah Van Gilder; 5 years Joel Golden; 13 years, Jeremy Richardson; 17 years, Don Thompson; 19 years, TJ Jones; 25 years, Ken Ives; 27 years, John Grant; 30 years, Dean Rust; and 33 years, Bruce Minnick. Chris shared that he had mailed cards to some fellows who are not here such as Chuck Hunter, 38 years; Terry Jordan, 46 years; Dick Weich, 21 years; Al Hanenbaum, 24 years; Dale Houser, 39 years; and Michael Calhoun, 41 years.
Dan O’Brien introduced guests, include YeEd’s family.
After the break for refreshments and recharge, there were some announcements. Reminder was given to sign up for the visual studios at the sign up table.
Brad Jones thanked the many helpers who volunteered during the whole day on Saturday to assist with the Youth Festival sponsored by the chapter along with the Vienna Falls Sweet Adeline chapter. There have been good comments back from music educators and ideas shared on how to get more students to attend next year. Brad appreciated the support of both BHS and SAI for materials. And of course thanks to CAPRI for singing and helping with the girls session; and to Erin Odell who came up from St. Louis, MO, to be dean of the their session. Wayne Grimmer was dean of the boys session and our chapter quartet, THE GROOMSEN sang. The chorus sang with the 30 young people who made up the youth chorus.
Terry Reynolds spoke about the self evaluation process and upcoming deadlines.
President Newton reminded the chorus that we will sing at the Atlantic Division contest in DE on Saturday, May 15 (a mandatory event for the chorus members going to Philly). Dick also stressed that altho we are not singing as a chorus at the Southern Division contest in Roanoke, May 28-28, we are all encouraged to attend. Wear a Harmo logo shirt to show our support as we will likely have a lot of guys competing in quartets that weekend and want to show that we support the division event.
Back to singing.
Tony directed the uptune and Joe coached by drilling and drilling and helping the guys “get it” in their minds and hearts. There were some fantastic results after the drills and all were pleased.
(YeEd notes that the knee pads are back for some in the front row!)
We ended the workout flyin high with great music, good visuals, and pride!
For many, it was get the hall dismantled and get over to the 815 for afterglow as fast as possible.
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.)
Those who got there at 6 attended the visual review with Chuck McKeever.
At the magic 7 o’clock hour, there were 84 guys on the risers. That pleased
Director Joe, but he is holding out for over 85 before he spills the beans on his big secret about 2011!! Come on guys – we wanta know.
Tony Colosimo revisited his important breathing exercises as part of the successful vocal warm up session this week. Director Joe extended thanks – and congrats – to Tony, who is getting married this weekend!
Royall and Geri Geis were back to visit and she spent the first half of the evening working just with the front row on their uptune routine. They worked over in the adjoining school and came back to the chorus at break all excited about how she had helped them work out the details and steps and moves.
Joe shared the many comments he received from last week’s Society guests about the way the chapter meeting and rehearsal are run, about the equipment used to make the director’s work a success, how many people are involved each week up front, nifty mirrors created by our guys, and nifty riser storage system under the stage! Joe shared all of this as a way of helping us all appreciate what great things happen at Durant on Tuesday nite. (And how we continue the things that have been part of our chapter for 50 years or more such as a well run program, guest welcoming system, having both a chapter meeting period and a rehearsal each week.)
Joe took another minute to share the news and encouraging email from Chuck Hunter at his overseas post. Joe was especially proud that Chuck commented on the great job the chorus is doing at keeping on pitch.
First half singing time included work on a new song “ObLaDi/ObLaDa” which the chorus sang as did the octet Joe selected last week to be ready to sing it this week. They earned applause from their risermates.
Then the chorus dusted off “You Tell Me Your Dream” with some special emphasis on lead unit sound.
They really reaching back and worked on “I’ll Take Manhattan” which Joe shared will be on the Carnegie Hall show per request from the producers.
And finally we sang “God Bless The USA” which we will sing together with Westminster at the June 27th show.
After these tunes, there was a concentrated period of work on the contest ballad. Great comment from Joe: “your face has to be driven by the emotion, not by the visual plan.”
For a quick sing of the uptune, Joe asked Chuck McKeever to work on a few spots to drill the plan.
