Looking Back on the June 30-July 7, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Time at the BHS International Convention in Cleveland, OH 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) had a great week at the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Contest and Convention in Cleveland, OH. Many members of the chapter traveled on Monday, July 1 in order to be there for the major contests and events that kicked off on Tuesday.

There were sixty quartets in the quarterfinals round of the quartet contest with five quartets that had AACC members: WILDFIRE with Kevin Mendez; FIRST TAKE with Anthony Colosimo and Andrew Havens; SWEET & SOUR with Samantha Tramack and Mert Tramack; PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen; and MIXTAPE with Cy Wood. Three of our quartets made it into the semifinals round: FIRST TAKE, SWEET & SOUR, and PRAXIS. 

When the results were called out on Saturday night after the finals quartet round, FIRST TAKE had earned the second place silver medal from among the top ten finalists. Their total score for the three rounds was 6,688 points with a 92.9 average. Their performances were so classy and solid all week, always drawing their audience into their music.  For the finals round, they changed things for their final song and had a ton of fun singing, “No One Sings Higher Than Me,” and making the audience laugh (and taking a few digs at the judges and how a quartet can get a 100 points for a song  –Tony actually did a pratfall onto the stage floor!). 

The first place gold medalist quartet was “Three and a Half Men” that includes Tony DeRosa who has often coached the Harmonizer chorus and is a friend of many members of the chapter. Their score was 6,795 points with a 94.4 average. Third place quartet was GIMME FOUR from Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) that has helped with Harmonizer youth camp over the years. Fourth was THE LADIES which includes Kim Newcomb who coached Metro Voices, fifth was THE NEWFANGLED FOUR. There were two other M-AD quartets in the top ten – eighth was SECRET BEST FRIENDS (bass Will Daniel Simmons sang in the front row of our chorus before college), and ninth was SMOKE RING who sang at the chapter’s fundraising gala this year. 

For the chapter record, SWEET & SOUR placed 16^th, PRAXIS placed 20^th, MIXTAPE placed 22^nd and WILDFIRE placed 24^th. 

The two ensembles that currently comprise AACC had a very successful week as well as the chapter quartets.

Metro Voices was one of the eight groups competing in the International Chorus Festival and earned a Superior rating (score 80.3) and was named champion of this event. A great accomplishment! The ensemble is directed by Samantha Tramack, with assistant director Maggie McAlexander. 

They sang “After You, Who?” arranged by Carole Prietto, and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” arranged by Bev Sellers.  For their initial appearance at an International contest, there were fifteen singers on the risers: Becca Williams, Cadence Flaherty, Mireille Kouagan, Jeanne Hillinck, Lenna Jawdat, Tessa Walker, Heidi Krukowski, Patricia Chow, Elizabeth Cosh, Leah Musico, Maggie McAlexander, Sheryl Berlin, Sophie Clarke, Ashley Merryman, with Samantha Tramack as director. 

Metro Voices met a couple times early in the week for rehearsals and then on Thursday they started the day with warm ups conducted by Tessa Walker.  Their coach, Renee Tramack, met with them too. When it was time to depart for their 12 noon stage time, the Harmonizers formed a tunnel outside the rehearsal room for them to all walk through with high-fives and cheers. Everyone was wearing their new AACC t-shirt too. 

The chorus festival was in a large ballroom in the headquarters hotel. The hall was full when the Harmonizers arrived to clap and scream and cheer for them, and Metro Voices  hit a home run with their great singing and performance flair. 

Harmonizer rehearsals started on Wednesday, July 3.  President Noah Van Gilder welcomed everyone to join in the excitement of the week.  The chapter’s convention host, LeAnn Snyder, met us and give us details about the contest venue and plans for the week as a representative of the convention host committee. M-AD president, Steve Kirsch, stopped by and presented a monetary gift to the chapter from the district to help with expenses of both ensembles to represent M-AD at the convention. Chapter volunteer, Kathy Kauffmann, presented a token of encouragement to each member of the two AACC ensembles to carry in their pockets on stage to feel the support of the whole chapter family. 

Thanks to Gary Cregan and Cy Shuster for driving the Harmo truck to Cleveland and for coordinating the large crews of volunteers from the AACC ranks for getting risers and sound set up in Room 25. 

The Harmonizer contest package consisted of “The World Goes Round” arranged by Kevin Keller, and “Lullaby of Broadway” arranged by David Wright. Prior to this first rehearsal, the front row worked with choreography coach Cy Wood.  The wonderful choreography created by Cy was led by the front row which included front row captain Bruce Roehm, Ken Rub, Randal Eliason, Matt Ambler, Chad Ross, Terry Reynolds, Reed Livergood, Jacob Broude, Craig Kujawa, and Matthew Zorgoski who joined the front row coming from the 17^th Street Dance group of the Washington, DC Gay Men’s Chorus. Chapter choreo coach was Turner Arndt.

Both David Wright and Kevin Keller stopped in for a few remarks as did long-time coach, Cindy Hansen Ellis. Then Kevin and Cy each took a chunk of time to work with the whole ensemble. 

 

 

 

 

For the Thursday practice, the Harmonizers went back to their rehearsal room after cheering for Metro Voices.  Jason Lee did the warm up session for the chorus. David McEachern came to coach and added touch up points to the performance plan for the package. 

Friday morning’s 8:30 am rehearsal start time meant that Harmonizers got their breakfasts and brought their contest attire (black or gray suits and ties) to the Room 25 space that was used by both ensembles all week. The special trio of Tessa Walker, Maggie McAlexander and Samantha Tramack was already there with makeup and hair stylist friends from M-AD, Christi Willett and Meredith Glemboski, helping the trio get into their attire to fit the theme of the package. 

There was the traditional bandana check Friday morning for members of the Class of 2024 which included Mert Tramack, EJ Harold, Mark Oswald, Jimmy Miotto, William Vesilind, Ker Medero, Charley Rothermel, Jared Liscinsky, Kevin Mendez, Matthew Zagorski, Mireille Kouagou, Ashley Merryman, Dana Richardson, Leah Musico, Marsha Ansel, Catherine LaValley, Callie Cirillo, and Hannah Nesich. (Only those names in bold type competed in Cleveland.) This year’s blue bandana featured the new AACC logo. 

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the beginning warm up session followed by Jason Lee to finish preparing the chorus to sing. It was at this point that word came that fellow singer, Chuck Powell, was ill and not likely able to go on stage. (He did in fact improve in his room and was able to drive home safely.) 

 

About 9:30 am, all singers left the risers for the annual “building of a chorus by the year they first sang at International” starting with the Class of 1958 and ending with the Class of 2024 – honoring our past and celebrating our future!

 

The Harmonizers sang nineth in the first chorus contest session Friday.  They walked to the Cleveland Public Auditorium through tunnels and walkways to get to the stage.  They came onto the stage amidst huge cheers and applause from Metro Voices, lots of other M-AD members, and the general barbershop audience who know the Harmonizers would be a great presentation. Greg Tepe represented the chapter backstage for lighting cues. 

 

Great singing and movements including a special surprise appearance in the uptune of a treble trio – Maggie McAlexander, Tessa Walker and Samantha Tramack – who danced with the front row and sang several parts of the song with bass background. It was a fantastic special number with three gold medalist quartet singers!

 

The chorus received standing ovations for both songs and left the audience talking about a terrific performance.

 

There were two more chorus contest sessions – one Friday evening and one Saturday morning.  The results were announced at the end of the Saturday session and the Harmonizers were honored to have earned a fifth place medal with a score of 2,158 point with an average of 89.9. The Harmonizer fans erupted with wild cheering and applause.

 

As soon as everyone could get back to the chapter’s rehearsal room, there was the traditional ceremony to give each singer a medal.  Terry Reynolds called each singer’s name, and chorus manager for the week, Mark Klostermeyer, handed a medal to Joe to give to each man – after a big bear hug and congrats.

 

The first place chorus was The Westminster Chorus; second was Heralds of Harmony, third was Gotham from M-AD; and fourth was Parkside Harmony from M-AD. 

 

There were singers from the Harmonizer family in several of the other choruses too.  As risky as it is to try to report all of them, YeEd and his reporter team will try (sorry if we didn’t see someone on stage): Lynn Hineman with Heralds of Harmony; Lou Bergner with Harbourtown Sound and with Toronto Northern Lights; Donell Torres with The Recruits, with the Next Gen Mic Tester Chorus, and with the Ambassadors of Harmony for their swan song as last year’s chorus champs; Adele Jones, Brad’s wife, with the Dream Chorus directed by Greg Clancy; Erin Odell who directed the Visions of Harmony treble chorus from St. Charles, MO; TJ Donehue and Johan Westberg with Sound of the Rockies; Rich Payton with Space City; Chris Yates, Sean Devine, Jay Butterfield, and Fred Womer with Parkside Harmony; Rasmus Kingstrum with the AIC chorus; and Dan Cook and Jim Mathis with  Ambassadors swan song performance. 

 

Several members of the Harmonizer family were judges during the convention: Alan Lamson and Steve Tramack for the quartets and choruses; David Wright, Mo Field and Matt Fellows for the Next Generation Quartet contest; and Cy Wood for the Comedy Quartet Festival and the Chorus Festival.  Our M-AD friends, THE QUIN-TONES, placed seventh in the Next Gen contest; and M-AD friends, MADHATTEN, earned a Superior rating in the Comedy Quartet Festival with former Harmonizer, Spencer Wight, as their baritone. Donell Torres was tenor in the first place Next Gen quartet TOFU CONCERN. 

