Looking Back on Harmony College East and Our Parade Gig in June

Barbershoppers from all over M-AD and beyond gathered at Salisbury University June 18-21 for the annual Harmony College East for a weekend of classes, coaching, good food, shows, and most important – singing! New this year was a dedicated Tag Room, complete with tag sheets.

 

As you can well imagine, Harmonizers were very much involved all week. Singing in quartets on the Friday and Saturday night shows were Mike Wallen in YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT, Mike Kelly in LAST MEN STANDING, Bruce Minnick in  SURPRISE, Rick Taylor in  BSQ, and Pookie Dingle, Mike Pinto and Ken White in MAYHEM.

 

The Mt. Vernon chapter chorus, Harmony Heritage Singers, also came for a weekend of coaching and appeared on the Saturday night show.  Several Harmonizers appeared with that chorus included Chris Buechler, Drew Fuller, Chuck Harner, JT Price and Bob Wachter.

 

The Richmond Virginians were also coached and appeared on the Saturday evening show. Mike Wallen was director and Mike Geipel and Jim McConnell who are also singing with the Harmonizers were on stage.

 

Also at HCE for the weekend were Martin Banks, Bill Colosimo (faculty), Bob Eckman (staff) and Alan Wile (staff). Former Harmonizers and coaches at Salisbury included Gary Plaag (youth camp director), Mike Louque (faculty), Bob Hirsh, and Steve Tramack (faculty). The fun weekend lasted long into the evenings and even an appearance by the tropical storm on Saturday didn't dampen the singers as chords rang in the courtyard well into the morning hours.  (YeEd appreciate the write up from the weekend from Bob Eckman and notes from Alan Wile.)

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Also this month 48 singers sang Saturday June 13^th for Marriott Corp. in the Capital Pride Parade in DC.  The afternoon temperature was in the 90s and there were huge crowds.  But the crowd loved it when we burst onto the parade route and sang and danced to “Happy”.  Our guest soloist was Mark Allen. Greg Tepe helped coordinate the appearance that day – with two contingents of us spread out on two sides of the street in the crowds!! We were sponsored by Marriott and appeared as part of their #lovetravels campaign.  We met at one of their hotel properties at Rhode Island Ave., reviewed our plan, got ideas from choreographer Carlos Barillo for our appearance,  tested singing the song to a recording and got our t-shirts and sunglasses issued as part of the Marriott campaign. Director Joe and about a dozen guys met us their too after they had done the sound check on P Street. Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer helped Greg move men into positions on the parade route.

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the June16^th Chapter Meeting

Clearly this week was a work session in preparation for Pittsburgh. BUT a traffic accident on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and a bad one on I-395 had the streets in Alexandria and all roads leading into Alexandria at a stand-still.  Only a few guys were there at 7, but a huge crowd managed to make it eventually.  Several of the Special Forces guys were in town too.  Thanks for that extra effort from all – some guys took several hours for a 30-minute trip.

 

The Durant Center was busy tho with costume wranglers at work helping many guys, chorus visual drills on the stage with Chuck McKeever, front row drills with Carlos Barillo in Room 2 and a bunch of guys raiding the cookies since they had to skip dinner to get to the meeting this week.

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti, along with Chuck, did drills for the uptune visuals. When a good number of singers made it, we went right to work singing spots in the songs and did that all nite.  At the end we did a package run-thru.

 

There were a lot of guests this week and many of them are prospective members.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting about 8 pm.  Shawn Tallant reminded guys of the Thurs June 25 rehearsal at Bolling.  And he reviewed how to get onto the base.  Thanks to Stan Quick for collecting all the proper credentials and preparing the list for the guards at the gate. We are being hosted by the US Air Force Band in their facility for this rehearsal.

 

Pittsburgh chairman, Craig Kujawa, reminded us of important matters to manage: registration, Togetherness breakfast tickets, chorus photos, and helping with stocking the Harmo Hideaway with Rick and Peggy Wagner. A riser crew will be needed at our hotel on Tuesday afternoon – help if you can. Don Thompson is taking orders for Pittsburgh International Competitor t-shirts.  All sizes are $14. They come in all sizes. These shirts are not a Harmonizer uniform – just a way to show your support of the convention and that you are in a contest chorus.  Guys wear them around convention week.  Many of us will wear Harmo gear most of the week to help promote our image.

 

Ken Fess reported that he will be reordering Normandy t-shirts. Tell him if you want some.

 

President Terry Reynolds asked for families to help host a BING (Barbershop in Germany) ladies group.  Stan Quick will be coordinator.

