Looking Back on the November 19th Chapter Meeting

Everyone knew this was “for sure” gonna be a busy rehearsal and chapter meeting with the holiday show coming up soon.  Everyone was concerned about our director Joe Cerutti who is recovering from his operation in Hawaii. Early word at the meeting was shared that he had made it back to VA and was resting after a really rough return flight from HI.

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups, and assistant Terry Reynolds outlined plans for some other holiday season gigs.  All the directing staff was up front for the many songs for the show. Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted a craft session to keep us sharp.

Producers Scipio Garling and Josh Roots, with help from the actors, ran thru the first act of the show with script, pitch pipe cues – all to give the chorus a hint as to what the theme is all about.  It is funny and crazy as ever with Jack-in-the-Box carrying things along. TBD was present as they also have a part to play in the Pirate theme!! You just gotta join us to figure how they used the shoe-horn to fit Pirates into a holiday show.

Operations vp Bob Rhome was back from HI and conducted this week’s meeting. President Alan Wile reported more on Joe and told us that Cindy and Dave Hansen and Rick and Peggy Wagner were in HI to help Joe and Bridgette.

Burt Stueve has been back in the hospital and Jon Abel is slowly recovering from a stroke. The viewing for Dee Paris was Monday nite and some of our members attended and sang with other barbershoppers including guys from the DC Chapter.

Scipio Garling had a surprise announcement for the chapter.  The American Boychoir will be in town and sing on the Friday nite show.  One of their teachers is Myles Glancy who was Harmonizer for a couple years before pursuing more education. The Choir will do a 15-minute set. An email with complete details about chorus members hosting the choir members was sent on Wednesday by Scipio. 

Mike Gilmore and Mike Edison sing in HANDSOME REWARD quartet and they will be on the Heart of Maryland Sweet Adeline show.

Randall Eliason plugged the need for more auction items and encouraged everyone to check out the auction website.

Josh Rosh reminded us all that we are bring two wrapped boxes for the show – colorful, shinny paper.  Bring them to the dress rehearsal.  Jack Pitzer confirmed that each member is also to bring four dozen decorated holiday cookies for the dessert portion of the show.  They can be brought to the dress rehearsal or when you arrive for the first Friday nite show.

Ken Fess covered details about the Normandy trip – if you wish to make extended travel plans, speak with Ken.

Steve Murane is eager to hear from all members if they will attend the Presidents’ Award banquet Jan. 25^th.  Email Steve.  President Wile also asks members to offer their nominations for winners of the chapter’s major awards that will be announced that nite.   (A list of those awards and who has received them in the past is in our chapter directory. Check it out.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed this week’s battery of guests.

Bob Rhome wrapped up announcements with an invitation to the Heat Glow, January 4^th, hosted by Jack and Pat Pitzer – a social event for the whole chapter and their significant others, Saturday evening, January 4th, 2014. 7 pm at their home - 7801 Suffolk Ct., Alexandria, VA 22315. Casual dress. Tag singing in the basement. Everyone bring hors d' oeuvres or holiday goodies to share. Wine if you wish. We will make the traditional Heat Glow Grog recipe that has been served at a similar Harmonizer event for over 50 years!! The recipe has been passed down from previous generations of the Harmo family.

 

Bob alerted board members of their meeting this week on Wed at Durant.

 

During the refreshment break, there was lots of activity with ticket distribution, White House Ornament sales, 50/50 sales, and such.

 

Earlier in the week, John Pence offered some great advice to members about selling more WHOs.  “I send a White House Ornament email message to all my friends and family (about 130 total) every year. Here’s another idea... several Harmo salesmen have arrangements with consignment vendors that sell the ornaments at a price THEY choose (usually $25-30). We provide WHO on consignment and charge them $20 for any they sell. Gives them a risk-free sale with a good price markup and a mail-order-hassle-free option for their customers.”

 

At tonight's meeting, Bob Rhome touched on the fact that Ike Evans had come up with a source of  custom cases for smart phones and had had one made which utilized the photograph that was conceived by Phil Ashford this past summer in Toronto. Ike sent an email to all since the deadline was Wed. 20^th.

After break, there was continued work on the show music with some time set aside for Carlos Barillo to tweak the fun and entertaining moves for “FA LA LA LA LA.”

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 November 12th Chapter Meeting

(First off – YeEd appreciates the help from Dave Branstetter who was reporter for this column for a couple weeks, and help from Todd Rystarsyk for making coffee and such while YeEd was at National FFA Convention in Louisville and home on the farm in IL.)

On Monday, Nov. 11^th, about 30 Harmonizers sang for the Oakton Elementary School’s annual Veteran’s Day all-school program.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds was up front.  Greg Tepe organized the event with the school staff.  Bob Blair and a crew of guys brought three risers for us. Many of our men were in uniforms – as retired members of various branches of the military or as active duty guys.  (Some retirees admitted being a little worried about breathing in their former uniforms.)

