Looking Back on the August 13^th Chapter Meeting and Market Square Show Aug. 9th

The annual Friday nite summertime performance at Market Square went off without a drop of rain – tho the skies got dark and it seemed like we might get wet. (Long-time Harmonizers were used to threats of rain and recall many years when the show was cancelled right at starting time!)

The riser crew got things set up early and the nearly 60 chorus members arrived by 6:30 for warm up inside city hall (where the AC felt really good since it was about 85 degrees outside). Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer helped us all get our parking lot tickets approved for free parking.  Our chapter’s a cappella group TBD warmed up and did a mic test. The front row guys did a yeoman job of adjusting their routines based on changes in personnel for this show.

We sang a long list of repertoire songs ending with “Anything Goes” and all its exciting stage presence. Emcees for the evening were Scipio Garling, Shawn Tallant and Noah Van Gilder.  Mike Kelly did a voice-over for “Jersey Boys” and director Joe Cerutti and Doug White did the solos. Assistant directors Mike Kelly and Terry Reynolds helped Joe.

Before we went on stage, we sang “A Place on the Risers for You” to TJ Donahue who is headed back to Denver to resume his successful science teaching career there.  Joe paid tribute to TJ for his major role in making the finale of our contest uptune so spectacular.   A large contingent of folks in the audience were former students of TJ’s who are now working in the DC area and came to say farewell.

There was a larger-than-usual audience to hear our concert as part of the city’s twilight concert series.  Lots of family and friends were there in addition to many who came up from King Street to see and hear what was going on.  As is the tradition, many in the Harmonizer family walked down King Street for dinner or at least ice cream treats. 

Tuesday nite Aug. 13^th was a busy rehearsal.  Many men are trying to find creative spots for parking at chapter since the adjoining school building is under construction.

But Chuck McKeever was on the stage at 6:30 teaching moves for the uptune to help those who wanna catch up and sing with us soon. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups for the nite.  He turned the chorus over to director Joe Cerutti.

First off, Joe welcomed some guys we have not seen for a while.  And the chorus was shown the latest BHS Harmonizer cover featuring the chapter and introducing a great article inside by Scipio Garling.

Music work started with songs for the trip to Normandy including “Miller Medley” which most guys have learned or have recalled from the era when we sang it before.  Joe did a pull-out octet to sing it and pledges he will not ask for volunteers next week!

Next we worked on “Circle of Life” with TBD doing the backup part and Tony the solo.

Next Tony took about 10 minutes to reinforce the craft maxims he taught before Toronto.  He helped use the “awesome breathe” one to sing our contest songs.

President Alan Wile then conducted a chapter meeting to discuss and present the latest plan for our singing, after all, at the district contest in Ocean City. It turns out we will sing on Friday nite, Oct. 4^th, after the quartet contest ends. 

Mid-Atlantic District president Bill Colosimo spoke to the chapter explaining the district’s reasoning for this particular time slot. The district does appreciate that the chapter will also be the hosts for the convention.

 

President Wile continued his announcements for the meeting.  Burt Stueve has been in the hospital lately with circulation problems in his legs and feet.  We wish him good health! Alan also reported the recent passing of Dorothy DeHaven, widow of former member Tom DeHaven.  She was 97.

 

There is a board meeting Wednesday nite at Durant at 7 pm.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a 25-year membership pin to Tom Griffith; and a name tag and chapter history book to Rusty Orvik, our newest member.  Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt introduced a large group of guests.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome welcomed all to take a 15-minute break.

 

After that we worked on music for Joe and Bridgette’s wedding til closing time.

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the August 6^th Chapter Meeting

(Many thanks to reporter Peter Hubbard for taking notes and preparing this week’s column and report.  Many thanks, Peter!  YeEd was in Buffalo, NY, to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Ag Editors’ Association. Very humbling!)

Harmonizers were already gathering at Durant by 6:30.  A small crew of riser guys helped to get the place setup, and the front row congregated in the lobby to reconfigure their “Anything Goes” routine. Meanwhile refreshments were set up in the kitchen. This week also saw several guests, both new and old – some applicants, some card-carrying Harmonizer members – join us in the audience and on the risers.

Assistant director Will Cox did the vocal warm-ups for this week. After Will’s warm-up, director Joe Cerutti got to work right away with a third week of the “Glenn Miller Medley.” It didn’t take too long before Joe shipped us all off to sectionals (!), where we spent a healthy amount of time combing out the tangles in our respective parts. The medley is part of the Normandy package. (And since it’s a slow week, we’ll throw in a To Do in France: Normandy is like Virginia in that they have crisp apples – which lends flavor to loads of savory and sweet dishes but also produces Calvados, an apple brandy that goes great with apple ice cream. Make sure to sample next year!)