 

On the administrative side of things, there were several from the Harmonizer family who had extra duties. John Santora, BHS president, welcomed attendees at the first session. Kevin Keller was presenter for the quartet semifinals session and was elected president of BHS during the Monday BHS Board meeting. He will take office in January. Bill Colosimo served as nominating committee chairman for the BHS board, but he was on travel that day from Europe and so he asked Terry Reynolds, who is a member of the leadership development committee for BHS,  to fill in for him.  

 

Rick Taylor worked all week as a staffer for Harmony Foundation International. Chris Buechler and Steve Tramackattended Society Contest and Judging Committee meetings Sunday and Monday – Steve will become the next chairman of that committee.  

 

Joe Cerutti directed the US National Anthem at the session on July 4; was host for the Saturday evening Live Steam event; presented the awards for the Next Gen contest; and on Saturday he was name 2024 recipient of the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award. The audience responded joyously and loudly with plenty of noise from all the AACC family present.

 

In his remarks of appreciation, he shared what an honor it was to be considered with the name of a hero to many - a leader of barbershoppers - Joe Liles.  “I am confident that my contributions would never have amounted to anything significant if the Alexandria Harmonizers hadn’t taken an enormous and life-altering risk hiring a 25-year old music educator 17 and a half years ago.” 

 

“And if I’ve done anything worthy of recognition in this organization, it is with deepest gratitude to my so-called right and left hands, my partners in harmony, Anthony Colosimo and Terry Reynolds.” Joe also acknowledged his pride of the AACC and expressed hope that the BHS would never lose sight of the true essence of the art form and its community – the amateur singers and the countless volunteers that make things run. 

 

All during the week YeEd and reporters (Dixie Kennett and several Harmonizer members) spotted current and former members of the  Harmonizer family at the convention (here again it is likely we missed someone – but it is still amazing how many of the Harmonizer family attended): Joe Kane, David Wilt, Jim Gammon, Glenn Williamson, Ken Ives, Keith Jones, Craig Odell, Mike Wallen, Bob Hirsh, Don Harrington, Eric Wallen, Lew Klinge, John Knight, Michael Gilmore, Ray Yeh, Richard Lewellen, Joe Wagovich, John Sifuentes, Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko, Jim Kirkland, Tony LaRosa, Norbert Hammes from BING, and John Rettenmeyer.

 

AACC contest coordinator, Craig Kujawa, had helped make arrangements for the chapter months before and he helped members get housing, and kept them informed as to plans, times and schedules. 

 

The chapter music team gets much credit for helping the two ensembles prepare for their appearances with extra work, private sessions, learning materials, and passing along tips about performing from those who have gone before. The team certainly starts with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, and Samantha Tramack, Tony Colosimo, Maggie McAlexander, Terry Reynolds. Add to that the hard working section leaders: for Metro Voices – Elizabeth Cosh, tenors; Sophie Clarke, leads; Sheryl Berlin, baritones; Leah Musico, basses; for Harmonizers – Randy Lazear, tenors; Ben Watsky and Lance Fisher, leads; Jason Lee, baritones; David Breen, basses; Turner Arndt, stage presence leader. 

 

In addition to all the members in Cleveland, there were many family members present. Some took advantage of the things to see and do in the convention city such as the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, a stroll along Lake Erie that was just outside the headquarters hotel, and to take in a ballgame with the Cleveland Guardians vs. the Giants on Friday evening (just after the rain stopped). The AACC crowd kept track of things and each other all week via Slack to include a report on Sunday of family visits to Cedar Point for a famous roller coaster experience.

 

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 76^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 June 25, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Send Off Before Cleveland

 Looking Back on the June 25, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Send Off Before Cleveland 

On June 25, the Alexandria A Cappella Collective hosted the annual send-off concert  (a performance for fans before the singers travel to the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Convention in Cleveland, OH, July 1-6, 2024).  Family, friends and patrons arrived at Beth El Synagogue on Seminary Rd. about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. 

The singers arrived at 7 pm in their coordinated attire for the contest – a dress rehearsal, if you will, for the performers. EJ Herold helped coordinate volunteers to get chairs set up for the audience in the ballroom space.  Operations director, Gary Cregan, reports there was a good crew to help. Cy Shuster set up the sound equipment.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up for the combined ensembles.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, had a few announcements for the chorus members going to Cleveland.  First – everyone is expected to attend every rehearsal at the convention, but if anyone won’t be on time for a rehearsal, or they have an emergency, they must notify Terry Reynolds.  Second – there is a major movie filming crew slated to be in Downtown Cleveland while the convention is underway and that crew could be closing streets and walkways and disrupting things without notice.  Singers should note that the rehearsals for all competing choruses is about three blocks from the Westin in the Huntington Convention Center – Room 25.  The first rehearsal for the Harmonizers is at 2:45 pm on Wednesday and for Metro Voices at 5 pm in Room 25.

After announcements, each ensemble did some rehearsal time before a 15 minute break to get uniforms ready and to prepare to welcome the guests. 

