Looking Back on the Nov. 12, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Nov. 12, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The November 12 meeting was at Beth El Synagogue. Both ensembles of AACC met in the sanctuary for warm ups – first with Maggie McAlexander and then with Tony Colosimo. He taught a great tag for all to enjoy – “lonely, so lonely, for you am I – lonely for you am I.”

Membership director Jacob Broude met with 13 AACC members who have joined since April for a new-member orientation session.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, had several important messages for the chapter. One of them was to report on the Harmony Inc. convention that was held recently – several of our Metro Voices leaders competed in other choruses and earned medals. Congrats to all. 

Meeting location for next week is back at Beth El.  Then for two weeks at AlexRenew. Then on Dec. 10, the chapter will meet at Fairlington United Methodist (which is where the holiday show will be held). Dec. 17 will be the annual Caroling in Old Town – stay tuned for details as to a holiday afterglow too.

Joe and Tony took time to prompt singers for the holiday show to prepare a uniform - particularly the Harmonizers should plan a black outfit with green or red accents. Be certain it fits well and looks good.  Metro Voices have a plan to wear what they wore last year.

Joe announced three exciting performance opportunities – stay tuned for sign up details. First: New Year’s Eve at Alexandria’s Old Town First Night Event, sing from 6-7 pm; second: Giving Tuesday at Goodwin House Alexandria, Tuesday Dec. 3, before chapter meeting – from 5-6 pm; third: Sunday, Dec. 8, sing from 1-3 pm for Military Blue Star group in Falls Church. 

Finally, Joe took a few extra minutes to review the great tally of highlights for AACC for 2024 such as singing at BHS midwinter, at Wolf Trap, at Lake George for the BHS Northeast District, in competition in Cleveland for BHS chorus contest; plus quartet success from our chapter, and formation of Capital Force.  Other presenters will share other highlights at upcoming meetings. 

Catherine LaValley repeated her plea to members to sell show tickets for the two holiday performances on Sat. Dec, 14 at 6 pm or on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 pm, both at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street in Alexandria.  Tickets are just $20. Friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family will enjoy these shows; and reminders from chorus members are likely the only way those customers will know about the shows.  

She also asked members to wear holiday sweaters next Tuesday for a photo session to use in show promotion.

Jacob Broude welcomed two guests this week – Nerissa Yiu for Metro Voices, and Alex Edwards who has moved here for work, having sung with the Vocal Majority, for the Harmonizers. Terry Reynolds directed the “Welcome Song.” 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show songs. It is going to be a terrific show!

Joe had the combined chorus sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as a closing song this week. 

 

Until next time – editorjack! 

 

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record 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 Nov. 5, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 

Looking Back on the Nov. 5, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5, was at Heritage Presbyterian Church near Mount Vernon. Thanks to chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, for finding a meeting space was not being used as a voting place. Meetings the next two weeks will be at Beth El Synagogue. 

The singers started the meeting in the sanctuary with Tony Colosimo leading the warm up session for this week, then he passed the mic to AACC artistic director, Joe Cerutti, who thanked all those who had taken a break from the news broadcasts and had come to sing for a couple hours. 

Catherine LaValley made an important plea to members to sell show tickets for the two holiday performances on Sat. Dec, 14 at 6 pm or on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 pm, both at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street in Alexandria.  Tickets are just $20. Friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family will enjoy these shows; and reminders from chorus members are likely the only way those customers will know about the shows. 

 

Cy Shuster will collect orders for raffle tickets for the Alfred Street campaign to raise youth scholarship monies. 

Mark Klostermeyer introduced guest Tanner Perdue who has moved to the area and formerly sang with the Heralds of Harmony in FL.  It had been great to have Johan Westburg singing with us recently while he was in town. Terry Reynolds directed the “Welcome Song.” 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show songs. 

Alan Wile reports that Walt Page is making progress in his recovery from health issues and might be back next week.  Joe won the 50/50 for the second week in a row! The afterglow was at 815 Southside on Washington Street this week.  Samantha Tramack directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” to end the evening. 

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 Oct. 29, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Oct. 29, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29 was back at AlexRenew.   Again there were a couple other events this past week to report including a paid show on Sunday, Oct. 27; and a fun tag singing event on Saturday, Oct. 26.