The chorus also worked on the songs for the upcoming Market Square show this Friday, August 9, 2013. (Call time is 6:30 p.m. with a riser crew at 6:00 p.m. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Uniform is black Harmonizer travel shirt, no visible undershirt, jeans, black shoes, and Toronto medal.) Harmonizer family members are all welcome to come and enjoy the evening, bring chairs to sit outside for the show.

At the break, operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting, announcing 50/50 with Dick Hall and a TBD rehearsal next Monday, August 12 at the Durant Center. President Alan Wile read an update from John Hohl and informed the chorus that the MAD Board did accept the Harmonizers request to perform for score (but not competitively) at the district contest this fall in Ocean City in lieu of singing at division in the spring, just prior to Normandy. The Harmonizers are hosting the district convention and contest on October 4-5, 2013, and the chorus really needs to have at least 90 guys on the risers including new members where possible. Some Special Forces members will also join us at district.

Next, Sean Tallant asked for help with Normandy fundraising by seeking recommendations from all of us to put him in touch with anyone you know personally who could be interested to donate (personally or legitimately from their company’s public support fund).

Greg Tepe went over the uniform for Market Square this Friday and reminded folks that you can only get validated parking in the City Hall parking lot underneath Market Square. Finally, Mark Klostermeyer handed the membership reigns over to Ken White to introduce our many guests.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds then concluded the Harmonizer rehearsal and, after a break, we reconvened for the Cerutti Wedding Chorus rehearsal. The group of guys that remained are helping send Joe off in style on his wedding day with some nice tunes, including “Here, There, and Everywhere” as well as “Make You Feel My Love.”

At 10 pm, rehearsal ended with the 50/50 prize, KTWWS, and striking the risers. A group of gents then headed over to La Porta’s for the afterglow.

Hoping to see plenty of guys at Market Square this Friday and on the risers next Tuesday!

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the July 30^th Chapter Meeting (Summer Camp) and Carlyle Park Show

The Harmonizers Summer Camp lets us have some fun, relax the Tuesday nite schedule, and cover for the week that many Harmonizer musical leaders are at Harmony University in MO.

 

According to reporters at HU, there are nine of our members there. Joe Cerutti, Tony Colosimo and Gary Plaag are on the faculty.  Sean Devine is likely working as a staff member all week. Jorge Acevedo, Chris Buechler, Tom Gannon, Chuck Hunter and Kevin Kaiser are students attending this concentrated barbershop school event.

 

At Durant, we did have fun.  No risers – chairs facing the stage, the usual screen and other av equipment. Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups using typical camp songs such as “Swing Lo” and “If You’re Happy…” to fit into the theme for the nite.

 

Camp director, Terry Reynolds, shared that the plan for the nite was “to have fun in barbershopping.”   Chapter historian, Martin Banks, prepared an informative display about our chorus contest appearances with photos and score sheets and more.

 

For the first activity, we reviewed the music for “Sweet and Lovely” with assistant director Mike Kelly – one of the popular songs to sing with other barbershoppers.  Those who were solid on the song, were encouraged to try another voice part. Our second activity was a push-out quartet activity singing that same song.  Lots of guys did it, and many switched parts.

 

For our third activity, Dan O’Brien did an overview of the contest and judging categories.  He reports that anyone interested in getting into the judging program need to know that applications are due Dec. 31.  Go to the BHS website for info.

 

(BTW YeEd confirms that Dan O’Brien, in music category, and Tony Colosimo, in singing category, were recently certified as new judges.  Joe Cerutti, Gary Plaag, Sean Devine, Chuck Harner and Chris Buechler were recertified as judges.

 

Our fourth activity was to learn a couple new tags taught by Terry.

 

Our fifth activity was to work with Will to brush up on the “Harmonizer Welcome” song we sing to our guests each week. After working on the song, we put it to the test to great another long line of guests.  Mark Klostermeyer and Jeremy Richardson presented the guests – some first timers, an applicant or two, some summer interns working in DC, barbershoppers passing thru and barbershoppers who have moved here and will join us.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the weekly chapter meeting.  He reminded all to turn in their new 3^rd  place bronze medal to Bruce Lauther to be engraved. Bruce has the form you need to turn it in and pay the $8.      

 

President Alan Wile was selling more Harmonizer lapel pins, and invited any newer folks to submit their Harmo Hero forms.

 

Other announcements included reminder of Market Square show on Friday, Aug. 9^th.  NOTE THIS DATE – MANY OF HAVE IT WRONG ON OUR PERSONAL CALENDAR.  Also plan to bring the family, some chairs to sit on, bring the neighbors and future ticket customers. And then maybe go out in Old Town for dinner with Harmonizers.  Metro Riders need to plan ahead to take the shuttle from King Street Metro that runs down King St. to Market Square.  Allow time!

 

For refreshments, we had sweet cold watermelon as a special treat.

 

Our seventh activity was “Ask The Directors or President” any question.  There was lively discussion – many from newer members about traditions.

