Looking Back on the Oct 6^th Chapter Meeting

The chorus came to Durant ready to work.  Clearly it is contest time and many guys who are singing with us for the contest but not regularly for other shows were present.  Great to have the help of these Harmonizers.

At 6 pm there was a major front row drill on stage and in front of the risers plus a class for new members to learn the presentation plan for the contest package for some new members.

Director Joe Cerutti was out of town with his SAI chorus, Pride of Baltimore, at their International convention. Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups and was director for the nite.  He was assisted by choreographer, Carlos Barillo, who was just off a plane from Germany where he was coaching.  We worked the first half of the nite on the contest package. Many of the items we worked on were a follow up to work done last week.

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting. Thanks go to Gerry Fuller for helping with the storage unit move recently.  Ike Evans is taking head-shot photos of guys to update the member photo board.  Doug White is still looking to get his chorus shoes back from whoever has the wrong size.

Calvin Schnure promoted the Tag-A-Thon fundraiser that will be Sat Nov. 7^th following the all-sectionals rehearsal at First Baptist Church, 1 pm.   Members are encouraged to get sponsors for their tag singing.

Mike Edison invited Harmonizers to come to the show for the Germantown Chorus.  Harmonizer Kris Zinkievich directs that chorus.  The show is Sat nite Oct 17^th after our retreat in Rockville.  See Mike for tickets.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a lot of membership renewal cards: Rusty Orvick for 11 years; Ken Henderson for 12 years; Bob Blair for 16 years; Bob Mattes for 17 years; Mike Schwartz for 21 years; Dick Dangel for 23 years; Don Thompson for 23 years; Chuck McKeever for 29 years; Ken Fess for 31 years; Terry Reynolds for 32 years, Bob Ulibarri for 33 years; Mike Kelly for 35 years (and a 35-year lapel pin);  Mick Stamps for 36 years; Jack Cameron for 46 years and Jack Pitzer for 50 years!

President Terry Reynolds reports that Bill Conway is safe and not in a flood situation in SC.

Terry announced a new addition to the chapter’s musical leadership team – Vickie Dennis will join the team and assist with many important projects such as the Youth Harmony effort and the Certified Singer program.  Her husband Dennis is about to become a new member of the chorus. She directed the Houston Tidelanders chorus for three years and the Houston SAI chorus.  Welcome aboard!

Terry thanked the 56 members that responded to the chapter survey. Others are encouraged to do so ASAP.

He reminded us that the official chapter election for the BHS chapter is next week. His other reminders include: the all-day retreat on Sat. Oct. 17^th at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on Columbia Pike with Cindy Hansen coaching; music for the April 2016 show will be available soon; if you want one of the older Harmonizer CDs, you should buy them now because we won’t be reordering.

Great to have some guys come sing for the nite: Geoff Berman, David Jarzen who is in the midst of another show at West Potomac, and former member Jack Stonesifer.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed a good group of guests and welcomed two new members who have completed their attendance requirement: Casey Belzer and Jordan Haedtler.

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 Sept 29^th Chapter Meeting and Show Sept 26th

The chorus did a performance on Sat nite Sept 26^th at the Asbury Methodist Village.  We were hosted by former Harmonizer Hal Gaut and his family.  Assistant directors Terry Reynolds and Mike Kelly were up front as directors for this show.  Bruce Lauther was the main contact for this paid performance.  We sang all of the songs from the Icon show and many songs from our patriotic package; and we sang “A Place on the Risers for You” in honor of a recently deceased resident of the Village who was a Sweet Adeline singer.  We wore our black suits. Shows producer Greg Tepe sent out a long thank you list to the many guys who had an extra task in making it a success including ensembles that sang and soloists with the chorus.

Tuesday nite was another busy one for the chapter – although the rainy weather was awful and caused huge delays for many members including director Joe Cerutti.  We delayed the start of the rehearsal a bit and listened to the new holiday songs.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds did the vocal warm ups.

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk and Bob Blair seemed to prompt the set up work for the nite.  Chuck McKeever met with several newer members who are planning to sing in the contest this fall. Sandy Stamps had a large supply of White House Ornaments for guys to take to sell.