It was great to see the 850 enthusiastic students in the school gym watching and listening to us sing  and cheering for the military guests who came to spend some time with each class in the school. Gotta admit it was touching to see some kids in the school talk to their parents via Skype in Afghanistan.  We sang a couple songs for the students and they sang along with us on one.

After the singout, many of us went to the nearby Applebee’s for a Honoring Our Vets luncheon.

Congratulations to Martin Banks who was honored at Walt Disney World on Nov. 11^th as “Honorary Veteran of the Day” in the Magic Kingdom and participated in the Flag Retreat at 5 pm in Town Square, Main Street USA.  Tho he was randomly chosen, Martin confesses it might have helped that his cap for the day had a large Navy emblem with “retired” lettering on it.  Martin and Nancy especially appreciated the honor as he was a WDW original cast member from 1971-78; retired after a naval service career, and had a great visit with the barbershop quartet in the Park, DAPPER DANS.

 Last Thursday, Terry Reynolds hosted a come-if-you-wish rehearsal for holiday songs for the many new members since last year’s holiday show.  The group met at Durant.  Great idea and thanks Terry.

Our FRIENDS IN HARMONY auxiliary group met Tuesday nite while the chorus rehearsed. They are busy preparing for their many fund raising activities as part of the holiday show weekend.

The “Monks” also practiced before the chapter meeting at Durant on Tuesday.

But at 7 on the 12^th, associate director Tony Colosimo held the warm up session for this week.  He reported that director Joe Cerutti had an emergency appendectomy operation in Maui, HI.  Joe was on a cruise with his new bride but left the ship for the operation.  Reports are he is doing great and was due to rejoin the cruise on Wednesday or so.  Good luck Joe!

Tony shared some pre-riser time music in honor of a great choral director who died today.  He also announced his plan to continue solo auditions tonite for the show. And we worked hard on songs for the show including a good review of the stage presence added recently for one of our new songs. Since Carlos Barillo was in Germany coaching a chorus there, Scipio Garling and Chuck McKeever helped us drill the moves and routines.  We also were introduced to some of the ”shtick” being performed by actors during the show.  And we met one of the actresses for the show – Jess Quick, daughter of Stan.  Welcome to the show cast.

Mid evening, Bob Blair, filling in for operations vp Bob Rhome, conducted the chapter meeting.  First up for announcements was Roger Day, long-time chairman of the holiday show decorating team.  He made his annual request for every man to bring two large boxes (like copy paper comes in) wrapped with shinny or colorful papers – bow or no bow.  Bring them to the dress rehearsal at First Baptist on Thursday, Dec. 5^th.  The decorating crew for Friday Dec. 6^th should bring their uniforms, as they might not have time to go home to change.

Every member is also asked to bring four dozen decorated holiday cookies for the show dessert offering.  They should be brought Thursday nite or Friday nite. Give them to Jack Pitzer.

Next was a reminder to speak with Ken Fess if you are planning to do extra travel in France in 2014 around the chorus trip.

Ben Roberts extended an invite to his high school’s production of “Avenue Q School Edition” which he is appearing in at West Potomac HS, Nov. 14 and 16 at 7 pm and Nov. 18 at 2 pm.  Go applaud Ben and his pals on stage!  It is a fun show.

President Alan Wile had a long list of announcements: 1. He reported on the Sweet Adeline’s convention in Hawaii. 2. He reported on his email from Joe about the operation and he reported that chapter member Darryl Flinn has a 6-hour spinal surgery recently and is facing an extended period of bed rest; and he reported that Bruce Roehm is recovering from a tonsillectomy in Montana. Tough operation Bruce – take care.

Alan reported on the breaking news of the death of 98-year-old Dee Paris, a revered member of the DC Chapter, past president of our District, and an instrumental barbershopper in the founding and growth of countless chapters throughout our Society. He was the last founding member of DELASUSQUEHUDMAC.  All barbershoppers are invited to join the DC Chapter to sing at the viewing Monday evening, Nov. 18, at the Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, according to Bill Colosimo. 

Alan thanked all the men who helped make the Veteran’s Day singout so successful.  He also mentioned that our friends in the Mount Vernon Chapter did a Veteran’s Day gig at the Mount Vernon Estate on Monday too.

Over the past weekend, the DC Chapter annual Harvest of Harmony was held and their guest quartet was GIMMIE FOUR.  Those young men will be clinicians for our Youth Harmony event in the spring.  Well – seems the tenor got sick and couldn’t sing, so Tony Colosimo learned their package and helped them do the show.  Way to go, Tony. 

Assistant director Terry Reynolds announced that there is a possible repeat of the White House holiday gig of last year. So stay tuned for emails and details, if it materializes. Our sales guy, Bruce Lauther, is working on it for us.  It will be for about 30 people this time.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a new member name tag to Reed Livergood, and a 25-year membership pin to Roger Day.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt introduced our guests.

Since Mark helps organize it, he announced a new take on a couple popular holiday traditions of the chapter – we will combine the hospital sing and the Carol Crawl in Old Town on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  Plan to attend – great fun. And we end the eve in Old Town at a local watering spot.  Last year there was a lot of tag singing and good eats as well.

Bob Blair suggested that everyone keep an eye out for emails with details of the many many holiday singing events in December – such as the Matinee and Evening show on Sat. Dec 14^th at the Knights of Columbus hall on Rte. 1 just above Ft. Belvoir.

After coffee and refreshments, we were back on the risers for more holiday music review.

(Speaking of refreshments, some guys have brought in goodies in recent weeks to share – or to get rid of left over candy or cookies –  thanks all. They are are greatly appreciated.  Any more gifts gladly accepted since the petty cash container is getting a little low.

In other news outside the chapter meeting, secretary Chris Buechler sent word that he had recently received renewal membership cards for the following Harmonizers who we don’t see too often on Tuesday nites:

 

Rick Taylor  45 years! Along with a 45-year lapel pin.

Ed Allen  39 years

Karl Glasbrenner 29 years

Roger Day  25 years

Ken Jodoin  18 years

Dave Reyno  14 years

Wayne Adams 10 years

 

Former member Mark Rodda was in the district champ quartet that won in Myrtle Beach in the Carolinas District this fall – ZERO HOUR.  His Dad, Brian, was a bari in the NOVA CHORDS years ago.

There were several guys in Hawaii for the Sweet Adeline International contest.  Our director Joe Cerutti and his chorus – Pride of Baltimore – placed 16^th with 83 on stage in the chorus competition. Harbor City Music Company was 17^th. Vienna-Falls was 21^st.

Recently one of our members, Gary Plaag represented the BHS at the SoJam Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Gary is a Presentation judge and Society board member.  He reports that he will join Matt Woodward, Matt Gorman, and Dr. Bill Adams to present an hour-long session that includes vocal production, chord theory/structure, some presentation things.

For those with access to Sirius radio, Channel 4 and Channel 17 are playing holiday music as of Tuesday noon.  And YeEd heard the Ambassadors of Harmony today on Sirius singing “Carol of the Bells.”

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 November 5^th Chapter Meeting (as reported by Assistant Scribe, Dave Branstetter)

The Harmonizers met in the Music Room of First Baptist Church due to Durant Center being used as a polling site. Any inconvenience was more than outweighed by the knowledge that we will finally get a respite from the campaign TV ads!! Sandy Stamps staked out a spot for herself and the White House Christmas Ornaments.

Assistant director Will Cox conducted the warm up session, which led to chorus work on “O Holy Night”. The chorus then split up for 25 minutes worth of sectional rehearsals, giving us all a chance to fine tune some of the holiday music. As a side note, I must say the “Women’s Robing Room” might not have been terribly conducive to rehearsing, but its amenities rivaled those of any Country Club locker room I’ve seen!

The chorus reconvened in the Music Room, with Associate director Tony Colosimo leading. Director Joe Cerutti is in Hawaii this week with his Sweet Adeline’s chorus, The Pride of Baltimore, for their International Convention. As they say, good work if you can find it!! Best wishes to them and all the competitors (including quartet Shades of Jade who have their own ties to the Harmonizers). Tony started off with “Drunken Sailor”, urging the chorus to be mindful of the dynamic markings for the different sections of the piece – they’re not all the same! We then ran through “Little Drummer Boy”; basses and baris have to remember to apply the “pitch revisitation principle” for their parts. Tony wrapped up the first portion of rehearsal by working “Fa La La”, focusing on contrasting the different sections of the piece by changing our “vocal color”, not the volume, all while not sacrificing quality. He also hammered on the visual presentation plan for the song, both scripted choreography and facial expression (including the introduction of the “scared Dachshund” face – see Tony for a demonstration if you missed it!)

Membership VP Mark Klostermeyer started off the business meeting, filling in for Operations VP Bob Rhome. He referred the chorus to Greg Tepe’s email regarding the Nov 11^th performance at Oakton Elementary School. Chorus call is at 8:30 and active duty or retired military may wear their uniform if they choose, suit/sport coat and tie for all others. He announced that Tony would be conducting auditions for the “Ave Maria” and “Do You Hear What I Hear” solos tonight and on Nov 12^th. Mark noted there would also be a rehearsal for “the Monks” on Nov 12^th and closed by reminding the chorus that assistant director Terry Reynolds would be leading an informal rehearsal on Thursday, Nov 7^th, from 7:00-9:00pm at Durant.

Josh Roots took a moment to introduce Jeremy Knobel, who will be serving as the House Manager for the Holiday Shows.

Chapter President Alan Wile provided updates on several current and former Harmonizers and spouses. He also noted the Sweet Adeline’s International convention was available for viewing via webcast (there is no charge, although viewers are asked to make a donation). Alan reminded everyone of the upcoming President’s Awards Banquet to be held on Jan 25^th at Durant and asked everyone to get their RSVP to Steve Murane as soon as possible to ensure everyone has a seat!