 

For our eighth activity we watched the video of our International performance of “Steppin’ Out” and the video of the Ambassadors of Harmony “76 Trombones” gold medal performance.

 

Ninth there were breakout options: more videos; tag singing’ and how to read a barbershop cord.

 

When we reassembled, the taggers sang the tag they had learned.  The 50/50 winner took us out with “Keep the Whole World Singing” and we went right to work putting the chairs and tables away.

 

In other news, our show producer Greg Tepe sent a thank-you to the 72 singers who performed Thursday night, July 25^th, at John Carlyle Park. Big thanks to our three directors - Terry, Will and Mike. Thanks to Bob Blair for driving the truck. Thanks to the riser crew: Michael Gilmore, Bob Griesemer, Chuck Hunter, Kevin Kaiser\, Carl Kauffmann, Chuck McKeever, Bob Rhome, Shawn Tallant, Doug White and Alan Wile.

Thanks to Mike Kelly for setting up sound, to our MCs Shawn Tallant and Scipio Garling, and thanks to our a cappella group, TBD,  for rousing the crowd with two songs.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the July 23^rd Chapter Meeting   

This week we sang a lot of repertoire songs for the up-coming show; and chapter admin and music-and-performance leaders launched a huge amount of plans and exciting events for the chapter in the next 24 months.

 

We actually had to meet at First Baptist Church since there was a major conflict at Durant.  (Also we all have noted the many fences and changes around Durant as they redo the adjoining school facility and take away parking spaces!) We used one third of their social hall.

 

The front row guys came early at 6 and worked in the room while we set up risers in order to revamp and simplify the “Anything Goes” visuals for normal package shows in the months ahead.  They also are now gonna carry the visuals for “Jersey Boys” so the chorus can just sing the heck out of.

 

At break, our a cappella group, TBD, rehearsed in the lobby as they will be on the Carlyle Park show this week with the chorus.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and when he turned the chorus over to director Joe Cerutti, we went right to work on our newest song, “Glenn Miller Medley,” which we will sing in Normandy. Then Joe asked the assistant directors, Mike Kelly, Will Cox and Terry Reynolds, to direct the songs for the show.

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting portion of the evening. President Alan Wile reported on the progress of John Hohl in FL.  He is actually home now recovering and accepting correspondence.  Alan also reported that Burt Stueve had an operation in recent days for his leg circulation problems. And Alan received a call from John Adams, former tenor section leader and quartet singer with Alexandria. John lives and sings in NC now and reports that his wife Jean is now in a care facility. John sent kudos for the chapter’s contest set which he watched on the Web.

 

Alan gave a plug for the Germantown, MD, chapter show coming up and welcomed their director Kris Zinkievich.

 

Greg Tepe, our show producer, outlined details for the show July 25^th at Carlyle Park in Alexandria. Uniform is black “camp” Harmo shirt with blue jeans, black shoes and belt. No t-shirt showing. With medal.

 

Speaking of medals – bring them next week to have them engraved.  It costs just $8.  You will turn them in with your name to Bruce Lauther.

 

And speaking of next week – we will be back at Durant for Summer Camp – a fun nite of singing, games, good refreshments, shows, and chatter to fill a nite when many of our musical leaders will be at Harmony University in St. Joe MO.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer, with emcee help from Ken White, introduced a long line of guests – some first timers, several returnees including Tom Kraus and his family. Tom was on the front row singing along and is one of the bass singers in TBD.

 

Mark also gave a plug for guys to post the recently released Auditions Nite poster everywhere – not just on Facebook.  Take some copies to the doctor office, or leave them on the desk by the concierge in your office building, or where ever people slow down enough to see it.

 

After a break, the leaders gave a well organized visual and verbal report of plans for the chapter thru 2014.  (For those who missed, be on the lookout for an email relaying the report for your study.)

 

The first big point is the strong possibility of our singing at Ocean City this fall, as well as hosting that convention for the M-AD events teams.  Everyone should have gotten a groupanizer email for an RSVP.  Joe wants as close to 100 singers as possible. Mark your calendar to attend.

 

We got a sneak preview of the theme for the holiday shows scheduled for Dec. 6 and 7 at First Baptist. Songs to learn are in the email message.

 

We learned that plans are set to host an a cappella competition March 22, 2014 at Lincoln Theater.  You can help the organizers find contestant groups.  AND truly VIP judges.

 

The chapter goal is to host another youth harmony camp in April of 2014.

 

The trip to Normandy is June 3-10.  Many new developments and details were announced so watch for that email message too. But key among those new details are (1) a plan to sing at Notre Dame and (2) a plan to sing at the Cathedral in Cologne.  Already 112 singers have signed up and more are coming (special forces singers will be joining us - they must audition and become Harmonizers to do so). The email will also give a rundown on the songs to learn. Tim Waurick will sing with us on one special number. There will be a total of 245 travelers.

