Looking Back on Sept 25^th Chapter Meeting

Our “listening” time (which is what we do to get the guys on the risers) was to hear Westminster chorus.  The goal was to see what they were doing we could learn from.  Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up and incorporated his points from the listening session.  We did many scales and exercises for breathing and unity.

He welcomed director Joe Cerutti up front and Joe responded to the terrific coaching session from last week with David Wright.  Joe invited chorus members to remind others some of the major points we learned last week.  The list was long.  As a group we agreed two of the most significant were

“Give Your Best, Not Your All”

“It Needs to Matter to Each of Us”

Then to work on the risers.  First off, Chuck McKeever followed up on his recent work to “smooth” out or make the moves more fluid for the uptune. 

Then Tony worked on attention to pitch in spots by various sections.  We worked the whole first half on the uptune, actually.

Mark Klostermeyer was acting operations guys this week and conducted the chapter meeting.

First up was Craig Kujawa reminding all singers in the contest that they must have a convention registration.  See Bob Rhome or do it online. Tickets will be issue via the Will Call or Box Office at the Ocean City convention.

Second up was Brian Ammerman with beginning details for our huge show gig on Fri., Oct. 5 for the lawyers group.  Watch for email info from our producer Greg Tepe. Greg suggests the chorus call will be about 8 pm. No Harmo family or friends will be able to attend.  We are the hired entertainment for the group’s banquet event.

Secretary Chris Buecher presented new member packets to Carlos Barillo (and a pin for Steve Lingo who gets the Man of Note Award for sponsoring Carlos); Ben Roberts and Steve Szyszka.

Chris also presented membership renewal cards to TJ Donahue for 3 years; Bob Mattes for 14 years; Randall Eliason for 17 years; Dick Dangel for 20 years; Chuck McKeever for 26 years; Len Dornberger for 28 years; Ken Fess for 28 years; Mike Kelly for 32 years; Mick Stamps for 33 yeasrs; Randy Lazear for 38 years; and Jack Pitzer for 47 years.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed Wayne Baker and David Hood who are applicants.

We had a good break to get refreshments and take care of chapter business as usual. The chapter meeting continued with details of this Saturday’s chorus retreat.

We are meeting 8:30 – 4:30 at Jeff Houston School, next to Durant.  ALERT:  there will be almost no parking around since Durant is location of huge arts fair.  Take Metro or plan to walk a long way.  AND bring yourself waters or coffee or other drinks you will want for an all day session, plus some food.  There will be a chance to order pizza with the rest of the chorus. Community services vp Clyde Crusenberry is working on this detail.

President Steve Murane spoke again about the retreat and the Oct. 5 show. He was happy to report that we have been paid for the show and presented the check to treasurer David Welter.

Then back to work on the risers. We did a review of three of the songs for the Oct. 5 show with Tony and assistant director Will Cox directing.

After that we concentrated on the contest set til past 10 pm.  Joe did speak a bit about his excitement for this chorus and its work on this set.  He also reminded all of us to plan to join the group who will sing in Normandy France in 2014.  One point he makes is that if you need to talk to someone about money or other matters, so you can go along, do it now while there is time for others of the chapter to help you.

He reflected more on the China trip and thanked Brad Jones for all the work he did to make it happen.  The chorus joined Joe in this thank you.  We went to see things and explore China on that trip. 

For the France trip we will go to sing and perform.  We already know of some chapter friends who will be joining or rejoining the chapter chorus to sing with us.

And Joe also stressed that he is so looking for 120 men to sing at Toronto International contest. He saluted the newest members including 16-year-old Ben Roberts who is killing the performance of the contest songs, and former singers back to join us like Paul Grimes and Chuck Hunter.

Joe reports that a music team committee has narrowed a list of possible songs from 80 to 29 to 8 and then to 5 earlier tonite.  Those five songs will go out to premier Society arrangers to see what they can create for us.

Next week Geri Geis will be back to rekindle the visual presentation level to go with the solid musical performances of the last two weeks. 