Emcee for the event was Harmonizer, Rick Taylor.  He welcomed the large crowd to the AACC Send Off for Cleveland and introduced Metro Voices as the first performing group with Samantha Tramack as director and Maggie McAlexander as assistant.  They performed their two-song package they will use to compete in the 2024 Chorus Festival at the convention – “After You Who” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Next on the risers was the Harmonizers dressed in blacks and grays.  Their package consists of “The World Goes Round” and “Lullaby of Broadway” with great singing and a couple of surprises plus wonderful choreography led by the front row which includes Ken Rub, Randal Eliason, Matt Ambler, Chad Ross, Terry Reynolds, Bruce Roehm, Reed Livergood, Jacob Broude, Matthew Zorgoski, and Craig Kujawa. 

The audience showed their appreciation for the great performances by both groups with loud and long applause.

As the two ensembles reassembled on the risers to sing together, chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, recognized five quartets that have AACC members in them that are competing in Cleveland.  Each quartet received some financial support as they represent the chapter. A total of 60 quartets have qualified to be in the contest. The quartet quarterfinals contest sessions are on Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July3. Singing 15^th – WILDFIRE with Kevin Mendez; singing 19^th - FIRST TAKE with Anthony Colosimo and Andrew Havens; singing 26^th – SWEET AND SOUR with Samantha Tramack and Mert Tramack; singing 28^th – PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen; and singing 56^th – MIXEDTAPE with Cy Wood. 

 

There was a bandana check for members of the Class of 2024 which includes Mert Tramack, EJ Harold, Mark Oswald, Jimmy Miotto, William Vesilind, Ker Medero, Charley Rothermel, Jared Liscinsky, Kevin Mendez, Matthew Zagorski, Mireille Kouagou, Ashley Merryman, Dana Richardson, Leah Musico, Marsha Ansel, Catherine LaValley, Callie Cirillo, and Hannah Nesich. 

 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, presented a membership renewal card to Chris Huber for 32 years.  Chrisresponded that his wife Judy was with him and it was her birthday. Before we could sing greetings, it was confirmed that it was also Mick Stamp’s birthday.  Joe did the honors to direct all in singing “Happy Birthday.”

 

The last group to perform for the send-off was the combined AACC chorus directed by Joe.  They started with “I’m Still Standing.”

 

Terry then recognized all the 50-year barbershop singers in the room which led into the surprise announcement that the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) has named Joe Cerutti as the 2024 recipient of the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award. Everyone rose to their feet to applaud and cheer for Joe. He will receive this recognition in Cleveland.

 

Joe expressed his appreciation for the recognition and shared a few thoughts including that he would need to “share the award with Terry and Tony” who are an important part of his musical leadership team of the AACC.  Joe also recognized Elaine Cooper who was a charter member of Metro Voices and also an important helper in his musical educator role with barbershop choruses. 

 

Those comments led into the introduction of “Why We Sing” and his dedication of the song to Elaine, who died in January.

 

The finale was the wonderful performance by the combined ensembles of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, featuring Samantha Tramack, soloist, with Tony Colosimo. 

 

The audience filled every chair in the hall and included a contingent of Harmonizer folks from Richmond including Mike Wallen and Jim McConnell; several members who can’t go to Cleveland but came to cheer and support like Ben Watsky, John Taber, Alan Wile, Walt Page, and Michael Berkson; folks we have not seen in a while like Andrew Havens, Tom Kraus, John Sifuentes, Carlos Barillo, Dave Reyno, Drew Fuller, Jim Kirkland, Greg Tepe, Masahis Takahashe, Jerry Jayjohn; former community board member for the chapter, Bob Faherty; long-time fan and supporter, Ellen Dellert; family members and significant others; fellow barbershop singers from the DC Metro Area such as from Potomac Harmony Sweet Adelines; Metro Voices coach, Kim Newcomb; and a prospective member, Josh Berenhaus. Thanks to Susan Fitzpatrick, chorus general manager, for her help making arrangements for the event. 

Members and guests took down the risers and put the chairs away, and a large contingent adjourned to the Harmo House for another great 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 for the great things going on each week during the 75^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 June 20, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Extra Meeting and June 21 Service for Elaine Cooper

 Looking Back on the June 20, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Extra Meeting and June 21 Service for Elaine Cooper

The musical leadership team for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) scheduled an extra meeting for the two ensembles to prepare for their appearances in Cleveland.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted a warmup session for the combined ensembles. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked everyone for making the extra effort on a Thursday night to come to Beth El.  The riser crew came early to set up equipment.

Joe took the combined ensembles through three extra songs they will perform at the ‘send-off’ concert next Tuesday night, also at Beth El. (Joe has invited any AACC singers who sang at Wolf Trap but are not going to Cleveland to join in singing the three extra songs.) 