Calvin Schnure reported that Harmonizer Chuck Hunter is settled and doing well in his new posting in Turkey.

Rich Hewitt introduced the evening’s lone guest – an applicant (aaaaaahhhh!!!), and mentioned that this is a great time of the year to invite others to rehearsals (hint, hint).

After a 15-minute break, Tony led an excellent craft session focused on a deeper understanding and application of the maxim, “Champions are made at the ends of phrases”. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting louder, it means the end of a phrase leads into the next phrase without “dead space”. Tony mentioned a few ways we can bring excitement to sustained notes – lifting the pitch, spin (increased air flow through a lifted soft palate), and by swelling and/or receding in volume – all of which require breath! He had the chorus work on using the breath in as a way of cutting the note off, which improves synchronization and prepares us for the next phrase. Great session!!

Tony then turned the chorus over to assistant director Mike Kelly, while he took candidates for the holiday show solos off for auditioning. Mike led the chorus through “Jingle Bells”, with the modified road map to allow for the added verse TBD will be singing. He also led us through “Feliz Navidad” and “Little Saint Nick”, reminding us to emphasize the “push” beats while giving the notes their full value. Terry Reynolds took over to direct “Ave Maria” and wrapped up the rehearsal by running through the three pieces the chorus will be performing at Oakton Elementary School on Nov 11^th – “Stars and Stripes Forever”, “God Bless America” and “The Armed Forces Medley”.

With that, I end my two-week tenure as Assistant Scribe and return my pen and paper to Jack Pitzer!! - Dave

 

 

Looking Back on the October 29^th Chapter Meeting (as reported by Assistant Scribe, Dave Branstetter)

The hall at Durant Center was buzzing with activity before the chapter meeting started. Ian Poulin was there for Harmonizers to pick up tickets they had ordered for the upcoming Holiday Dinner Theater. Eric Wallen was selling t-shirts in support of SAI quartet Shades of Jade and their trip to compete at International Competition in Hawaii. Dick Hall was at his normal post selling 50/50 tickets, and Sandy Stamps was there with her stash of White House Christmas Ornaments. Todd Rykstarsyk set up snacks and coffee in the break room, filling in admirably for Jack Pitzer who is in Kentucky for an FFA Convention.

Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted the warm up session. Director Joe Cerutti then reset the chorus in sections on the risers and spent several minutes reading selected comments from a very humorous facebook “discussion” on whether or not the chorus would be competing at Internationals in Las Vegas in 2014. After the laughter subsided, Joe went to work on some of the holiday music - “Little Saint Nick”, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time”, and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Assistant director Terry Reynolds announced that this was the last time we would be projecting the holiday music during rehearsal. He also mentioned that auditions for the solos in “Ave Maria” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” would be conducted during the rehearsals on November 5^th and 12^th (Terry had sent out an email to that effect on Oct 25^th).

Joe then turned the chorus back over to Tony for an excellent craft session to close out the first half of the rehearsal. Using the first few lines of “O Holy Night” as a teaching example, he had the chorus focus on “keeping our breath connected”, because using our whole voice requires “great movement of air”.

Operations vp Bob Rhome started the business meeting with a quick report on attendance for the Holiday shows. According to Groupanizer, we expect to put over 90 Harmonizers on the risers for each of the three performances – it will be quite a treat for our guests!!

Chapter President Alan Wile took over and provided an update on several Harmonizers currently experiencing or recovering from various health issues. Keep them all in your thoughts. Alan also reminded the chorus of the upcoming President’s Awards Banquet (Jan 25, 2014) and asked for RSVPs to be sent to Steve Murane. He also asked for awards nominations, so that we have something to present at the banquet. Alan also referred the chorus to emails he had sent earlier in the day covering the House of Delegates report as well as donation opportunities for chorus members. He closed by sharing some kind words he’d received from one of last week’s guests, Tom Halley, lead of last year’s M-AD quartet champs, FRANK THE DOG. The Harmonizers clearly know how to do hospitality!!

Sandy Stamps made an announcement on behalf of Roger Day, seeking volunteers to assist in decorating the hall at First Baptist Church for our Holiday Show on the morning of Dec 6^th.

Ben Roberts invited the chorus to West Potomac High School’s upcoming presentation of “Avenue Q”, an allegedly risqué bit of theater – with puppets!

Terry Reynolds returned and repeated his earlier announcement regarding auditions for the “Ave Maria” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” solos (Nov 5^th and 12^th during rehearsal). Terry also informed the chorus that he would be hosting an extra rehearsal on Nov 7^th (likely at Durant, email to follow) focusing on the non-holiday portion of our repertoire. Great opportunity for newer members!

Bob Rhome returned to remind us that next week’s rehearsal (Nov 5^th) will be conducted in the 3^rd floor Music Suite at First Baptist Church on King Street, due to Durant being used as a polling center. And he reminded us that Ike Evans was available take our mug shots for the picture board display in the meeting hall.