 

And Terry reminded us of the major event next Tuesday nite at Durant – our International Send Off. We will wear our costumes and do our package at 8 pm for guests.  Members should arrive at 7 as usual. A large crowd is expected to come see us at our best.  We will be dressing at Durant.  There will be refreshments for all.

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt introduced the many guests with us for the evening.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Don Dillingham for 6 years and first-time new member materials to Ron Precup.

 

In other news, huge kudos for our fellow Harmonizers connected with the West Potomac High School musical “Next To Normal” they held this past weekend.  Both David Jarzen and Ben Roberts were major players in this musical/play about mental health.  Director Peelee Clark told this audience before the performance that the school had decided to bring awareness to mental health for families and especially students.  Congrats to our men for their work and great performances.

 

More tough news for Bob Wachter. Bob received a call that his brother was not doing well. He flew to Pittsburgh and saw him in the morning and afternoon. His brother couldn’t talk but when he opened his eyes, Bob felt there was recognition. Twenty minutes after leaving, he received a call that his brother had died. Bob’s wife, Jean, was moved back to Fairfax Hospital recently too.

 

This week’s meeting ended and tag singing broke out right away with the guests.  Then a huge crowd made it over to LaPorta’s for an afterglow and more tag singing and good eats.

 

 

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the June11^th Extra Rehearsal and Meeting

Here  is a brief report from the extra rehearsal we held on Thursday, June 11^th at First Baptist Church.  It was a very productive drill time and review.  Plus director Joe Cerutti taught the “soft” tag he promised us last week – we have a loud tag and a soft tag we will sing every time we meet til we go on stage in Pittsburgh. You gotta be here to learn it – no learning tapes or printed music will be issued.

Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups.  After the chapter meeting time, the riser guys left the risers so the front row could practice in front of them.  The riser guys, with coaching from Joe and Chuck McKeever, cleaned up the many details of the uptune visual plan.  It was very productive.

Ops vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the meeting. Robyn Murane asked guys who where getting uniform work done by the wrangler team to pick em up after the meeting.

Nick Leiserson gave some more details about the flash mob gig on Saturday. The call time is now 4:15 pm. Details to be released via email.

Rick Wagner announced that he and his wife Peggy are gonna head up the Harmo Hideaway at the convention in Pittsburgh.  Thanks to them for that.  Soooo – stay tuned for how you as a chapter member can help such as bringing snacks, contribution napkins and supplies, etc.  The Hideaway will be open Wed, Thurs and Fri nites only.

Ken Fess announced more details for those guys who wanna get a Normandy shirt.

Rusty Orvik explained the volleyball accident he had – suggesting his fellow Harmonizers not use power tools or play tackle football etc. between now and International.  He says his sprained knee will allow him to dance in front row by convention!!  Here’s hopin!

President Terry Reynolds welcomed Lew Klinge who was in the house this evening. And Terry stressed the need for guys to get their official contact info to Stan Quick in order to attend the extra rehearsal at Bolling on Thursday June 25^th.

We ended the nite with a complete package performance. Then reloaded the Harmo truck. sSome guys made to LaPorta’s for an brief afterglow too.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the June 9^th Chapter Meeting

This week’s chapter meeting and fantastic rehearsal was at First Baptist Church because our usual meeting place was being used for a voting place.

With so much work in preparation for our appearance at the International convention in Pittsburgh, July 3^rd, the hall was packed early – front row in front of the risers from about 6-7 with choreographer Carlos Barillo, other guys doing visual reviews with Chuck McKeever, costume wranglers at work in a side room at the hall, and other guys welcoming guests and former members on hand this week.

There were a lot of men who made special trips to be here for this important rehearsal time: Peter Hubbard from Atlanta, Alan Lamson from CT and feeling much better after his back problem on retreat weekend, Bill Conway from SC, Mike Geipel from Richmond, and Len Dornberger from DE.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti took the reins and went right to work on spots in our contest songs. We worked all evening on those songs – only once doing the whole set.  Carlos and Tony assisted Joe by injecting ideas and reminders and teaching points to help us perform even better.

Mid-evening, ops vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  Josh Roots did an update and challenge from the newly formed development committee. They are seeking donations or contributions to match a $1000 gift. All of this toward a larger goal of $10,000 for the new CD project.

Todd announced the play at West Potomac Hi School this coming weekend.  They are doing “Next to Normal” at 7 pm on June 11-12-13, at 7 pm at West Potomac Hi Kogelman Theater, 6500 Quander Rd., Alexandria 22307.  Tickets are $12 and available at the door.  Our own member David Jarzen is appearing as Gabe in the play and Ben Roberts is appearing as Dan, The director is our front row guy, Peelee Clark. 