On June 25, there will be a need for chorus volunteers to set up chairs for the many guests who will attend the send-off – which might include members of the Beth El community who have been invited. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance.

Note: there will be another extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 27, at AlexRenew, in preparation for Cleveland.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 15 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He repeated his cheer to “get excited, and get prepared!”

The correct date for the retirement ceremony for Craig Kujawa is July 13. Those attending should prepare for entry onto the military installation that day or ride with someone who has a pass.

Craig also alerted Cleveland singers that they must be sure their membership renewals are current (some expire about now); that everyone must have a full convention registration to compete; and that a riser crew will be needed in Cleveland about 4 pm on Tuesday, July 2.

There were some guests present at this meeting, Donell Torres and his wife Molly are in town from St. Louis to help Lance and Sophie move into their new apartment; and Jordan Zimmerman was in town to look for housing for he and his wife when they move back to the DC Metro area. Jordan sings lead in a quartet with Jason Lee, Ken White and Mike Fasano.

 The rehearsal went to 10 pm again so everyone helped with loading the risers in the Harmo truck(which actually stays in the back lot of Beth El these days). A good crowd came to an afterglow at the Harmo house.

On Friday, June 21, the AACC singers attended and sang at the Celebration of Life for Elaine Cooper, 77, who died in January.  She was a founding member of Metro Voices after many years as a barbershop singer and chapter leader. About 25 AACC members came to the service at Lyon Park Community Center, in Arlington, VA.  There was a space for the chorus to assemble and Tony conducted warm up for “Why We Sing.”  During the service Joe spoke about Elaine’s loyal service and courage as a chorus leader.  She was an active barbershopper before she joined Metro Voices, having sung with the Pride of Baltimore, Greater Harrisburg, Potomac Harmony, Vienna-Falls, and Scottsdale Sweet Adeline choruses. Her sons, Carlton and Matt Greene gave tribute to her many skills and talents. 

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 75^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 June 18, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 18, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

With an ever-changing rehearsal location, this week’s Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) meeting was at Heritage Presbyterian Church on Fort Hunt Road.  It was a longer drive for most and especially a challenge for those members who take public transportation to chapter meetings. The Harmonizers used the risers in the Fellowship Hall of the church, and Metro Voices used the sanctuary.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the Harmonizer warmup, and director of Metro Voices, Samantha Tramack conducted their warm up. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, met with the members who will sing at the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance by both ensembles for fans before we go to Cleveland – it’s a long standing chapter tradition – family, friends and patrons are welcome to attend) at Beth El. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. 

Note: there will be two extra rehearsals on Thursdays, June 20, at Beth El, and June 27 at AlexRenew, in preparation for Cleveland.

Here is a preview of the AACC schedule for July, 2024: 7/2 - in Cleveland; 7/9 – no meeting; 7/16 – an education meeting at The Bike Club; 7/23 – short rehearsal for the outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – the outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 17 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He repeated his cheer to “get excited, and get prepared!”

The correct date for the retirement ceremony for Craig Kujawa is July 13.

Tessa Walker met with all the first-timers-going-to-an-International-convention and provided tips and suggestions as to what to expect, what to bring, what will happen, how AACC will function during the week.  Convention coordinator, Craig Kujawa, added information. Her presentation is on SLACK.

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from recent rehearsals. The Harmonizers worked to use the whole stage and to adjust to where the director will be for the songs. At one point, the Harmonizer front row faced the chorus so the riser singers could see the performance. There was a bandana check for the Class of 2024 too! 

After the 50/50 drawing, Lance Fisher directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  Dana Richardsoninvited the chapter to her home, which was nearby, for the afterglow.  Joe took a count for the pizza order too. It was a great afterglow – some tag singing on the patio, good eats, and some gathered round the piano with Zak Sandler at the keyboard.  Thanks Dana. A barbershopper from the Seattle area, Kevin, also made his way to the rehearsal and afterglow.

 

In other news, an early member of the Harmonizer chorus, Jack Crickenberger, died on Saturday.  He was 96.  He joined the chapter in 1950 and stopped singing in 1964, but he came to chapter meetings often to “see how the boys are doin.”  He was the bass in the chapter’s sixth quartet ever formed - the CONFEDERAT NOTES.  He was a lawyer in Northern Virginia and some of us used his firm for wills and estate planning.  He was also the chapter’s registered agent for many years.  He liked to arrange songs for quartets and the chorus, but he never put his name on the arrangement – instead he used “N Fringer” as his signature.

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 75^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 June 11, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 11, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Singers had to cope with some bad traffic this week for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) meeting at Beth El synagogue on Seminary Road. In the end, a good crowd was present for both ensembles. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for the Harmonizers in the main hall. The front row put down their ‘number tape’ to help them with spacing on the stage in front of the risers. Metro Voices met in the sanctuary with their coachKim Newcomb.  