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 Sept 18^th Chapter Meeting

Everyone knew we had lots of work to do this week.  The many new members were on the stage learning or reviewing the stage moves for the contest package.  Plus there were a couple guys working with Chuck McKeever who have been missing recently who were getting in a review too.

The set up crew had the meeting hall all ready early.  For our listening session, we heard BAY RUM RUNNERS to get our ears in tune and get our bodies up on the risers.

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups. And associate director Tony Colosimo took charge until director Joe Cerutti arrived from a meeting. Operations vp Scott Kahler also was in a meeting there in Durant to learn about upcoming changes in the Jeff Houston School that adjoins Durant.

We all welcomed coach and chorus friend, David Wright, to help us get fired up with our contest package.  He reflected his joy in the lyrics of this ballad and the fun of the whole package.  He concentrated on giving us some general tools to use.  And, tho it was not a surprise to us, he stressed the whole issue of intonation skills.

It was amazing how many little things he could find to clean up, and more amazing how he knew how to suggest we fix them.  Or actually – just tell us to do it and we fixed them. It was apparent that many of them were things Joe and his staff have pointed out before.  Joe also took many notes, so YeEd expects we will be drilling on them next week. 

AND at the all-day retreat on Sat. Sept. 29^th at Jeff Houston next door – day starts at 8:30 am.

We took a break after working on the ballad to conduct our chapter meeting.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded all guys to update their attendance plans on Groupanizer.

He also offered extra copies of the China show flyer.  (There was still a lot of talk and visiting among the members about the fantastic trip.  Some guys had just arrived home the day before, and a few guys were still there.)

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed 5 or 6 guests – four are applicants.  Others were first timers.

After a break for refreshments, operations vp Scott was back to conduct the rest of the meeting.

Scipio Garling reported on the ticket sales already made for the Holiday shows.  All as a reminder for guys to get tickets for their family, friends and regular customers.

Phil announced plans for the planning team meeting to organize the Alumni Nite event we are having on Tues Oct. 16, right after the district contest.  All former members will be welcomed back.

Then we went back to work with David.  We sang and did reps right up til 10 pm.

There was a good crowd of folks who helped sing with the guests, put stuff away, buy scrip cards and such.

Each week, YeEd sends the Looking Back column to the weekly guests.  Here is a note from our friends from England who were at the Sept 11^th meeting:

Many thanks from Liz & Myself to the welcome extended to us on Tuesday . We enjoyed it very much and were privileged to watch one of the top choruses in the USA in action . We will take many good memories back with us and hope to incorporate some of your ethos into our respective choruses st home.

Once again many thanks -- Mark & Liz Bridle

Last weekend several Harmonizers were in the audience at the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adelines chapter show.  Our chance to support them as they often do for us.  Good to see Joe at work with his “other” chorus.  MAINSTREET was the guest quartet and they were really fun. Many Harmonizer family members also sing in the POB chorus.

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 Sept 18^th Chapter Meeting

Everyone knew we had lots of work to do this week.  The many new members were on the stage learning or reviewing the stage moves for the contest package.  Plus there were a couple guys working with Chuck McKeever who have been missing recently who were getting in a review too.

The set up crew had the meeting hall all ready early.  For our listening session, we heard BAY RUM RUNNERS to get our ears in tune and get our bodies up on the risers.

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups. And associate director Tony Colosimo took charge until director Joe Cerutti arrived from a meeting. Operations vp Scott Kahler also was in a meeting there in Durant to learn about upcoming changes in the Jeff Houston School that adjoins Durant.

We all welcomed coach and chorus friend, David Wright, to help us get fired up with our contest package.  He reflected his joy in the lyrics of this ballad and the fun of the whole package.  He concentrated on giving us some general tools to use.  And, tho it was not a surprise to us, he stressed the whole issue of intonation skills.

It was amazing how many little things he could find to clean up, and more amazing how he knew how to suggest we fix them.  Or actually – just tell us to do it and we fixed them. It was apparent that many of them were things Joe and his staff have pointed out before.  Joe also took many notes, so YeEd expects we will be drilling on them next week. 

