Looking Back on the Aug 21^st Chapter Meeting

The main hall in Durant was filling up fast by as early as 6:30 his week.  Chuck McKeever had a good sized class on stage – many guys working to get ready for the contest package.  All the new members recently demands that all of us be on the ball to help them, coach them, offer to answer questions, and welcome them.

The set up crew worked hard and got out the fans too.  Bob Rhome was at his new station to let folks in the back door when they knock, since we can’t prop it open any longer.

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm ups.  Before director Joe Cerutti took over, he asked assistant director Terry Reynolds to call out the new contest line up.  So we all got off the risers and returned to the rows where we were assigned. This was needed to add all the new members and returning members.  It also shifts location of the tenor section and dispersed the bari section somewhat.

And also before we started actually singing, Mike Kelly drilled us in the corrected pronunciation of lyrics for “Rainbow Sister” which we will sing in Chinese on the trip – and after we return to the USA.  So everyone needs to learn it.

One major goal of the evening was to get in some solid work on the contest package.  Joe welcomed Geri and Royall Geis back.  She explained the power of our package, especially the ballad.  And then Geri talked thru the scenario and that lead us into a closed-eye drill.  It was a powerful performance, tho we were all seated on the risers. 

So she and Joe had us work to bring that game to our stand up performance.  We made terrific progress and will need to repeat those steps each time we meet. 

There was also some hard work on the songs the chorus with sing with Toronto in China.

Before break, Joe welcome Carolyn Hall who celebrated her birthday last week and we all sang to her.  He also welcomed back Roger Day, Paul Grimes, Dick Dangel, and announced that Chuck Hunter would be back soon for another year with us.

The chapter meeting was conducted by Mark Klostermeyer (K12).  Brad Jones made last minute announcements regarding the China trip and paperwork matters.

Mary Anne Cleaveland did a quick plug for the Pride of Baltimore SAI show on Sat Sept 15^th featuring MAIN SREET quartet.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented Man of Note pin to Steve Murane for bringing in a new member in NV.  It was Steve’s second.   Ross Felker got a MoN pin for helping Peter Hubbard find us.  Martin Banks earned a MoN for sponsoring Stan Quick.  These new members and Steve Szyszka also got name tags and lots of supplies as new members.

Chris presented a 40 year membership pin and renewal card to Carl Kauffmann. Bob Ulibarri received a 30 year lapel pin and membership renewal card.  Other renewals that we cheered for were Don Thompson for 20 years; Troy Hillier for 21 years; and Joe Wagovich and Alan Wile for 31 years each.

Alan Wile announced photo ops for new guys for their Harmo Hero forms.

Tom Kern began distributing a new red tie to be worn by the chorus in China when they sing of the Great Wall.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced another big group of guests – some first timers; some guys from other chapters in town for work, visiting or checking us out; family members of our members; and an applicant or two.

After break, Bob Mattes spoke about the bus transportation taking guys to New York airport departures for China.

Producer Greg Tepe gave some last minute reminders for the Dog Days show next week in Manassas at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas 20112. Event starts at 7:30. Come early for snacks and fellowship – and to hear our neighboring choruses.  They will all be eager to hear our songs.  New black shirt outfit with jeans.

Craig Kujawa reviewed details for tickets and housing for the Ocean City contest weekend, Oct. 12 and 13.  Important that all take care of these two matters.  Sounds like we will have about 100 singers on stage!!!

Josh Roots, one of the Holiday Show producers, warned us that tickets for those shows are selling pretty well already.  So don’t delay if you want a table (of ten) for family, church choir, neighbors, barbershop pals from other chapters, co-workers.  Order online!!

Paul Grimes, bari in ACME CHORD COMPANY, told us about the Arlington, VA, Arlingtones show on Sept 15 and 16. Quartet is on their show.

Terry Reynolds gave us a sneak preview of some upcoming rehearsals, reminded us that after about Sept 11^th, rehearsals are mandatory for contest singers (there will be a form to submit if work or major travel causes you to miss – this helps musical leaders to know where we are and what our plans are).