For the first half of the nite, two parts remained on the risers to work on the contest set and the other two parts worked in other rooms on the holiday songs.  Then we switched.

Todd conducted the chapter meeting.  Calvin Schnure announced plans for a Tag-A-Thon on Sat. Nov. 7^th after the all-sectionals.  It is meant to be a fund raising event.

President Terry Reynolds reported on the memorial service in Florida for John Hohl including details of the quartet that included he and Joe to sing “A Place on the Risers for You.”

Terry launched sign ups for those who wanna get tickets for the April 2016 performance at Strathmore.

He reminded us all about the retreat on Sat. Oct 17 at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on Columbia Pike starting at 9 and going for the day.

Show vp Nick Leiserson reviewed a long list of thank you messages for Harmonizer family who made the Icon show a success especially Carlos and Joe who encouraged the chapter to launch a new kinda show.  Nick also thanked Greg for his work on the Asbury Methodist Village show as well as Bruce for setting up the show.

Todd thanked Bob Blair, Bob Rhome, Carl Kauffmann and Gerry Fuller who helped him moved all of our storage materials from one locker to another that costs less.  Their work saved over $2000.

Todd also reminded everyone to drop in a donation in the coffee room each week during break.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed more guests and the men who attended the Open Audition and are on their way to full membership.

The Nominating Committee will present the following named members for election as officers of the 2016 Alexandria, VA Chapter Board of Directors at the chapter business meeting on October 13, 2015:

 

·         President – Randall Eliason

·         Immediate Past President – Terence Reynolds (not subject to election)

·         Secretary – Christopher Buechler

·         Treasurer – Alan Herman

·         Member (Chapter Development/Membership) – Michael Edison

·         Member (Marketing) – Kevin McKenzie

·         Member (Music & Performance) – Stephen White

 

Each of the above has been contacted and agreed to serve in the positions indicated. The nominating committee includes Alan Wile, chair; Randall Eliason; Scipio Garling; Mark Klostermeyer; and Bob Rhome.

In other news, Ike Evans appeared with the Virginia Grand Military Band at Schlesinger Hall on Saturday, Sept. 26^th.

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 Sept. 19^th American Icon shows at Schlesinger Hall

The energy was electric this past Saturday, the chorus sounded GREAT, and audience loved every minute of it. Well done, all! We have accomplished an amazing feat this past spring/summer in learning so many new songs and presenting them at a high level. There were 97 men on stage this past weekend for the 2 pm and 8 pm shows at Schlesinger Hall on the NOVA campus in Alexandria.

Congrats to Carlos Barillo who created the show idea and helped director Joe Cerutti and the music team pick the songs.  He also created the popular choreography and was show producer.

The audience responses were great! Chuck Hunter sent word of congrats from Istanbul to all.

According to chapter historian Martin Banks, the Harmonizer appearance at Schlesinger was a return to that venue after an 11-year hiatus.  Schlesinger was opened in 2001 to the relief of the Harmonizers who had trouble finding a suitable venue for formal shows within the Alexandria city limits after losing their traditional annual spring and fall show home at TC Williams HS (the old building).  We produced six annual shows at Schlesinger from fall 2001 to spring 2004 until overcome by scheduling issues.  This return to the venue marks a renewed chapter emphasis on service and engagement within our home community.  (A footnote:  the 2002 Spring Tonic honored Scott Werner on the eve of his retirement after almost 30 years as musical director. A theater seat was dedicated to Scott and his wife Linda (many of us found the plaque on Saturday).  VAUDEVILLE came from retirement to be part of the show and afterglow.  This was probably John Hohl’s last performance on stage with the Harmonizers.)

The show day on Sept 19^th began with a beehive of activity with guys arriving with all their uniform parts.  We wore two uniforms for this show – black tux and black suit.  We did change ties in the middle of the second half to the red/white/blue striped tie for the finale.  Many of the men were at this hall for the first time and had to discover the dressing room spaces in the hall. Most brought some kinda lunch for the day.

The FRIENDS IN HARMONY and many non-singing Harmonizers helped haul in supplies to use in the lobby such as snacks and coffee and wine to sell to the audiences. Some of us helped fold the printed programs.  Others set up the box office operation which apparently went well as we heard no complaints from customers. Keith Jones and Bruce Minnick sold our CDs in the lobby including our newly released CD of the American Icon songs.  The new one sells for $10.

The printed program also recognized many sponsors/donors to the chapter:

It also showed the many extra hands it takes to present such a show: Joe Cerutti, musical director; Tony Colosimo, associate director; Carlos Barillo, choreographer; Mike Kelly and Terry Reynolds, assistant directors; Steve White, music and performance vp; Nick Leiserson, shows vp; Dave Branstetter, marketing vp; Scott Selman, lighting; Mike Kelly and Stephen Shetler, plus Doug White and Dennis Ritchey,  sound; Greg Tepe, stage manager; Robyn Murane, house manager; Dixie Kennett, back stage; Christina Ammerman and FRIENDS IN HARMONY, refreshments; and Bob Blair, transportation. Thanks too for the riser crews for the weekend.

The staff at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center were very helpful as well.

Our special performance guest was Wes Crawford who was our drummer for many of the songs and played behind the risers with Joe keeping him in his sight line. Our guest quartet was DA CAPO with Ryan Griffith, Tony Colosimo, Joe Sawyer with Kirk Young as their bass.

Our chapter quartet BRAVADO with Doug White, Kevin McKenzie, Chris Odell and Todd Ryktarsyk sang several parts of songs with the chorus,.

And here is the list of great songs we sang for our audiences and the American Icons who sang them:

Nat King Cole – a medley of his songs arranged by David Harrington and Mark Hale including “Orange Colored Sky,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “ It’s Only a Paper Moon,” and “L.O.V.E.” (sung by our BRAVADO  quartet with the chorus)

Ray Charles – “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” sung by DA CAPO

Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire” arranged by David Wright featuring the basses down front; and “Riders in the Sky” arranged by Pete Rupay with bass soloists Steve White, Don Dillingham and Andrew Havens

Frank Sinatra – “Ebb Tide” and “You Make Me Feel So Young “ sung by DA CAPO

Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror” sung by a VLQ from the chapter and “Thriller” arranged by Dan Naumann sung by the chorus with full stage choreography

Billy Joel – “For the Longest Time” sung by TBD and “Lullaby” arranged by Kirk Young and sung by the chorus

Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely” sung by DA CAPO

Pharrell Williams – “Happy” arranged by Adam Scott with soloist Josh DesPortes and the chorus

Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours” performed by TBD

Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are” performed by TBD

Neil Diamond – “America” arranged by Steve Tramack, and “Sweet Caroline” arranged by Dylan Oxford, both sung by the chorus, with audience sing-a-long too

Saturday morning the basses met in the lobby to kick off their day and the chapter’s a cappella group, TBD,  met on stage with their director, Reed Livergood,  to finalize their performance details. Members of TBD include Clark Chesser, Josh DesPortes, Scipio Garling, Kellen Hertz, Troy Hillier, Nick Leiserson, Reed, Josh Roots, Todd Ryktarsyk, Noah Van Gilder and Spencer Wight.

Before the 2 pm show, the chorus assembled in a conference room, dressed in our uniforms, for last minute details. President Terry Reynolds introduced our newest board member for the Alexandria Harmonizers Inc. board – Julie Rizzo. Welcome to the Harmo family.

This weekend’s show was the first show performance for Jeff Burkey, Rich Payton, Nathan Vomocil, John Smith, Tom Jackson and Gene Swartz.

For this show was also the debuted our electronic song board on stage.  Thanks to Bruce Roehm and the many men who contributed monies to pay for it. Chapter IT chief, Mike Kelly, programmed it and Dave DesPortes operated the remote from the risers to change song prompts.

The huge American flag wowed the crowd for our finale and the projected images for some songs was a great addition too.  The 1950s antique radio was from Lew Klinge’s collection.  Dennis Ritchey and Steve White built the great cemetery props for the presentation of “Thriller.”

Kudos to young Leland, grandson of Brad and Adele Jones, who opened the show mesmerized with listening to the radio instead of doing his home work.

Dennis Ritchey did the emcee duties to invite the audience to come to the holiday show, to buy a CD and for the men to come sing with us.