AND at the all-day retreat on Sat. Sept. 29^th at Jeff Houston next door – day starts at 8:30 am.

We took a break after working on the ballad to conduct our chapter meeting.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds reminded all guys to update their attendance plans on Groupanizer.

He also offered extra copies of the China show flyer.  (There was still a lot of talk and visiting among the members about the fantastic trip.  Some guys had just arrived home the day before, and a few guys were still there.)

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed 5 or 6 guests – four are applicants.  Others were first timers.

After a break for refreshments, operations vp Scott was back to conduct the rest of the meeting.

Scipio Garling reported on the ticket sales already made for the Holiday shows.  All as a reminder for guys to get tickets for their family, friends and regular customers.

Phil announced plans for the planning team meeting to organize the Alumni Nite event we are having on Tues Oct. 16, right after the district contest.  All former members will be welcomed back.

Then we went back to work with David.  We sang and did reps right up til 10 pm.

There was a good crowd of folks who helped sing with the guests, put stuff away, buy scrip cards and such.

Each week, YeEd sends the Looking Back column to the weekly guests.  Here is a note from our friends from England who were at the Sept 11^th meeting:

Many thanks from Liz & Myself to the welcome extended to us on Tuesday . We enjoyed it very much and were privileged to watch one of the top choruses in the USA in action . We will take many good memories back with us and hope to incorporate some of your ethos into our respective choruses st home.

Once again many thanks -- Mark & Liz Bridle

Last weekend several Harmonizers were in the audience at the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adelines chapter show.  Our chance to support them as they often do for us.  Good to see Joe at work with his “other” chorus.  MAINSTREET was the guest quartet and they were really fun. Many Harmonizer family members also sing in the POB chorus.

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 Sept 11^th Chapter Meeting

 There was quite a buzz at Durant last nite from all the members and friends just back from an awesome trip to China.

But it was also a nite to get back to work for the contest package.  So for starters, a bunch of the new guys were on the stage at 6 to learn the SP for those songs. Several of the very newest guys are preparing to sing with us in Ocean City!!  Great news.  They all appreciate the extra efforts from Chuck McKeever in helping train them.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did a terrific warm up session for the 70-plus guys on the risers.  Then he turned over the “ready chorus” to director Joe Cerutti.  Joe presented the huge 15-20 ft. long banner that announced the chorus appearance on the Great Wall in China including with our logo.

Joe started his comments, first with a reminder, that this 9/11 date is a significant one for all of us and how thankful we are to be able to sing and share our music with the world.

He welcomed Chuck Hunter back from his state department service – Chuck will be with us for at least a year.  And Joe welcomed Terry and Ginger Jordan who were in the house early.

Then Joe took time for more stories from China and invited guys to share some too. The stories included the painful reality that some folks didn’t get luggage for 24-48 hours after arrival on ChinaAir.  Every singer was “taken” by the singing experience on the Great Wall.

Word from locals shared that the concert hall in Beijing was sort of like singing in Carnegie Hall.  About 50 Harmonizer singers were there.  We did sing that show with Toronto Northern Lights chorus.  Both choruses were sort of surprised by the calm response of the audience until we learned that the audience had been coached to be calm and very respectful.  But in the end the people in the audience loved our songs and especially the efforts of the North American singers to learn “Rainbow Sister” in Chinese.

The two choruses sang 4 or 5 songs together.  And the chance to sing “Keep The Whole World Singing” was a powerful statement of the joy of sharing our music with others.

At that point last nite, it was time to get to work on the contest songs.  And work we did.  First we had long sectionals.  Then we did a full run-thru so folks could make learning tapes.

Then Joe and the musical team dug in to get the full measure of performance out of the chorus.  This included some important details as to group performance of the visual plan. 

(Thank goodness for the fans we own now, to keep some air moving in the hall.)

Operations vp Scott Kahler conducted the chapter meeting as part of the rehearsal.

