Getting Ready for the Show

The big show for the Hunterdon Harmonizers in December will be on Saturday December 4, 2010, the first show being at 2:00 and the following show at 7:00 in the evening, at Hunterdon Central High School. Holly Days & Jolly Knights lets you, our loyal audience, in on the graduation of the Knights of the Class of 1322. Watch these guys celebrate the Holiday Season.

The picture above lets you in on the scenery building that has been going on in the barn by Tony and his crew.

Do order your tickets in advance of the shows. By doing so you will save $5 on each ticket as compared to buying at the door.

Our Next Big Show

Tuesday night, not long ago, the Harmonizers had the first read through of the script for the December 4, 2010 Holiday show.

Each year we entertain our fans with an original fun show that ends with Holiday music. In the photo, the cast reads the script for the chapter members.

In addition to the songs to go with the script we are beginning to introduce the Holiday music for the last third of the show.

Besides the Harmonizer members we expect to have a chorus from each of two regional high schools in the area perform on the show. It is an honor for the high schools that are selected because being selected recognizes the strong music program of the schools participating.

Tickets for the Holiday show can be obtained from any Harmonizer, or by calling their telephone number 908-806-NOTE (6683), or from their web site njharmonizers.org. Ticket prices are all General Admission at $15 advanced sales or $20 at the door. Students 6-17 are $10, kids 5 and under, accompanied by an adult, are free. A group discount of 10% is available for 10 or more tickets bought at one time.

Less than one week before contest

The Harmonizers have qualified for the District Contest again this year. It is less than a week before contest. In fact by this time next week the contest will be over. Most of us will be in the Lancaster Convention Center in Lancaster PA Friday in time for the quartet contest in the evening. Two of our quartets, Re-Mix and Untamed, will be singing Friday night. Saturday the chorus contest begins at 9:00 AM. We expect to sing at 9:50 if all is on time.

Even with the contest just around the corner, our show committee has been working on our Annual Show. The photos were taken after our performance at the Craft Fair last week. The guys are out about town giving our local business people an opportunity to participate in our show program as advertisers. If they have missed you, let us know at 908-806-NOTE and, someone will call on you.

Tickets are also now available. Call the same number to get early tickets at a price lower than buying at the door. The show, Holly Days & Jolly Knights will be at Hunterdon Central High School at 84 Route 31 in Flemington. Shows are at 2:00 and 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 4, 2010. The advance ticket price is just $15 (at the door $20) and students $10 in advance. Kids five and under, with an adult, are free. We expect a very fun show.

Heroes of Chivalry choreography introduced

With just a few more weeks to go before their Deer Path Park performance the Harmonizers introduced the choreography to go with one of their two newest songs.

Assistant Director Max, back from his freshman year at Harvard University, directed the new moves that he designed to go with the Heroes of Chivalry. The song introduces the Knights of the Class of 1322. You have never seen a finer knightly band.

You have to plan to see the sunlight on their armor. Experience in your throat that lumpy sort of feeling, when smashing lances shiver, note that their gait shows a little hesitation and see their faces reveal a hint of fright as their horses get set.

The chorus has enjoyed the addition of several new voices, and the addition of several guests, to their singing group. As VP Membership Christian points out there is always room for more men of all ages to be part of the fun.

Plan to see the fun and excitement of being a Hunterdon Harmonizer on Thursday evening July 8^th, 2010 at 7:00 in the evening in Deer Path Park for the free concert and show that is part of the Hunterdon County sponsored series. You will hear the award winning chorus and several of their quartets during the two hour show.

You can learn more about the Music Under the Stars Concert series and get directions to the park at the County web site here http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/concertseries.htm .

Last night I attended the opening night of the ShowKids Invitational Theater's production of THE MUSIC MAN at Voorhees High School.

The Music Man is one of my all time favorite musical productions.

Perhaps that is so because I was first introduced to the sound of barbershop harmony when, at the time of my engagement to my wife, we were given tickets to the broadway production that featured the famous, champion, Buffalo Bills quartet. Perhaps it is just the show itself.

This is a show that demands the best of the actors and singers. High energy is required and the kids, and adults, of SKIT delivered.

This productions was special. Carlolyn Newman, founding producer/director of the production company, went beyond her request of some years ago when we were asked to, and did, help coach a quartet of her regular singers and actors. This time she asked for a real barbershop quartet.

Of our three most competitive quartets two were not available to meet the requirements of the demanding rehearsal schedule, especially in view of our own contest schedule that brings us to contest in early May. I was delighted that UNTAMED stepped forward to take on the opportunity. And they did a great job last night.

Perhaps most important is the exposure their participation gave the Harmonizers to this musical theater audience. There will be a total of five performances. Everyone connected to, or part of, the SKIT group that I talked to appreciated the talent of the UNTAMED singers, their contribution to the success of the show, and noted how nice and accommodating barbershopers were to work with.

We look forward to a long and happy relationship with SKIT.

Successful Guest Night

Our 2010 Guest Night ran without a hitch, with wonderful participation by the Harmonizers all evening. The conduct of the program itself, the singing by the chorus, the welcoming and reception of our guests and evident enjoyment of the evening by all is a great positive.

Two of our quartets, Re-Mix and Chordhouse Steps wowed our guests with great performances. Dan Hunter was comical in presenting his teaser of our 2010 show to be performed in December. We received applications for membership from two previous guests, a great development. We also had two new prospects, who reported they enjoyed the evening and have interest in returning again soon.

We were joined by four members of the High Point Harmonizers as we extended our fraternity with our neighboring chapters, this time all the way to Sussex County.

We give special thanks to Christian or organized the evening with the help of his committee, and to Regina, Liz and Tracey for the set up of refreshments! It is good to see some new faces from the women’s group pitching in to make our events a success.