Before the break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays for the week.
Secretary Buechler presented renewal cards to the following Harmonizers: 3 years, Noah Van Gilder; 5 years Joel Golden; 13 years, Jeremy Richardson; 17 years, Don Thompson; 19 years, TJ Jones; 25 years, Ken Ives; 27 years, John Grant; 30 years, Dean Rust; and 33 years, Bruce Minnick. Chris shared that he had mailed cards to some fellows who are not here such as Chuck Hunter, 38 years; Terry Jordan, 46 years; Dick Weich, 21 years; Al Hanenbaum, 24 years; Dale Houser, 39 years; and Michael Calhoun, 41 years.
Dan O’Brien introduced guests, include YeEd’s family.
After the break for refreshments and recharge, there were some announcements. Reminder was given to sign up for the visual studios at the sign up table.
Brad Jones thanked the many helpers who volunteered during the whole day on Saturday to assist with the Youth Festival sponsored by the chapter along with the Vienna Falls Sweet Adeline chapter. There have been good comments back from music educators and ideas shared on how to get more students to attend next year. Brad appreciated the support of both BHS and SAI for materials. And of course thanks to CAPRI for singing and helping with the girls session; and to Erin Odell who came up from St. Louis, MO, to be dean of the their session. Wayne Grimmer was dean of the boys session and our chapter quartet, THE GROOMSEN sang. The chorus sang with the 30 young people who made up the youth chorus.
Terry Reynolds spoke about the self evaluation process and upcoming deadlines.
President Newton reminded the chorus that we will sing at the Atlantic Division contest in DE on Saturday, May 15 (a mandatory event for the chorus members going to Philly). Dick also stressed that altho we are not singing as a chorus at the Southern Division contest in Roanoke, May 28-28, we are all encouraged to attend. Wear a Harmo logo shirt to show our support as we will likely have a lot of guys competing in quartets that weekend and want to show that we support the division event.
Back to singing.
Tony directed the uptune and Joe coached by drilling and drilling and helping the guys “get it” in their minds and hearts. There were some fantastic results after the drills and all were pleased.
(YeEd notes that the knee pads are back for some in the front row!)
We ended the workout flyin high with great music, good visuals, and pride!
For many, it was get the hall dismantled and get over to the 815 for afterglow as fast as possible.
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.)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Looking Back on the March 16th Chapter Meeting
The energy was high in the room starting at 6 tonite. Crowds came for the visual reviews on the stage with McKeever. The risers and mirrors and equipment setup was on the way early tonite too. Folks knew we were gonna work hard on the ballad tonite and continue our work on the contest package.
Some special guests were in the house too. Director Joe is chair of the Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus Director Development committee. That group is meeting at Hamo House on Wednesday the 17th. So we were happy to have Mike O’Neill from BHS staff; Charlie Metzger, a past seniors’ quartet champ; and our own John Hohl with us for the evening. Terry Reynolds is on that committee also.
We had coffee on early so that helped. Thanks to those who brought goodies – we can use more each week. One guys brought in the Girl Scout cookies!! It seemed like more guys were on time this week. And YeEd noted that those who didn’t quite make the 7 pm riser call were arriving in the next 15 minutes vs. 30. So we are making progress.
Steve Lingo and YeEd are working to revive the pizza service before the meeting each week, in cooperation with the FRIENDS group. So stay tuned for details, especially if you must come to chapter right from work, as many of us do.
Will Cox got the warm ups started. Joe then worked on humming exercise and pitch training exercises. While the chorus warmed with humming, he made many announcements and charged the guys to keep working toward on time arrivals, teased about a future event in the life of the chapter that he has not released yet, and keep the guys involved with their bodies and faces.
Joe took up the challenge to hold the sound on the pipe for long pitch exercise this week. Guess we may be passing that duty on to a new guy each week.
Work began on one of the new songs for the repertoire; Joe Sawyer had computer/projector duties tonite.
Next we did a contest package run thru and then it was time for Geri!!!
Geri Geis and Royall were here and she jumped right in and started working her magic with the chorus. What a great treat to see and feel it all coming together. And to see the men displaying the emotion of the ballad. For some of us, it was a great return to a past level of performance. For other, it was a first time to really experience the unifying feeling or all selling a song.
