Looking Back on the June 11th Chapter Meeting Charter Night Event

The chorus members arrived ready to work and to help themselves polish the songs for the coming year. 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups along with help from assistant director emeritus Will Cox.  Part of the time including singing the tag taught last week – “Down by Old Point Bay.”

When director Joe Cerutti stepped up to the mic, he was excited to welcome back Noah Van Gilder, who has been away for a few months working on a personal life project.  Joe also welcomed Terry Jordan and Gary Mankin.  And when he welcomed Alan Wile back for the first time since his health issues – there was a lot of cheering.

To get to work on the music, Joe explained the plans for how the fall show will be presented and then had the guys sing and perform each song in order.  It was good feeling for the guys to test how much more work they need to do personally and to discover how well they actually are doing.
Joe’s comments included some aspects of the show including – no risers, but platforms; introductions of each Broadway song so the audience knows why we are singing and performing it for them.  The second half will be all our two guest quartets.

For the chapter meeting, it was announced that Don Thompson is taking orders for travel shirts for those going to Scotland (or anyone who wants one).  Gotta order and pay by June 26^th (or by the end of the chapter meeting on June 25^th). Options include polo, tee or sweatshirts.

Two reminders:  grab some chapter business cards at membership kiosk, and WEAR YOUR NAMETAG  on Tuesday nites!!

Be sure to mark your calendar to attend the fun social event on June 29^th – a Karaoke nite with DJs Joe and Janet.  We will share this fun nite with Alexandria Singers.  At Convergence theater Lab. 4:30-9:30 pm. Potluck munchies and snacks. BYOB.  You can bring family and friends as guests too.  More the merrier.

Joe Cerutti Sr. also announced the start of advertising sales for the fall show.  There is a form to fill out and submit. Look for it on Tues nites.  Joe Sr. promises prizes for top sales person.
Chapter secretary Chris Buechler announced that he has sent a membership renewal to Michael Gilmore in Ohio for 27 years; and a 50 year renewal to Craig Odell.  Chris presented a card to Martin Banks this week for 36 years, and a card to Gary Mankin for 46 years!

The history committee helped the chapter celebrate our Charter nite which was June 29^th, 1948 – 19 men signed the charter that nite .  (That may be the only nite when all members of the chapter were present!) Martin prepared two interesting displays for all to enjoy during the break.  Jack Pitzer shared stories about some of the founders who many of us got to know like Ted Fitch, Henry Brown, Wilbur Schmidt, Gene Barnwell, and Bill Bennett.

Before break for refreshments, Mark Klostermeyer introduced our guests this week - Luqman Fulmer, Zach Thomas, Alex Cronus , Matt Nightingale.  Mark reports that Luqman passed his audition and has applied for membership!!

Dean Sherick and Don Harrington helped Jack spread out refreshments in the meeting room on the second floor.

After the break, there were sectionals for about 30 minutes.  Then the chorus was back on the risers for some more polishing.  Joe reminded the chorus that Cy Wood will be with us next Tuesday nite to help with another song’s presentation.  Joe suggested how guys could be prepared and gain the most from the work next week.

In other news, Ben Watsky, invited guys to attend a concert he is singing in with The 18th Street Singers, Friday evening 6/21 at 8:00pm, at National City Christian Church (right on Thomas Circle in downtown DC).


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

Looking Back on the June 4th Chapter Meeting 

The Harmonizers arrived this week excited and charged about their successful appearance on Monday nite for the US Supreme Court.

Before the chorus started, the front row was working on some of their performance routines. And everyone chipped in to set up the risers that had been taken to Baltimore for the contest weekend.
Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups along with Jason Lee who taught the tag “Down by Old Point Bay.” Will Cox completed the warm up session.

Director Joe Cerutti recognized the quartets who had been in the division contest over the weekend.  He saluted third place SILVER ALERT – Rick Savage, Mike Edison, Will Cox, and Steve Murane.  

Then Joe invited guys to comment on their Supreme Court experience.  It was a Thanks for the Memories event!

The chorus welcomed coach Steve Scott who came from Nashville to help us work on the show music for 2019.  It was work indeed!

Steve Murane, chapter communications director, conducted the chapter business session. He promoted attendance and registration for Harmony College East here in our own district.

Next week, June 11^th, we will celebrate the Charter Night of our chapter.

Anyone going to Salt Lake City this summer for the International BHS convention are invited to contact Dixie Kennett if they want the handbook she is preparing for convention attendees.  It is full of useful info.

Bob Rhome is offering to meet with anyone in the chapter interested in learning more about managing the chapter calendar on Groupanizer.  He is looking for an apprentice for the work he does.

Steve reports there are chapter business cards for all to use – get them off of the membership kiosk. 

Don Thompson is working up an order for shirts (polo, tee, sweat) for those going to Scotland.  He will have more details and prices and samples next week.

Mark your calendars for the chapter social event karaoke nite with the Alexandria Singers on June 29^th at Convergence Theater. 

Thanks to Clark Chesser for his work to publish the quarterly ECHO publication that goes to supporters, patrons, members and fans. 

President Shawn Tallant thanked Joe and his team for their extra efforts to make the Supreme Court show a success. He also recognized Robyn Murane for her efforts as well.

And Shawn reports that a few more singers are needed to sign up for the 2010 trip to Hawaii for the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented membership renewal cards to Scott Beach for nine years; Al Herman for 36 years; and Howard Nestlerode for 44 years.

After a break time, MISS OTIS REGRETS quartet that was fourth place this past weekend sang a song for the chapter. Quartet includes Mario Sengco, tenor; Jordan Haedtler, lead; Chris Leyen, bari;  and Ken Rub, bass. 

Then it was back to work on 2019 show music with Steve Scott.

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

Looking Back on the June 3^rd US Supreme Court Appearance
(Many thanks to Tyler Carpenter for taking notes and preparing a draft report for this event. YeEd.)

This was the 10^th appearance by the Harmonizers at the Supreme Court building in DC.  As usual the banquet hall was packed and we had to fit the risers into a small space.  That meant the singers were really singing close together – and our director Joe Cerutti was only a couple feet in front of the chorus standing among the banquet guests.  As has been our tradition at this venue, we did no major stage presence.  Also Joe invited a guest percussionist, Doug Carnes, a barbershopper and friend of the chapter who performed on Broadway for two and a half years in “Lion King,” to appear with us at the performance.

By 7 pm, most men had arrived, gotten their uniforms and pitch pipes thru security; and our guest percussionist was warming up the drums.

As most of the men were snacking on refreshments in the Lawyers Lounge  provided by our host, The Historical Society for the Supreme Court, Joel Golden and Bob Blair were learning their parts on additional percussion instruments.

Associate director Tony Colosimo led warm-ups that focused on listening and adapting to the condensed riser arrangements. Joe took over the warm ups to place the men in riser positions with a focus on aligning windows.

At 9:10 the group gathered back for a final few measures of warm up before lining up in the hall to be escorted for a photo-op. Minutes later the chorus was directed to the risers to perform for the large crowd of distinguished guests.

The Harmonizers opened the show with a bang with “I’m the Music Man” which seemed to capture the attendance of the guests. As expected, “America” was well received as was “We Kiss in a Shadow.” Our goal of captivating the audience and maintaining their attention through the ballad was a success! An energetic “All You Need is Love” concluded with a crowd sing along with many participants.

For our last number, the entire room was at attention from the moment Tony began his solo for “Circle of Life.” The first half of the song brought an applause from the audience as the African chant portion just began – they were definitely not expecting that twist!

Supreme Court Justices in attendance included Sonia Sotomayor, Neil Gorsuch, Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Brett Kavanaugh. Chief Justice John Roberts departed moments before the Harmonizers took to the risers.

An afterglow crowd assembled after the performance at the Capitol Lounge and they sang for some of the show patrons who had also made it over to the lounge.

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

Looking Back on the May31-June 1, 2019 Southern Division Contest and Convention 

This year’s Southern Division was at the Crowne Plaza Inner Harbor in Baltimore.

There were lots of Harmonizers and former Harmonizers competing this year in quartets; many singing with other chapters’ choruses; and as usual, many helping run the contest weekend.

Here are the results of the Southern Division Quartet contest: first place was THE NEPTUNERS from Norfolk and Nashville, TN.  Second place was a former collegiate quartet that reformed after a number of  years singing in other quartets with former Harmonizer Dan Cook singing bari. 

Our own guys, SILVER ALERT, with Rick Savage, Mike Edison, Will Cox, and Steve Murane placed third.

MISS OTIS REGRETS, with Mario Sengco, Jordan Haedtler, Chris Leyen, and  Ken Rub placed fourth. 

QUIRKS OF ART, with Bob Wilson, Roger Tarpy, Hardman Jones, and Mike Wallen moving to bass, placed ninth.

BREAKFAST BLEND,  with  Mike Geipel, Scott Beach, Jerry Candrilli, and Vinny Capaccio, placed eleventh. 

VOICES IN MY HEAD, with Cavan Potee, Tim Buell, Joe Chilcoat, and Alex Burval, placed thirteenth.

GET IT TOGETHER, with Brian Ammerman, Ben Watsky, Jim Kirkland, and Terry Reynolds, placed fifteenth. 

SIXTH SENSE, with Aaron Simoneau, Brian Miller, Joe Cerutti, and David DesPortes, placed sixteenth. 