 

Another huge new event is a joint show with the Ambassadors in Harmony June 21, 2014 – likely at National Theater in DC. Guest quartets will be CROSSROADS and VOCAL SPECTRUM.  The Harmonizers are preparing to host the AOH member in their homes as we have done in past shows with Dallas and Cincinnati.

 

And finally, November 3 we expect to host a huge show in the days prior to the Sweet Adelines International convention that will be in Baltimore.  This show will be much like our show we did prior to the Philadelphia BHS convention.

 

To wrap up the evening, Tony presented exciting details with input from Joe about a new Master Singer Program being launched by the chapter.  Complete details also coming to all members.  It basically is a self-initiated individual singer improvement program to help the chorus achieve mastery.  It is a very thorough educational program we will be using over the next year or so.

 

 

 

 

   

 

In other news, the chapter is proud of DA CAPO quartet who opened for The Manhattan Transfer Saturday in Newport News, VA.  Congrats. We will all wanna hear stories about it.

 

Additional inputs about the Toronto convention operation in July:   First off, YeEd forgot to mention that Tango the Harmo Dog also attended most rehearsals (Tango helps Brian Miller’s wife.)  Carl Kauffman gave YeEd the names of the many men who helped haul risers in Canada – Bair, Griesenmer, Ashford, Clark, Rust, Hunter, Powell, Tallant, Sherick, Ammerman, Hubbard, Quick, J Fuller, Eliason, Branstatter and Hook.   Also Phil Ashford helped drive the Harmo truck back to VA.

 

 Several members sang with other barbershoppers at the funeral service for Billy Ball last week – Bill Colosimo, Bob Wells, Randall Eliason, Jack Pitzer, Alan Wile, Mike Everard, Terry Jordan and Bob Wachter. 

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the July 16^th Chapter Meeting   

This week was a celebration that launched an approach to take our successes and carry them on to the shows and appearances in the future.

 

We had all gotten word to work on a new song for Normandy, “Miller Medley” which we have sung in the past.  Many guys were ready and director Joe nudged us to use better singing skills developed for our 3^rd place win on all of our music.

 

It was played for us as we took the risers this week.  Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups.  He turned over the chorus to director Joe Cerutti, who was just back from a bout of food poisoning.  But who knew.  He pushed and encouraged and helped us be better.  And have fun.

He also noted that the music for Normandy will be used all year, so everyone should work on it and learn it – not just those going on the trip in 2014. 

 

But first up comes the show on Thursday July 25^th at Carlyle Park in Alexandria.  It is part of the city’s summer series and we sing at those shows as our way of expressing appreciation for the support we get from the city.  Joe pointed out that several musical leaders will not be in town for that show as they have been invited to attend the BHS school for training and certification or recertification of judges – Chris Buechler for the Contest Administrator category (he was recently chosen to head up that category); Chuck Harner also for CA; Joe Cerutti and Dan O’Brien for the Music category; Tony Colosimo for the Singing category; and Sean Devine and Gary Plaag for the Presentation category. These category schools are held just prior to the start of Harmony University in St. Joe, MO.

 

So – Joe had his assistant directors all set to direct the many repertoire songs for that show near the US Patent Office – within walking distance from the King Street Metro.  Mike Kelly, Terry Reynolds and Will Cox took us thru the many songs for the show.  We will work on them more next Tuesday nite.

 

Mid-evening, operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting portion of the nite.  He pointed out the challenges of parking that we will face for the rest of the year.  Car pools would be good.  Maybe meet someplace and come to Durant in one car.  BUT NOTE:  next Tues, July 23, we will meet at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St., Alexandria VA 22302.

 

President Alan Wile reported on the progress of John Hohl following his important operation in Florida.  Alan will keep us all posted on additional updates – the operation went well and so now John is in recovery mode.

 

Alan announced the funeral for barbershop icon, Billy Ball, on Friday in Gaithersburg.  We are all invited to sing with fellow barbershoppers from the area.

 

Alan also shared notes he had received recently included a thank you note from our buddies in DA CAPO expressing thanks for the chapter’s support plus the cheers and encouragement from the audience in Toronto. Other notes were from Ed Allen, Terry Jordan and Bill Conway.  It was also announced that DA CAPO is appearing as opener for Manhattan Transfer at Christopher Newport University coming soon.

 

Carl Kauffmann, our chapter chairman for getting us all to Toronto for the International convention, thanked a long list of members and FRIENDS for all the tasks they carried out on our behalf.  He mentioned that he had started working on planning in October of 2012! He also thanked by name, a long list of guys who helped move, load and set up risers all week including getting them back into the Harmo truck to head back to VA!!

 

Assistant director Terry Reynolds asked us all to keep up-to-date and to post our attendance intentions on the groupanizer page.  And he reminded all that the gold medals from other members were a loan – so please return them ASAP.  Bruce Lauther announced the plan to provide engraving for each guy’s 2013 bronze medal.  Turn them in to Bruce after the July 25^th show, being sure you have included your name on the box or envelope.  It costs just $8.