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the Harmonizer warmup, and Kim conducted the Metro Voices warm up. Great to have Dennis Ritchey with us for this week. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked all those who sang in the mini-chorus of AACC members on June 8 just outside The Bike Club in Old Town. The event was hosted by ACT for Alexandria – a community foundation that catalyzes change through strategic initiatives and smart philanthropy (like our successful efforts as part of spring2ACTion).  About 30 singers performed “I’m Still Standing,” “Hey Jude,” and “Why We Sing.”  Terry Reynolds and Samantha Tramack directed the chorus who sang outdoors; since Joe and Tony were gone to Portland, OR, to coach a chorus retreat over the weekend. 

 

Joe encouraged, again, that Harmonizers sign up for the personal coaching/help sessions. He has added additional timeslots to make it possible for more men to get extra help they might need.

 

He encouraged all members to attend the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper who died unexpectedly in January. The service will be Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm.  RSVPs are requested at 703-919-8795.  She was an active barbershopper before she joined Metro Voices, having sung with the Pride of Baltimore, Greater Harrisburg, Potomac Harmony, Vienna-Falls, and Scottsdale Sweet Adeline choruses. 

The June 18 chapter meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. Plan ahead for the new location.

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance for fans before we take the contest package to Cleveland – it’s a long standing chapter tradition – family, friends and patrons are welcome to attend) at Beth El. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. The Harmonizers are expected to wear their Cleveland outfit, so that it can be checked.  (Black and gray clothes, white shirt, black tie with black socks and shoes - details are on SLACK.)

Note: there will be two extra rehearsals on Thursdays, June 20, at Beth El, and June 27 at AlexRenew, in preparation for Cleveland.

Here is a preview of the AACC schedule for July, 2024: 7/2 - in Cleveland; 7/9 – no meeting; 7/16 – an education meeting at The Bike Club; 7/23 – short rehearsal for an outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – an outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

Joe took a few minutes to share a resource he had discovered in our chapter to help prepare the chorus for the competition.  One of our AACC members, Ashley Merryman, has written “Top Dog – the Science of Winning and Losing.”  It was an instant New York Times Best Seller. Joe and Samantha met with Ashley and learned many things to coach our ensembles. One of the big points was to ask one’s self – “Are you playing to succeed? Or just not to fail?“

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 24 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He invited members to share what will get them excited for the contest experience and how will they get prepared. There were great responses from the risers. One good response was “I know I have about 50 others brothers on the risers with me to do what we want to do.”

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from recent rehearsals. The Harmonizers repeated the work plan from last week - half of their time with Joe, and half of their time with Tony. Those sessions were held with bass and tenor combinations and baritone and lead combinations.

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  A large crowd made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House.

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 75^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 June 4, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 4, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles met separately at Beth El synagogue on Seminary Road this week. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for the Harmonizers in the main hall. Metro Voices met in the sanctuary.  The riser crew used the sign up system instituted recently via Slack for riser crews.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted their warm up exercise and taught the “I Will Dream of You” tag.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed Johan Westberg back to DC from his other home in Stockholm.  He has been working on his music and performance plan and will compete with the Harmonizers in Cleveland.

 

Joe provided printed schedules that members could use to request and sign up for individual help from the music team on the contest package. 

 

He encouraged all members to attend the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper who died unexpectedly in January. The service will be Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm.  RSVPs are requested at 703-919-8795.  She was an active barbershopper before she joined Metro Voices, having sung with the Pride of Baltimore, Greater Harrisburg, Potomac Harmony, Vienna-Falls, and Scottsdale Sweet Adeline choruses. 

Joe also confirmed that a group of members of AACC will sing June 8 at The Bike Club to recognize major donors to spring2ACTion. Call time is 12:30 pm, singing at 1 pm. Songs will be “Why We Sing,” Hey Jude,” and “I’m Still Standing.”

Here are calendar updates from chapter leadership:  the Tuesday, June 4 chapter meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd.; the June 11 meeting will also be at Beth El; the June 18 chapter meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. 

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance for fans before we take the contest package to Cleveland – it’s a long standing chapter tradition – family, friends and patrons are welcome to attend) at Beth El. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. 

There will be an extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 27, at AlexRenew in preparation for Cleveland.

Here is a preview of the AACC schedule for July: 7/2 - in Cleveland; 7/9 – no meeting; 7/16 – an education meeting; 7/23 – short rehearsal for an outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – an outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

There was a bandana check for the Class of 2024 – no one has had to sing “I’m a Little Teapot” so far this year!

Harmonizer uniform plans for Cleveland were reviewed – details are on SLACK.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that it was 31 days until they will be on stage in Cleveland.  He invited two Harmonizers to share how they are preparing for their appearance at the contest - Calvin Schnure andJarid Liscinsky. 

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from the retreat. The Harmonizers worked half of their time with Joe and Turner Arndt to capture the choreography changes, and half of their time with Tony to capture the musical aspects. Those sessions were held with bass and tenor combinations and baritone and lead combinations.

