Looking Back on the August 13th Chapter Meeting

The crowd this week was small – and many of those who just got back from the chorus trip to Scotland and England were exhausted having only been home for less than a day.

The overall summary and comments about the adventure were “terrific,” “most fun I ever had,” and “maybe the best show the Harmonizers ever performed.”  

But since only about a dozen travelers were present, the actual celebration will be held next week. 

So associate director Tony Colosimo did warm ups and director Joe Cerutti drilled the chorus on a few songs to incorporate the visual plan – especially to reconnect the travelers and non-travelers with the songs.

The chorus stood on risers that were not connected but arranged around the stage (for the fall show there will be platforms). This meant new chorus positions for many guys.  The front row guys worked in another room to continue polishing their show performances. 

Shows manager Joe Cerutti Sr. had lots of show flyers on hand for guys to take to help sell tickets and promote attendance. Now that the trip is over, it is time to concentrate on selling show tickets!

There was a reminder of the optional rehearsals on Wed, Aug. 14 and Wed. Aug. 21 at Scottish Rite Temple.

On Tuesday, Aug. 27^th, the Harmonizers will join the other area barbershop choruses at the annual Dog Days of Summer event hosted by the Manassas Chapter.  Guests and new members are for sure encouraged to join us.  And many members will bring family to enjoy the performances – including our Harmonizer portion.  There are refreshments and this year – a time to mix and mingle and get to meet fellow 

barbershoppers. It’s not too early to organize a car pool, make arrangements for a ride from a Metro stop, or to plan a dinner stop en route (some of us gather at Famous Dave’s BBQ on the Prince William Parkway about 5:30).  Join us.  And if you can’t get there by 7, come anyway, as we sing last on the program. (YeEd believes the event will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church again – 12975 Purcell Rd., Manassas 20112,)

There were three guests present this week – Riley, grandson of Frank Shipp, Tessa Walker who sings with HOT PURSUIT, and John Sifuentes, who has moved here from TX where he sang with the Marcsmen Chorus in San Antonio.

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 July 30^th and August 6^th Chapter Meetings

(Thanks to Tyler Carpenter for taking notes for these meetings while YeEd was on travel.)

For the Tuesday July 20^th meeting, associate director Tony Colosimo started off with a visual, vocal, and mental warm up followed by a brief explanation of how the night would run by  director  Joe Cerutti.

Singers going to Scotland on Aug. 5th stayed with Joe and Tony while the non-Scotland crew went to the lodge room with Chuck Hunter and Jason Lee until the break period.

The evening was a full run-through in reverse in preparation for the trip.

Communications director Steve Murane led the business with a few announcements .

Heather Harrell from the Alexandria newspaper was present and taking photos for a story regarding our Scotland trip and the sister city of Alexandria.

Dean Sherick has tickets for the fall show. So far only about 30 of 1000 have been sold.

We will be having optional rehearsals at Scottish rite on August 14 and 21.

There was a table of barbershop recordings from Arthur Lewis that we’re donated to AH members by his widow.

President Shawn Tallant thanked Don Thompson for helping with shirts for Scotland and Brad Jones for putting the entire trip together. The chorus was asked for an additional $10 per person to help cover bus costs for the Scotland trip.

Calvin Schnure, membership director, presented renewals cards to Mike Edison for 28 years, and to Tony Colosimo for 26 years.  He also welcomed fifth time guest  Matt Nightingale and Vikram Akwei who was present for his first visit and first ever barbershop experience!

Scotland-only-singers went back to the risers while the others served as the audience.

Dean Rust took home a sizable 50/50.

On Aug. 6^th, there were 12 members including bari section leader Jason Lee (who was director for the nite) present for an optional rehearsal to work trouble spots and run thru the show material. As promised the week before, there was free beer... after rehearsal at the afterglow. 

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 July 23rd Chapter Meeting

This was another important rehearsal for the chorus trip to Scotland.  Although our director and associate director were at Harmony University in Nashville (more about that below), assistant director Chuck Hunter provided great musical leadership and helped the singers improve even more on the show package.

Assistant director emeritus Will Cox did the vocal warm ups along with baritone section leader Jason Lee.

Assistant director Terry Reynolds briefed the chorus on the plans for the nite such as the Scotland Chorus in the center of the risers and all other singers on the end sections so they could also work on the music in preparation for our fall show.

Speaking of schedule, Terry reminded all members that next week there will be an optional rehearsal on Thurs. Aug 1^st.  Then the rehearsal on Aug. 6^th while many are overseas will also be optional.  Chuck will be directing that nite also.  Then mark your calendars for two other extra pre-show rehearsals on Wednesdays – Aug. 14^th and 21^st.