Membership VP Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed guests for the evening; all three had been with us before – two of which have taken the step of becoming official applicants!! Rich was proudly wearing the t-shirt and medal he received for completing last weekend’s Marine Corps Marathon – way to go, Rich!! It should also be noted that one of the two applicants, Reed Livergood, successfully passed his audition after rehearsal – a welcome addition to the Harmonizers!!

After a 15-minute break, the chorus hit the risers again – this time in our “usual” formation – for work on “Fa-La-La”, including performing the choreography under the watchful eye of Carlos Barillo, and “Hallelujah Chorus”.

The rehearsal concluded with Terry Reynolds directing “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America” in preparation for the Veteran’s Day Performance at Oakton Elementary School. Terry and Tony urged everyone, not just those participating in the performance, to take some time this week to refresh their memory on those numbers!

Afterglow at La Porta’s was as festive as ever, with a number of Harmonizers in attendance.

Til next week (after which Jack reclaims his rightful duties) - Dave

Looking Back on the October 22^nd Chapter Meeting

Before the chapter meeting, there were a lot of members and leaders of the chapter at Hard Times Café on King Street for some dinner and a couple booths had next year’s officers visiting with other members in preparation for chapter leadership in 2014.  In fact, there are always folks there for dinner on Tues, so stop by too if you get to Alexandria early some week.

The chapter meeting at Durant started right on time with all equipment set up as needed, and goodies in the kitchen for early snacks.  Assistant director Will Cox conducted the warm up session. And then director Joe Cerutti took over and we went right to work on the holiday show music – especially the new songs added this year.

The evening included some music work on the repeating songs for the show and other holiday concerts, with a sectional in the second half to particularly run thru spots that are often hang-ups for us in the regular holiday songs. Assistant director Terry Reynolds offered to host an extra rehearsal for the many new members who have a lot of songs to learn. Watch for an email announcing the final decision of a date and time and place.

Terry also alerted the chapter family that he is looking for a few more folks to be “monks” for the show.  See Terry or email him.  And then if a singer wants to try out for the several solos during the holiday show, watch for an email with details of how to audition.

Also during the second half of the evening, choreographer Carlos Barillo taught us a visual plan for “Fa La La La La” which will make it even more entertaining for our audiences.

The chorus was working fast and we got the whole agenda finished so early, we had time for a 30-minute break after the chapter business meeting.  Operations vp Bob Rhome began the meeting with some general announcements about business items guys should take care of over the break – especially getting info to the Normandy planning team and getting White House Ornaments to sell.

There were a couple announcements of Sweet Adeline chapter send-off events in the DC Metro area as the SAI convention is in Hawaii this fall.

Terry also urged all members to sign up on Groupanizer for the MANY upcoming events the chapter has on the calendar.  Your signing up helps chapter leaders greatly. Terry listed several events as a reminder: the Veteran’s Day sing at 9 am Monday Nov. 11th; the extra show rehearsal at First Baptist Church on Thursday Dec. 5^th at 7 pm and of course the three shows on the weekend (stay tuned for reporting times); our hospital sing on Tues Dec. 12^th before we go down into Old Town to sing in restaurants; a possible show for the Knights of Columbus on Rte. 1 in Alexandria on Dec. 14^th; a show at the Masonic Temple on Tues Dec. 17^th. BTW, we will not meet on Dec. 25^th.

Also be thinking about helping with the set up and decorating for the show at the church on Friday, Dec. 6^th.  And, all members will be asked to bring four dozen holiday cookies to the show for our guests’ dessert.

We were reminded to let Ike Evans take our new mug shots for the picture board display in the meeting hall.

President Alan Wile reported that John Hohl has made good progress after his operation recently.

Alan has asked us all to nominate our fellow members for the major chapter awards that will be presented at the annual banquet on Jan. 25, 2014.  Also mark your calendar and plan to attend.  It is a fun easy evening and something everyone should try to get to.  New members especially, should consider attending and bringing their significant other.

The chapter is eager to know if the employer of any member makes matching donations to non profits.  If so, please speak to Shawn Tallant.

Brad Jones alerted us that the major auction will go live online Nov. 1^st and he sent out an email explaining it, as promised.

Great to see so many of us wearing our name tags. But let’s keep working to make it automatic – keep the badge in your briefcase or car!

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Rich Hewitt welcomed guests for the evening including lead of last year’s M-AD quartet champs, FRANK THE DOG, Tom Halley; and long-time member Bill Sowers and his wife Charlie.

In other news, YeEd learned that Dave Hood ran the Army Marathon over the past weekend! Afterglow was fun with director Joe there to share stories and news from around the BHS.

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 October 15^th Chapter Meeting

Fall season has set in – darkness coming on early as guys get from work to Durant.  Many members arrive via the convenient King Street Metro Station and walk the three blocks to Cameron Street and Durant. The usual work crews had the hall ready with av and risers, work tables, and chairs for guests.