 

We will have a summer camp format on August 30^th – fun, games, choices, summer goodies.  Stay tuned.  These summer camp nites have been fun while our directors are gone to Harmony University in MO.

 

August 24^th is Joe and Bridgette’s wedding.  All chorus members have been invited to sing some special songs and we will work on that music the first three weeks in August from 9:15-9:30.

 

Nick Leiserson, next year’s show vp, announced there is a plan for a show with the Ambassadors of Harmony from St. Louis to be held in the DC area in June of 2014.  He was seeking a straw vote of our guys to host members from the AOH for the 3-4 days they will be in the DC area.

 

Calvin Schnure welcomed any guys interested to sing along with the Harmony Brigade men at break.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Geoff Berman for 31 years, and a card and lapel pin to Don Johnson for 45 years.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed a long line of guests.  There were many family and friends guests, a few barbershoppers from other chapters and some who have moved here.  There were some first time guests too.  This week all guests signed in on a Ipad at the membership kiosk.  That helps gets guest info quickly and helps avoid typo errors on guest records.

 

For break, we were all glad to share in the left-overs from the chapter hospitality room up in Toronto. Thanks to Rick and Peggy Wagner for bring all the goodies back and for icing down the left over sodas.

 

After the break we watched our Toronto performances.  Then we all enjoyed the Geek-world summary and statistical reports from our International performance and contest history presented by Terry Reynolds.  He confessed he had Geek help from Chris Huber too.  Joe also made comments and discussed his pride and satisfaction for our contest performance. There was a Standing O for Terry!!

 

We will talk more about Toronto next week so more guys can share comments.  Before we closed there was a swell of cheers and another Standing O for our director Joe and his leadership!

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

 

Looking Back on the July 9^th Hospital Sing

Fast on the tails of being in Toronto, 38 guys made it to the annual hospital sing on the Tuesday nite after International competition.

 

Guys assembled in the lobby of the Alexandria Inova Hospital on Seminary Rd., at 7 pm.  Dick and Carolyn Hall were there to greet guys and extend a hand of congratulations.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo and assistant directors Will Cox and Terry Reynolds directed the group in singing repertoire songs at various nurses stations around the hospital.  We were greeted by student volunteers who took us to our singing stations.

 

Community service vice president Clyde Crusenberry was the point man.  And he helped us get free parking. In the theme of our contest song, it was ‘anything goes’ in our casual Harmo shirts – black ones, teal ones, and even a few black/red shirts.

 

Don’t miss next week’s meeting back at Durant.  Terry Reynolds is already excited about the statistics he can share with us.  PLUS be ready to sing the new “Glenn Miller Medley” as we start preparing for next year’s trip to Normandy, France.

 

This is also a great time to bring guests to get started with us 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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the 2013 International Contest and Convention, Toronto

 

Bronze medals are not all the same – especially when you earn one as the third place chorus in the contest at the 75^th anniversary BHS convention in Toronto July 2-6.  The Alexandria Harmonizers’ third place was a major advance from their previous and most recent fifth place bronze medal earned by the chorus in 2011.  (The Harmonizers went to China in ’12 and did not compete. The chorus last placed third in Portland in ’02.)

 

The 110-man chorus earned 2,750 points (out of 3,000) in third place, 91.7%. The ballad was “All the Things You Are” arranged by Steve Delehanty.  The uptune was “Anything Goes” arranged by Kevin Keller. The choreography for the uptune, designed and taught by our own Carlos Barillo, helped us earn high marks in presentation!

 

This was the 18^th medal earned by the Alexandria Harmonizers, including the four golds in ’86. ’89, ’95 and ‘98. We have competed at 24 International chorus contests since our first one in 1978.

 

Master director Joe Cerutti and his music team kept the week fun and productive.  Rehearsals began on Tuesday evening when the huge Harmo family started arriving in Toronto.  Joe was instrumental in having lots of folks come to see and hear us, some sang for us and there were some special moments of harmony and fellowship with other choruses such as host chapter and ultimate chorus champs, Toronto Northern Lights directed by Steve Armstrong; and with our M-AD neighbors from Dundalk directed by Rick Taylor who ranked 21^st.  Several groups from the German affiliate BING sang for us too including a mixed quartet with one man and three women, KLANG KUSSE.

 

Other M-AD choruses in the contest included mic testers Westchester County, NY;  Voices of Gotham from Hell’s Kitchen NY who were 8^th place; and Brothers in Harmony from  Hamilton Square, NJ who were 6^th place.

 

Toronto was first, Westminster, CA was second, Alexandria was third, Denver was fourth, and Greater Central Ohio – Alliance was fifth.

