Looking Back on the Sept. 2, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Sept. 2, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

It seemed like chapter members were ready to get back to singing after the Labor Day holiday weekend; and a number of members were proudly wearing their green t-shirts from the Ireland trip. A good crowd of members were on hand for these rehearsals for the show and contest coming up soon. We are missing a few members since the break for the Ireland trip – hurry back friends!

The Harmonizers worked on all of their show songs this week – “Come Follow the Band,” “But the World Goes ‘Round.” “Africa,” “Calling Dreams,” “Impossible Dream,” and “Wonderful World.” Assistant director, Jason Lee, did the warm up session for this ensemble, then artistic director, Joe Cerutti, directed a run-through of all six songs. The Harmonizers were on risers for this part of the evening and that was helpful for the songs with major choreography. 

Metro Voices worked on show music too and their contest songs with assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, and director, Samantha Tramack, working as a fun team to lead the rehearsals and warm up. According to reporter, Annie Ermlick, one of their songs was arranged by Maggie and the members appreciated the chance to get coaching input from the arranger herself. Part of their evening was in sectionals too. 

Also, Metro Voices will hold an extra rehearsal, with Steve Tramack as their coach,  on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 12-6 pm at AlexRenew. Singers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and supplies for breaks.

Midway in the evening, the two ensembles met together for business announcements. The Sept. 9 meeting will be at AlexRenew.  The Sept. 16 meeting with be at the Beth El Synagogue and be the final rehearsal  before the show. Then the Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 meetings prior to the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest will be at AlexRenew.

Another series of new member orientation sessions will begin on Sept. 9 for those who did not get to attend a session a few months past.

There is always a need for more helpers on Sat. Sept. 6 to pass out flyers and help recruit singers for the chapter’s youth ensemble, Capital Force, that will meet on Sundays starting in November. 

The fall show is Sept. 20 at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314, in the 750-aeat auditorium. Theme for the show is “Follow The Song” – a journey through song that defies gravity, crosses oceans and dares the impossible.

Call time for the fall show was announced: riser crew at 1pm; Harmonizers on the risers at 1:45 pm, and Metro Voices on the risers at 2:30 pm.  For those members new to the venue, there will be dressing room space at the school. Catherine LaValley, fall show producer, thanked the members for stepping up ticket sales last week, but emphasized that we need two more weeks of strong sales to break even! Catherine also needs several volunteers from the singers (such as any new members who won’t be on the risers), or family members or friends who can help with ticket sales, door checkers,  and welcoming the many VIP and media folks invited. Contact her ASAP via Slack. 

Uniform reminder: the plan is to use the formal attire outfits for both the fall show, Sept. 20, and for the district contest, Oct 3-4. Contact Becca Williams if there are questions.

Oooops!  At this point in the meeting, there was a surprise bandana check to see if the Class of  2025 was wearing their red bandanas!  Three didn’t have them, so they each were asked a couple questions by members in the chorus.

Then back to the business meeting.  Be watching for final details about singing for the arrival of Honor Flights at DC airports later this fall. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, introduced first time guest. Steven Pei; and returning guests, Devante Lucas, Cooper Schwartz and Bob Blair’s son-in-law, Tony, who lives in England.  Jason Lee, directed the chapter welcome song. 

Singing rehearsal and choreo reviews resumed until the 9:30 end time and a rousing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Calvin Schnure.

In other news, congratulations to Maggie McAlexander and Kevin Mendez who were married on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the DC War Memorial. 

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Aug. 26, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Aug. 26, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

This was the first Tuesday night meeting after the chapter’s trip to Ireland, so members were eager to see each other and reconnect.  There were several reports of illness among the ranks. Plus some confessions that the member just needed another couple days to rest and recover.

The Metro Voices ensemble and the Harmonizers met in separate rooms to start the evening in preparation for the fall show – assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, conducted warm ups for that ensemble, and assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander conducted warm ups for that ensemble. Both groups are also preparing for their appearance at the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest. 

The Harmonizers actually concentrated on stage presence review and drill for their songs which artistic director, Joe Cerutti, conducted with help from Turner Arndt and Jason.

About midpoint in the evening, the two ensembles came together for business topics. To kick it off, Joe recognized Brad Jones for his leadership and dedication in managing the Ireland trip for the 100 participants which prompted a standing ovation for Brad. To conclude the celebration, Joe shared that the chapter has had a tentative invite for an international experience trip in 2027!  More details to come after the invite is confirmed.

There will be regular chapter meetings on Tues. Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 at AlexRenew.  The rehearsal on Sept. 16 will be sort of the dress rehearsal for the show and be held at Bishop Ireton or at Beth El Synagogue (watch for clarification).  The show is Sept. 20 at Bishop Ireton High School.

Admin leader, Terry Reynolds, reminded everyone of the need for volunteers to recruit singers for the Capital Force youth chorus in AACC on Sept. 6. There is a major push needed to get more youth singers to register for the Sunday evening rehearsals that will start later this fall.

Ashley Merryman shared the chapter’s plans for inviting a number of special guest groups to the fall show allowing them to bring audience members from their groups as well as leaders from their organization.  The charity groups invited include Arlington Volunteers, Blue Star Families, Defense Attaché Association, Fisher House, Honor Flight, Military Women’s Memorial, National Military Family Association, and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). 

The guest emcee for the show will be FOX5 Anchor/Reporter, Julie Donaldson. Guest photographer will be Sharon Farmer.

Show producer, Catherine LaValley, shared details about ticket sales (with a word to the wise that we are far behind selling enough seats for the 750-seat auditorium at Bishop Ireton). She suggests that each member needs to sell at least three tickets. Also, watch for Catherine’s upcoming requests for volunteers to help with other tasks needed for the Sept. 20 event. There will also be an afterglow for the show, so also watch for signup details for that too. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, introduced our newest AACC member, Matt Darouse. A first time guest this week was music educator, Devante Lucas.  Returning guests were Robby Bernarda, Lisa Venbrux, Catalina Buitrago Torres, and Cooper Schwartz.  Maggie McAlexander, directed the chapter welcome song. 

Singing rehearsal resumed until the 9:30 end time and a rousing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by David Breen.

In other news, chapter president, Craig Kujawa, has reported that 38 members of AACC (and their family and friends) have earned over $4,500 through RaiseRight by purchasing over $80,000 worth of scrip gift cards.  Congrats and thanks to those members for their help in raising income for the chapter. Craig has announced a goal of $5,000 for FY 2026. 

Word has come to the chapter of the passing of longtime chapter friend, Marjorie Latzko.  She was 96 and the wife our chapter coach and arranger, Walter Latzko, who helped us earn gold chorus medals with arrangements and coaching talent.   She met Walter when she was singing with the CHORDETTES, a famous female barbershop quartet from the 1950s and he was their coach and mentor for appearances on the Arthur Godfrey Show and similar network shows.  She attended a number of Harmonizer shows and concerts and contest performances even after Walter passed.   

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Aug. 19, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter

 Looking Back on the Aug. 19, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter

This was the first Tuesday night meetings after Ireland, so attendance was a little small.  There were several reports of illness among the ranks. Plus some confessions that the member just needed another couple days to rest and recover.

The Metro Voices ensemble of AACC met via Zoom after an invite from Tessa Walker.

 About 20 from the Harmonizer ensemble met at Market Square at 7 pm before walking thru Old Town and singing a couple songs at stops along the way.  They sang “Africa” and “Come Follow the Band.”  Associate director, Tony Colosimo, was director for the sing out.

Catherine LaValley stopped by to bring fall show flyers for the Harmonizers to post and distribute.  Tony brought a box of CDs from the chapter storage for members to take and give away.

There will be regular chapter meetings on Tues. Aug. 26. Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 at AlexRenew.  No doubt there will be a wrap up of the Ireland trip and stories to share. Clearly there will also be musical work in preparation for the chapter’s fall show scheduled for Sat. Sept. 20, at Bishop Ireton in Alexandria.  

           

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Trip to Ireland

 Looking Back on the 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Trip to Ireland

Galway: Arrival and First Concert

After much anticipation, the AACC tour of Ireland began on Tuesday, August 5th under cool, clear skies. Two buses whisked us from Dublin Airport across the emerald fields to Galway, where a brief walking tour revealed colorful shops, medieval streets, and the lively Latin Quarter. That evening, we settled into two adjacent hotels.

 

The next morning, we toured Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, wandering its walled gardens and admiring Victorian architecture. Back in Galway, many enjoyed a few hours of free time—strolling the quay, sampling local treats, or simply soaking up the atmosphere—before preparing for our first concert.

 

On Wednesday evening, St. Nicholas Church—its founding dating to the 14th century—hosted a standing-room-only audience. The program featured:

• Metro Voices
• The Harmonizers
• The Collective
• Tone Cold Sober (Irish Barbershop Chorus)

After receiving a standing ovation at the end of the concert , we returned to the Salthill  hotel lounge where an afterglow with  singing and libations continued  with members of Tone Cold Sober into the night.