Shawn Tallant reminded everyone of the International send off appearance as part of the Tues June 23^rd meeting at Durant.  Best time for guests to come is 8 pm.

Shawn also stressed the need for guys to have their important personal info on the list for getting into Bolling base for our special Thurs June 25^th rehearsal at the Air Force Band rehearsal space.  It is get you name on the list, or you can’t get on post for the event.  Send it to Stan Quick today.  They have to get the list turned in to officials several days in advance.

Nick Leiserson and Terry Reynolds promised details about the special appearance on Sat June 13^th for Marriott.  Singers need to get Nick their t-shirt size ASAP.

Steve White recapped the results of the M-AD division contests for us.  See below for news from this past weekend.

Craig Kujawa reminds all to get your Togetherness breakfast tickets from Steve Murane ($30 for any guest you are bringing) and Randall Eliason (free for any chapter member going), order Pittsburgh photos from Frank Fedarko, and look to receive your convention registrations (tickets) from Craig in the next week.

Secretary Chris Buechler was excited to report that all competing chorus members have renewed their membership.  He presented membership renewal cards to Carlos Barillo for 4 years, Peter Hubbard for 4 years, Stan Quick for 4 years, Steve Szyszka for 4 years, Jim Lake for 22 years, Tony Colosimo for 22 years, Mike Edison for 24 years, Greg Tepe for 24 years, Bob Wells for 24 years, and David Welter for 39 years.

Doug White reports his promotion to Lt. Colonel came thru and so he brought cake for a little celebration during break. Congrats Doug!

President Terry Reynolds reminds us that there WILL BE a chapter meeting on the Tuesday after International, July 7^th and the next week on the 14^th.  This is a change from past years when we didn’t meet at Durant the week after convention.

Terry saluted Ross Felker for his recent retirement from the Air Force. See below.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed some members in house what we don’t see regularly: Ross Johnson, TJ Jones, Bob Caldwell. Greg Tepe, our producer of shows, was in house too.  Rich then welcomed some singer guests with us this week.

After eating cake and making contact for many points of chapter business, it was back to work on our music.  Joe had taught a great new tag, “What a Day” earlier in the nite and so we reviewed it after break. He wants us to sing it every time we meet this month.

The members all pitched in to put things away into the Harmo truck.  We will return to First Baptist on Thursday nite this week again. The afterglow crowd had fun as usual at La Porta’s.

In other news, the final two M-AD division contests (Northern and Western) were held June 5-6 in Cherry Hill, NJ, combined into one weekend.  Joe Cerutti was a music judge on the panel.

In the Western Division contest, a Harmonizer quartet, WAREHOUSE FLATS with Brett Thomas, Jay Butterfield, Adam Porter, and Steve White, took second place. Also there were a number of current and former Harmonizers who directed choruses in that contest:  Sean Devine and Jay Butterfield are directors of the new Hershey PA chorus that took first place.  Rick Taylor directed the Dundalk MD chorus that took second.  John Santora was acting District contest and judging chair and sang with Patapsco Valley, MD. Pookie Dingle sang with the Hershey chorus.

In the Northern Division contest, another Harmonizer quartet HERSHEY TRANSIT CO. with Bill Keet, Pookie Dingle, Frank Resek and Steven Matuszewski, took third place.

In other news, Bruce Lauther reports that the chapter has a contract signed for the chorus to sing at Ashbury Methodist Village, 201 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg MD, 20877. This will be a full performance starting at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 26th, 2015. Our sponsors by donation are former members of the Alexandria Harmonizer family, Hal and Margaret Gaut, who reside there.

Also in other news, Lieutenant Colonel Ross Felker was honored at a retirement ceremony at Joint Base Anacostoa-Bolling Friday June 5^th at 2pm.  Several of his fellow Harmonizers were there and remarked about his amazing Air Force service career that was explained during his many recognitions at the event. At the end of the ceremony, Ross lead everyone in singing the “Air Force Song” and our guys joined in the fun. Ross and his wife Gail will be moving to their home in Texas after the contest is Pittsburgh and some vacation time in Michigan.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the June 2^nd Chapter Meeting

The chorus arrived ready for work and work we did.  But it was a hugely successful rehearsal – one of the best ever.  Many of us figured we would have to catch up from the retreat, but there was a pretty good retention and adaptation of the suggestions from our coaches.

Ops vp Todd Ryktarsyk set up the hall a little differently – the risers all the way backed up to the wall so there was adequate room for the front row routine to use the same space as the stage will be in Pittsburgh.  As usual, the front row was there at 6 pm to work and a lot of new members worked with riser coach Chuck McKeever on the stage to review their stage moves.

Most of the guys had seen the notes from the retreat, taken by Dean Rust (thanks Dean) and sent to us with comments by director Joe Cerutti. They were very thorough and helped.  When asked how many guys had worked 15 minutes each day on the package, there were tons of hands in the air!!

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the important warm up session for the chorus. And then we jumped right into working on sections of the contest songs.  Joe reminded us that June will be dedicated to work on the contest package.  We did several run throughs of the whole package before the nite was over.

For the chapter meeting, Todd called each guy up who had a message to announce.  Pittsburgh chairman Craig Kujawa asked if anyone had any questions about the most recent newsletter for convention which he published.  And he needs helpers for the chapter hospitality room at convention. Bob Blair needs two guys to drive the Harmo van to Pittsburgh. Music vp Steve White needs a couple men to tally the names and credentials for the chorus so we can enter Bolling military base for rehearsal on June 25^th. Frank Fedarko was selling International pictures and Steve Murane and Randall Eliason were handling tickets for the Togetherness Breakfast.

Chuck Powell extended an invite to the chorus to sing as this wedding Sept. 4. 

Todd reminded everyone – the next two meetings, Tues, the 9^th and Thurs, the 11^th, are at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler offered a chapter 50-year history book to anyone who has not gotten one yet. He also presented membership renewal cards to Edris Qarghah for seven years; Nick Murane for 10 years and Ike Evans for 28 years.

Ken Fess asked if anyone wanted a shirt from the Normandy trip.  He took note of the hands that went up.

President Terry Reynolds announced that Steve Szyszka had a death in the family and had to miss tonite. We welcomed Wayne Adams and Joe Sawyer.  And he called for the board to meet for a few minutes at break.

Terry then introduced the “wranglers” who have helped us get our costumes ready.  The chorus rose for a standing ovation in appreciation for all their help and work.  The official list of “wranglers” YeEd received from Greg Tepe includes Clark Chesser, Clyde Crusenberry, Ellen Dellert. Don Dillingham/Sandra Dillingham. Gail Felker, Mark Klostermeyer, Robyn Murane, Stan Quick, Rick Savage, Mick Stamps, Ginny Wells, plus help from Ninamarie Maragioglio.

Speaking of uniforms, there was a bandana check for the Class of 2015 – all passed.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt introduced guests and welcomed them all.

After the break, it was back to work on our music. Dick Hall gave his annual pre-International pep talk about Harmonizer pride!  At 10 pm, everyone helped clear the hall.

Before we left, Joe and Terry confirmed that the chorus will do the job on Saturday June 13^th in DC.  We will do a few quick reviews of “Happy” before then.

The afterglow crowd had fun as usual at La Porta’s.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the 2015 International Retreat May 29-30 Westminster MD

This year’s retreat was a huge success from every aspect.  There were 119 singers on the 11 sets of risers. 

Coaches David Wright and Brandon Guyton were top-notch and taught us all so much more to do in making our performance exciting.  We also learned more about our arrangements and the music we sing and how to use our instruments to produce the best barbershop harmony. Our songs, for the record, are “Someone Like You” from “Jekyll & Hyde” and arranged by Steve Tramack; and “Me Ol’ Bamboo” from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and arranged by Clay Hine.

Supporting these coaches was our top-notch in-house crew: director Joe Cerutti, associate director Tony Colosimo, assistant director Terry Reynolds, choreographer Carlos Barillo, riser coach Chuck McKeever, section leaders Rick Savage, Josh DesPortes, Reed Livergood, Andrew Havens, Jim Lake.

Retreat chairman Chuck McKeever and his team made it all run so smoothly.  The staff at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, was a great help too in setting up breaks, preparing for our arrival in the dorms and having the cafeteria open early each meal .  We stayed in air conditioned dorms this year vs the suites where we had stayed in recent years.  There was plenty of food for sure.

Chuck’s crew included a sound/AV team of Doug White, Mike Kelly and Dennis Ritchey who worked hard all weekend to mic the coaches, film the weekend and help show videos.  Several non-singers were there to help with admin details including Sam McFarland and Keith Jones.  John Pence did work to produce the weekend printed program. Howard Nestlerode collected our registration fees.  Chuck’s logistics team also included Len Dornberger, Jack Cameron and Rich Hewitt.  Drew Fuller was Harmo van driver and Bob Blair and many other guys helped unload and reload the truck with risers and all of our other equipment. This meant getting things set up Friday afternoon for the early rehearsals.