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, so there was a fast sing of “Keep the Whole World Singing” and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  A few folks made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House – many members still catching up after the long but successful retreat and show.

 

In other news, president Noah Van Gilder reported that Charli Sowers, widow of Harmonizer Bill Sowers, made a generous donation to the chapter of $15,000 in Bill’s memory. This donation will allow the chapter to grow its efforts to share the joy of chose harmony singing within the community. 

 

Dave Barton sent word that his wife, Miriam, died March 24.  She suffered a heart attack while in the hospital.  Dave and Miriam were long-time members of the Harmonizer family.  He was an assistant director and a member of the front row for contests during his years of active membership.  He continued his membership when he retired to Florida. A Celebration of Life for Miriam will be June 21 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral.  

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 75^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 May 31- June 2, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Retreat plus June 1 Wolf Trap Appearance 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) held its annual chorus retreat over the weekend.  The chapter has a retreat every year and this one was held locally so the ensembles could appear as a combined chorus at Wolf Trap.

The Harmonizers and Metro Voices sang on stage at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts special event ‘Joyfully Together – A Community-Powered Singing Celebration.’  Santino Fontana (a Tony award winner and Broadway star) was guest artist and emcee for the concert. 

Fourteen choral ensembles from the Washington, DC, Metro area were invited to attend and members of those groups, including AA CC, sang three songs as one-group to end the concert. Six ensembles were chosen to sing three songs on the stage to start the concert.  Coordinator of the singing groups was Dr. Eugene Rogers, artistic director of The Washington Chorus. 

AACC was one of the six ensembles invited to appear on the stage and our members were the final act to wrap up the performing ensembles. AACC was a huge hit and the audience reaction was exciting.  They sang “Defining Gravity” from Wicked with Samantha Tramack as soloist, with Tony Colosimo, arranged by Steve Tramack; “I’m Still Standing” a popular Elton John song, arranged by Melody Hine; and “Hey Jude” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with Matt Ambler as soloist, arranged by Jay Giallombardo. 

One other performing group was our friends from Alfred Street Baptist Church. John Greene, who serves on our chapter board, sang on stage with them.  Dr. Joyce Garrett was their director. She is a past recipient of a Harmonizer Community Service Award and helped AACC artistic director, Joe Cerutti, establish an annual sing-together of our choral groups.

Our singers arrived at Wolf Trap at 2 pm and assembled in their assigned meeting space back stage. There was some vocal warm up time. There was a line-up time to fit the Wolf Trap riser formation, then a sound check session. Our AACC group had food from Subway during the break waiting for the show to start at 7:30 pm.  (Thanks to Mark Oswald for taking notes from the backstage time. YeEd)

There were a good number of members, family and friends in the Wolf Trap audience. Many of them enjoyed the great weather and picnicked on the grounds in the Park.

The retreat aspect of the weekend started at AlexRenew in Alexandria Friday, May 31, from 7-10 pm. Riser crews were busy all weekend.   Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up exercise for the combined ensembles and included lots of vocal techniques.  He also included work on “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed Matthew Zagorski from 17^th Street Dance group, who joins the front row, and also welcomed Josh Meyers who will be back to sing with us for the contest. 

Joe thanked our retreat coaches and introduced them to all the members of AACC – Cy Wood, Steve Tramack andRenee Tramack. Renee worked with Metro Voices all weekend providing Private Vocal Instruction sessions for each member – offering advice for their vocal skills as a way to make better contributions to their ensemble. Steve and Cyworked individually and as a team with the Harmonizers contest package – “And the World Goes Round; and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Cy also worked with the front row who worked independently on their choreography plan for the package. 

 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, announced the Class of 2024 – a chapter tradition of celebrating new members. They will elect a chairperson, plan a skit to share with their fellow chapter members and wear their bandanas at every chapter function.  This year’s bandanas are dark blue with the AACC logo and 2024 on them. Thanks to Tyler Carpenter for producing them.

 

Members of the Class of 2024 are Mert Tramack, EJ Harold, Mark Oswald, Jimmy Miotto, William Vesilind, Ker Medero, Charley Rothermel, Jared Liscinsky, Kevin Mendez, Matthew Zagorski, Mireille Kouagou,, Ashley Merryman, Dana Richardson, Leah Musico, Marsha Ansel, Catherine LaValley, Callie Cirillo, and Hannah Nesich.

 

The ensembles worked on their own risers and for break, enjoyed ice cream treats from Jack Pitzer. Friday evening’s session ended on time and members adjourned to rest for a busy Saturday. Joe encouraged members to wear comfortable shoes for Saturday morning rehearsal session and the afternoon at Wolf Trap. 

 

Saturday’s retreat session started at 9 am at Colvin Run Elementary School that was very near Wolf Trap.  Luckily the cafeteria space included some riser steps and saved hauling risers.  Cy Shuster and Gary Cregan did bring the sound equipment for coaches and directors to use. 