Lastly, Terry reported that section leaders are eager to receive recordings for chorus members ASAP in preparation for the show performance.

Chuck worked hard on three of the big numbers for the trip, then began a performance of the entire show package with solos, emcee speakers, props, and rhythm instruments used by Bob Blair and ­­­­Joel Golden.

Part of the evening, Turner Arndt worked with our newest singers to help them catch up on the visual plans for major show songs.

For the chapter meeting period, communications director Steve Murane presided. Dean Sherick has fall show tickets; and there is a flyer available to use in your promotion.

Robyn Murane was available for last minute uniform matters before the trip – and show.

Don Thompson reports that the Scotland trip t-shirts will be distributed on Tues July 30^th and Thurs. Aug 1^st.  If you won’t be there either of those nites, make arrangements with Don – such as have another guy get your shirt for you.

Liz Birnbaum shared the proclamation issued by Alexandria Mayor Justin M. Wilson recognizing the Alexandria Harmonizers for the International outreach and for their performance in Alexandria’s sister city, Dundee Scotland.

President Shawn Tallant reported the recent passing of Arthur Louis who earned two gold medals with the chorus as a great bass singer.  He was an active quartet singer with several current members of the chapter.  Frank Fedarko organized a quartet to sing at the graveside service.

Shawn proudly welcomed our newest member Callan Harding to the chapter.

Our guest this week was Matt Nighingale who returned with our two new members Alex and Callan. 

After a break, it was back to work on more of the show and then Chuck worked on some special spots in a couple songs.

Nick Murane won the 50/50 and directed “Keep The Whole World Singing” as all the members in the hall joined arms to end the evening.  It felt good to ring those chords.

The report from Nashville includes news of our members who were recertified as official judges in the Society including Joe Cerutti in the music category; Tony Colosimo in singing; Rasmus Krigstron in music; Chris Buechler in contest administration; and John Santora in contest administration.  

Several former members were recertified as well including Alan Lamson, Richard Lewellen, Mike Louque, and Jay Butterfield. Fred Womer was newly certified as a singing judge.

Following the category school on the Belmont Campus, the weeklong Harmony University started.  Joe, Tony and Cy Wood are on the faculty. Mike Kelly is working as a staff member. Other attendees include Paul Grimes, Tom Gannon, Michael Gilmore, and Chris Buechler. Also Mike Geipel’s wife is there with her quartet to be coached.

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 July 16^th Chapter Meeting

The Harmonizers arrived ready to work and from all evidence of their performance, they had been working at home on their music and visuals. Musical leaders were very pleased!

Associate director Tony Colosimo did vocal warm ups and Jason Lee used a tag to get the chorus singing together.  Director Joe Cerutti thanked all the men for coming, including a number of guests. He explained the goal for the nite was to have the men going to Scotland to experience their new riser placements for that trip.  Those going to Scotland formed the center of the riser chorus and all others used the far end riser sections for the warm ups and beginning runs of some songs.

Later those not going to Scotland met in another room and worked with assistant director Chuck Hunter in preparation for the fall show.  The front row also met in another room.

Joe and Tony helped the men with their performances and were able to do some coaching and fixing as the chorus is far along in being ready to entertain with these great Broadway songs.

Since there was so much music to cover, the chapter meeting was short.  Anyone needing uniform parts for the trip or the fall show should contact Robyn Murane.

There will be a chapter meeting on Tues. Aug 6^th while the chorus is overseas, but it is an optional meeting for those still in the area.  Jason Lee will be heading up the music team that nite. One more chance to prepare for the fall show.

Dean Sherick had fall show tickets available on consignment.  They are $35 general admission at Schlesinger Concert Hall on Sat Sept 14^th at 4 pm.  Each member can take some and start selling. The shows team is eager for all members to sell ads for the printed show program.  There are forms available and price charts. See Joe Cerutti Sr.

President Shawn Tallant reported that Sam McFarland had another knee replacement this week and is home recovering. 

Shawn also welcomed our newest member, Alex Crounk. Welcome aboard!

Finally Shawn asked for a few more men to respond to the chapter survey regarding extra events in 2010.

Ben Watsky welcomed guests with special assistance from Mikey Robertson who delivered the “I Sang with the Harmonizers” button with flair, fun, and excitement!  Guests included Callan Harding, Melanie Jewell, Connie Mitchell, Liam Ely, Daniel Secco, and Gustavo Marchese Secco.

There was another big crowd of guys at Rampart’s for the afterglow this week. Everyone is welcome every 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 70^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd