Looking Back on the July 27th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the July 27^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

This week’s Harmonizer in-person meeting started just after the CDC announced some changes in mask wearing policy on radio and tv.  Our president Stan Quick issued this message earlier Tuesday afternoon: “I write this as I wait for a CDC briefing to begin in 10 minutes.

I'm not sure what they'll say, but I'd like to ask you to bring your mask with you if you're coming to rehearsal tonight.  Due to the spiking delta-variant COVID cases reported across the country (including our own area), I expect the guidelines to possibly include wearing masks indoors in an effort to reduce the viral transmission rate. I know this is a frustrating, fluid situation for us - but we want to do our best to stay together singing in the safest environment we can provide. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

 

So the first item of business was a report from Stan that our chapter’s Covid Committee will monitor the situation.  Most of the men present this week wore a mask during the evening.

 

There were about 60 chorus members present this week. Director Joe Ceruitti welcomed our newest member Tony Schepers in the tenor section; welcomed back Don Dillingham and Tyler Carpenter to their first in-person; and welcomed guests Lance Fisher for his second visit in the lead section, Matthew Pearce for his first visit since Covid also in the lead section, and Harry Bickford in the bass section who is a friend of Michael Berkson; and Melody Hine who sings with Tessa Walker in HOT PURSUIT.  Joe also thanked the several members who joined via Zoom.

 

We started the session in the auditorium with Joe conducting a warm up session.  Then the evening evolved into sectionals followed by reforming the chorus in the auditorium to sing the same songs.  There was a choreo review of the material taught last week by Cy Wood for “Never Fully Dressed” and  “Help from My Friends.”  Turner Arndtwas tapped to demonstrate the moves for those guys who had forgotten or didn’t review the videos that are available of Cy teaching. 

 

There are some inputs needed from chapter members for the fall show. Members will be invited to suggest VIP officials who might speak; to offer names of any friends or family who have died during Covid for us to recognize; to suggest names of first responders or groups of them we should honor (and invite to the show); and finally to organize a singing ensemble for the show to do a song that fits into the show theme – can be a quartet, or octet or mixed gender group or family group (there will be the need to apply and audition or such).

 

Mark calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304. 

 

There was another large crowd of folks at the afterglow at the Harmo House, 3916 N Stevens St., Alexandria 22311.

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on August  3^rd, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. 

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the July 20th 2021 Chapter Meeting and Wachter Interment July 21st

      Looking Back on the July 20^th 2021 Chapter Meeting and Wachter Interment July 21st

 

This week’s Harmonizer in-person meeting drew over 60 chorus member and two guests  (welcome to Lance Fisherand Tony Schepers) and provided everyone a sneak preview of the fall show! Coach Cy Wood was with us and taught basic staging for two of the songs. 

 

We started the session in the cafeteria with director Joe Cerutti conducting a warm up session for the singers.  He was quick to welcome our fellow Harmonizers who were with us for the first time since we started in-person meetings including Andrew Havens, Reed Livergood, Mike Fasano, and Antony Takahashi.  Joe also saluted the several men who attended via Zoom as we continue to provide a hybrid meeting for all. 

 

The warm up session was a good one and Joe reminded guys of some basic principles he has taught in the past.

 

When he shared the plans for the fall show, Joe thanked the men who had met at Harmo House over the weekend with he and Cy to create the outline and ideas. Then he launched a sing- through of each of the show songs.

 

There are some inputs needed from chapter members for the show and likely Terry Reynolds will be seeking that info from members.  Members will be invited to suggest VIP officials who might speak; to offer names of any friends or family who have died during Covid for us to recognize; to suggest names of first responders or groups of them we should honor (and invite to the show); and finally to organize a singing ensemble for the show to do a song that fits into the show theme – can be a quartet, or octet or mixed gender group or family group (there will be the need to apply and audition or such).

 

The business meeting included a request for someone to help communications director Matt Doniger with publishing The Echo. 

 

Robyn Murane, our chorus uniform wrangler, was introduced and heartily welcomed by all.  She is helping members get new or replacement black chorus camp shirts.

 

Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented a membership renewal card to Ken Rub for 30 years!!

 

Executive director Randall Eliason gave a presentation about a “Proposal to Streamline Harmonizer Operations.”  In short, there is a plan in the works to have the boards of the BHS chapter and the AH Inc. chapter be composed of the same members.  This plan has been endorsed by both of those boards.

 

Mark calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304. 

The evening ended with Cy teaching moves for “Help from My Friends’ and “Somethings Comin,” then some singing in review for the services the next day at Arlington Cemetery, and finally Joe’s invitation to all to come to the Harmo House for an afterglow at 3916 N Stevens St. in Alexandria.

 

The interment of Bob Wachter at Arlington National Cemetery was on Wed. July 21^st at 12:45 pm beginning at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer.   The Mount Vernon Harmony Heritage Singers, which Bob helped create and directed for years, sang at the Memorial Mass before everyone departed to follow the ceremonial units to the actual burial site in Arlington Cemetery.

 

In addition to the 40 or more Harmonizers present, several family members joined in filling the Chapel with barbershoppers from all over Virginia and even two friends from NJ and NY chapters who drove down.  Bob’s daughter thanked all who came to share the final tribute to her Dad in recognition of his 60-plus years as a singer, director, coach, leader and motivator for barbershop singers. Quite a few men we don’t get to see too often except at shows or conventions and who knew and respected Bob came from long distances to pay tribute.

 

It seems everyone still remembers “I’ll Be Seeing You” which we all sang at the grave site.  We were joined by the other barbershoppers to sing “Irish Blessing” directed by Drew Fuller too.  And then an octet of Harmonizers sang “Danny Boy” for Bob’s family who had requested it.

 

It was a moving tribute to a great barbershopper! 

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on July 27^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. 

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the July 13th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the July 13^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

This week’s Harmonizer in-person meeting was another busy one and about every space in the Scottish Rite Temple was put to use so we could respect the concept of clean air in the meeting spaces.

 

We started the session in the auditorium with warm ups conducted by Jason Lee, baritone section leader.  But the sections were in four corners of the space and Jason in the center. He challenged the men to keep their bodies lined up properly and had them do a lot of “bubbling” then ended the warm up singing  “We Sing Late at Night – Canned Goods.”

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti welcomed a few men we have not seen for a while – Kellen Hertz, Duncan Peacock, Chuck Powell, and Michael Schwartz.  This was our first week with a plan to invite up to 75 men to the meeting.  Other rules still apply such as having proof of a vaccination and having signed the chapter’s waiver form. Masks are optional. There was one guest – Tony Schepers in the tenor section.

 

After those short announcements, Joe worked with the chorus on “Somethings Comin”  still with the sections in each corner of the auditorium.

 

Then a series of sectionals followed by back to the whole chorus work sessions were held on “Remember Me,” “Help from My Friends,” and “ Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  After each sectional, the chorus worked with Joe.  He was pleased with the progress on the songs.

 

There were some announcements for the evening: visual coach Cy Wood will be in Alexandria next weekend to meet with the music team for script and show planning (Joe says if anyone is interested in helping with that aspect of the show, just let him or Terry Reynolds know.  You would be welcome.) Then Cy will stay in town to be with the chorus on Tuesday night as we prepare for a fall show on Sept. 11^th at Schlesinger.   

 

Mark calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304. Communications director Matt Donigerpublished The Echo to announce the Aug. 24^th appearance to fans, relatives and patrons. 

 

During this week’s meeting, the music team released a timetable of when each show song should be memorized. It was also sent to all singers. Likewise a self-assessment was taken by the singers as to where they were on the process – some submitted it with their phones immediately and others filled out a paper version.

 

The interment of Bob Wachter at Arlington National Cemetery will be on July 21^st at 12:45 pm.  There is no uniform for this event.  The Harmonizers will sing “I'll Be Seeing You” and all barbershoppers present will sing “Irish Blessing.”

At Arlington Cemetery,  the entry gate will require photo identification from all in the vehicle. Tell the guard you are attending the services for Robert Wachter and they will guide you.

Guests should arrive by 12:10. Parking is available in the lot in front of the Old Post Chapel. The service at the Old Post Chapel will commence at 12:45. The military funeral honors with funeral escort will be provided from 1:30 to 2:00 o'clock. Thus this service will last 45 minutes or from 12:45 to 1:30. The gravesite services from 1:30 to 2:00.

President Stan Quick has reminded the chapter that we will be participating in the M-AD convention Oct. 1-2 in Lancaster, PA.  The Harmonizers will attend and sing and celebrate.  This is not a qualification for going to International next summer. Stan suggested that everyone who can go should make room reservations ASAP as well as purchase their tickets for the event on the district’s webpage – midatlanticdistrict.com. 

 

Since we are getting back to doing some performances, there is a need to get all singers a black camp shirt.  If you need one, contact Robyn Murane who is our chapter uniform wrangler at 909-528-6643 or RLMurane@aol.com. Don’t delay.  Also guys who have had a shirt for a while should check them to see if it is time to replace yours.

 

Chapter secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to Matt Riedl for 2 years; Frank Fedarkofor 19 years; and Frank Shipp for 19 years.

 

Shows chairman Doug White is asking for a volunteer to help manage the backstage refreshments for the performers at the fall show.  Talk to Doug. 

 

In other news, our friends Geri and Royal Geis are battling some health issues. They are with their daughter in CA and some cards to them would be appreciated. You can send the cards to their daughter Stacey Geis Isaacson, 45 Clark Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401. Bruce Roehm has more details for those who knew Geri and Royal.

 

The July 13^th evening ended with singing “God Bless America” and then with Joe’s invitation to the HarmoHouse for an afterglow at 3916 N. Stevens St. in Alexandria.  A good crowd of guys were there to enjoy cold refreshments,, snacks and pizza.  There was a lot of tag singing too and plenty of time for fun stories and visiting. 

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on July 20^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. 

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the July 6th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the July 6^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

This week’s Harmonizers in-person meeting was a busy one and about every space in the Scottish Rite Temple was put to use (especially since the building owners were having some early meetings there too).

 

We were set to start warm ups at 6:30 this week so we could do a live interview with a local media group from 7-7:30. Therefore, we had our warm up session for this week outside in the shade on the east side of the building with associate director Tony Colosimo. When that session ended everyone came into the auditorium to work with artistic director Joe Cerutti  to run through songs to be sung during the interview. Guys wore the black camp shirts for this video shoot.

 

The attendees were limited to those invited from among those who said they could attend and are vaccinated.  Other members were included via Zoom for parts of the meeting when that was possible.  About 10 were on the Zoom call.

 

At 7 we began a live connection and interview with Z-TV – the video channel for Zebra Press who also deliver 30,000 papers to front door steps in Alexandria. Joe was the main speaker and he shared our joy in singing again after the pandemic, and our desire to bring music into the lives of those in our community. The chorus sang “Never Fully Dressed,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  The wrap up of the interview was the virtual rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever” that the chapter made with the Masters of Harmony. 

 

At 7:30 our Zoom meeting and rehearsal continued as usual.  We moved to the cafeteria where Joe updated the group on a few important matters including a reminder for guys to take the end-of-the-month survey from the music team.

 

He reminded everyone to mark their calendars for the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304.

 

Joe reported details that are known at this time for the interment of Bob Wachter at Arlington National Cemetery on July 21^st at 12:45 pm.  The Harmonizers will sing “I’ll Be Seeing You” (Our 1995 gold medal ballad.). The Fairfax Chapter will sing a song as will the Harmony Heritage Singers.  All barbershoppers will join together to sing “Irish Blessing.” All Harmonizer members – current and former – are welcome to sing.  At some point there may be a need for a count – stay tuned.

 

The chapter is still planning for a fall show on Sept. 11^th at Schlesinger.  In preparation for that, our visual coach, Cy Wood, will be with us on July 20^th and August 31^st for some staging and showmanship help for our songs. 

 

 

During the business session of this week’s meeting, president Stan Quick reminded the chapter that we will be participating in the M-AD convention Oct. 1-2 in Lancaster, PA.  The Harmonizers will attend and sing and celebrate.  This is not a qualification for going to International next summer. Stan suggested that everyone who can go should make room reservations ASAP – refunds can be obtained if plans change. (Some guys shared that you might have to look for the second hotel as the first one is full already.)