First up was Sandy Stamps who serves as chief distributor of the White House Christmas Ornaments for the chapter to sell.  Guys can take some on consignment and sell to family, friends etc. $20 each this year.  Goal is to sell 2,000 ornaments.

Mary Anne Cleaveland offered tickets for the Pride of Baltimore Sweet Adeline show on Sat nite.  Joe is the director of that group too and he promises a great show.  MAIN STREET is the featured quartet.

Scott suggested more guys get tickets for the 50/50 as well as guys get scrip cards – such as Giant, Safeway, Starbucks.  YeEd bought some for Giant to use when buying groceries.  They will be used like cash.  Ian Poulin is the salesperson for the scrip program.  He tells YeEd that if you use, say, a $25 card and buy less than that amount, your card will show the balance for your next purchase.  Just makes sense to all use these cards to buy groceries, hardware and gardening supplies, restaurant orders.

Membership vp Phil Ashford welcomed all the guests up front for introduction.  The long line of guests included several new applicants, a couple guys in town from other chapters including one from England.

Shows vp Brian Ammerman strongly urged all members to buy tickets for the holiday show—especially for their family and close friends. Cause the shows are starting to fill up – Saturday nite is about 50 percent already.  Joe chimed in and told the new guys they should pay attention to this one, as they will be embarrassed if they don’t get tickets for their families.

Also Brian announced that we have agreed to do the show on Friday eve Oct 5 in DC. Thanks to Bruce Lauther, Scott Kahler and Greg Tepe for helping get the contract signed. Chorus members need to respond via Groupanizer that they will do the show – even if you told Brian in another email earlier.  Thanks.

We took a break for 15 minutes for some lemonade and goodies.  And lots of sales at the table, tag singing with guests and guys talking to each other about China.

Scott resumed the meeting after break.  He reminded us that the back door is being staffed by Bob Rhome from 6 – 6:57 each Tues. Bob lets in guys who knock.  The door is locked at 7 so entry is via the front of the building. Thanks, Bob.

Tony conducted a major barbershop craft session based on greater explanation of “your voice matters.”

Then we went back to work singing with Joe directing and Tony coaching.  Wow – what a session we had applying the visual and vocal skills we have been working on.

Joe was excited again about the number of guys on the risers – even with about 20 men still in China.  We missed them.

He reminds everyone that our coach David Wright, from St. Louis area Ambassadors of Harmony, will be working with us on Tues., Sept. 18^th.  That will be a powerful opportunity for self improvement as well as fine-tuning of our contest package.  New members will have quite an experience learning from this icon of the Barbershop Harmony Society.  David has been our coach several times in recent years and always delivers gold medal advice and easy to implement suggestions.  Don’t miss the chance to work.

At 10 pm we wrapped it up, put all the paraphernalia away, and adjourned until next week.  A good crowd went to the Hilton for the weekly afterglow.

As a way of wrap up for the China trip, here is a note from our member Ray Kahler, Scott’s Dad, who lives in Mesa, AZ, and traveled to China with us.  Scott allowed YeEd to use it:

Hi Scott

I just want to again thank you for including me in an unforgettable vacation. I'll smile every time I think of standing on the Great Wall with my best friend.

Also, the Harmonizers are indeed a family. They have something that my previous seven choruses aren't even close to having. I hope you can share that with them.

Wow what a trip!!!

Dad

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 Sept 4^th NO MEETING, Many Harmonizers in China

 There was no meeting on Sept. 4^th as so many Harmonizers were in China.  See this report from Terry Reynolds to fellow Harmonizers on US soil:

We've had an AMAZING time so far in China including:

 

Wed - Performing a full 40-minute show ON the Great Wall of China. We faced the length of the wall heading up a mountain, so when our focal went up for “Summertime” or “Great Day,” we were looking up the mountain at the wall and its towers. After the concert, as many of us climbed up, we passed tourists coming down who said they could hear us from the top.