 

After a good vocal and physical warm up session, the chorus sang through the three songs for Wolf Trap, then the two ensembles began more work on their contest packages. Coaches rotated to the ensembles. Front row captain Bruce Roehm and the front row worked on their own to drill the choreography.  

 

For the morning break, AACC members each were given their new t-shirt for the concert – black shirts with the AACC logo on the front and the name of the chorus on the back in white. Treasurer, Dave Welter, collected payments and Terry Reynolds and Tyler Carpenter helped pass out the shirts.  Dave Ermlick went to get the shirts from the supplier on his way to the school. Terry Reynolds and Tessa Walker had worked to get shirts sizes for all members. 

 

The Saturday morning coaching sessions ended at noon and members were free to get lunch and relax on their own with a report time of 2 pm at Wolf Trap. 

 

Sunday’s retreat session started at 9 am back at AlexRenew. Tony did warm ups again.

Joe led the celebration for the great performance of AACC at Wolf Trap.  He invited members to share comments and responses from family or others.  There were many and they brought good laughs and cheers among the singers on the risers.

 

Coaches worked during the day to move the contest packages forward.  For lunch, there was a pizza feed with sodas in the kitchen area of AlexRenew. Thanks to chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, for getting the lunch delivered and set up.  

 

In the afternoon, there were sectionals. President, Noah Van Gilder, spoke to all that there were only 33 days until the contest in Cleveland.

 

Sunday afternoon’s session ended with thanks to the coaches, after their summaries of work done and work to be done by the two ensembles.  Joe also thanked Craig Kujawa for his work as contest/retreat coordinator; Terry Reynolds for his minute-by-minute coordination of the weekend as well as recording the coaching sessions; Gary Cregan and Cy Shuster and the riser crews for equipment set up; and the members for hanging in there all weekend.

 

There were a couple bandana checks for the Class of 2024 during the weekend!  

 

As a reminder, the Tuesday night rehearsal, June 4, will be at Beth El Synagogue on Seminary Road.

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 75^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 May 28, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) was back at AlexRenew in Alexandria this week. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for each ensemble.   Always good to see members of both groups helping with the riser crew.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up exercise for the combined ensembles and included the “pizza is great; can’t believe how many pieces that I ate” round. He also included work on “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, encouraged all members to attend the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper who died unexpectedly in January. The service will be Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm.  RSVPs are requested at 703-919-8795.  She was an active barbershopper before she joined Metro Voices, having sung with the Pride of Baltimore, Greater Harrisburg, Potomac Harmony, Vienna-Falls, and Scottsdale Sweet Adeline choruses. 

Joe also confirmed that a group of members of AACC will sing June 8 at The Bike Club to recognize major donors to spring2ACTion. Call time is 12:30 pm, singing at 1 pm. Songs will be “Why We Sing,” Hey Jude,” and “I’m Still Standing.”

Here are calendar updates from chapter leadership:  the Tuesday, June 4 chapter meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd.; the June 11 meeting will also be at Beth El; the June 18 chapter meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. 

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance for fans before we take the contest package to Cleveland – it’s a long standing chapter tradition – family, friends and patrons are welcome to attend) at Beth El. 

There will be an extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 27, at AlexRenew in preparation for Cleveland.

AACC members should stay tuned to SLACK for details about the retreat weekend.  Things will get started at AlexRenew on Friday, May 31, for rehearsal and coaching from 7 pm to 10 pm. Coaches will be Steve and Renee Tramack and Cy Wood.  The retreat continues on Saturday morning, June 1, someplace TBD – likely near Wolf Trap.  The retreat wrap-up session will be Sunday, June 2, from 9 am to 4 pm at AlexRenew.  Many other details will be coming to members about meal times, social times, attire, issuing of t-shirts, parking ideas, call time for Wolf Trap performance, and more.

After the announcements, the combined ensembles worked on songs for Wolf Trap. 

Carey Fagerstrom provided  pitches as needed for the rehearsal for the full chorus. 

A brief business session for the combined chorus included a thank you message from president, Noah Van Gilder, to those members who anonymously donated funds for the angel fund. Noah invites any members who need financial help from the angel fund for travel to the Cleveland convention or for the Ireland trip to also speak to him.

Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, presented membership renewals for several members: Candence Flaherty for 2 years; Patricia Chow for 2 years; Samantha Tramack for 4 years; Mert Tramack for 10 years; and Craig Kujawafor 21 years. 

Tyler Carpenter introduced this week’s guests: Carl Parkin for his fourth visit, and Benjamin Banker for his first visit. Samantha directed the chapter welcome song. 

At this point in the evening, the two ensembles adjourned to their riser rehearsal space and worked on their music

As the evening ended, Joe invited guests and members of both ensembles to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow and then invited all singers to sing the three group songs for Wolf Trap.

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

 

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