 

Cork: Cliffs, Castles, and a Second Ovation

Thursday morning, our base shifted to Cork in southern Ireland. As we headed south we stopped at the legendary Cliffs of Moher. We were fortunate: clear skies and brisk winds allowed a clear view of the  sheer cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

 

The next day, we drove the scenic Ring of Kerry and experienced a jaunting-car ride from downtown Killarney to Ross Castle. That evening at St. Peter’s Church in Bandon (mid-19th century), we shared the stage with:

• Munster Mix
• Champaign Cork
• East Cork Barbershoppers
• Kinsale Voices (non-barbershop choir)

Yet again, heartfelt applause turned into a standing ovation. Finger sandwiches, tea, and desserts awaited us and the audience after the performance. 

 

Dublin Bound: Blarney Castle to IIMS Show

Saturday dawned early for a trip to Blarney Castle. We explored ramparts and gardens, kissed the Blarney Stone, and browsed the vast Irish store housed in an old woolen mill. While we were at Blarney Castle,  Samantha, Renee and Steve Tramack, along with  Tony Colosimo and Joe Cerutti, sped ahead by van to the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) where they coached several quartets and choruses.

 

When our buses arrived at IIMS, family members, Irish Barbershoppers and the AACC gathered in the Lark Theater where CEO Michael Dawson taught us an Irish song.  Dinner plans unraveled when a short-staffed restaurant had another group unexpectedly arrive, delaying the meal until the concert next door had begun. Thanks to groups like Lady Barbalade, Blingmasters, and Harmony Federation filling the first half, we still enjoyed the meal and were ready to perform the second half of the concert.  Once more, a standing ovation honored our performance. An afterglow at IIMS lasted past midnight, with a bus procured specifically for the afterglow  shuttling early birds and night owls back to the hotel by 1:30 a.m.

 

Dublin Highlights and Farewell Dinner

With concerts complete, Sunday and Monday offered sightseeing in Dublin. Our group split time among:

• Book of Kells and Trinity College Library
• Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough Monastery
• Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery
• St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals

Monday night, we gathered at the Merry Ploughboy pub for a final dinner. Musicians own the place, and after their spirited set of Irish tunes and dance, they invited us to sing for them . We, of course,  sang “Parting Glass,” and by its final note, tears were spotted in the eyes of several members of the Irish band.

 

Extensions: Belfast and Beyond

On Tuesday, most returned home, while 23 adventurers continued north to Belfast. A small subset ventured onward to Scotland on a self-styled extension.  Highlights of the Belfast extension included:

• Hinch Distillery tour (whiskey and gin production)
• Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (royal residence)
• Titanic Belfast immersive experience

The penultimate day took us through dense fog to the Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 basalt columns rose from the shore.  That evening we closed the tour with a wonderful  dinner at the Merchant Hotel.  While the extension crew headed to Dublin to return home the next morning, Terry Reynolds and his sister, Karen Worley, extended their journey so they could visit their ancestral home in Northern Ireland. 

 

Reflections

This tour allowed us to view stunning landscapes, historic venues, and experience the warm hospitality of Irish hosts. From packed-house concerts to late-night afterglows, we witnessed barbershop’s power to unite strangers in harmony. As we boarded flights home, our hearts were full of friendships forged, memories, and melodies shared.

 

Many thanks to Brad Jones for preparing this report of the chapter’s terrific experience in Ireland. He also gets much credit for organizing and coordinating the trip from its concept to getting everyone home. 

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Aug. 12, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter

 Looking Back on the Aug. 12, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter

A majority of AACC members were still in Ireland for the International experience trip.  Some members were headed home about now and others paid for an extension for a few more days. 

Brad Jones will be reporter for the trip for a future edition of Looking Back.  Thanks to Brad. 

For this week, there were some rehearsal times for those members still in the DC Metro area.  

Tessa Walker organized a gathering for about a dozen Metro Voices members on Tues. Aug 12 at the Harmo House. Callie lead a baritone sectional and Christine lead a bass sectional.

Jason Lee, Turner Arndt and Matt Ambler organized a gathering for about a dozen Harmonizers at Matt’s home in Alexandria at 7 pm also on Aug. 12. 

Aug. 19 the chorus will be back to sing in Old Town Alexandria. Gathering time will be 7 pm at Market Square.

Then there will be a regular chapter meeting on Tues. Aug. 26. No doubt there will be a wrap up of the Ireland trip and stories to share. Clearly there will also be musical work in preparation for the chapter’s fall show scheduled for Sat. Sept. 20, at Bishop Ireton in Alexandria.   