This was the first contest for several of our men and they all did terrific jobs on stage. Former Harmonizer Nikki Aiuto sang a terrific parody number to “Nothing Like a Dame”  with SYMPATICO. Mic tester quartet for Friday nite included Mike Fasano, Rick Taylor and Eric Wallen. Emcees for that contest were Alan Lamson,  and Mike Kelly who had fun joking with the other Michael Kelly who was an official judge.

The chorus contest on Saturday morning started early at 9 am, which meant emcee Joe Cerutti worked hard to get the crowd to cheer and applaud for the earliest contestants.  But he did a great job and made it all fun. 

Our friends, The Virginians from Richmond, won the chorus contest. Besides director Mike Wallen, five other Harmonizers were on the risers – Paul Lensch, Jim McConnell, Bob Wilson, Scott Beach and Mike Geipel.  

The mic tester chorus was also directed by Mike with Mike Fasano, Joe Cerutti, Jack Pitzer, Dave Welter, Bob Eckman, and Scott Beach on the risers. 

Dewey Feuerhelm sang with the Harrisonburg VA Harmonizers. Al Hanenbaum and Jim Lake sang with DC. Garry Vom Lehn sang with Fredrick. John Santora and Tim Buell sang with Patapsco County. Rick Taylor and Bob Hirsh sang with Dundalk. Sam McFarland, Nicky Aiuto, and Art Medici sang with Richard Lewellen directing Fairfax. Bob Arbetter is now singing with Loudon County. 

Others seen at the event and not mentioned in this article included Bob Caldwell, Adam Shepherd, and Craig Odell.

Several Harmonizers were working back stage or as members of the District Events Team to make sure all aspects of the weekend went smoothly including Dave Welter, Mike and Kristin Kelly, Mike Fasano, Matt Doniger, Dennis Ritchey, Scott Beach and recent guest Vinny Cappaccio.

Saturday afternoon there was a special session explaining and digging deeper into the “Everyone in Harmony” program for BHS.  Alan Lamson and Joe Cerutti were presenters to the full house of attendees.  There was plenty of Q and A time and discussion among the representatives from all around the M-AD. 

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

Looking Back on the May 28th  Chapter Meeting and Weekend Retreats

Our performance coach Cy Wood was in Alexandria all weekend to work with the chorus on its 2019 show material. Sunday, May 26^th from 1:30-5:30 pm he worked with the chorus on the risers at Scottish Rite Temple to review, reteach as needed, and help the chapter visual team teach the major amounts of material for “Brotherhood of Man.”  He also worked on the surprise ending for “Circle of Life” for the chorus.

Then on Monday, May 27^th he worked with the front row on the same songs from 10 am til 2 pm.
He stayed in town with us and was available then for working with the chorus tonite, May 28^th.
The risers were full Tuesday nite and the guys were ready to work some more on the show songs with our musical and presentation team and Cy.

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups along with some movement work with Jacob Broude.

When director Joe Cerutti took over the chorus he had four important points to make and teased the members on the risers to help them remember them: (1) Steve Scott will be with the chorus next Tuesday nite; (2) the chorus trip to sing and entertain at the Seneca Land District is all “go” for Sept 27-29; (3) the appearance at the Midwinter seniors chorus contest is off the Harmonizer calendar; (4) there will be an optional rehearsal on Thurs at Convergence in the Sanctuary; (5) After some brief discussion, it was agreed to drop “Popular” song for 2019.

We had two quartets sing for us this week – both are planning to compete at the Southern Division quartet contest in Baltimore on Friday nite, May 31^st. That contest starts at 6 pm

GET IT TOGETHER sang for us first – Brian Ammerman, Ben Watsky, Jim Kirkland, Terry Reynolds. 

SIXTH SENSE sang for us after the evening break – Aaron Simoneau, Brian Miller, Joe Cerutti, Dave DesPortes.

The chorus welcomed Cy again and worked hard on “Circle of Life” and “Brotherhood of Man.”

The chapter meeting conducted by communications chairman Steve Murane was a little shorter this week.  An email will go to all singers for the Supreme Court show with all the necessary details.

June 11^th the chapter will celebrate a charter night event as we launch another year and get closer to our 75^th anniversary.

Congrats and thanks were offered to Steve White for his terrific work on the chapter’s annual report.  It is available for all.

Steve Szyszka reported on his participation with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America and the group’s Centennial Concert Series. One concert is in this area June 21^st at 7:30 pm at Ukranian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family.

President Shawn Tallant asked all members to respond to the Groupanizer inquiry about a 2020 trip to Hawaii for the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day.

Secretary Chris Buechler presented a membership renewal card to himself for 34 years!

Membership director Calvin Schnure welcomed former active members TJ Jones and Bob Caldwell who were with us this week.

After the break, the chorus preformed their Supreme Court set – crowded onto the small risers we will have there on Monday: “I’m The Music Man,” “America,” “We Kiss…,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Circle of Life.”  

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