The pre-song to get us headed toward the risers was “I Am the Pirate King” which hints at the theme for the holiday show.  It was shared that assistant Will Cox will be the Pirate King in the show – and he did the warm up session for us.

When director Joe Cerutti took over the chorus, we went right to work on new holiday music “Little St. Nick” and “Fa La La La La.”

Associate director Tony Colosimo conducted a barbershop craft session expanding on his maxims for the chorus.

Tony and Joe worked with the chorus on more of our holiday show songs such as “O Holy Night” and “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Mid-evening, operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the weekly business meeting with a start off thank you to the many guys who accepted his challenge last week to wear name tags.  HINT:  put it in your car or briefcase, or inquire about buying a second name tag.

President Alan Wile announced another senior citizen outreach opportunity Thurs Dec. 12^th at 6:30 pm. He asked for a show of hands so planner would have a feel for how many singers might make it.

Alan reports that John Hohl is recovering from his surgery very nicely and is up and about. Alan also reported that Jack McKendree’s wife, Nancy, fell recently and broke bones.  They live in Williamsburg.

Alan asked for all members to consider offering nominations for chapter awards to be presented at the chapter’s annual awards banquet in January 2014  – see the email you got from him a while back.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds asked guys to sign up for the three holiday show events on Groupanizer for Dec. 6 and 7 as well as the upcoming holiday show at the Knights of Columbus shows on Sat. Dec. 14^th  south of Alexandria just before Ft. Belvoir on Rte. 1.

Terry announced that auditions for solos in the holiday show are coming soon. Stay tuned for emails with dates and solos available.

Finally, Terry confirmed that we will have “Monks” again in this year’s holiday show, so there are opportunities for folks to take part – especially good idea for new members who have not had time to learn all the holiday music. Email Terry if you or someone you know is interested - Terry.reynolds4@gmail.com. It requires a few extra practices but no singing. Costumes are provided.

Bob Rhome reminded everyone to email Scipio Garling with their plans for elf or toy costumes.

There will be a board meeting Wed., Oct. 16^th at Durant.

Secretary Chris Buechler reported that Tony Colosimo and Dan O’Brien were judges at the Southwestern District contest that includes Dallas.

Chris presented a Man of Note award to Stan Quick for bringing Garrett Garner; Garrett received a Man of Note award for bringing his son, Tommy.  The Garners received new member materials.

Membership renewal cards were presented to John Pence for 29 years and to Jack Pitzer for 48 years.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer, with help from Rich Hewitt, welcomed several guests including a couple applicants and at least one first-timer!

During coffee break, there was brisk business to buy 50/50 tickets from Dick and Carolyn Hall, to make inquiries about the trip to Normandy from Ken Fess and Mick Stamps; and to pick up a supply of White House Ornaments to sell to friends, neighbors, co-workers.

Alexandria Harmonizers are selling White House Ornaments at $20 each.  The WHO makes a great present for a person who is hard to buy for, makes a great Thank You gift, a hostess gift or just that little something for a friend. It is just the right size to put in a suit case for a Thank You.

Members and Friends in Harmony may take some on consignment and not pay for them until they are sold. Sandy Stamps is distributing and selling them at every Tuesday night rehearsal.

 

There was a growl from the risers when Terry Reynolds won the 50/50 for the second time in three weeks.  He took us out singing “Keep the Whole World Singing.”  He did not make it over the afterglow to share in his winnings! So the crowd at LaPorta’s was on-their-own to pay their bills. Actually, the chapter’s half of the 50/50 goes to the chapter’s endowment fund.

 

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 Fall M-AD Contest Weekend and the Oct. 8th Chapter Meeting

On Friday, Oct. 4, Harmonizers and their families and friends headed to Ocean City, MD, for the fall district contest weekend. About 100 guys were set to be on the risers Friday nite and ten of our guys were headed to sing in the quartet contest that evening. It was an early start at 5:30 PM. 

The chorus was eager to earn a score to qualify for the district contest in 2014 without a conflict of qualifying at a division contest in the spring of ’14 just days before we head to Normandy, France. We earned 1604, 89.2%.

Besides the contests, we were there to serve as hosts for the weekend working at registration, inside the auditorium, serving as runners to get contestants to the stage on time, hosting judges, and other details like providing risers and set up crews as needed.

Friday nite the chorus call was at 6:30 pm, so we did get to hear MAYHEM.  We assembled on the risers with a great warm up session with assistant director Will Cox.  Everyone brought their uniform and make-up kits for later.  During the 2-hour or so rehearsal we drilled and ignited our enthusiasm for the package.  Our quartet guys came in as they could from the stage, made quick uniform changes and joined us on the risers. (We all appreciated their energy and willingness to rush back to sing.)  By stage time we were short one guy – Chuck McKeever was flying in from FL and a vacation to Disney.  But he made it just as we were leaving the dressing room. Special forces guys Mike Wallen and Sean Devine were with us for the contest too.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds did another “analysis geek report” at the Oct. 8^th chapter meeting to compare our score with other contests and such.  But Sunday afternoon he had already gotten out an email to all members with news (since so many men had returned home Friday nite or early Saturday morning and had not heard the score we earned.)  “Great Job to the 99 Harmonizers who gave a fantastic performance Friday night at district. We received many wonderful compliments for our performance as well as for our efforts hosting the contest. We didn't quite break the 90 mark, but district scores usually drop from international. They are significantly higher than last year's District.”  We sang “All the Things You Are’ and “Anything Goes” with lots of choreography designed by Carlos Barillo.

 

                      Overall/Music/Pres/ Singing

District 2013  89.2 / 88.7 / 90.2 / 88.7
Toronto          91.7 / 91.4 / 93.0 / 91.2

District 2012  87.4 / 87.3 / 89.8 / 85.0

Director Joe Cerutti worked hard at the rehearsal Friday nite and was glowing with pride after our hit on stage.  He had to leave on Saturday morning for his last official duty as a member of the BHS board and speak in another district.

In the actual chorus contest on Saturday, there were several Harmonizers who sang with other chapters; Singing Capital Chorus in DC was directed by Bill Colosimo with Bob Wells and Lou Bergner on the risers; The Virginians chorus from Richmond was directed by Mike Wallen with Mike Geipel and Sam McFarland on the risers; Fairfax Jubilaires chorus had Sam McFarland and Harold Weinberger on the risers; and the Chorus of the Chesapeake was directed by Rick Taylor with Chris Yates on the risers.

Two first-time emcees for the chorus contest – Tony Colosimo and Eric Wallen from our chapter – were great and likely will get a nod to do it again some time.

Voices of Gotham, Hell’s Kitchen, NY, was the new district chorus champ, with 50 singers, earning 1506 points at 83.7%.  They will represent the M-AD at the International contest this summer.  Second place chorus was our neighbors from Dundalk, MD, with 62 members.  Third place chorus was Long Island Sound Chorus from Five Towns College, NY, with 25 singers.  This is the chorus where our director Joe got his start singing barbershop. Fourth place chorus was the Westchester County, NY, Chordsmen with 48 singers. 

Our quartets did great over the weekend too! The 2013 district champs quartet was MAYHEM . They are the 18^th champ quartet with Alexandria Harmonizers singing in it. It was also great to have three quartets with our guys singing in the top 10 on Saturday nite!

1st  - MAYHEM (Ken White, Pookie Dingle, Matt Fellow, Mike Pinto)
5th  - ACME CHORD COMPANY (Dan O'Brien, Chris Susalka, Paul Grimes, Eric Wallen)
9th  - THE MONORAIL FOUR (Kellen Hertz, Phil Ferguson, Bobby Seay VI, Andrew Havens)
13th - YOUITH RECLAMATION PROJECT (Hardman Jones,  Mike Wallen, Roger Tarpy, Vic Owen)

 

MAYHEM introduced their great new song, “I Am What I Am” arranged by Dan O’Brien on Saturday nite. Their new formal outfits with their orange, red, yellow and green vests with black tails were striking.

 

ACME CHORD COMPANY had a new bass for this contest – Eric Wallen. 

 

New kids in the contest, THE MONORAIL FOUR, met on the Monorail in Florida when they were all there singing with CAPITAL FORCE youth chorus.

 

The second place quartet, GIMME FOUR, will be coaching at our chapter’s youth harmony event in the spring.

 

Bill Colosimo was emcee for the quartet contest finals.  Sean Devine spoke after the contest about ways to give to the Harmony Foundation.

 

Saturday nite’s show of champions included the top three choruses and retired district champ quartet, FRANK THE DOG. The M-AD Association of Quartet Champs ended the show with a welcoming song –“This is the Moment” - to the new champs, MAYHEM.  Steve White was the emcee for this part of the show.  Many Harmonizers had the pleasure of welcoming fellow chapter members into the fold of district quartet champs.

The new inductees to the M-AD Hall of Honor included our own Keith Jones. Congrats Keith! Well deserved.  Hall of Honor members are selected for long-time exceptional service to the district.  Quite a few fellow Harmonizers joined Keith on the stage in OC and up-front at chapter meeting on Tuesday when he was presented to his chapter as new inductee. There are 19 other Harmonizers who have been so honored (see page 43 of the chapter directory for the names.)

 

Tuesday’s rehearsal was a busy one with wrap up from the weekend and serious launch for the holiday show Dec. 6 and 7.  We were welcomed to the risers with “Feliz Navidad.” Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm up session for us.  Director Joe Cerutti praised and thanked the chorus for their hard work this past weekend including the front row guys who handled the props and held extra rehearsals to revamp their routine.

 

He recognized our members Pookie Dingle and Ken White who were present as reps of the new quartet champs; and saluted Keith for his honor.

 

Joe welcomed Ken Potter from the Masters of Harmony who has become a Special Forces member with us. Ken plans to go to France.