Geri assigned home work for the guys. They are each to write her at gerigeis@cox.net with their story about the ballad.
Before the official break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays. Secretary Buechler alerted members to possible delays in getting paperwork processed at BHS headquarters.
Membership man, O’Brien, welcomed the VIP guests who were greeted with the traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song” and with handshakes from the chapter president and the director.
During the break there was a rush to get some thing warm to drink, sign up for things, buy things, take care of chapter business matters, check on uniforms, and say hi to a buddy. After the break, there was the usual run of announcements.
There is a board meeting Wednesday nite at Lee Center.
Eric Wallen congratulated our guys who were in quartets this past weekend for the prelims – Mike Kelly, Mike Wallen and John Reece.
Past President Brad reminded all of the Youth Harmony Festival this Saturday. Many have signed on to help with registration, support, escorting and hauling in supplies. The chorus sings at the end of the day – chorus call is 6 pm. Joe promises an email with more details. There is also a need for a riser/set up crew Friday nite from 6-8. Guys were also asked to bring snacks, especially cookies and fruit, to Durant on Fri. eve to serve on Sat.
Brad then presented the Harmonizer Memorial Award tray to John Hohl, who was not able to come to the recent award nite Presidents’ Ball from FL. John offered comments of appreciation for the 40-years he has been part of the chapter.
Then John took the mic again to present Joe his long over-due Master Director plaque issued for the BHS.
Details about the Westminster show were announced. Visual studio dates for the quads have been announced. These sessions are mandatory. So sign up.
Terry Reynolds offered more suggestions to guys on using the new and expanded self evaluation process, which is online.
As a special treat, Joe introduced one of the chapter’s newest small groups – TBD. They sang one of their new songs. It was great to see the fun they have singing together.
Then it was back to work on the uptune for the contest. Great work and progress made on the singing and interp. Constant review of the visual plan including some “enHANSENments” that have come from Cindy, who has seen the tapes of recent rehearsals.
The guys got things put away fast and many came to the afterglow at 815. Some guys have a long drive each Tuesday nite, and they are missed at the afterglow. Maybe warmer weather when it is also still light outside, they can stay.
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.)
Some special guests were in the house too. Director Joe is chair of the Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus Director Development committee. That group is meeting at Hamo House on Wednesday the 17th. So we were happy to have Mike O’Neill from BHS staff; Charlie Metzger, a past seniors’ quartet champ; and our own John Hohl with us for the evening. Terry Reynolds is on that committee also.
We had coffee on early so that helped. Thanks to those who brought goodies – we can use more each week. One guys brought in the Girl Scout cookies!! It seemed like more guys were on time this week. And YeEd noted that those who didn’t quite make the 7 pm riser call were arriving in the next 15 minutes vs. 30. So we are making progress.
Steve Lingo and YeEd are working to revive the pizza service before the meeting each week, in cooperation with the FRIENDS group. So stay tuned for details, especially if you must come to chapter right from work, as many of us do.
Will Cox got the warm ups started. Joe then worked on humming exercise and pitch training exercises. While the chorus warmed with humming, he made many announcements and charged the guys to keep working toward on time arrivals, teased about a future event in the life of the chapter that he has not released yet, and keep the guys involved with their bodies and faces.
Joe took up the challenge to hold the sound on the pipe for long pitch exercise this week. Guess we may be passing that duty on to a new guy each week.
Work began on one of the new songs for the repertoire; Joe Sawyer had computer/projector duties tonite.
Next we did a contest package run thru and then it was time for Geri!!!
Geri Geis and Royall were here and she jumped right in and started working her magic with the chorus. What a great treat to see and feel it all coming together. And to see the men displaying the emotion of the ballad. For some of us, it was a great return to a past level of performance. For other, it was a first time to really experience the unifying feeling or all selling a song.
Geri assigned home work for the guys. They are each to write her at gerigeis@cox.net with their story about the ballad.
Before the official break, Klostermeyer recognized birthdays. Secretary Buechler alerted members to possible delays in getting paperwork processed at BHS headquarters.