About 50 members of the AACC traveled individually to Gaithersburg, MD, to perform at Asbury Methodist Village, a large gated retirement community that the Harmonizers had visited before (most recently 2017 or 2018). The performance was part of a series of arts performances organized as a fundraiser (via ticket sales and other donations) by the Asbury Methodist Foundation. One of many stated goals by the Foundation’s representatives and literature was to provide ‘benevolent care’ for long-time members of the community who have lived longer than their resources (and ability to afford the costs associated with living there). At the end, the organizers announced that $85,000 had been raised.

 

About a dozen members of Metro Voices and 35 Harmonizers combined to sing “Hey Jude,” “Defying Gravity,” and “I’m Still Standing,” in addition to 3-5 songs each from their respective repertoires.  Director Joe Cerutti (pronounced keh-RUT-ee by the MC) said the Harmonizers sounded fantastic and that he would take this group to any show/contest. In addition, BETTER TOGETHER (Tony and Elizabeth Colosimo, Andrew and Heather Havens) performed a 25-minute set before the intermission that was very well received by the audience of about 300, many of whom offered a standing ovation and raved about the show as performers mingled with them in the audience afterward.

 

Former Harmonizer, Hal Gaut, is a resident of the community and attended in a Harmonizer red and black polo shirt of years past and reminisced with old and new members of the chorus following the performance. His son, Biff, also a former Harmonizer, was there to mix with chapter friends.

 

Tony Colosimo  and Matt Ambler did solos for the show.  Doug White produced the show and the Harmo-truck was driven by Scott Beach.  (Thanks to Craig Kujawa for preparing the report for this show.) 

The first-ever MAD Tags event was held Saturday, October 26  at Honey’s Harvest Farm in Lothian, MD.  It was hosted by Harmonizers Bob Bates and David Wilt with help from coordinators Joe Cerutti, Elizabeth Colosimo, and Steve White.  

There were 10 skilled TagMasters on hand to teach including our own David Breen, Lance Fisher, Tony Colosimo, and Chuck Hunter.  Over 45 enthusiastic men and women taggers from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York attended this very fun event plus some wives and numerous children.  Some TagMasters even came from as far as Florida and North Carolina.  

A food truck was onsite and served delicious Mexican-style food.  There were lots of places to sing inside the beautifully renovated farmhouse and activities barn, and outside on the porch, lawn, and by the toasty firepit. 

 

The event ran from 3:00 in the afternoon until very late into the early morning hours.  Some stayed over and others headed home.  It was great to see some long-distance guys including Will Cox, Craig Odell, Mike Geipel, and Mikee Fasano along with many other Harmonizers and former members including Biff Gaut.  Unfortunately, David Wilt could not make it up from Florida due to some hurricane damage to his home.  A second annual MAD Tags is planned for next year in the same location in October.  There is room for 100 people so plan to join us. (Thanks to Steve White for this report of the fun tag event.)

At the Tuesday, Oct. 29, meeting, Tony Colosimo did the warm up session for this week then passed the mic to AACCartistic director, Joe Cerutti, who thanked all those who sang for the Asbury  MD show and for all those who organized and attended the MAD TAG sing. Both events were a great success. 

Next week’s meeting (on election night) will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church near Mount Vernon, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria 22308. Thanks to chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, for finding a meeting space that will be open and not being used as a voting place. Meetings the next two weeks will be at Beth El Synagogue. 

Cy Shuster will collect orders for raffle tickets for the Alfred Street campaign to raise youth scholarship monies. 

Executive director, Stan Quick, hosted the chapter meeting.  Mark Klostermeyer introduced guest Tanner Perduewho has moved to the area and formerly sang with the Heralds of Harmony in FL.  Tony Colosimo directed the “Welcome Song.” 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show songs. 

Samantha Tramack directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” to end the evening. 

In other news, YeEd heard from chapter member, Bob Wilson, who lives in the Richmond area. reporting that a group of singers from the Virginians also sang for an Honor Flight sendoff recently.  

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 Oct. 22, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Oct. 22, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22  was back at AlexRenew.   There were also three special chapter events this past week – all reported here: men’s fellowship with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s choir, sing for an Honor Flight of Veterans at National Airport; and a second Capital Force meeting.

Artistic director of AACC, Joe Cerutti, was pleased with the turn out and good singing at the Alfred Street Baptist Men’s Choir fellowship event on Wed. Oct. 16.  Traffic was a bear that night but a good representation made it in time to sing. Alfred Street Men’s Gospel choir of about 30 men sang first, directed by Melvin Bryandt, Jr. He has been a part of this event since it was begun years ago. The Alfred Street folks invited another great men’s gospel choir to join in the fellowship this year from First Baptist in Glenarden, MD. They brought about 40 singers and were directed by Mike McCoy. Both Melvin and Mike accompanied their choirs on piano.