 

Thurs - Performing our formal show with Toronto Northern Lights at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. It was a rainy night so the crowd was not huge but there were several hundred there. We were disappointed at the seemingly minimal crowd reaction during the performance (e.g., dead silence after the wow move in Great Day), but they went crazy at the end of the performance and excitedly greeted us in the lobby and asked to take pictures with us. Several of our wives and significant others reported that the people around them loved it, they showed it in a reserved and respectful way.

 

Unlike our expectations, we're not directly touring with our Toronto brethren. They were at a different hotel and are on a different schedule and itinerary. We were able to put together an afterglow after the show so we had a little bonding time.

 

Fri - After saying goodbye to the 7-day tour group, those of us going on to Xi'an got stuck in a dead-stop traffic jam for over an hour and nearly missed our overnight train. Picture 80 Harmonizers, family, and friends, arriving at a train station several times larger than Union Station, 20 minutes before the train was to depart, rushing double file through the station dragging our carry-ons, our Chinese guides helping us through as the shout to each other in Chinese. We all got on board minutes before we left, with a tremendous group sigh of relief.

 

Sun - Saw the Terra Cotta warriors. Amazing!

 

We have sung Rainbow Sister many times in restaurants, parks, and street corners, always to warm smiles and usually to enthusiastic clapping along. Though two of our three remaining Tenors leave tomorrow (end of 9-day tour) so we'll make sure we keep Alan Kousen in good voice for the next several days.

 

Of course there's tons more, but this email is getting long and we have an early flight to Guilin in the morning.

 

See you next week.

 

It's Great to Be A Harmonizer!

 

Terry

 

And here is brief note about a fun aspect to the trip from Lew Klinge:

Beijing was awsome. Great weather...all went well. Concerts were well received. We took a night train to Xi'An and are in a beautiful hotel. I had to show the bar tender how to make a martini. Everyone is holding up well.

YeEd expects to get more stories from others as they return.

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 28^th Dog Days Chapter Meeting

The whole chapter traveled to Manassas for the annual Dog Days event when all the local Northern VA chapters get together to sing and visit and share goodies.  (It was started years ago to help chapters fill some of the slow August time period.) The Prince William County Chapter, Bull Run Troubadours, was our host at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

There was a good crowd of family members and friends in the hall.  The Mt. Vernon Chapter, Harmony Heritage Singers, was first up on the program. They were followed by Loudon County Chapter, Chorus of the Old Dominion; Fairfax Jubilaires; Bull Run; and then the Harmonizers.

We had 65 singers and crowded the risers for a great show.  The Harmonizer crew helped with logistics for the event too.  Bob Blair drove the Harmo truck with risers for the evening, and sound equipment which Scott Kahler and others managed.  Dick Dangel played accordion to warm up the audience as folks arrived with Bob Blair leading the group singing. Terry Jordan was runner to get each chorus on stage.

There were lots of Harmo family members there too including a bunch of former members who sing with other chapters these days. Some of our new guys got to bring family to hear us for the first time. Some really new guys were in the audience proudly wearing their new black casual outfits and soaking up the fun and watching the stage presence in anticipation of their first time on the risers for a show.

The audience liked our package and we got great responses.  Our musical leaders, front row guys, emcees, chorus manager and soloists made our package flow.  Uniform coordinator Tom Kern had casual shirts for a number of guys who have been on travel lately. Greg Tepe was our show producer. Always great to have the song boards up front thanks to John Pence. Austin Cotton brought Harmo CDs and word is that we sold a good number of them.

ACME CHORD COMPANY took the stage during our package too.

As is the case every year, our hosts had a lot of snack foods and drinks and our guys appreciated that since many came right from work.  Nobody can clear off a buffet table like the Harmonizers!

This was kinda our sendoff for the trip to China.  Guys will leave end of the week.  There will be no rehearsal or meeting on Sept. 4^th.  But we will be back in action on Sept. 11^th as most everyone will be back from China by then.  It will be fun to continue the good singing from this week when we gather next in Alexandria and prepare for the contest in Ocean City. 

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 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.)