Membership man, O’Brien, welcomed the VIP guests who were greeted with the traditional “Harmonizer Welcome Song” and with handshakes from the chapter president and the director.
During the break there was a rush to get some thing warm to drink, sign up for things, buy things, take care of chapter business matters, check on uniforms, and say hi to a buddy. After the break, there was the usual run of announcements.
There is a board meeting Wednesday nite at Lee Center.
Eric Wallen congratulated our guys who were in quartets this past weekend for the prelims – Mike Kelly, Mike Wallen and John Reece.
Past President Brad reminded all of the Youth Harmony Festival this Saturday. Many have signed on to help with registration, support, escorting and hauling in supplies. The chorus sings at the end of the day – chorus call is 6 pm. Joe promises an email with more details. There is also a need for a riser/set up crew Friday nite from 6-8. Guys were also asked to bring snacks, especially cookies and fruit, to Durant on Fri. eve to serve on Sat.
Brad then presented the Harmonizer Memorial Award tray to John Hohl, who was not able to come to the recent award nite Presidents’ Ball from FL. John offered comments of appreciation for the 40-years he has been part of the chapter.
Then John took the mic again to present Joe his long over-due Master Director plaque issued for the BHS.
Details about the Westminster show were announced. Visual studio dates for the quads have been announced. These sessions are mandatory. So sign up.
Terry Reynolds offered more suggestions to guys on using the new and expanded self evaluation process, which is online.
As a special treat, Joe introduced one of the chapter’s newest small groups – TBD. They sang one of their new songs. It was great to see the fun they have singing together.
Then it was back to work on the uptune for the contest. Great work and progress made on the singing and interp. Constant review of the visual plan including some “enHANSENments” that have come from Cindy, who has seen the tapes of recent rehearsals.
The guys got things put away fast and many came to the afterglow at 815. Some guys have a long drive each Tuesday nite, and they are missed at the afterglow. Maybe warmer weather when it is also still light outside, they can stay.
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.)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Looking Back on the March 12-13, 2020 Quartet Prelims Contest
A good group of Harmonizers went up to Harrisburg, PA, this weekend to cheer for our quartets that were competing for the right to represent M-AD in the International quartet convention in Philly this summer. The contests and meetings and everything for the Prelims weekend were at the Harrisburg Hilton.
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT is the only quartet that qualified to go from our district.
Mike Kelly’s quartet, ENTOURAGE, came in second. The quartet included Justin Oxley from TX, Chad St. John from OH, and former Harmonizer Ron Rogers also from TX. Mike Wallen’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, only sang Friday nite because of a travel conflict, so did not sing in the finals round. They were in it for evaluation by the judging panel. John Reece, who recently auditioned as a Harmonizer, sang in ON THE ROAD and finished seventh.
Joe Sawyer did a great job as MC for the Friday nite contest session. Steve White sang with three other M-AD quartet champ guys as a mic tester quartet for both Friday and Saturday nite quartet rounds.
In addition to the quartet contest first round and finals round during the weekend, there was a chorus festival on Saturday morning and a Youth Quartet contest before lunch on Saturday too. The festival was by invitation for choruses who agreed to "come sing" and then take advantage of a major coaching session with the judges. They were not given scores, but rankings such as good or superior. Dennis Ritchey was MC for this event. (When he introduced the DC chorus, he introduced their director, Bill Colosimo, as Tony’s Dad.) Chuck Harner was a contest administrator for it.
A similar adjudication process was used for the Youth Quartet event. Joe Cerutti and Gary Plaag were two of the judges for this event. Chris Buechler was contest administrator. There were some great young singers.
Alan Wile was present as official BHS board of director representative. Dick Newton attended the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday to represent our chapter. There were frequent references to our June 27th big show with Westminster including reminders by the MCs and a nice ad in the convention program. People would ask you about it when the found out you were from Alexandria.
Sunday’s House of Delegate meeting included a bunch of our guys who are on the district board or are involved in district leadership. This body is like a house of representatives for the district.
Everyone that went up had fun, did some singing and has likely recovered from the time change after a nite of singing! And a weekend of rain!! Believe it or not, YeEd sang a song with three others guys in the lobby. And so did Terry Jordan.
An attendance list of other Harmonizers, not mentioned above, in Harrisburg for the event includes Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Lew Klinge, Bob Hertz, Ken White, Bob Wachter, Michael Calhoun, Don Dillingham, Chris Yates and Bob Wells. There were also a number of family members and guests from our chapter 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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
‘ROUND MIDNIGHT is the only quartet that qualified to go from our district.
Mike Kelly’s quartet, ENTOURAGE, came in second. The quartet included Justin Oxley from TX, Chad St. John from OH, and former Harmonizer Ron Rogers also from TX. Mike Wallen’s quartet, YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, only sang Friday nite because of a travel conflict, so did not sing in the finals round. They were in it for evaluation by the judging panel. John Reece, who recently auditioned as a Harmonizer, sang in ON THE ROAD and finished seventh.
Joe Sawyer did a great job as MC for the Friday nite contest session. Steve White sang with three other M-AD quartet champ guys as a mic tester quartet for both Friday and Saturday nite quartet rounds.
In addition to the quartet contest first round and finals round during the weekend, there was a chorus festival on Saturday morning and a Youth Quartet contest before lunch on Saturday too. The festival was by invitation for choruses who agreed to "come sing" and then take advantage of a major coaching session with the judges. They were not given scores, but rankings such as good or superior. Dennis Ritchey was MC for this event. (When he introduced the DC chorus, he introduced their director, Bill Colosimo, as Tony’s Dad.) Chuck Harner was a contest administrator for it.
A similar adjudication process was used for the Youth Quartet event. Joe Cerutti and Gary Plaag were two of the judges for this event. Chris Buechler was contest administrator. There were some great young singers.
Alan Wile was present as official BHS board of director representative. Dick Newton attended the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday to represent our chapter. There were frequent references to our June 27th big show with Westminster including reminders by the MCs and a nice ad in the convention program. People would ask you about it when the found out you were from Alexandria.
Sunday’s House of Delegate meeting included a bunch of our guys who are on the district board or are involved in district leadership. This body is like a house of representatives for the district.
Everyone that went up had fun, did some singing and has likely recovered from the time change after a nite of singing! And a weekend of rain!! Believe it or not, YeEd sang a song with three others guys in the lobby. And so did Terry Jordan.
An attendance list of other Harmonizers, not mentioned above, in Harrisburg for the event includes Keith Jones, Sam McFarland, Lew Klinge, Bob Hertz, Ken White, Bob Wachter, Michael Calhoun, Don Dillingham, Chris Yates and Bob Wells. There were also a number of family members and guests from our chapter 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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —Ye Ed.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Looking Back on the March 9th Chapter Meeting
YeEd got to Durant a little after 6 and the place was almost totally set up – risers and chairs and tables and such. Mirrors were going up still.
Chuck McKeever’s class was well attended again – the stage was full. Good for you guys who are taking advantage of his enthusiastic training and help in learning moves and focals for the new uptune for Philly.
Funny thing – as warmer weather has come on, the tables around the hall are only half full since guys don’t have all the coats and winter gear. But still a lot of computer bags and briefcases.
Good to see Edris back from college tonite.
YeEd saw Ike Evans adding mug shots of 12 new guys on the photo board we put up in the hall each Tuesday nite. Thanks Ike. It is always good for new guys to be able to see pix of the other men in the chorus and learn the names. And this new feature by Ike helps the oldtimers get to know the name and bio of new guys.
Will Cox took on the vocal warm ups and worked the chorus hard. Then Director Joe continued some learning exercises (such as singing “Mary Had A Little Lamb” while going up and down the scale). Kudos for pitchman Dan O’Brien for holding the key during the whole exercise in one breath.
YeEd also noted that the FRIENDS OF HARMONY had their meeting tonite.
Early singing by the chorus was to review repertoire songs. Joe warned that if a song is listed in the Looking Ahead column Steve White sends out several days prior to each meeting, then everyone is expected to be able to sing it in an octet. New guys are allowed to use music, so be prepared and get the music for the songs you don’t know yet.
There was a buzz around the hall about the new hats for the front row!! Just a sneak preview for us. And a secret for the contest. Front row is getting practice hats soon.