The directors had a lot of fun teasing each other during the evening and dubbed Joe – Awesome Joe Cerutti. He shared how the sing-together got started. Over 40 Harmonizers made it to downtown Alexandria to sing.

Each ensemble sang two songs and then taught all the others a third song.  The Harmonizers sang “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” with Tony Colosimo doing the solo spot, and “Calling Dreams.” Joe taught the group “Keep The Whole World Singing” in the spirit of this kind of fellowship.

After the great singing, the Alfred Street folks invited everyone to their fellowship hall for a great spread of fried chicken, meat balls, desserts and veggies. Great to see all the singers visiting and talking with guys from the other groups.  Each choir wore a different shirt (our guys wore their AACC t-shirt) so it was easy to spot the fellowship in action!

On Saturday, October 19, a group of Alexandria Harmonizers (28 strong!) made their way to Gate 38 at Reagan National Airport to welcome American veterans from Newburgh, NY, to our nation’s capital. Minor challenges with parking, metro, and authorization lists meant that the Harmonizers exercised “just in time” singing, arriving in time to meet the first to deplane. (Thanks to the use of SLACK, many members got tips how to get there on time even with traffic and parking issues.)

 The Honor Flight organization brings veterans to Washington to tour the monuments to their service and receive recognition for their uniformed service from a grateful nation. The veterans are invited by their local organizations and provided a day in Washington to be recognized and saluted. The day begins with a chartered American Airlines flight (a co-production of American Airlines and travelers who donate their frequent flyer miles to make the flights possible) from their home location directly to Reagan National. The flights are met by musicians (e.g. the Harmonizers), local business, families, and other groups. An announcement is made in the terminal inviting those travelers nearby to come to the gate and cheer the arrival of these veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam as they deplane for their day in DC.

The Harmonizers entertained the deplaning veterans with the “Armed Forces Medley” and “God Bless America.” Many veterans were seen singing along as they recognized their service songs. A few of the Harmonizers choked up as they recognized the vets from conflicts where their own family members had served.

Taken by bus to the Mall, the veterans visited many of the memorials and other locations before they came back to the airport for return flights at the end of the day. Upon arrival at their home airport, they also received cheering crowds to welcome them back home.

It has been some time since the Harmonizers have sung for an Honor Flight, so this was a heart-warming return to service to this community. (Years ago, we sang a similar gig when Bob Wachter was coordinator and we welcomed his barbershop friend and BHS icon, Jim Miller, long-time director of the Louisville Thoroughbreds Chorus.) 

With Terry Reynolds providing adept direction, the current singers were repeatedly applauded by veterans and passers-by for the quality of our music. Now that the Harmonizers have renewed their acquaintance with this important local observance, we can look forward to additional opportunities to perform for these arrivals in spring 2025. (Thanks to E J Herold for this report about the Honor Flight.)

The second meeting of Capital Force youth chorus was held on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Fairview Presbyterian Church from 2:30-4:30 pm. There were a dozen youth singers present and a few parents. AACC team members on hand to coordinate and lead the singing were Sheryl Berlin, Elisabeth Cosh, and Tessa Walker.  The youth chorus has almost completely learned one song and the energy is great as the group builds for their first season.

The AACC weekly meeting on Oct. 22 was a busy one with both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices working on songs for the holiday show coming up in December. Tony Colosimo did the warm up session for the combined ensembles.  He taught them a fun new round exercise.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked everyone for supporting the special events and invited comments from members. He asked for more guys to sign up for the Asbury Methodist Village show, Sunday, Oct. 27, 201 Russell Ave. in Gaithersburg. He particularly invited new members to come sing as many songs as they know. Riser crew is due at 11 am. Harmonizers call time is 12 noon.  Metro Voices call time is 12:40 pm.  Show is at 3 pm and ends at 4:50 pm

He also encouraged participation in the chapter’s MAD TAGS event set for Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 3 pm and ending when the tag singers fade! It will be at Honey’s Harvest Farm in Lothian MD. There will be a food truck.  Cost is $35 per person. Organizers of this fun singing event include Bob Bates, David Wilt, David Breen, Steve White, andTony and Elizabeth Colosimo. It is also possible to get a room at the event. 

Next week’s meeting will be at AlexRenew. Note a new location for the Tues., Nov. 5 meeting (election night) – the meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church near Mount Vernon, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria 22308.

Singing started after all these announcements with work on “Gloria.” 