 

Then it was back to work singing and working on “Something’s Comin” with Joe.  He encouraged singers not to be embarrassed if they needed to “listen and learn” a couple times before they sang out.  It was great to have Scott Beach with us for the first time since Covid!

 

Joe also worked with the chorus on the new song “Remember Me” – which everyone agreed reminds them of “Lullaby” we sang a few years ago.

 

Joe and Tony and the section leaders worked thru the evening on our new music – some run- throughs, some work on specific spots such as for rhythm.  Joe had the singers experiment on adding color to their singing and he brought back into focus an adage we lived by a few years ago – Champions are made at the end of phrases!

 

In other news, lots of Harmonizers were spotted during the virtual International convention over the weekend.  Several current members and former members were attendees during the weekend, and some of our newer members made appearances on the chorus contest stage. Matt Riedl sang with the SmorgasChorus from KS; Michael Berkson sang with the Voices of Gotham and in the Gotham Mixed chorus. It was great to see Jack Stevens on screen with The Marcsmen and Kevin Kaiser with the Sound of the Rockies.   The Northwest Sound chorus, who made the virtual holiday show with us, sang a funny piece about being the first chorus to sing and thus they were champions for at least seven minutes!  Harmonic Collective, the chorus we sang with at the Seneca Land weekend had solo spots in their package by Rick Taylor, Sean Devine Joe Connelly. 

 

In the quartet contest on Friday, it was terrific to see Rick Wagner singing bass with VOCAL MIXOLOGY representing the Honolulu, HI, Chapter. There were no scores given for chorus or quartet contests – just ratings.) 

 

Great to see Rasmus Krigstrom on a major show during the weekend too with RINGMASTERS as well as our own Tessa Walker and her quartet, HOT PURSUIT, and Cy Wood with his quartet, HALF AND HALF singing during the convention.

 

Great job to the chapter team who prepared the virtual chorus  message of us singing “Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Masters of Harmony. It was used at the convention too.  And then our chapter leaders sent it to our patrons and to our membership list. (YeEd got a message from one of my ticket customers thanking me for a terrific surprise on the 4^th!)

 

The July 6^th evening ended with a Joe’s invitation to the HarmoHouse for an afterglow at 3916 N. Stevens St. in Alexandria. 

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on July 13^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. 

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 29th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the June 29^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

The Alexandria Harmonizers continue their in-person chorus rehearsals based on a plan from the chapters reopening committee and the music team.  Invitations were extended to members to attend in order to keep the number of singers controlled based on those who had posted their availability on Groupanizer.  Everyone had to be vaccinated and first-time-back guys had to turn in a signed Covid-19 agreement and waiver form to the chapter  The technical crew worked hard to manage Zoom connection for those who weren’t present. (That meant moving cameras and microphones two or three times during the evening. This week there was a call for four volunteers to help with those moves.) 

 

Early arrivals at 6:30 assembled in the cafeteria and then at 7 pm the 45 members invited for this week moved to the auditorium for a warm up session with associate director Tony Colosimo. Guys on Zoom were encouraged to join in too – their pictures from the Zoom screen were projected on the wall. Tony’s session included some specific work on breathing, stretching and singing scales.  

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked everyone for their patience and flexibility and for updating their attendance plans on Groupanizer. He thanked our tech crew of Mike Kelly and Dennis Ritchey. He also welcomed the dozen or so other members who attended via Zoom. 

 

Joe reminded everyone about the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304.

 

He announced that tonight is the 73^rd anniversary of the Charter Night of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter.  Later in the evening there was a short program piece about our first Charter Night. 

 

Joe reported details that are known at this time for the internment of Bob Wachter at Arlington National Cemetery on July 21^st at 12:45 pm.  The Harmonizers will sing “I’ll Be Seeing You”(Our 1995 gold medal ballad.). The Fairfax Chapter will sing a song as will the Harmony Heritage Singers.  All barbershoppers will join together to sing “Irish Blessing.” All Harmonizer members – current and former – are welcome to sing.  At some point there will need for a count – stay tuned.

 

Here are the chapter’s plans for participation in the M-AD convention Oct. 1-2 in Lancaster, PA.  The Harmonizers will attend and sing and celebrate.  This is not a qualification for going to International next summer. President Stan Quick suggested that everyone who can go should make room reservations ASAP – refunds can be obtained if plans change. Look for the link from Stan.