Keith Jones reports to YeEd there were about 20  Harmonizers who came to hear the show but did not sing this time.  And a host of former members too including Ryan Odell, Craig’s son.

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 Sept 22nd Chapter Meeting

Tonite was a great celebration after a successful fall show.  There were many folks to thank and details to wrap up after the American Icon production. Then it was time to launch some important shows for the next year including our holiday show back at Schlesinger December 12^th.  It had been great to be back at this great performance venue.

Greg Tepe announced details for the important show on Sat Sept 26^th.  We have a one hour paid performance this Saturday at the Asbury Methodist Village. Please try to carpool as much as possible. We will need more men than usual for the riser crew this time please. There is no loading dock at the community center. We'll have to wheel the risers in from the front door, and carry or hand truck all our gear. Chorus call is at 6:00. There will be a room to change and warm up. UNIFORM will be black suit, white hidden button shirt, red/white/blue tie, black shoes, black socks, black belt, bronze medals. Jackets will be buttoned until we sing "America".

TBD will sing too.  Also note that singers can enter and leave between any songs they know or don't know.  Both director Joe Cerutti and associate director Tony Colosimo will be judging fall BHS contests this weekend, so assistant directors Mike Kelly and Terry Reynolds will be up front.

 

Tonite we followed the usual warm up routine with Tony and then with director Joe, who  thanked the chorus for their work in preparation as well as for their great performances. Joe invited chorus members to report on show patrons responses and personal experiences. Joe felt proud of every song we did in the show!

 

Joe went into much detail to share the plans for this year’s holiday shows at 2 pm and 7:30 pm on Dec. 12^th again at Schlesinger. Next week we start on the music. We will be repeating some songs plus a half dozen brand new arrangements with special talent to join us such as operatic soprano Marilyn Moore, from Catholic University faculty; Positive Vibrations, youth steel orchestra of 8-18 year old youth; and members of the Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus. Will Cox will reprise his popular “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”  Plus TBS will sing on those shows.  The show will be about 90 minutes in two acts.  We will wear the Pittsburgh contest uniforms and our black suits. Mark your calendars that there will be a rehearsal at Schlesinger on Tuesday before the show vs. the usual Thursday nite – which may be held someplace else. The tech rehearsal will be on Monday of show week. The music is posted for members, with a couple more new songs to be added soon.

 

Joe followed all these details with more details for us to use in marking our 2016 calendars so we can prepare for a large performance in April next year.  Members will be asked to indicate their availability in the next couple weeks!!

 

Also Joe reports that the 2016 contest musical arrangements have been received and will be rolled out soon.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  Shawn Tallant reminded last minute registrations and room reservations are running out of time.  Three or four guys reported finding lost items at the show. Mike Kelly reported that sales of our new CDs went well.  Get your supply right away – just $10 each.

 

Ike Evans has renewed his efforts to update the chapter member photo board.  See Ike if your picture is not current.

 

Sandy Stamps launched sales of the 2015 White House Holiday Ornaments.  They are great. We sell them for $20.  Start selling right away.  We need to increase our total sales this year.

 

Todd requested helpers to move chapter materials from one storage unit to another on Friday morning at 10 am.  Call him or Bob Blair to volunteer.

 

President Terry Reynolds announced plans for the memorial service for John Pence.  It will be Sunday, Nov. 22^nd, at 3pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, VA 22124.  We will sing a couple songs.

 

Terry thanked Mike Kelly for his work in getting our CD produced in time for sale at the show.  Kudos to Mike.

Terry R also reports that Terry Jordan is still coping with some discomfort and issues with the ankle he injured last January in a fall on the ice.  He is hoping to avoid any surgery, but is awaiting doctor info.

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed our guests and reminded everyone about the open audition nite on Wed this week.

In other news, Bruce Lauther reports that his quartet, FOUR FROM THE HEART, sang again for the folks at the Senior Center of the Charles Houston Community Recreation Center on Sept 16^th.  Great job men.

Pookie and Stephanie Dingle reports that her dad, Bob Demmler (formerly the M-AD photographer that many of us know from so many chorus contest photo shots) died recently.   Services are Thurs Sept 24 in PA. Tributes in lieu of flowers may be sent to The Harmony Foundation's Keep a Melody Ringing Memorial in Memory of Bob Demmler, 110 Seventh Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203. He will be cremated after the viewing and then there will be a burial at a later date.  Most Importantly: Crabs & Barbershop, A Memorial for Bob Demmler - Sunday October 25, 2015 in Ocean City, MD at Noon. (Stephanie Dingle, 9063 Joyce Lane, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Phone 484-432-2747

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 Sept. 15^th Chapter Meeting

This week was our dress rehearsal combined with a tech rehearsal and stage blocking for the Icon Show on the 19^th  at Schlesinger Hall.

 

Greg Tepe was making things flow.  Show creator and choreographer Carlos Barillo worked with the chorus and the small groups to know the flow and understand their time on stage.  He also worked with individual characters for the show.

 

Our sound, lights and stage crews combined with the theater crew and worked on those aspects as it relates to the huge stage.  This was the first time the Harmonizers have been back to Schlesinger for years.  We used the hall for our major shows starting in 2002 for a few years – we were one of the first groups to use the facility. 

 

Musically director Joe Cerutti and associate director Tony Colosimo did warm ups for the chorus.  Tony worked out in the audience to check sound and delivery of our music to all parts of the hall. He also worked with the smaller ensembles. At one point the uniform team did a check for the outfits for the third act and offered suggestions to a few guys to add more variety to the overall look. Robyn Murane helped with this too.

 

Before rehearsal started on stage, Chuck McKeever met with a few guys to help brush up on visuals for a couple songs like “Thriller.”

 

Joe was so pleased with the singing (and with the patience and good riser discipline) that he canceled the Thursday nite rehearsal.  He did point out a couple spots for folks to work on before Saturday.  The bass section leader Tom Jackson asked the bass singers to come at 10:30 Sat morning for some spot checking.

 

The new call time for Saturday is 11 am on stage to practice - not dressed in uniform. We are not wearing make up for this show.  We will wear the tux for the first act, the black suit and tie and hidden button shirt for the second act, and the picnic outfits for the third act.  We will wear our bronze medals. We will wear pocket stuffers.

 

President Terry Reynolds promised a detailed email to come with uniform info, report times, parking details, and other jobs that need help on Saturday.  The FRIENDS IN HARMONY are providing coordination for pre-show and intermission sales of merchandise and refreshments.  Many volunteers are need for this project. 

 

After rehearsal, we moved our risers to back part of the stage as well as our props so the theater can be used on Thursday nite for a concert.

 

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 Sept. 8^th Chapter Meeting

Musically, this was a great nite including a fine rehearsal and many special groups working on things for the show.

 

But early in the evening, Chuck McKeever reported the sad news that John Pence died at 3:30 pm today at his home. Chuck was with him at that time along with family.  JP was 79 and had battled with multiple myeloma and more recently was diagnosed with myelodysplasia.  He was a long-time Harmonizer and a strong spokesman for clear writing and editing of chapter publications. For many years JP prepared the song board for our shows and sing outs.  No memorial plans have been announced at this point by the family.

 

Before the chapter meeting, the front row worked on the stage to prepare for the contest.

 

After set up and greeting guests and fellow members, we took the risers at 7 pm.  Choreographer Carlos Barillo worked with us to warm up our bodies and gave us some previews of moves and body language we will use for our Icon show songs.  Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups.

 

Director Joe Cerutti took the reins and successfully worked on adding some great new dimensions to our contest songs. We spent the first half of the nite on the contest set.

 

Joe commented on how happy he was with the group of singers who sang for Chuck and Donna Powell’s wedding on Saturday.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk conducted the chapter meeting.  (The FRIENDS IN HARMONY held a meeting tonite also.)

 

Community services chairman Clyde Crusenberry asked for a show of hands of guys who could do a Sunday afternoon gig at the boat club in Alexandria at 2 pm on Nov. 8^th. There were enough to decide the show is a go.

 

Fall contest weekend coordinator Shawn Tallant reminded the last few guys to make their room reservations before the room block is lifted.  Anyone who does not have a ticket yet, should order them online at this point.

 

Frank Fedarko has International chorus photos for those guys who ordered them.

 

It was announced that Cindy Hansen will be with us for the fall chorus retreat on Sat Oct 17^th starting at 9 am, instead of a Tuesday nite session.  That will be great. 

 

Craig Kujawa continued his terrific work in encouraging us to use electronic methods of buying and using scrip to make routine and special purchases. According to Craig, several people have already signed up and started earning money for the chapter simply by changing how they pay for things they would buy anyway. As this effort starts to build momentum, the revenue promises to swell from hundreds of dollars per month to THOUSANDS of dollars per month, but only if everyone makes a conscious effort to spend a few minutes and set themselves up to participate. This is a TEAM effort, and the results are directly proportional to how much each of us supports the team.

 

President Terry Reynolds reported that Joel Golden’s mom passed away recently.

 

Terry also urged singers to sign up for and maybe even change their plans so they can sing on the Sept 26^th paid job in MD.

 

He alerted the chapter that a survey will be coming soon to measure the pulse of members regarding all aspects of the chapter operation and its programs. 

 

NOTE: He reminded all that next Tuesday nite we will meet at Schlesinger Hall on the campus of No Va Community College – use this address for GPS: 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria 22311.  For those who have not been there, they have a huge parking garage just at the entrance to the hall.  ALSO NOTE: we are to wear/bring our red/white/blue picnic-like costume for the last set of the show to this rehearsal.

 

And then NOTE AGAIN:  there will be an extra rehearsal on Thursday nite, Sept. 17^th at Durant at 7 pm.

 

And finally he reported that our a cappella group, TBD,  sang a show on Labor Day and earned a nice fee for the chapter. Thanks to those guys.

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt welcomed a number of guests and applicants.

 

After the break we worked on the songs for the Icon show – all coming along great.  And Carlos prompted us to use the moves and exercises and stances he taught in the warm up session for these songs.  Joe was pleased and the chorus seemed proud to have made the leap to this level.

 

Next task is to sell a whole lot more tickets for the show.  The chapter needs more individual push from all of us.  Dig into that mailing list you used to maintain when we mailed letters to prospects – get the word to them this time.

 

A good crowd was at the afterglow and it was fun hearing Joe share stories of his early days in barbershop.  The tag singers got their fill too. Come join in on the fun some Tuesday nite.  Also there is a growing number of the Harmo family to come to eat an early dinner at Hard Times Café on King Street on Tuesday nites before chapter.  Come check it out if you are in Alexandria early some Tuesday nite.

 

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 Sept. 1^st Chapter Meeting and Election of AH Inc. Board

This was another important milestone nite for the Alexandria Chapter and a busy meeting nite too.  The many usual pre-meeting events occurred such as performance review on the stage with Chuck McKeever, meetings of committees, front row work with choreographer Carlos Barillo and the huge set up task for the main room and for refreshments.

 

Reed Livergood did the vocal warm ups, Carlos did the physical warm ups and director Joe Cerutti worked the chorus hard on preparation of songs for the Sept 19^th American Icon show. Besides that we worked on continued polishing of the contest set for the fall contest.  One big project is to help many new men prepare for the contest who did not sing with us in July.

 

Joe shared some new insights into how barbershop singers might present their songs.  Here is the link to the Deke Sharon - presentation video or look up "Deke Sharon" on Facebook.

https://video-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpt1/v/t42.1790-2/11917245_10207678165811388_766559918_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjM2NSwicmxhIjo0MDk2fQ%3D%3D&rl=365&vabr=203&oh=86c397f04442ef976fbe98e8fc5e90ad&oe=55E664A2

 

A special period of the evening was the tribute and salute to former director John Hohl  who died last Tuesday nite in Florida.  Martin Banks prepared a great display featuring John’s barbershop career and included the huge list of songs arranged by John for his fellow barbershop singers. Here is a link to a video of the chorus with John in a quartet on stage at the Kennedy Center tribute for Perry Como.

 

Harmonizer appearance on Perry Como Tribute

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kFPkbQrbAI

 

Membership vp Rich Hewitt introduced the many guests and applicants present this week.  He also reminded everyone of the Open Audition nite coming up Wed Sept 23^rd at Durant.

 

This week’s business meeting was an important one too.

 

Operations vp Todd Ryktarsyk invited guys to make the usual announcements needed: Josh Roots announced the successful fundraising effort to help defray costs of the CD production.  And he hinted about another fundraising idea to be launched – a Tag A Thon event.

 

Shawn Tallant reminded folks to get their room reservation made for the fall contest weekend in Ocean City MD – do it in the next week before the rooms are released to other convention attendees.  Also get your ticket/registration before the early bird cut off of 9/23. Frank Fedarko was collecting payments for tickets. 

 

Frank was also distributing photos guys ordered from the Pittsburgh contest.

 

Show vp Nick Leiserson reminded folks about the Sept 26 show in MD where we will sing the Icon songs again.  And Nick pushed for guys to promote ticket sales for the Icon show Sept 19^th.

 

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to Elliott Roseman for three years.

 

President Terry Reynolds announced a recent performance of TBD for a Coast Guard group, announced that those men singing at Chuck Powell’s wedding would meet on the stage during break tonite, and reported that Bob Wachter’s wife Jean is finally home after her hospital time.

 

Then president Terry presided at an official chapter meeting.

 

The chapter nominating committee and the chapter governance committee presented the following slate to be the incorporators of Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc. (the chapter’s new 501(c)(3) organization.):

 

Three members from  the Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society:

Clyde Crusenberry

Kenneth Fess

Bruce Roehm

 

Four members from the community:

S. Elizabeth Birnbaum

Julie Rizzo

John Roots

Steven Sutton

 

Current Alexandria Chapter President (not subject to election):

Terry Reynolds

Current Alexandria Chapter Immediate Past President (not subject to election):

Alan Wile

 

They were all elected at this week’s special business meeting. 

 

The chapter business meeting also included motions to reduce the size of the Alexandria BHS Chapter board from 13 to 7 by removing the VP Operations, VP Shows, and all six Member-at-Large positions from the chapter board effective Jan 1, 2016. The remaining seven board positions will be President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate-Past President, VP Membership, VP Music & Performance, and VP Marketing.  These motions passed.

 

The 2015 nominating committee includes Alan Wile, chair; Randall Eliason; Scipio Garling; Mark Klostermeyer; Bob Rhome.

 

The committee will continue to identify chapter members to serve as officers of the 2016 Alexandria Chapter Board. This slate will be published separately to the membership prior to the election on October 13th.

 

Here is the background of the non-BHS members elected to the new AHInc. Board:

 

S. Elizabeth Birnbaum is the wife of Harmonizer Dave Kohls. She has extensive management experience as the staff director of a congressional committee and as the director of a federal agency. In the nonprofit world, she served as vice president and general counsel of American Rivers and as counsel for the Water Resources Program of the National Wildlife Federation. She also served as counsel to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

 

Julie Rizzo is the Director of Development and Licensing at BBB Wise Giving Alliance, where she is responsible for donor relations and retention, database management, and online and annual giving programs. She markets the BBB Charity Seal to national accredited charities to expand the Better Business Bureau brand and assist donors in making wise giving choices. Previously, she served as Membership Director for the Smithsonian American Art Museum where she marketed the museum's membership program and was responsible for membership retention, volunteer supervision, membership programs and new member acquisition.

John Roots is the father of Harmonizer Josh Roots. Both a licensed attorney and a decorated Marine (Col, USMC (Ret)), John served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and a Forward Air Controller at the Battle of Khe San. He retired from the military after 33 years of service. Outside of the Marine Corps, John worked for several major corporations in DC as a vice-president of government affairs. Additionally, over the past 15 years, John has served on the boards of both the national USO and the Armed Services YMCA. Now retired, he lives in Virginia.

Steven Sutton is a friend of Mark Klostermeyer and fan of the Harmonizers. He has now assisted with our Silent Auction for the last two years and this year brought in over $3,000 from over 90 sold items. Steve is Vice President of Development (fundraising) for a $12 million a year non-profit. Prior to his non-profit career, he worked as a Chief of Staff to four freshmen members of Congress over a 14 year period. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and coincidently is a classmate of Harmonizer Shawn Tallant.

 

In other news, Craig Kujawa has coached members in buying and using electronic Scrip instantly via their home computers and smart phones with an eye toward tripling or quadrupling our fundraising via this program. The response was significant, and this is the first, introductory step in that initiative.

 

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.