Joe took a minute early to remind all that the uptune has five parts – an intro, three choruses and a tag. He expects guys to be able to start on any one of those five parts at any time. For some new singers, this was a great help and learning experience.
For the chunk of time designated to work on the uptune, Tony Colosimo directed and Joe coached, drilled, counted, pushed, helped, corrected, and cheered. It was a Harmonizer meeting nite at its best!
Also the chorus was tickled to see how the front row has continued to refine and own their routine for the uptune. Congrats.
Just before break time, Mark Klostermeyer suggested guys who wanted to get their tickets for the Westminster show should see Steve Murane. Steve stressed that he had some in hand tonite for those guys who were not comfortable in ordering online.
Vocal and visual evaluators were asked to meet during the break.
Secretary Buechler invited guys who wanted Harmo logo items such as shirts and jackets to see him.
Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome two first time guests and welcomed back some others.
Break time was busy as guys got some coffee, took care of chapter business, make purchases, and visited a little. K12 also asked guys to consider bringing in some goodies to share as the cupboard is bare.
After break, quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, announced the chapter reps in quartets that are competing in Mid Atlantic District Prelims this weekend in Harrisburg, PA. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will sing. His lead is Chad St. John from the Cincinnati area. His bari is Ron Rogers, who lives in TX and is a former Harmonizer. His tenor is Justin Oxley, also from TX. Mike Wallen’s seniors quartet YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT will compete. And Eric himself will compete with CRUNCH TIME at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims.
Eric also offered to help any guys who are interested in finding a quartet – even if you are just one guy and wanna find three parts. Or if your new quartet wants some coaching. The chapter has tons of ways to help, so ask.
Next Ken Fess who is heading up the work for the Westminster show announced late breaking news that we have signed and added MASTERPIECE quartet to the show. They were in the top ten at Anaheim last year. He warmed again, “You better get your tickets for family and friends. Sales are on! Already sold about 500.
Past President Brad presented remaining awards that were reported in YeEd’s previous column that were not made at the recent award banquet.
Terry Reynolds stressed that guys dig in and use the new evaluation system online. He also reminded all: Geri comes next week to work on the ballad, and Cindy comes in three weeks to work on the uptune. Terry also thanked Jeremy Knobel and Brian Ammerman for their technical work on the eval system.
President Newton reported on the recent cuts by our state to cut the financial support for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The state budget for 2011 will not include funding for the arts!!! Members are welcome to speak up for changing this decision.
Dick also reported some huge shows coming for the chapter in the months ahead including the June show with Westminster. Then a show in Bowie at a new art center there. And a 9th time show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for us. Then the big news – the Harmonizers go back to Carnegie Hall in NYC (for our second appearance there) in spring of 2011. Also word is out that we will be getting Lisner Auditorium for our show in fall 2010.
Finally Dick shared with us that the chapter had turned down two offers to come sing outside the USA. Both gigs did not include payment. But interesting to be asked. Thanks to Bruce Lauther for his work on getting some of these gig lined up and for those members who have signed on to be producer!
Singing for the second half of the meeting/rehearsal was all on the ballad. Like old times, Terry Reynolds was using the projector to show the ballad emotion words while the guys sang. Joe was coaching the chorus to emote musically and vocally. Great learning technique.
The rehearsal was vibrant and excitement high, but we had to quit and put things away at 10. A good crowd came to the 815 for an afterglow too.
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.)
Chuck McKeever’s class was well attended again – the stage was full. Good for you guys who are taking advantage of his enthusiastic training and help in learning moves and focals for the new uptune for Philly.
Funny thing – as warmer weather has come on, the tables around the hall are only half full since guys don’t have all the coats and winter gear. But still a lot of computer bags and briefcases.
Good to see Edris back from college tonite.
YeEd saw Ike Evans adding mug shots of 12 new guys on the photo board we put up in the hall each Tuesday nite. Thanks Ike. It is always good for new guys to be able to see pix of the other men in the chorus and learn the names. And this new feature by Ike helps the oldtimers get to know the name and bio of new guys.
Will Cox took on the vocal warm ups and worked the chorus hard. Then Director Joe continued some learning exercises (such as singing “Mary Had A Little Lamb” while going up and down the scale). Kudos for pitchman Dan O’Brien for holding the key during the whole exercise in one breath.