 

Since it is the end of the month, there is a survey for all members to take online.  Please submit it so you can provide feedback to the musical and administrative chapter leaders. The link to the survey was sent to members Tuesday evening.

 

The chapter is still planning for a fall show on Sept. 11^th at Schlesinger.  In preparation for that, our visual coach, Cy Wood, will be with us on July 20^th and August 31^st for some staging and showmanship help for our songs. 

 

Tomorrow starts the virtual 2021 International Convention.  It is really fun.  (YeEd is on the campus and meeting and chatting with folks from around the world as he prepares this report.) There is a Harmonizer room and a M-AD room to check out.  On the Saturday night show, our combined virtual performance of “Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Masters of Harmony will be presented.

 

Big news of the night from Joe was word that Z-TV will be with us next Tuesday night at Scottish Rite Temple and run a live session with the chapter from 7-7:20 pm to their viewers.  Thus members should plan to arrive early so warm ups can begin at 6:30. Also please wear the black Harmo camp shirt, or any plain black short sleeve shirt or rolled up sleeves of a long sleeve shirt. 

 

Note that music for a new song, “Remember Me” is on Groupanizer, and as usual the music team asks singers to bring a copy of their music on Tuesday night so they can make notes.

 

Joe and Tony and the section leaders worked thru the evening on our new music – some run- throughs, some work on specific spots such as for rhythm, sectionals (this week a member in each section posted their sectional on Facebook Live for the  Zoom attendees and see and hear!).

 

Tony used a 10-minute slot to work on pitch management and introduced a pitch contest for next week!

 

Alan Wile conducted another interview – this week with Jack Pitzer, chapter history team chairman.  The topic was Celebrating Our Chapter’s Charter Night on June 29^th, 1948!  They discussed the 19 men who signed the charter that was presented to us by the DC Chapter of SPEBSQSA, our sponsor! It has been said that was the only night all members of the chapter were present! Society co-found O C Cash also signed our charter.  It was the start of some great harmony, fellowship and community service.

 

A very brief business meeting was held this week and president Stan thanked the guys who have agreed to serve as a nominating committee – Steve White, chairman; Steve Murane, Noah Van Gilder, Devin Gerzof, and Dave Kohls.  

 

Stan also thanked Carl Kauffmann, Chuck Hunter, Jim Kirkland, and Terry Reynolds who traveled to Owings, Maryland, on Saturday to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Rose Hoffman, one of the Harmonizers biggest and perhaps our oldest fan. Kerri, Rose’s daughter-in-law, warned the quartet that Rose has dementia and may not know what is going on, but she hoped that she would respond to Barbershop. Kerri was right. Rose lit up when Kerri told her the Harmonizers had come to wish her a happy birthday. They sang  “Happy Birthday,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” and “Never Fully Dressed.” Rose smiled and moved through the whole performance and mouthed every word of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Rose’s son, Keith, believes she has been attending Harmonizer shows for nearly 50 years.

 

Chapter Secretary David DesPortes presented membership renewal cards to Dylan Smith for 3 years; Mikey Robertson (now a bass singer) for 6 years; Stan Quick for 9 years; Drew Fuller for 31 years; Ike Evans for 33 years; and Rick Savage for 46y years.

 

The evening ended with a Joe’s invitation to the HarmoHouse for an afterglow at 3916 N. Stevens St. in Alexandria. Then there were little reminder notes passed out to all attendees with the main announcements given tonight and the calendar dates mentioned above. And finally the chorus sang “I’ll Be Seeing You” as a review and to wrap up a busy Harmonizer meeting night.

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 6:30 pm on July 6^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation. Note this time change in order to be ready for the Z-TV interview session.

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 73^rd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 22nd 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the June 22^nd 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

The Alexandria Harmonizers continue their in-person chorus rehearsals based on a plan from the chapters reopening committee and the music team.  Invitations were extended to members to attend in order to keep the number of singers controlled based on those who had posted their availability on Groupanizer.  Everyone had to be vaccinated and first-time-back guys had to turn in a signed Covid-19 agreement and waiver form to the chapter  The technical crew worked hard to manage Zoom connection for those who weren’t present. (That meant moving cameras and microphones two or three times during the evening.) 

 

A chorus of 45 started in the cafateria for a warm up session with associate director Tony Colosimo. Guys on Zoom were encouraged to join in too – their pictures from the Zoom screen were projected on the wall. Tony continued teaching the tag he started last week – “Spring Brought Me Flowers but You Brought Me Love.”

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked everyone for their patience and flexibility in attendance plans. He also welcomed the dozen or so other members who attended via Zoom. 

 

Joe reminded everyone about the two events scheduled for the stage area in Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304.

 

Joe and Tony and the section leaders worked thru the evening on our new music – some run- throughs, some work on specific spots such as for rhythm, sectionals (which made for a lot of work for the tech team who were making it possible for guys on Zoom to attend and see and hear!)

 

Our virtual choir project performing “Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Masters of Harmony was previewed this week.  Wow – it is great!  Many thanks for the extra work by Joel Golden and Mike Kelly as well as Tony and Terry Reynolds. 

 

A very brief business meeting was held this week and AH Inc. board president Bruce Roehm announced that they are seeking ideas for community board members to nominate for their board. BHS Chapter Secretary David DesPortespresented a membership renewal card to David Welter for 45 years. 

 

The evening ended with a Joe’s invitation to the HarmoHouse for an afterglow at 3916 N. Stevens St. in Alexandria.

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on June 29^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation.

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 72^nd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 15th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the June 15^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

On Tuesday June 15^th, the Alexandria Harmonizers had a second in-person chorus rehearsal. The music team extended an invite to members to attend this week in order to keep the number of singers controlled based on those who had posted their availability on Groupanizer.  Everyone had to be vaccinated and first-time-back guys had to turn in a signed Covid-19 agreement and waiver form to the chapter  The technical crew worked hard to manage Zoom connection for those who weren’t present. (That meant moving cameras and microphones two or three times during the evening.) 

 

At the start of the meeting there was a lot of talking among the guys catching up, seeing old friends they hadn’t seen in a while as folks arrived in the lobby.

 

A chorus of 45 started in the cafateria for a warm up session with associate director Tony Colosimo. He spent some time to remind the Harmonizers about good breath taking practices. Guys on Zoom were encouraged to join in too – their pictures from the Zoom screen were projected on the wall.

 

Artistic director Joe Cerutti thanked everyone for their patience and flexibility in attendance plans and he welcomed a crew of new Harmonizers – Yohan Roh, Josh Myers, Matt Riedl and Michael Berkson.  This was the very first time some of them have been to a rehearsal in person. He also welcomed guest Evan Keely, a friend of Rob Barnovsky, who attended via Zoom. 

 

Our virtual choir project performing “Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Masters of Harmony is moving along thanks to extra work by Joel Golden and Mike Kelly. Joe promises we will get to hear it next week.

 

Mark your calendars for two outdoor events coming up in August. The chapter has reserved the outdoor stage at Fort Ward Park for a rehearsal on Tues. Aug. 10^th and then for a mini performance for friends and family on Tues. Aug. 24^th. This event may include some food and fellowship.  Fort Ward is at 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria VA 22304.

 

At this point everyone moved up to the auditorium for a 30-minute block of time to work on “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin” with others participating through Zoom meeting. Tony directed and Joe coached. 

 

Then we all moved back to the cafeteria and Joe worked on “Never Fully Dressed” and “Help from My Friends.”

 

Finally back to the auditorium for assembly in the seats.  Communications chairman Matt Doniger was emcee for the business session.  Membership chairman Jacob Broude offered to get name tags for anyone who needs one.  Let him know ASAP. Also let Jacob know if you are willing to stop at a Metro Station or Bus Stop on Tuesday night to bring a member the rest of the way to Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). And also alert Jacob if you have a friend or acquaintance that is interested in being a new member.