          

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Aug. 5, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter – Trip to Ireland

 Looking Back on the Aug. 5, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter – Trip to Ireland

A majority of AACC members plus former members, several family members, and other guests departed for Ireland on Monday, Aug. 4.  Some members actually left earlier but everyone is due to regroup for the first trip events mid-morning on July 5 in Dublin. Then the busses head to Galway.

Brad Jones is coordinator for this International experience for just over 100 travelers from the AACC family. Congrats to Ashley Merryman for her reporting about the trip in the chapter’s local media circuit. 

Besides the sight-seeing activities, the chorus will appear with a half-dozen barbershop singing groups in Ireland. Both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices ensembles will sing as well as the combined AACC chorus. The basic Ireland trip ends on Aug. 12 with an extension until Aug. 15 for a smaller group.  (Based on messages on Slack, it sounds like some of our members have already found the Jameson tour in Dublin a great place to start the Ireland visit!!!)

There will be no organized chapter meeting on Aug. 5 and Aug. 12; but as expected, there will be some gatherings of those AACC members who did not make the trip.  Terry Reynolds announced via Slack that Tony Colosimo will host a Zoom-only rehearsal Tues. Aug. 5 at 7 pm offering vocal or choreo work as desired – watch for the Zoom links.  For Tues. Aug. 12,  Terry reports that Jason Lee and Turner Arndt and other section leaders will host an in-person rehearsal at Matt Ambler’s house in Alexandria at 7 pm. Watch for parking details from Matt.  

Aug. 19 the chorus will be back to sing in Old Town Alexandria. The Looking Back reports will resume for this event.

Then there will be a regular chapter meeting on Tues. Aug. 26. Clearly there will be musical work in preparation for the chapter’s fall show scheduled for Sat. Sept. 20, at Bishop Ireton in Alexandria.    

         

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

Looking Back on the July 29, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Sing in Old Town

 Looking Back on the July 29, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Sing in Old Town

Even at 7 pm, it was hot as Hades in Old Town.  But the AACC crowd was strong and eager to stroll and sing AND to put flyers and signs up to recruit mixed voice youth as singers for the Capital Force ensemble.

Capital Force director, Tessa Walker, was in Denver for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Harmony University (HU) as an instructor. [Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was also at HU as major staffer in charge of that annual educational event.] Tessa had left detailed instructions to AACC members as to canvassing the Old Town and general NoVA area to recruit youth singers. Many members brought copies of color flyers and posters, and tape and tacks as needed.  Members had fun doing their part.  

At Market Square at 7 pm, the cheer for “AA ---- CC” went out and AACC signers gathered for vocal warm up with Maggie McAlexander, conducting.  Members wore their black AACC t-shirts. Assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, directed “Africa” for their warm up; and director of Metro Voices, Samantha Tramack, directed their warm up song, “Happy Together,” as well as “I’m Still Standing” for the combined AACC chorus. 

The chorus sang on the corner of Market Square and then made several stops down King Street amidst all the eateries. Terry Reynolds introduced the singers to the audiences and invited them to consider passing info to interested youth singers.  Mark Klostermeyer brought the large identification sign to put out front at each stop.  There was also the usual stop at the Torpedo Factory stairs – but the chorus had to share the space and time with a street musician who played his trumpet along with the chorus on a song or two.  A chapter first!!!

Several members of the previous Capital Force ensemble were on hand to help promote.  Good to see them singing with AACC, and to visit with their parents who came out too.  Some of those families planned to post recruitment posters at libraries and rec centers in Fairfax County near Springfield and Kingstowne. YeEd too.

Terry Reynolds was chief organizer for the “Capital Force Flyer Brigade” with assignments and mini teams to get the materials to all parts of the area.  He thanked those who made the hike to North Old Town on a really hot night! There was a channel on Slack for the teams to report their successes or challenges or issues at the end of the evening. 

About 20 folks made it to Chadwicks for an afterglow, but there was also some evidence on Slack that members found the Pops Old Fashioned Ice Cream shop for treats on a hot summer night

There was lots of behind-the-scenes chatter among members in preparation for the Ireland trip as travelers compared notes, asked questions, and made final arrangement. Departure is generally the first of next week, with some folks making earlier departures to get in more sights.  YeEd noted several Ireland t-shirts being exchanged and or given to a fellow member to pass on to another. 

Members should mark their calendars noting that the next regular chapter meeting will not be until Tuesday, August 26.  There will be no organized meeting on Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 – perhaps some members will organize a Zoom or a gathering to practice choreo.  So watch on Slack while the bulk of the AACC chorus is in Ireland.

Aug. 19 the chorus will be back to sing in Old Town. And Looking Back reports will resume for that event as well. YeEd would appreciate periodic feedback from members while they are in Ireland.

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 77^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.