Friday nite, about 50 guys accepted the invite to come up early to get settled in and prepared to start first thing on Saturday.  A large contingent of guys ate at the Irish pub in town and then as the evening rolled on and more and more guys arrived there was a nice gathering of guys in the dorm to socialize. However, the front row had committed to all be there at 8 pm and they worked for two hours on their routine.

Speaking of commitment, there have been some great stories emerge about our guys making the extra effort to attend – such as Peter Hubbard taking the bus up from Atlanta where he has moved in the last few weeks, guys who drive from Delaware like Len Dornberger and Mike Fasano; Gene Swartz who drives from Roanoke to Richmond and rides the rest of the way with Craig Odell and Mike Geipel and then they meet guys in Fredericksburg; Alan Lamson (who had to miss the retreat because of a back problem that happened on Thursday) who flies to DC from his home in Connecticut; and TJ Donahue who flew in from Denver.

Saturday morning’s kick off at 8:30 am following a continental breakfast in the hall with started with welcome remarks from Chuck.  Then Tony did a long and solid warm up session for us before turning things over to an excited Joe who proudly welcomed our coaches and told the newer guys more about the barbershop backgrounds of David and Brandon.

After that it was solid singing and working on making improvements all day.  There were some mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks, and lunch of course. Often there were meetings of small groups such as the front row, or the Class of 2015 (that is the guys singing with us in Pittsburgh who have never sung with the Harmonizers at an International – which means some are brand new barbershop singers and some have earned medals with other chapters and are new to our chapter). Their president this year is Spencer Wight.

The official class list is Peelee Clark, Mike Edison, Marvin Evans, Mike Fasano, Ross Felker, Alvin Figer, Garrett Garner, Tommy Garner, David Jarzen, Alan Lamson, Reed Livergood, Jim McConnell, Mike Moncibaiz, Chris Odell, Rusty Orvik, Rich Payton, Ron Precup, Elliot Roseman, Todd Ryktarsyk, John Santora, Aaron Simoneau, Gene Swartz, Spencer Wight, and Kris Zinkievich.

President Terry Reynolds served as emcee for the weekend and coordinated announcements during the weekend.  Pittsburgh coordinator Craig Kujawa announced that Frank Fedarko would be photo sales chair at International (see him to make your reservations starting on Tuesday nite); Randall Eliason will be distributing the free tickets to any Harmonizer who wants to attend the Togetherness breakfast in Pittsburgh; Steve Murane is selling the $30 tickets for any guests a member will bring to that breakfast.  Tickets distribution began at the retreat and will continue on Tuesday nite. Craig also had handouts from the Pittsburgh convention bureau for each of us.

There were some guests during the weekend besides Keith and Sam including Walt Page, Joe Sawyer, Bill Sowers, Tom Griffith, the director of choral activities at McDaniel College and some family members of guys who came by. Great to have Michael Schwartz back singing with us.


 Before dinner David refreshed the “Friends” tag that we would use at the end of the weekend. And we were reminded to wear our Pittsburgh costumes to the evening rehearsal.

It was fantastic to see all of the nifty outfits the member had created (with their wranglers). As we continued to work on the uptune, Carlos reviewed each man’s costume and offered suggestions to some to enhance or add color or the like.

About 8:30 pm on Saturday nite we took off the costumes and prepared for the annual party at our retreat.  The college provided a good buffet of warm and cold things and plenty of liquid refreshments for all.

Terry kicked off the eve by inviting one of our chapter quartets, BRAVADO with Doug White, Kevin McKenzie, Chris Odell and Todd Ryktarsyk (recent fourth place quartet in the Southern Division contest) to sing.  Then there was a new Pittsburgh logo shown – “Sing Softly & Carry a Big Stick” which included some rods of bamboo in the design – that is available to order on t-shirts and other items.  Stay tuned for more details on how to do that from our website.

Joe remarked about the many wonderful highlights of being a Harmonizer to include our wonderful trip to France last year.  Recently the folks in Les Ventes France sent a video to us thanking us again for coming to their village and inviting us to come again someday.  Peter Hubbard did the translation and our av team added the subtitles.

Also our friend Peggy Harris (the widow of Billie D. Harris and who we sang to that day in France) sent a special greeting to the Harmonizers. (Chris Huber reports she will be 90 on June 25^th.) Those two warm and emotional videos were shown for all to see.

Then Joe had us take a look at some videos of the Harmonizers progress from our last gold medal performance, to the first International with Joe as director and to our third place performance in Toronto. Then as comparison, a video of our Ambassadors of Harmony friends doing “76 Trombones.”

Then finally we got to see the much anticipated skit by the Class of 15!  And it was fantastic!!!  The funny script was written, YeEd hears, by their class president Spencer.  Ron Precup was narrator in his best fake British accent.  Marvin Evans did the commercial breaks. It was the evolution of the Harmonizers from cave man days til now.  Many of the class had starring parts in the skit and some even sang!!

To wrap up the fun nite, Terry organized a game where the chorus formed ten teams of about 12 guys each and did a fun contest of singing B flat songs in three-quarter time (an idea stolen from Steve Delehanty).  It was fun.  David and Brandon were judges and declared the best barbershop song and best entertainment song.  Of course those groups of guys are still gloating from their success(?).

But truthfully, the party continued back in the dorm.

Sunday morning, we turned in our keys to Chuck and Sam before entering the cafeteria for breakfast.

And then back on the risers at 8:30 to recap and continue to polish points that had been discovered on Saturday. Tony did another good warm up for the tired voices.

Chuck did some parting remarks and thank yous to crews who helped make the weekend flow.

President Terry took a vote on a show opportunity on Sunday June 13^th in DC.

Then Terry began the wrap up remarks for the weekend including leading the applause for Chuck and his crew.

Joe pledged that we would work totally on the contest songs in June (plus “Happy” for the June 13^th gig).

Someone encouraged each guy to spend 15 minutes each day in June on their performance for Pittsburgh.

Joe thanked our great coaches again and offered them a chance for parting remarks.  David reminded us to be thankful that we could come together in this art form of barbershopping.  He spoke highly of Joe’s musical leadership and reminded us, though, that the end result is up to us. The “power to make it even better is fun with the Harmonizers where the heart is in the right place.”

Brandon spoke too of the special attitude and love  for this art form and for each other.

We concluded the session, locked arms, singing the “Friends” tag (that is for those who could sing it and not get too emotional doing so)!

Everyone pitched into haul the risers, av things, props and signs out to the truck. Then they headed to their homes – with some stops for chow or ice cream en route.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the May 26^th Chapter Meeting

This week was another hard working recording session at First Baptist Church.

Wranglers worked on costumes for many guys.  Front row came at 6 to drill with PeeLee Clark and Carlos Barillo!  They are all planning to go to the retreat on Friday evening and will meet at 8pm.

And a good crowd of men worked on the stage with Chuck McKeever to review the “enHancenments” to the stage presence plan for the uptune.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and when director Joe Cerutti took over, he went right to work on singing.  We recorded too songs by working right up til cut off time.

Everyone helped reload things onto the Harmo van.

Ops vp Todd Ryktarsyk ran the brief chapter meeting.  McKeever reminded guys to pay for the retreat or at least tell Howard Nestlerode they will pay onsite at the retreat.

Pittsburgh coordinator Craig Kujawa asked guys if they had any questions in planning their trips in July to the International. A few guys met with him privately. He is still seeking some helpers for the Harmo events in Pittsburgh.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Tim Buell for 11 years, Craig Kujawa for 12 years, Ken Rub for 24 years.

President Terry Reynolds brought to everyone’s attention that the Tuesday after International there WILL BE a regular chapter meeting and rehearsal. The annual sing at the hospital will be on the last Tuesday in July.

Terry also pointed out the members of the board that any of us could speak with if we have ideas or suggestions of questions about chapter operation.

After a break, it was back to work on the risers.

We ended the evening with a run of the contest package.

Tag singers had a great session at the afterglow this week.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the May 22-23 Southern Division Contest and Convention

Wow – there were Harmonizers everywhere for this weekend contest and convention at the Reston Hyatt.

In the one-round quartet contest on Friday evening, FORECAST with Mike Fitch, Tyler Rackley, Travis Murray and Dan Cook took first place.  This makes the 14^th year in a row that a quartet with at least one Harmonizer member has won the contest!!  They earned 75.4 percent.

Another Harmonizer quartet took second place – YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT with Mike Wallen, Roger Tarpy, Hardman Jones and Vic Owen Jr. earning 72.1 percent.  These guys also won the senior’s contest held in conjunction with the division contest.

Third place quartet was LoCo 4 – all friends from neighboring chapters we have seen at the annual Dog Days event each year.

Fourth place was our own guys, BRAVADO with Doug White, Kevin McKenzie, Chris Odell and Todd Ryktarsyk.  Great first time shot for this foursome and they earned 69.7 percent.

HANDSOME REWARD with John Reece, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch and Michael Gilmore took fifth place with 66.1 percent.

Sam McFarland’s new quartet, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN, took eighth as well as second in the senior’s contest. Brian Ammerman sang in two quartets:  LAST PITCH EFFORT along with Steve Murane was ninth, and MISFIRE was eleventh. MISFIRE was named division novice champ quartet in the contest.