There will not be a rehearsal on Sept 4^th at Durant – many will be in China and Durant is being used for an election polling place.  But Sept 11^th is a go – most of the guys will be back from China – particularly the musical directors.  Fantastic coach, David Wright, will be with us for the Sept 18^th meeting.  And finally, mark your calendars for special/extra rehearsals on Sat Sept 29^th at Jeff Houston school during the day, and Wed eve Oct 10^th at Shriner’s Temple on Rte. 50.  Mark your calendars and alert your family!!!

President Steve Murane recognized TOP SHELF bass Andrew Havens and his quartet, presenting them the check of financial support from the chapter for their representing us in Portland.

Steve also announced plans for the chorus in 2014 including the confirmation of our trip to France to Normandy. First registration will be collected early in Oct of 2012. We will represent the USA there for this important 70^th anniversary of D-DAY.  We are honored by that and our chance to also represent the Barbershop Harmony Society there. We will not compete, then, in the contest cycle that leads up to the Las Vegas International convention.

Director Joe stressed that everyone should plan to go. Don’t just say you can’t make it cause it might be tight for money or something.  Speak with Joe privately. We will work as a chapter to get some funding. In fact, Joe asked for guys with contacts in the government contract world to work with him in getting some sponsorships.  Joe also confirmed that other singers will be invited to join us for this event.

Then it was back to work in sectionals (this is the way the section leaders can know who needs help or coaching to do a better performance) versus submitting tapes for the contest package.  Fun to see so many of the new members and guests working on it too. Tho time is short, it is possible for a new guy to make it.

The singing and hard work continued right up til 10 pm, then there was a crush to get all the equipment put away and the room back in order.

A good crowd made it to the Hilton for the 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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the Aug 17^th Market Square Show in Alexandria          

It was a great nite!  According to producer Greg Tepe, we had 52 singers on the risers.  The sore throats and sickness going around took its toll on our tenor section and we were down to four. But with some coaching from the music team about not overpowering them with bass sound, we did a great job.  And we all thought the audience was larger than usual with our own family crowd and lots more non-family folks.

The rain held off and so there was no sudden end to the show to rush getting sound equipment put away.  Some folks went out for dinner in nearby Old Town or to an afterglow with friends.

Bob Blair drove the Harmo truck, and several early arrivals helped with the risers. Good job guys. Thanks to Tom Kern for having new travel shirts available for guys who have been away on vacation and came to sing the show.  Audience and family members all thought the new look, with the black “camp” shirt and jeans, was great.

Scipio Garling, Craig Kujawa and Terry Reynolds covered the emcee duties. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups inside city hall, sang the solos in “Jersey Boys” and was also the pitch man for the show. Director Joe Cerutti was keeping a watchful eye on the rain clouds overhead.  He had his assistant directors Tony and Terry do some songs too.

Neat to have our own a cappella group, TBD, on the show with us.

Happy to see members Dick Dangel, Dick Hall, Carlos Barillo, Bill Sowers and Jerry Te Paske in the audience for the show.  (Wonder who YeEd missed?) Keith Jones was on hand to take attendance.  Great to have Kellen Hertz back on the risers after wrapping up his school work.  And great to see Shawn Tallant performing “NYNY” on the front row. Thanks as usual for John Pence sending the song boards for the stage (and delivered by Austin Cotton)!

Did those of you who sang the show see the memorial plaque in the foyer of city hall with the picture of former Harmonizer president 1951-52, Frank Mann?  He was city mayor years ago. 

This was one of our free performances for the City of Alexandria each year in appreciation for their support of our chapter.

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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the Aug 14^th Chapter Meeting(s)

(Thanks to Chris Clark for taking notes at the recording session in MD.  YeEd took notes at Durant where Chuck McKeever with help from Keith Jones conducted stage presence reviews for new and returning members.  YeEd)

The recording session was in the chapel at Leisure World in MD where the chapter had done a show recently. Since it was quite a drive, many members organized car pools for the trip.

Scott Kahler was technical manager for the recording operation.

It was initially not too hot in the chapel, but it did get hotter as the night went on. Scott was running the sound gear and had two microphones set up to record us. Mike Kelly was also assisting with the gear.