 

AND there is also the news about our chapter quartets in the competition this year.  DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, tenor; Tony Colosimo, lead; Joe Sawyer, baritone; and Wayne Adams, bass, made the top ten and placed tenth.  Our congrats to them for that success!  We also claim THROWBACK as a chapter quartet with Sean Devine singing lead.  His quartet placed seventh. Congrats to our men on stage in quartets! Former member Russ Blackstone sang with QUANTRUM from Ontario District.  Our coach Tony DeRosa sang with MAIN STEET and they placed fourth.

 

Other M-AD quartets were ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT in 12^th place; FRANK THE DOG in 20^th place; UP ALL NIGHT in 28^th place.

 

The Harmonizer convention week began with rehearsals at the Fairmont Royal York Tuesday, July 2^nd.  The hard working 15 men in the 2013 front row, Ben Roberts, Ken White, Scip Garling, Doug White, Randall Eliason, Peter Hubbard, Carlos Barillo, Steve White, Josh Roots, Ken Rub, Terry Reynolds, Chuck Hunter, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa and Chris Clark, met at 7 pm. Then the entire chorus and family gathered for a 7:30 session. There was a lot of excitement with folks having had to get off flights or find parking, getting settled in rooms in a huge and sprawling hotel, and seeing who had made it so far.  The chorus members brought their suit coats for practice. As usual there were a number of crews at work such as the guys who continued to add details to the props; av crews who kept the sound equipment running; and uniform folks sewing and adding Velcro.  Bob Griesemer and Chris Clark drove the Harmo truck from Alexandria with our equipment and had to be careful with the C02 canisters.  It was not until Thursday when all 110 of us were on the risers since some guys could not get off work all week, or some guys were working at the convention or competing in quartets.

 

There were seven 2013 Special Forces guys who sang with us in Toronto and who had made over-and-above efforts to travel and be with us for preparation – Bruce Roehm, Sean Devine, Mike Wallen, Kevin McKenzie, Bob Wilson, Mike Geipel and Dave Ellis.

 

Tuesday nite we had the first check for the yellow/orange bandanas of the 27 members of the  Class of 2013 (those are guys who had never sung on the International stage with the Harmonizers): Carlos Barillo, Lou Bergner, Dave Branstetter, David DesPortes, Josh DesPortes, Sean Devine, TJ Donahue, Randall Eliason, Dave Ellis, Tom Frederick, Gary Fuller, John Greene, Bob Griesemer, Rich Hewitt, David Hood, Peter Hubbard, Kevin McKenzie, Stan Quick, Ben Roberts, Calvin Schnure, Dean Sherick, Steve Szyszka, Shawn Tallant, Mike Vlcej, Harold Weinberger, Doug White and Duncan Woodbury.

 

(Actually one guy didn’t have his, so he performed “I’m A Little Teapot” with gestures!! YeEd suspects that motivated the Class of ’13 to have their bandanas, as well as all the chorus members to be on time the rest of the week, too, in order to avoid having to do a solo show.)

 

As usual there were lots of announcements and organizational details, often managed by chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer and assistant director Terry Reynolds.  Before we got too busy there were cheers and good luck yells to our quartet men before the start of their contest the next day. 

 

We were especially honored to have arranger Steve Delehanty with us on Tuesday nite to hear his ballad.  And coach David Wright and his wife Sandy came to offer ideas and points to help us with our quest.  After our rehearsal we shared songs with Toronto, who came to hear us and sing for us.

 

Wednesday morning rehearsals began with warm ups conducted by assistant director Will Cox.  Dixie Kennett and Keith Jones helped the chorus manager take attendance.  Greg Tepe began his weeklong effort to get our pocket stuffers all folded to fit the new coats!  Others began the huge task of final touch points for the rip-away vests on the front row over the gold sequin vests.  Also we commandeered a black uniform bag to hide the director’s gold sequined coat for our uptune finale.  You could tell the front row was getting serious as they started using their knee pads! And TJ Donahue, Doug White, Carlos Barillo, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa, Bob Blair, Dean Rust, Randall Eliason and Jeremy Richardson continued their work on the boxes/steps for the finale.

 

The sparkling vests of the front row with the classy black overlay vest were a smashing success. A huge thanks to all the folks who made them work! To the front row men who worked on their own vests, and to some of the front row wives who made major alterations to the vests including Jerri White, Michelle White, Kristen Vlcej, and Amy Roots. And a big thanks to the pool of seamstresses who gave up much of their free time in Toronto to assist with alterations too -
including: Ninamarie Maragioglio, Joia Hertz, Carol Dangel, Sandi Ulibarri, Robyn McQueen, Mary Blair, Michelle White, Kristen Vlcej, Tena Branstetter and Peggy Wagner.

 

The FRIENDS IN HARMONY helped right from the start of the first rehearsal:  cheering and creating excitement, helping with uniforms and preparing to recognize each guy with a gift and fun “we have your backs” postcard slipped under the doors of the chorus guys’ rooms during the nite on Thursday. Many thanks to our families and friends!