Harmonizers Bill Colosimo was emcee for the quartet contest and Dennis Ritchey was emcee for the Saturday chorus contest. There were 11 choruses in the contest and six of them were directed by current or former Harmonizers: Richard Lewellen with Fairfax. Gary Bibens with Harrisonburg, Kris Zinkievich with Germantown, Mike Wallen with Richmond, Bill Colosimo with DC and Brian Allen with Norfolk.

Richmond won the chorus contest with a score of 70.8 percent.

Interesting was the number of current or former Harmonizers, in addition to the directors named above, who sang on the contest stage with other choruses: Harold Weinberger and Sam McFarland with Fairfax; Chuck Botts with Carroll County; Gary Bibens, Michael Calhoun and Dewey Feuerhelm with Harrisonburg; Mike Edison with Germantown, Frank Beahm with Smith Mountain Lake; Mike Giepel, Paul Lensch and Jim McConnell with Richmond; and Bob Hirsh, Alan Hanenbaum and Bob Wells with DC.

Some of our guys also sang in the mic tester chorus: Carl Kauffmann, Brian Ammerman, Bob Wachter, Chris Buechler, Alan Hanenbaum. Two former members were on the judging panel: Steve Tramack who also has arranged several of our important new songs, and Joe Sawyer who sings with DACAPO.

The Saturday nite show of champions featured a number of our folks as listed above plus MAYHEM with Matt Fellows, Pookie Dingle, Mike Pinto and Ken White was also featured guest quartet.

The Fairfax Chapter was hosts for this weekend’s convention.  Mike Kelly and Carl Kauffmann are on the events team that helps run the contests, and Gary Plaag is district vp for contests. Our guys on the district board include Bill Colosimo, IPP; Dennis Ritchey, exec vp; Bob Eckman, treasurer; Keith Jones, secretary; and Chuck Harner, member at large.

Official contest scores are posted on midatlanticdistrict.com website. (Thanks for notes from Dixie Kennett, Keith Jones and Alan Wile for this report! YeEd)

In other news, the Atlantic Division was held May 15-16 in Cherry Hill and our own Dan O’Brien was a music judge.

The Western and Northern Division contests will be June 5-6, also in Cherry Hill, and two Harmo quartets are on the list for that one: WAREHOUSE FLATS with Brett Thomas, Jay Butterfield, Adam Porter and Steve White; and HERSHEY TRANSIT CO. with Bill Kent, Pookie Dingle, Frank Resek and Steven Matuszewski

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the May 19^th Chapter Meeting Plus Armed Forces Show and Flag Ceremony

Before reporting on chapter meeting news, there were two chorus appearances over the weekend.

First was our second Armed Services Honor Show.  It was at First Baptist Church on Saturday, May 16^th at 3 pm.  We sang our patriotic package.  We served refreshments to attendees with help from the FRIENDS IN HARMONY.  Alexandria mayor William Euille spoke as did Congressman Don Beyer.  We also showed two videos that are from our trip in France.  Bill Colosimo was emcee.  Several veterans were present for the tribute.

Sunday, May 17^th, a mini-chorus sang at the celebration for the new flag ceremony at Old Dominion Boat Club at the end of King Street. Clyde Crusenberry, community service chairman, organized this event as part of the Harmonizer community outreach program. (Interesting history note: in the ‘60s the Harmonizer afterglow following our spring tonic was at the ODBC. -  YeEd) Mayor Euille spoke again as did vice mayor Allison Silberberg. Assistant director Terry Reynolds directed the chorus.  The president of the ODBC was emcee.

Tuesday nite’s rehearsal was hard work, but the Durant air conditioning was working well and a welcome treat.

Cindy Hansen Ellis was with us for the evening and concentrated on embellishments for the uptune.

Before the meeting there were the usual extra work sessions for the front row, chorus member review, costume/uniform wranglers meeting with guys and helping newest members get their Pittsburgh attire organized.

Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups and then director Joe Cerutti introduced Cindy to the new men who had not worked with her before. We started singing on two songs we will record next Tuesday when we meet at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St.

Then we did the contest package for Cindy to see and moved right on to working on the ballad which we did all evening.  Several times the front row joined the chorus after having working separately on their routine.

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  First off, music and performance vp Steve White introduced two quartets that will be singing this weekend at the Southern Division contest at the Reston Hyatt. (You can get tickets on site. Quartet contest starts at 6:45 pm Fri eve.) Our first quartet for the evening was MISFIRE with Brian Ammerman, Jay Sorenson, Litic Murali and Matt Doniger.  Our second quartet was LAST PITCH EFFORT with Brian Ammerman, Tony Romero, Jeff Salino and Steve Murane.