YeEd also noted that the FRIENDS OF HARMONY had their meeting tonite.
Early singing by the chorus was to review repertoire songs. Joe warned that if a song is listed in the Looking Ahead column Steve White sends out several days prior to each meeting, then everyone is expected to be able to sing it in an octet. New guys are allowed to use music, so be prepared and get the music for the songs you don’t know yet.
There was a buzz around the hall about the new hats for the front row!! Just a sneak preview for us. And a secret for the contest. Front row is getting practice hats soon.
Joe took a minute early to remind all that the uptune has five parts – an intro, three choruses and a tag. He expects guys to be able to start on any one of those five parts at any time. For some new singers, this was a great help and learning experience.
For the chunk of time designated to work on the uptune, Tony Colosimo directed and Joe coached, drilled, counted, pushed, helped, corrected, and cheered. It was a Harmonizer meeting nite at its best!
Also the chorus was tickled to see how the front row has continued to refine and own their routine for the uptune. Congrats.
Just before break time, Mark Klostermeyer suggested guys who wanted to get their tickets for the Westminster show should see Steve Murane. Steve stressed that he had some in hand tonite for those guys who were not comfortable in ordering online.
Vocal and visual evaluators were asked to meet during the break.
Secretary Buechler invited guys who wanted Harmo logo items such as shirts and jackets to see him.
Membership VP Dan O’Brien welcome two first time guests and welcomed back some others.
Break time was busy as guys got some coffee, took care of chapter business, make purchases, and visited a little. K12 also asked guys to consider bringing in some goodies to share as the cupboard is bare.
After break, quartet promotion chair, Eric Wallen, announced the chapter reps in quartets that are competing in Mid Atlantic District Prelims this weekend in Harrisburg, PA. Mike Kelly’s new quartet, ENTOURAGE, will sing. His lead is Chad St. John from the Cincinnati area. His bari is Ron Rogers, who lives in TX and is a former Harmonizer. His tenor is Justin Oxley, also from TX. Mike Wallen’s seniors quartet YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT will compete. And Eric himself will compete with CRUNCH TIME at the Johnny Appleseed District prelims.
Eric also offered to help any guys who are interested in finding a quartet – even if you are just one guy and wanna find three parts. Or if your new quartet wants some coaching. The chapter has tons of ways to help, so ask.
Next Ken Fess who is heading up the work for the Westminster show announced late breaking news that we have signed and added MASTERPIECE quartet to the show. They were in the top ten at Anaheim last year. He warmed again, “You better get your tickets for family and friends. Sales are on! Already sold about 500.
Past President Brad presented remaining awards that were reported in YeEd’s previous column that were not made at the recent award banquet.
Terry Reynolds stressed that guys dig in and use the new evaluation system online. He also reminded all: Geri comes next week to work on the ballad, and Cindy comes in three weeks to work on the uptune. Terry also thanked Jeremy Knobel and Brian Ammerman for their technical work on the eval system.
President Newton reported on the recent cuts by our state to cut the financial support for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The state budget for 2011 will not include funding for the arts!!! Members are welcome to speak up for changing this decision.
Dick also reported some huge shows coming for the chapter in the months ahead including the June show with Westminster. Then a show in Bowie at a new art center there. And a 9th time show in St. Mary’s County, MD, for us. Then the big news – the Harmonizers go back to Carnegie Hall in NYC (for our second appearance there) in spring of 2011. Also word is out that we will be getting Lisner Auditorium for our show in fall 2010.
Finally Dick shared with us that the chapter had turned down two offers to come sing outside the USA. Both gigs did not include payment. But interesting to be asked. Thanks to Bruce Lauther for his work on getting some of these gig lined up and for those members who have signed on to be producer!
Singing for the second half of the meeting/rehearsal was all on the ballad. Like old times, Terry Reynolds was using the projector to show the ballad emotion words while the guys sang. Joe was coaching the chorus to emote musically and vocally. Great learning technique.
The rehearsal was vibrant and excitement high, but we had to quit and put things away at 10. A good crowd came to the 815 for an afterglow too.
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.)
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