A good crowd had gathered by the time associate director Tony Colosimo started warmups a few minutes after 7pm (about 60 guys made it for the session!) After the warmup (which focused a lot on vowel placement) director Joe Cerutti had the chorus run through the “Armed Forces Medley” twice (this is on the Market Square show!).

We then jumped right into recording “I'm the Music Man.” Joe had us sing through the song from start to finish a few times before moving us around the altar/stage. He and Tony took turns directing and listening to the chorus through headphones fed by the mics. We tried a few different combinations of positions and Joe had us direct the song ourselves as we sang. We then jumped into “Summertime” (with each of us continuing to direct) for a few runthroughs before break.

Announcements from the chapter meeting time:

Brian Ammerman requested a riser crew for 6pm at Market Square. A number of guys volunteered. Reminder that chorus call time is 6:30pm, with the show to begin at 7:30. We WILL be wearing our new travel uniform (black shirts with jeans). Tom Kern will be there on Friday with shirts for those that still need to pick them up. Remember to have cash or check for $40! Also note that the travel uniform does NOT require you to wear your shiny black shoes. Comfortable/regular black shoes are just fine.

Family members are invited to this show and should bring a folding chair or blanket.  Also, if you park in the city lot under the fountain, bring the parking ticket with you for courtesy stamp.

Reminder of the song list:
     I'm The Music Man
     No More Sorrow
     Summertime
     Stars and Stripes
    Armed Forces Medley
    Drunken Sailor
    New York New York
    TBD  will sing with us.
    Jersey Boys
    I'll Be Seeing You
    Sweet Georgia Brown

President Steve Murane reminded us that there is a board meeting Wednesday, Aug 15^th.

Craig Kujawa reminded all that we only have one week left to purchase a registration in the Harmonizer block of seats for District in October. After that time you may not be able to get a seat in the same section. There are two methods of purchasing a registration: check to Bob Rhome for $35.00 by next Tuesday, or order online through the Harmonizer website for a cost of $36.35 (the $1.35 difference is to cover PayPal fees). Deadline for ordering online is 11:59pm Tuesday, August 21st.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded us that next Tuesday, Aug. 21^st,  Geri Geis will be with us. It is also the last rehearsal before we travel to China, as we have Dog Days of Summer in Manassas, VA on Tuesday, Aug 28th.  (All members should plan to attend this event – even all the new guys, so they can see other chapters and hang out with our guys.  It is a major barbershop event in this DC region. It will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12973 Purcell Rd., Manassas, VA 20112. Plan ahead for car pooling and/or getting rides from Metro stops.)

After break Tony and Joe meticulously placed each man on the stage to try to balance the sound of the chorus. Then it was back to work on recordings.  We ended the night with a few quick run throughs of “New York New York” with choreo to brush up for Market Square.

All in all, a successful night - and cheers to the three tenors who held more than their own (and produced a lovely unit sound): Dan O’Brien, Randy Lazear, and Carl Kauffmann!  -- Chris Clark.

At Durant, about a dozen of us made it to the SP review and teaching session.  For some guys it was a review for the contest uptune, and for most of the group, it was training on all new material for rep songs like “Hello My Baby,” “Great Day,” “Summertime” and “Jersey Boys.”  That is a lot to learn in one nite.!

We set up just three risers in the hall so guys were on appropriate rows.  And we quit at 9 before the air conditioning went off!

We all got word that anyone who needed a new uniform (camp) shirt for Friday nite should email Tom Kern and he will bring it to the Market Square show.  Bring your $40. 

Some of the Durant gang did go over to the Hilton for an afterglow since we finished an hour earlier than usual.

In other news, chapter secretary Chris Buechler reports sending a 50^th year membership card and lapel pin to former Harmonizer director Scott Werner in Florida.   Congrats Scott!

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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the Aug 11th Shows in Lancaster PA

Many thanks to Ross Felker for taking notes and reporting on the shows in Lancaster on Saturday, Aug. 11^th.

I had no slow-downs getting to Lancaster; I left at 7:45 am from Alexandria and got there before 10:00am (went I-495 to Baltimore-Washington Pkwy, then I-695 to I-83). However, others reported bad traffic on the beltway between I-66 and I-270. Austin Cotton said he was delayed for over an hour on the beltway between I-66 and I-270, but he made it in plenty of time for the show.

The Harmo Truck arrived at the American Music Theatre (AMT) about 10:15, driven by Phil Ashford and Drew Fuller. Carl Kauffman and Bob Rhome guided setting up the black skirts on the risers. Here are some folks that were there to help unload the truck and set up the risers.

Rich Hewitt

Carl Kauffman

Bob Rhome

Ross Felker

Shawn Tallant

Ken Henderson

Craig Kujawa

New Harmonizer Carlos Barillo was there with camera equipment taking action photos for both shows.

TBD warmed-up on stage around 11:00, with Joe Cerutti providing direction. Warm up for the chorus began around 11:45, with Will Cox leading. Then Tony Colosimo led us in a coaching session on pitch. We were on the risers round 12:15 for run-throughs with Joe leading. We broke about 1:10pm and had time to change, and grab a bite for those who had something. Then we met for warm-ups at 1:35pm, then on stage by 2:00pm for show start.

The food spread was good between shows (sandwiches, fruits, yogurt, drinks).

Audience size: 445 for the day; 359 for the evening.

Harmonizers: 50 - 60 singers; Dixie Kennett took attendance at both shows

Reaction: Standing ovations in both performances. “Stars and Stripes” got a great reaction with the huge American Flag lowered during the song.

It was great to have MAYHEM, DA CAPO and Top Shelf to do quartet sets on the shows with us too.  The audience got a great show with all these quartets to round out the show.

During MAYHEM's performance, the Harmonizers surprised the quartet by playing along with their Unicorn song. In the second show, the Harmonizers attempted "YMCA" hand-signals during the Unicorn song, but MAYHEM got pay-back by accelerating the song at an unexpected time and ending it early. Feedback from the audience was very positive, with the Harmonizers visible through a see-through curtain.

During “Circle of Life,” all MAYHEM members took solos. Their lead, Neil "Pookie" Dingle, did the African introduction to "Circle;" he was dressed in festive African garb. Audience response to "Circle" was terrific.

Our a cappella group, TBD, sang the African chant during "Circle."  

Tony Colosimo sang all solos during “Jersey Boys.”

The AMT was a great venue. The staff was very helpful and easy to work with. The dressing rooms were clean, well-lighted, and the a/c kept things cool.

Thanks to Greg Tepe for an excellent show production!

Cheers,

Ross

Producer Greg offered these thanks you notes:

A BIG thanks to all who came up to Lancaster on Saturday for the double performance. Both shows were a huge success, great singing well received with numerous standing ovations.

Thanks for all the early arrivers who helped unload the truck and get the risers and skirts set-up so quickly. And to everyone at the end of the show getting the risers struck so quickly and the truck packed and on its way by 10pm.

To Bruce Lauther for securing this well-paid performance.
To Robyn for her help backstage.
To K-12 for his usual good choral management.
To Scott Kahler for all his help with the sound board.
To Dixie for all her help with the lighting.
To Scipio and Mike Kelly for the MC spots.
To Joe, Tony, Terry, Mike and Will for all the directing.
To TBD, TOP SHELF, MAYHEM and DA CAPO for giving their day to perform on our shows.

As you can see it takes quite a team to pull off a successful performance.
I thank you all for all your assistance, hard work, and singing !!

Greg

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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the July 24^th Chapter Meeting

It was another fantastic summer meeting for the Harmonizers. Risers were full and the guests just kept coming in.

Our listening session was a chance to enjoy DA CAPO singing their popular “Kentucky” song from their new CD.  When associate director Tony Colosimo started the warm up session for the chorus, he hinted that if anyone wanted their own CD, he some in the car!!

One special guest in the hall for the nite was Ms. June Soh from Voice of America.  She interviewed and filmed director Joe, Ken Fess, Noah Van Gilder and Jack Pitzer. Plus she filmed a lot of the action during the rehearsal.  She plans to attend the show Thursday nite too.

Before the meeting and while the hall was being set up, Chuck McKeever taught a crew of the new guys stage moves for several of our songs.

When director Joe Cerutti came forward, he made a few comments including a special welcome to our International guests and those who hosted them or made extra efforts to get them to Durant.  He urged all to invite singers to Audition Nite on Wed., July 25^th at Durant.

YeEd spoke with Joe before the meeting and found out he has been earning a lot of extra miles!  He flew to Seattle as guest speaker and faculty for the district barbershop school there.  Then came home for rehearsals and then will go to Michigan for a district youth camp up there before he flies from MI to MO for Harmony University. 

YeEd knows that Joe, Tony and Mike Kelly are going to St. Joe, MO, for the weeklong event.  All are on the faculty.  Without specifics, heard that Joe is directing the major chorus of the week and teaching and coaching.  Tony is also teaching and he is excited about a tag singing class he was invited to teach.  Mike is teaching video techniques and filming the kick off address by the new CEO of the BHS for the webcast of the school.  YeEd suspects others from our chapter are going, so we will hear from some of them with news, and a report on who ate the most ice cream. 

Our guests from Australia also took a flight from VA to MO this week.

Speaking of BHS things, wasn’t it neat to see the article in the recent Harmonizer magazine about TBD and the guys from our chapter.  Good job Scipio Garling and Tom Kraus.

Singing for the nite started with work on “Circle of Life” to be sung on the China trip with the Toronto chorus.  Most guys were far along in singing it without the screen or music.  Also we worked on “Rainbow Sister” – working first on the notes before we tackle the Chinese pronunciation. Thanks to the guys who did the learning music – Tony sang three parts and Mike sang one, Dan O’Brien put things together.  Joe announced that we will be singing this song after returning from China, so everyone should learn it, even those who won’t make the trip.

Then Joe and his music team moved into songs for the show this Thursday nite at John Carlyle Park  -- part of our annual summer concerts for the City of Alexandria.  See detailed emails from producer Greg Tepe re: uniform, times and songs.  And have your cell phone on for any possible word about cancelling the gig for bad weather. 

The chapter meeting was conducted by Mark Klostermeyer (K12) who was sub for the operations vp.  Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a 3-year renewal card to Don Dillingham and reported that Dennis Ritchey has renewed.

Membership vp Phil Ashford had a looooong line of guests to introduce this week.  About 5 were applicants for membership, several were with us for the first time and got the usual “I Visited the Harmonizers” button. Phil appreciated the help from Jacob George with all the sign in duties.

Alex and Jonathan were here from Australia. Geoff was here from the British barbershoppers group.  Some members of other chapters were visiting in town and came to see and hear us, and family members of guys came out to sing along and enjoy the nite.

For break, we had lemonade and the usual goodies.

The meeting time continued about the long break.  Several announcements were made for those going to China. Greg is producer of shows on that trip and is reminding guys to be prepared for the uniform requirements.  Some of us not going may need to share the blue silk-ish shirts.

Word was also announced that a new casual shirt is due to arrive soon so watch for distribution details.

Craig Kujawa is coordinating our chapter’s trip to the fall Mid Atlantic District contest.  He has negotiated a hotel for all of us that luckily has a place for us to rehearse while in Ocean City. He announced that each guy should plan to get his convention registration (needed to be able to sing on stage) via the chapter Marketplace on the web.  Do it before Aug. 21^st. The convention is Oct. 12-13 with return on 14^th.   When you get the email from Craig in the next day or so, PLEASE RESPOND!

Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded everyone of the importance to sign on our Groupanizer page so you get the text messages if a show is cancelled.

Joe announced that the NO BORDERS YOUTH CHORUS will do a show again on Dec. 26^th at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Must be 30 or under to be in the chorus.  Again, watch for email details about applying to participate. Tony will help direct.  OC TIMES and VOCAL SPECTRUM will be guest quartets.

President Steve Murane reported that the board met with the organizer of the chapter’s invitation and show for the anniversary of the D-DAY landings in Normandy, France, in 2014.  Fees for a singer or any family member will be $2,500 for plane fare, hotel, some meals and ground transportation. Trip will be June 4-9 in 2014.

Next, president Steve presented cash support to our guys in quartets that went to Portland – we provide monies to cover registration for each Harmonizer in the quartet.  Joe Sawyer, Tony Colosimo and Ken White were on hand tonite.

Getting back to work on the risers, Tony taught another awesome barbershop craft class with a theme – your voice matters. There were guys taking notes!