 

Cindy Hansen Ellis, our friend and presentation coach, also was on hand for all of our rehearsals and went with us to the stage on Friday. She gave us assurances and kept us on our toes as performers!!

 

Thursday sessions started early with news that both of our chapter quartets had made it into the top 20 semi-finals round!!  VIP guests were present including Alan Lamson, past BHS president; Shannon Elswick, current BHS president; Don Fuson, current BHS EVP; Bill Colosimo, M-AD president; and Marty Monson, BHS CEO.

 

There are many Harmonizer traditions during International convention week.  One special one is the surprise on the director.  And this year it really worked – we almost gave him a heart attack when after the emotional “day” chord in the ballad, we came back in with the shout of “Anything Goes!!”  It was one of our best-ever director surprises!

 

Friday we had more rehearsals in the morning and then a Togetherness meal. This tradition helps us thank many who have made it all happen.  Our Harmonizer chair for the Toronto convention, Carl Kauffmann, organized a luncheon event.  After the meal, we had remarks from the president of the Class of ‘13 Rich Hewitt who conducted his class in singing the ballad. Sean Devine spoke on behalf of the special forces guys. Chapter president Alan Wile presented a message from CEO Marty Monson, and notes of encouragement from other chapters such as Richmond. Alan spoke of always singing for someone you love as a theme for his remarks.  He also brought greetings from our friend and fellow Harmonizer Bob Wachter who could not make the trip with us and shared Bob’s favorite motivational poem.  Sandy Stamps represented the FRIENDS IN HARMONY with an adaptation of the ballad words which ended in a presentation by FRIENDS members of a token for each man to take on stage.

 

During the meal time, members who had earned a gold medal in the past, quietly presented one of his medals to a guy who did not have one and invited him to wear it on stage.  This team building effort of “Quiet Confidence” was organized by Keith Jones.

 

Cindy Hansen spoke heart-to-heart with us about the job ahead.  One of her stories had a strong impact on each man – there will likely be two sorts of people in the audience who we will sing for – one who has never heard us before, AND one who will never hear us again!!

 

Director Joe ended the event with a motivational talk about our entering a contest of “opportunity and possibility” and shared this vision: Sharing the Song of Possibility through Passionate Music-making without Boundaries.

 

After the Togetherness luncheon, we assembled for a promo photo shoot on the circular steps in the hotel lobby with Phil Ashford at the camera. 

 

Then the chorus was adjourned to change into our uniforms with gold scarf hidden in our coat pockets and to put on our stage make-up.  There was a training class for the new guys for using the make-up.

 

After we reunited for a few final pointers, a major tradition was conducted again when chorus manager K12 asked all the men to step off the risers.  He then invited guys to return to the risers based on their international class to rebuild the 2013 chorus in historical order. Five guys from the class of 1978 took the risers first – Randy Lazear, Jack Pitzer, Rick Savage, Mike Wallen and Steve White. When all past classes were on the risers, K12 presented the Class of 2013 and told them to discard their yellow/orange bandanas. When applause ended, we were 110!

 

We were off then and headed to buses when our friends from the Toronto chorus applauded and wished us well as we left our final rehearsal space to go take the official BHS photo where Jack Cameron was our rep to place our order and sign the paperwork. 

 

Finally it was on to the Air Canada Center for the contest.  We filled two buses to take the drive thru rush hour traffic but got to the contest venue just in time to relax. The buses went under the stage and we got off the busses to enter back stage. Greg Tepe came with us to work with the lighting crew to call the cues for our performance.

 

We entered the stage just after intermission – about 6 pm – to a screaming and eager audience.  Director Joe saluted each man as we took the stage. We sang and gave it our best!  The standing ovation at the end of our package was most rewarding!!

 

The chorus members rushed into the hall to hear the last few chorus contestants.  Then, as scores were being totaled, the Ambassadors of Harmony, 2012 chorus champs, did their swan song. Wow. Our coach David Wright narrated their package.

 

As is also tradition, all the Harmonizer guys had gathered around the Harmo seating block, even if they had been sitting in other spots in the hall, to be together for the results announced by the contest officials. Those officials reported 1,622 men sang in the chorus contest.

 

Before the scores were announced, the new BHS board of directors was introduced which included our own Gary Plaag, Joe Cerutti and his fiancée, Bridgette Winter, plus M-AD friend Dick Powell and  his wife Roxanne (she is editor of Mid ‘L Antics).

 

Finally we got the great news and cheered and applauded the other choruses for their successes.  And we adjourned to social events (and a chance to shower and get out of the black suits).  A huge crowd made it to the Harmo Hideaway/ Suite hosted this year by Rick and Peggy Wagner.  They had a great spread of food and snacks – especially appreciated since we had not eaten since the luncheon. Thanks for hosting both Friday nite and Saturday! Thanks also to those who helped finance the suite or made contributions.