Secretary Chris Buechler reminded all singers going to the contest in Pittsburgh must be paid up on their dues.  He also presented membership renewal cards to Rich Hewitt for 4 years, Marvin Evans for 5 years, Mike Fasano for 20 years, Craig Odell for 46 years and Dick Hall for 51 years.  (The chorus rose to a round of applause for Dick.)

Chris also presented a 30-year renewal card and lapel pin to Chris Buechler and a 40-year renewal and lapel pin to Howard Nestlerode.

Director Joe welcomed Tom Kraus to the mic and thanked Tom for his 6 years of leadership for the contemporary a cappella group TBD.  All members of TBD joined Joe in the tribute and presented Tom a memento/plaque.

President Terry Reynolds reminded us of the recording session next Tuesday at First Baptist, the retreat in western MD over the weekend of May 29-31. NOTE WE ARE ALL ASKED TO BRING ALL PARTS OF OUR PITTSBURGH COSTUME/UNIFORM.

He also announced the plans for the International send off at Durant on June 23^rd, and reminded us of the extra rehearsals on June 11 and June 25.  He asked everyone to update their attendance plans on Groupanizer.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt introduced several guests with us for the evening.  It was good to see Michael Schwartz in the hall this week and Dick Newton who was passing thru the area and came to see everyone.

Then we had a busy break with lots of cookies to eat (thanks to Steve and Robyn Murane for bringing in all the cookies from the Saturday show); the front row using the main hall at Durant during break to block out their routine in relation to the risers, and some quartet singing of other groups planning to be in the division contest.

After the break we did some self evaluation recordings and then concentrated on the uptune.

We worked a few minutes past 10 pm, so Joe asked everyone to pitch in and help dismantle the hall.

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 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.

 

Looking Back on the May 14^th  Chapter Meeting Make Up

Because the Tuesday nite meeting had to be canceled, we had a makeup rehearsal on Thursday May 14^th at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church in Alexandria, down toward Mt. Vernon. Thanks to Harmonizer Rob Nutt for making it available to us.

Reed Livergood did the warm ups for the nite. Then director Joe Cetutti went right to work on the new show songs for the Icon Show this fall.  The church hall has a screen which we projected onto for the new songs.

And we worked hard on the contest package – some times to produce self-eval recordings, and a full performance for videos which Chuck McKeever reviews and sends to all of the members for own personal evaluation of their visual performance.  Thanks Chuck for all the extra work on the “Tuesday nite at the movies” project.

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  Pittsburgh coordinator Craig Kujawa offered to answer any questions following his recent convention news letter, “Steel City Countdown.”  He also stressed the need to alert him or his team if you have a room reservation or a convention registration that you won’t use – there are people in the chapter looking to get them.

Chuck McKeever asked us all to get in our payments for the retreat -- $55 for Sat and Sun, $85 for Fri, Sat, Sun.  Note that we will depart before lunch on Sunday.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to John Green for 4 years, Steve Murane for 13 years and Michael Gilmore for 23 years.  Austin Cotton received his 40 year membership card and lapel pin.  Then Chris and Steve White, music and performance vp, presented a surprise gift to retiring assistant director Will Cox – a name tag listing him as assistant director emeritus.

Chris also reports that several long-time members have renewed even tho they no longer sing with us regularly:  Jed Casey 60 years! Darryl Flinn 60 years! Burt Stueve 37years Bob Eckman 31 years

Steve then acknowledged that several men in our chorus are also singing in quartets and work at least another few nites each month to prepare for the spring division contests held in our Mid Atlantic District.  HANDSOME REWARD with John Reece, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch and Michael Gilmore sang for us as they prepare for appearance at the Southern Division contest on May 22^nd at Reston Hyatt.  Fri nite contest session starts at 6:57 pm.  You can get tickets on site.  There will be five or six othe quartets with Harmonizers in them singing in that contest.

President Terry Reynolds reported that Michael Schwartz is doing better and is at home.  Bob Wactcher stopped by the church to say hi and report in during his extensive period of caring for his wife.

Terry also promoted our participation in the Armed Forces show on Saturday, May 16^th and the flag pole raising ceremony at the Old Dominion Boat Club on Sunday, May 17^th. Community service chairman Clyde Crusenberry is coordinating that event. 

The second half of our meeting Thursday was to review the music for our standing Armed Forces/Patriotic package.  Joe suggested that we all need to keep these songs ready since we will be using this package at various times during the year for paid performances in the DC market.

Joe did a bandana check for the Class of 15 too!!!

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 67^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.