 

Then Joe worked on many of the songs for the holiday show, and had a volunteer octet sing one song.  Tony did another of his great craft sessions – this one expanding on “awesome breath means awesome tone.”

 

Midpoint in the evening, operations vp Bob Rhome conducted a chapter business meeting. He welcomed the Friends in Harmony who held a meeting this evening.  Bob asked guys to have a new pix taken for the photo board that is posted in the meeting hall – especially for those who have not had a pix taken in many years!  Ike Evans was doing the photos.

 

President Alan Wile made a number of announcements:

 

·        Burt Stueve is back in the hospital in isolation with MRSA.

·        Ross Felker has returned from a duty assignment in Germany but his father died recently so will be back soon.

·        Joe Cerutti Sr. reports great response to the performances our guys did at the nursing homes recently. We were well received and the residents are eager for our return – especially those who had to miss our show.

·        There is a SAI show to honor quartets and raise some funds for area Sweet Adeline quartets going to their contest in Hawaii next month. Show is Oct. 12^th at Hunt Valley Inn in MD. Tickets are $15, show at 7pm.

·        Members are invited to respond to Alan’s email asking for nominations for the major distinguished service awards given by the Harmonizers to members at the annual banquet in January.

·        Harmonizers who contribute to the Harmony Foundation as members of the Ambassadors of Song (with a minimum donation of $10 per month) or the President’s Council (for a minimum of $1000 per year) have the option to designate their chapter and/or the district to receive up to 30% of their contribution. At the House of Delegates meeting on Sunday in OC, Alan received a check for $3,326.88 from “donor choice” contributions from the first half of the year.  Way to go men!

·        Alan thanked the chapter for their efforts this weekend and particularly thanked Chuck Harner for his leadership.  We earned $1300, which we can certainly use!

 

Chuck Harner earned a round of applause from the guys on Tuesday nite.  During the chapter meeting period, he thanked all those who stepped up to the plate and helped.  He commented, “This past weekend was another outstanding example of how the Harmonizers, Friends in Harmony, etc. respond when asked to handle great responsibility. All of our great Host Chapter Team need to know that I, as chairman, appreciate all that each one of you did to make our effort so successful. Many of you changed your plans and stayed all weekend to accomplish all of our task assignments – some (Bob Griesemer, Gary Fuller, Drew Fuller, Austin Cotton, and Howard Nestlerode) working until 12:30 am Sunday morning to break down the stage, ready room, and load out the Harmonizer truck for return to Alexandria. And thanks to our judge chauffeurs (Bob Rhome, Bob Wells, and David DesPortes) who left at break of dawn Sunday morning to get judges to their BWI and DCA flights and back home on time. 

Bob Wells invited us to attend the Harvest of Harmony, the annual fall show of the DC chapter on Nov. 9^th.  He has tickets.

Bob Rhome asked all members, new and not-so-new, to wear their white name badges each week.  Put one in your car or chorus brief case.

Secretary Chris Buechler welcomed new members Ken Potter and Evan Dosik and presented them Harmo History books. Mike Geipel was presented his membership renewal card for 22 years.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer, with help from Ken White, welcomed our large number of guests this week.  Mark reminded members that this is a great time to bring guests to merge into the performing chorus.

After coffee break, we did the wrap up on the chorus contest.  Joe continued his thanks and accolades to the men on the risers, to his musical staff and to the families and friends who helped us.  He was particularly taken by the synergy of the singers on the risers.  We watched the video from OC and Terry did his report.  Joe welcomed comments from the members.

The rest of the evening we worked on more holiday show songs – the ones we have sung before.

At the end of the nite, we bid farewell to Chris Clark who is moving to NJ by singing our traditional “A Place on the Risers for You.”  He will be missed on the front row and with us at shows and contests. 

In other news: John Hohl was in OC and brought greetings to the chorus Friday nite. In the quartet contest, one contestant sang “End of the Road” which John wrote and arranged with lyrics by Scott Werner.  This Thursday, October 10, he will re-enter Holy Cross Hospital in Ft Lauderdale for another cancer surgery. After his last surgery, more cancer was detected in his second adrenal gland... so that is being removed in hopes of being cancer free. He will live thereafter on supplements.

In less serious news, Peter Hubbard’s HuckleberrySin Pie which he entered in the Del Ray pie baking contest on Saturday didn’t get the gold medal.  So – he will try again next year!!

And Randall Eliason flew himself to OC for the weekend.  He was happy to avoid the traffic the rest of us had to combat.

There was a lot of Harmonizer advertising in the convention printed program and on the “jumbotron” in the main hall about our 2014 Youth Harmony event and also about our 2014 show with Ambassadors in Harmony, June 21^st, at George Mason University Center for the Arts.  Mike Kelly was instrumental in providing the “jumbotron” service.  Scipio Garling created a number of our ads for the weekend – including a fun shout-out from him and Josh Roots on the screen.

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.)