 

Earlier in the week we were given a key chain token from the Ambassadors of Harmony, last year’s champs.  We sang happy birthday to Joe Cerutti Sr. via cell phone.  When former director John Hohl was introduced, that meant all four associate directors ever to have served the chorus were present – John, Mike Wallen, Terry Reynolds and Tony Colosimo.

 

Saturday we loaded our truck to head back to VA.  We enjoyed the city and the BHS events such as a series of Harmony University classes.  In one class, Joe was moderator of a panel of major chorus directors offering advice and suggestions for being a better director.  And in another class, Alan Wile, Terry Reynolds and Steve White were part of a panel of representatives from successful choruses/chapters who spoke about music, membership, marketing and money ideas.

 

In other meetings Chris Buechler was named category specialist for the Contest and Administration category of judges.  In that capacity, he will serve on the Contest and Judging Committee. 

 

Some of us were able to get over to see the huge 75^th BHS History display.  It was very well done. There were two Harmonizer items there too – the huge display of every convention patch framed by Mark Klostermeyer; and one of the Frankie Welch scarves that were developed by our chapter auxiliary in cooperation with Ms. Welch, a noted designer in Old Town. The scarf was sold by the BHS marketplace in the past. Martin Banks had helped the M-AD historian with our district display to get Harmo chorus champion year photos.

 

We also got to see Mike Kelly filming the Sing with the Champs events.  And Sean Devine was busy as a Harmony Foundation staffer.  Chuck Harner serves on the board of trustees of that organization.  Chris Buechler also serves as assistant parliamentarian for the BHS board.

 

Many Harmonizers were proud to see Dr. Greg Lyne, one of our major coaches from the past, honored by his induction into the BHS Hall of Fame.

 

In other news about Harmo family members, Dave Hood was at the convention with his new bride for their honeymoon!! We had two father-son teams on stage with us this year – Joshua and David DesPortes, and Eric and Mike Wallen. Dixie Kennett broke her hand before coming to Toronto but continued to make notes for this report!!  She also prepared the very complete pre-convention handbook for Harmonizers.

 

Three of our guys who sang with our chorus on stage also sang in other choruses on Friday: Brad Jones and Chris Yates sang with Dundalk, and Sean Devine sang with Brother in Harmony.  Other Harmo members or former members who sang in choruses included Joe Kane with Sunrise FL from SUN district; Dwain Chambers and Bert Phillips with Germantown, TN from DIX district; Bill Conway with Mount Pleasant SC in NSC district; and Rick Taylor and Bob Hirsh with Dundalk.  Mike Louque was a judge for the week, as was Steve Tramack, who had been one of our coaches. 

 

Joe served as emcee for the second session of the quarter final quartet contest on Wednesday.  He also was part of the Saturday nite tribute to music educators and the launch of a Harmony Foundation effort to generate more support for music education in schools.

 

At our sendoff in Alexandria, Joe had recognized his musical team: associate director Tony Colosimo; assistant directors Terry Reynolds, Will Cox and Mike Kelly; pitchman Jim Lake; section leaders Rick Savage, Dan O’Brien, Tony Colosimo, Ken Ives, Chuck Hunter, Will Cox and Mike Kelly.  The visual team with riser coach Chuck McKeever; assistant riser coaches Keith Jones and TJ Jones; front row captain Craig Kujawa; face coach Randall Eliason; presentation craft Troy Hillier; the visual row leaders Chuck Powell, TJ Donahue, Carl Kauffmann, Don Thompson, Bob Blair, Nick Leiserson, Ian Poulin and Troy Hillier; and choreographer Carlos Barillo.

 

Joe also acknowledged the admin team for the chapter’s convention appearance: chairman Carl Kauffmann; housing Craig Kujawa; convention registrations and facility coordinator Bob Rhome; truck and riser manager Bob Blair; the riser rats who always volunteer; scrip sales Ian Poulin; contest entry and music approval Chris Buechler; Roger Day for creating special Toronto polo shirts for the chapter; togetherness tickets Nick Murane; and many angels (members or couples) who provided funds or tickets or travel support for those members who needed it.

 

There were many folks who reached out by phone or email to send their congratulations or encouragement such as Dick and Carolyn Hall, and former chorus director Scott Werner.

 

And in an effort to get everyone’s name in this report, here is the list from Dixie of all the former and current members that were at convention (and not mentioned above) who did not sing on the risers: John Pence, Al Herman, Ross Johnson, Lew Klinge, Ron Dionne, Larry Shelton, Bill Ward, Tom Gannon, JT Price, Dan Cook, Darryl Flinn, Carlos Correa, Jerry Kindred, Pookie Dingle, Bill Sowers and Gary Smith. 

 

It is 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 during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)