 

 

The following mem were presented renewal membership cards at the June 8^th meeting by secretary David DesPortes: Jerry Jayjohn – 3 years; Ryan Mextorf – 3 years; Gary Cregan – 4 years; Matt Doniger – 9 years; Rob Barnovsky– 10 years; Noah Van Gilder – 13 years; Jason Lee – 19 years; Joe Cerutti – 20 years; Bob Rhome – 20 years;Bruce Roehm – 20 years; Chris Huber – 29 years; Mark Klostermeyer – 40 years; Don Harrington – 41 years; Dean Rust – 41 years; Steve White – 44 years; and Chuck Hunter – 49 years! 

 

Alan Wile did his 26^th interview of a Harmonizer Hero who completed the form for submission on Groupanizer.  This week he spoke with Chris Huber.

 

Chris is another Eagle Scout in the chapter.  He grew up in DE and was active in sports, singing, and learned to play a four-string banjo. He enrolled in college in PA to play basketball, but the coach told Chris he would have to decide if he wanted to play ball or continue singing in the concert choir.  He chose singing!  Good thing for us and for him – he met his wife Judy in the choir!

 

He had a 21-year work career in Navy supply operations.

 

His first barbershop singing was in the Fairfax VA Chapter, and then after seeing a Harmonizer show, he transferred. A highlight of his Harmonizer years was the connection he made with Peggy Harris and the plan to sing for her in Les Ventes, France, after we sang at Normandy.  Actually it was a highlight for every Harmonizer that was there.

 

Chris like rock music and has formed a rock band, RIPTIDE, who often play at chapter events.  He is also an avid gardener. 

 

The evening ended with a run through of “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin” and singing of “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

 

Out next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be a hybrid session beginning at 7 pm on June 22^nd, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation.

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 72^nd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 8th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the June 8^th 2021 Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

On Tuesday June 8^th, the Alexandria Harmonizers had their first large group in-person rehearsal since the pandemic started. The music team extended an invite to members to attend this week in order to keep the number of singers controlled. Everyone had to be vaccinated. The technical crew worked hard to manage Zoom connection for those who weren’t present. 

 

At the start of the meeting there was a lot of talking among the guys catching up, seeing old friends we hadn’t seen in a while.  The chorus was split into two smaller groups known as green and red chorus. Each chorus did a warm up with associate director Tony Colosimo, while director Joe Cerutti was going over announcements with the other chorus in a separate room.

 

Joe shared the details about attendees for next week including reminders about keeping the chapter informed of any changes in your intentions to attend.  He  reminded folks to sign a Covid waiver form.

 

He explained the plans for submitting recordings for our virtual choir project performing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”  

 

After warmup,  the two groups merged together to go through “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin” with others participating through Zoom meeting. After some instruction and several run throughs the chorus split back to their respective rooms, the chorus reviewed “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” splitting the half hour with Joe and Tony working on different aspects of the song.

 

The guys came back together for their final 30 minutes of rehearsal and for our secretary, David DesPortes, to hand out renewal cards from the last several months. After all membership cards were handed out, we did a run through of “Sing.” 

 

We checked in with the guys from Zoom (whose faces were projected on the wall in the hall), to see how it sounded, with resounding thumbs up. We wrapped the evening up singing “Keep the Whole World Singing.” 

 

(Thanks to Jerry Jayjohn for taking the notes for the meeting while YeEd was on vacation in Illinois.)

 

YeEd asked for reactions from guys who attended this week and here is the reply from Frank Shipp:

 

“Joni Mitchell wrote, “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” I never realized how dearly I felt about our chapter, and BHS, until the pandemic took it away. Zoom technology, and our amazing tech team and leadership, kept me sane, at least, until we returned to in-person singing. June 1st brought a few of us in for a “trial run”, and a dozen voices sounded like 25 as the harmony in the rooms filled my heart with joy. Then, June 8th, even more of us greeted each other with a genuine affection not felt in in nearly 15 months. The sound we generated near the end of the evening with “Bridge Over Troubled Water” seemed to emanate from the room into the night sky, and out to the whole world, completing the bridge over the troubled waters of the pandemic that we had created by staying together as best we could. A warmth descended upon our group, and filled the room, exceeded only by the love I felt when we finally sang “Keep The Whole World Singing.” We will always build our own bridges. We will always keep our world singing. And all is right with the world. Finally.”

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be at 7 pm on June 15^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation.