Joe took us back to work to apply that maxim on our contest songs which was a strong session for the singers.  Tho the AC was off, as usual after  9 pm, everyone worked hard right up til 10.

An especially big crowd went over to the Hilton for the afterglow and we sat outside on the patio.  There was some great tag singing with all of the guests.

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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the July 17^th Chapter Meeting

This was busy week for the Harmonizers.

Since our last report, a group of us attended The Music Man performance at Arena Stage in DC on Sat.  July 14^th.  The show was great and everyone had a good time.  The Harmonizers who attended were joined by other barbershoppers from the DC area for this performance as part of a special group barbershop nite at the theater.  Many guys dressed in period costume or wore quartet outfits.  A good sized group of Fairfax guys were there and their SHAMELESS quartet sang in the lobby before the show started.  This event was first coordinated by Steve Lingo with the group sales staff at Arena Stage.

Also, several members and former members came to the funeral home to support Bruce Minnick with the recent passing of his wife, Ginny. The picture of the two of them as Mr. and Ms. Claus were prominently displayed.

This week’s rehearsal was a hot one – both in temperature and in successful workouts.

Our listening session was an amazing four-part track of Tim Waurick singing all four parts.  Talk about breath control.

Assistant director Will Cox conducted the warm up session. Chuck McKeever was on the stage teaching contest stage moves for a bunch of our newest members before the meeting.

Then director Joe Cerutti took the reins.  He first spoke briefly about his judging assignment for the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, OH, last weekend. He was also elated with the huge crowd on the risers for a summers’ nite. After some good natured teasing, Joe welcomed and congratulated Andrew Havens for his successful work in TOP SHELF and his first appearance on the International quartet contest stage. Plus Joe welcomed Dan Cook who earned a gold medal in the chorus contest with Ambassadors in Harmony. Dan has moved to VA and is looking to sing with us. Joe tried to tease Dan for not wearing his gold medal, but like all modest but proud barbershoppers, Dan had it in his shirt pocket and pinned it on for all to see. Congrats to both of Andrew and Dan.

We worked on the songs we will do in China – many guys are off the music for “Circle of Life” and then we took a stab at “Rainbow Sisters” in Chinese.

We also sang several rep songs we will be using in the several upcoming summer shows.

Operations vp Scott Kahler conducted the weekly chapter meeting.  He reminded everyone that half of the 50/50 goes to the M-AD Endowment Fund.

Any outstanding show ticket sales monies should be turned in to Michael Gilmore.

Brad Jones continues passport matters for the many folks going on the China trip.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presently membership renewal cards to Tom Berkey for 15 years and Greg Tepe for 21 years.  John Greene received his new member packet.

Membership vp Phil Ashford introduced our guests for the nite – a long line of them this week again.  Some from other chapters around the nation, some family members in town for a visit, some first timers and a bunch of guys who are applicants already.

The chorus took a 15 minute break before resuming the chapter meeting.

Noah Van Gilder reminded everyone of the Audition Nite on Wed., July 25^th at Durant from 6-9 pm.  He asked members to assist in announcing the event by using Facebook, getting out flyers and making personal contacts. Current chapter applicants and guests are welcome to come and speed up their audition process. 

Tony Colosimo announced an upcoming rehearsal this Sat. from 1-3 pm at Charles Houston Rec Center for our local youth chorus, CAPITAL FORCE. He directs that group and invites any and all singers under 30 to come join them.  They do not need to be members of our chapter or any chapter. Center is at 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Shows vp Brian Ammerman reminded all that it is important for all of us to promote our shows to friends and customers – even those when we don’t sell tickets ourselves.  It helps keep supporters informed about our programs, helps get people to come out to free concerts, helps get future customers to see us perform, and helps us get in front of prospective members.

Related to that is the need for all of us to suggest to friends and customers in the Lancaster PA area that they attend the show we’ve been hired for at the American Music Theater.  Shows are scheduled for 2 and 7 pm, Sat. Aug. 11^th. Tickets available at www.amtshows.com/Alexandria-Harmonizers/ All tickets are $18 each. We need to help boost the sales of tickets.

Also get friends and neighbors to come out and see us for the Twilight Concert at John Carlyle Square Park, 7:30 pm Thursday July 26^th. (YeEd learned that this show replaces the City of Alexandria Rec Department sponsored show we have done for years at Ft. Ward. There are some construction things happening at Ft. Ward.)  Chorus should plan ahead for getting there with friends, planning ahead by those who take Metro, and giving yourself extra time since parking is limited.

Harmonizer show producer Greg Tepe reminded guys about the list of upcoming shows and promised another email blast with report times, uniform and song lists, and such details.  Stay tuned for those emails.

Market Square show in Old Town Alexandria is Fri. Aug. 17^th at 7:30.  Invite your friends – have them bring lawn chairs to make it more enjoyable. Plan ahead to get a group of the chorus family to go out in Old Town for dinner after the show. This is another concert sponsored by the City Rec Dept. outdoors by the fountain on King St.

Dog Days is our annual sing for and with other barbershop chapters in No. VA hosted by the Manassas Chapter at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd. in Manassas. Everyone should go to this one – it’s fun, it’s important for us to be there, the host chapter makes it easy for us, the church has A/C and plenty of parking, and there are lots of good eats. That’s Tues Aug 28^th at 7:30 pm instead of our regular meeting.

Again, watch for emails from Greg Tepe about all these summer shows.

And mark your calendar for the Holiday Show Fri. Nov. 30^th and Sat. Dec. 1^st at First Baptist on King St. in Alexandria. Josh Roots and Scipio Garling will produce this one.

Brian also announced that Ken Rub has agreed to be show producer for the 2013 spring show.  Thanks, Ken.

Another show matter – some guys going to China with us and planning to sing with us need some uniform parts (word is that our bright blue silk-like shirt is out of supply, etc.).  So some guys who are not going to China may need to loan some items.

President Steve Murane reminded board members of the meeting Wed July 18^th at Durant.  Their agenda includes reports and discussion about our trip to France in 2014 to Normandy, and our plans for the fall M-AD contest in Ocean City.

Next associate director Tony Colosimo did another great barbershop craft class and as usual made sure we could implement the concept with a song.

We also worked on our contest songs with the great combo of Tony directing and Joe coaching.

It was hot, the risers were packed, so at 10 pm we got things put away, some quartet guys worked on some matters, and a big crowd went over to the Hilton for the afterglow.  As usual it was fun. Tag singers outside on the Hilton patio didn’t seem to mind the heat tho.

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. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the 2012 International Contest and Convention, Portland

The Alexandria Harmonizers did not compete at the 74^th annual BHS International convention for 2012 having officially declined the opportunity in order to make the September trip to China.

But yet there was a huge presence of the Alexandria chapter all week.

First there were many of us there and all cheering for some of our chapter members who were in quartets for this major contest battleground.

MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Ken White and Mike Pinto were 36^th after the quarter finals round.  TOP SHELF with Brett Thomas, Fred Womer, Jay Butterfield and Andrew Havens were 35^th.

DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer and Wayne Adams. made it into the top twenty and ended up 15^th in the semi finals round.

We were proud of all of them and cheered like crazy to welcome them to the stage.

Other quartets from M-AD:  WHEELHOUSE were mic testers for the top ten finals contest, or 11^th; ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT was 12^th; UP ALL NIGHT was 44^th. MAD HATTERS with Steve White and Rick Taylor also qualified for Portland but later withdrew from the competition, as did FRANK THE DOG from Bryn Mawr area.

Contest winner was RINGMASTERS from Sweden; second was MUSICAL ISLAND BOYS from New Zealand; third was A MIGHTY WIND; fourth was MASTERPIECE; fifth was MAIN STREET. This was the first time a quartet from an affiliate organization, Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers, won the gold.  Another quartet from Sweden, LEMON SQUEEZY, won the collegiate contest and sang in the regular contest and ranked 19^th. Three of the top 20 quartets represented overseas affiliates. 

Besides the quartet contest, there was an explosive chorus contest won again by the Ambassadors of Harmony from St. Charles, MO at 96.8. Second was won by Great Northern Union from MN at 95; third was Kentucky Vocal Union at 92; fourth was zero8 from Stockholm, Sweden at 90.3; fifth was Salem, OR at 89.1. As in the quartet contest, this was the first time an affiliate group had medaled in the chorus contest.

There have been quartets and choruses from Canada win gold.

Our brother M-AD choruses Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen, NY, directed by Larry Bomback, came in 18^th, The Big Apple Chorus from Manhattan, directed by Justin Miller, came in 24^th.

Talk to some of us who were there about some of the wild things that happened on stage: the Alliance, OH, chorus did the Peter Pan package that we started working on (on the Webcast they mentioned that another chorus was considering it, but since they (that’s us) didn’t do it, Alliance took up the challenge.)

The Salem chorus was a riot: cavemen singing in the first chorus contest including starting fire, learning to speak, then getting coached by the Dallas director Jeff Oxley, dance lessons from three guys from Westminster, and singing helping from AOH director, Jim Henry. The dinosaur “ate” Jim and then the chorus sang “there goes Jim.”  Makes YeEd laugh just writing about it.

KY Vocal Union did a passionate ballad with very meaningful staging – simple and touching. Only two choruses were over 100 – first place had 145, second place had 118.  KY had 39, Stockholm had 34.

All during the week you would see fellow Harmonizers – we counted more than 40 current and past chapter members. Gary Plaag served on the official panel as a presentation judge.  Gary and Joe Cerutti are members of the Society board of directors.  The Society Board of Directors met early in the week. Chris Buechler serves the board as assistant parliamentarian.  Chuck Harner serves on the Harmony Foundation board of trustees.

Bill Colosimo, chairman of the Society’s music and performance committee, presented the annual Dave LaBarr Award to a great emcee – this year’s winner was Judd Orff. Speaking of emcees, the lead from STORM FRONT, Jim Clark, did a great job on the first half of the chorus contest with a running list of “you might be a barbershopper, if….” He kept us laughing.

Anthony Colosimo sang with the past collegiate quartet champs chorus on the Harmony Foundation show during the week.  He earned his gold with ROADTRIP.

Steve Tramack, chairman of the Society’s director recognition committee, presented Master Dierctor certificates to several prominent directors. Our own Master Director Joe Cerutti was one of the first men to receive this certification several years ago.

Mike Kelly worked during the week to help with video work – helping the judges get a video from the judges area vs far back in the hall, and making tapes of guys who paid to Sing with the Champs.

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DA CAPO had ads on the Jumbotron during the week to promote their new CD being distributed by TimTracks – Tim Waurick’s company. They were also in the Harmony Marketplace autographing CDs.

It is amazing how many current and former Harmonizers come to convention.  Here is YeEd’s attempt to list all the others not mentioned above in this article. (Thanks to Dixie Kennett, Keith Jones and Alan Wile for keeping a list.) Apologies for missing someone!

TJ Jones

Sam McFarland

Kevin Kaiser

Greg Tepe

Terry Reynolds

Craig Kujawa

Jim Lake – with his new bride of about 10 days

Bruce Roehm – who flew in from his military assignment in Montana

Ross Johnson – a Harmonizer that never misses an International

Chuck Hunter, Jr – in the US from his State Department post

Jim Herrick – from Pennsylvania

Kyle Blomgren – on the front row of La Jolla, CA, chorus which was 22nd

Ron Rich – from South Carolina

Ryan Kileen – sang in TNS quartet who ranked 10^th, sang in Nashville chorus which was 7^th

Larry Deters – sang with Nashville chorus

Paul Wietlisbach – sang with Nashville chorus

Darryl Flinn – from Ohio

John Rettenmayer – from Montana

Denny Malone – sang in IGNITION who ranked 18^th

Mike Louque – from California

Dwain Chambers – from Tennessee

Bill Ward – from Florida

Ray Johnson – sang with Masters of Harmony who did their swan song at convention

Bill Power – sang with the Masters of Harmony too

Bill Curtis – from Colorado

John Rettenmayer – from Montana

Bob Thames – sang with Jacksonville, FL

Glenn Williamson – from Virginia getting a 50 year pin

Joe Cain – sang with Sunrise, FL

Dan Cook – prospective member moving to our area, sang with champs chorus

There is no doubt, “It’s Great To Be A Harmonizer!”

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 with the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)