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 72^nd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)

 

Looking Back on the June 1st 2021 Virtual Chapter Meeting

      Looking Back on the June 1^st 2021 Virtual Chapter Meeting

 

This week was the start of meeting again person-to-person!!   The actual plan for this week was mostly via Zoom, but associate director Tony Colosimo with technical help from Terry Reynolds, Mike Kelly and Dennis Ritchey and eight other singers were at Scottish Rite Temple (SRT) at 1430 Braddock Rd. in Alexandria. It was our first hybrid meeting and was a beta test.

 

As promised, there was Zoom access for the rest of the chapter. Artistic Director Joe Cerutti coordinated the music team work for the singers on this week’s Zoom call.  Members who want to join the upcoming meetings must indicate via Groupanizer that they “will attend” on upcoming Tuesdays and then the music team will invite up to 45 singers to attend. Again everyone must be vaccinated.

 

Joe was happy to report that the chapter is moving forward with the virtual choir project with the Masters of Harmony to sing “Stars and Stripes Forever” for media distribution for July 4^th.   The music for that song has been reactivated on Groupanizer and now includes a reference track for this project. Audio self-recordings and visual self-recordings are due in early June – watch for more accurate details. Also the chapter will hold two sessions at SRT for singers to come and record their submissions.

 

For singers who need to catch up and prepare to sing again,  Joe suggests the primary songs for June will be “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Never Fully Dressed.”  Reference videos of “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin” are now on Groupanizer. With them in place, singers should submit a recording of that song by Sun. June 6^th.  

 

Joe also spoke about where we left off as a chorus on Feb. 25^th, 2020 and he played a recording of the guys who had been declared “riser ready” for “Never Fully Dressed.” The music program will return to some of the aspects of that time period such as small group singing and emphasis on personal responsibility to be prepared.

 

Joe took a few minutes to share another new song that we will learn – “Fix You” as sung and arranged by Chris Lewis from Fog City Singers.

 

At this point we went to live feed from SRT with Tony and the singers there to do a significant warm up session.  It was our first chance to hear and taste barbershop chords. For this part, they had made a move to the basement of SRT and worked thru the challenges of such a technical move.  It worked pretty well for the first time.

 

Alan Wile conducted his 25^th interview of a Harmonizer who had submitted his Harmo Hero form for posting on Groupanizer. This time the guest was Drew Fuller.  He is a 30-year BHS member with about 20 years as a Harmonizer.  He grew up in Louisiana and sang in church before college where he changed from math major to music major! He did graduate work in music ed too and taught in Arkansas.  During that time he decided to change careers and joined the Army.  

 

His 20-year military career took him all over the world as an attaché and most of his assignments allowed him to bring his growing family. During some of those assignments he found other singers at this post and using a basic book about barbershop quartets, found his love for the style.

 

He finally found the Society in the DC area and sang for 10 years with Fairfax before joining our chapter. He was active in lots of quartets over the years.  He eventually assumed directorship of the Mt. Vernon Chapter Harmony Heritage Singers which his directs today. 

 

Then it was back to SRT with Tony and the crew to work on “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Tony coaching his singers and those men at home singing along on Zoom. 

 

One of the guys at SRT this week was Jack Cameron who is moving to SC, so we sang him our traditional farewell song after Joe and Tony thanked him for his contributions to the chapter as musical leader.

 

Communications chairman Matt Doniger conducted this week’s business session. Joe announced the burial for Bob Wachter will be July 21^st at Arlington Cemetery at 12:45 pm .  Watch for details about singing at the ceremony.

 

President Stan Quick asked guys to take note of his recent email about nominations for M-AD Hall of Honor. 

 

Secretary David DesPortes reports that we have received renewal notices of 56 men that have paid dues to renew.  He will distribute them ASAP.

 

This week’s meeting ended with a very interesting visit with Stan Quick speaking about “The U.S. Census.” The 2020 census yielded 321 million persons in the US population. The Census is an outgrowth from the US Constitution and sets levels for representation in Congress and for distribution levels of federal monies. 

 

Our next  Harmonizer Tuesday meeting will be at 7 pm on June 8^th, 2021 at SRT following guidelines prescribed by the chapter leadership and per invitation.

 

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 for the great things going on each week during the 72^nd year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. - YeEd)