Executive director, Stan Quick, hosted the chapter meeting.  Membership director, Jacob Broude, announced that Davie Breen’s mom is in the hospital in Ohio.   Jacob gave name tags to the two newest members Josh Berenhaus and Rob Santine. Doug White was back with us this week too. Maggie McAlexander directed the “Welcome Song.” 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show songs. 

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, conducted the Alexandria BHS Chapter’s annual meeting with  one item on the agenda: to elect the 2025 Chapter Board of Directors. The slate, as selected by the nominating committee, was elected by unanimous vote. The new board members are

• President: Craig Kujawa
• Vice President: Ashley Merryman
• Secretary: Cy Shuster
• Treasurer: Terry Reynolds
• Member at large: Carolyn Griffin
• Member at large: Mary Cooper
• Member at large: Michael Berkson
• Member at large: Betsy Mullins
• Member at large: Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter
• 
  

Noah was thanked for his terms of service and appreciation was expressed for those members leaving the board – Dave Kohls and Charlyne Miller. The nominating committee chair was Bruce Roehm with Charley Rothermel, Sheryl Berlin, Ashley Merryman, and Terry Reynolds. 

Reed Livergood directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” to end the evening. 

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 Oct. 15, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Oct. 15, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15  was at Beth El Synagogue.   Music team member, Maggie McAlexander, led the warm up sessions for the combined chorus of the Harmonizers and Metro Voices. She used a couple of fun exercises to get her points across and prepare the singers for their rehearsal.

Artistic director of AACC, Joe Cerutti, encouraged participation in the chapter’s MAD TAGS  set for Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 3 pm and ending when the tag singers fade! It will be at Honey’s Harvest Farm in Lothian MD. There will be a food truck.  Cost is $35 per person. Organizers of this fun singing event include Bob Bates, David Wilt, David Breen, Steve White, and Tony and Elizabeth Colosimo. It is also possible to get a room at the event. 

Joe also was proud to welcome Harmonizers to sing for the Honors Flight on Saturday that will honor World War II veterans. Sign up details can be gotten from Terry Reynolds. Songs for that appearance were rehearsed after this week’s meeting. Harmonizers performing at Reagan National Airport for Honor Flights on Oct. 19 will only need to provide their full name and date of birth beforehand to get through security that morning. We will sing “Armed Forces Medley” and ‘God Bless America” and sheet music will be available for those who need to use it.

Joe shared his excitement for another men’s fellowship for the Harmonizers with Alfred Street Men’s Choir from Alfred Street Baptist.  The gathering will be at their church Wed, Oct. 16^. They are great hosts and offer refreshments after the singing.  Both groups will sing two songs the Harmonizers will sing “Calling Dreams” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” and we will teach them “Keep the Whole World Singing.” 

Next week’s meeting will be at AlexRenew. 

Joe surprised longtime chapter fan and volunteer when he presented a new AACC name tag to Ellen Dellert.

Singing started after all these announcements with “duetting” on “Gloria”  for a while, then all singers combined to do the song. Joe worked with the basses and baritones and Tony Colosimo worked with the leads and tenors.

Mark Klostermeyer filled in for membership director, Jacob Broude, and welcomed guests: Josh Berenhaus. Rob Santine, Nerissa Yui, Ellie McCall, and Kim Newcomb. Samantha Tramack directed the “Welcome Song” for guests. Ken Ives was back to visit too. 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show repertoire songs. 

A REMINDER FOR ALL  MEMBERS: The Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society has rescheduled its annual meeting for Tuesday, October 22, as part of our Tuesday night rehearsal. Rehearsal will begin at 7pm.There will be one item on the agenda: to elect the 2025 Chapter Board of Directors. The slate, as selected by the nominating committee and accepted by the president, is as follows:

• President: Craig Kujawa
• Vice President: Ashley Merryman
• Secretary: Cy Shuster
• Treasurer: Terry Reynolds
• Member at large: Carolyn Griffin
• Member at large: Mary Cooper
• Member at large: Michael Berkson
• Member at large: Betsy Mullins
• Member at large: Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter

I encourage all members, whether currently active with the choruses or not, to attend in person to help ensure the presence of a quorum. Noah Van Gilder, President, Alexandria A Cappella Collective (Alexandria Chapter, BHS)

Alan Wile held the 50/50 drawing (Joe actually won this time). Alan also reported on the health condition of Walt Page who normally helps with the drawing but has been missing for a few weeks. 

Kim Newcomb directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

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 Oct. 8, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Launch of Capital Force

 Looking Back on the Oct. 8, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Launch of Capital Force   

The latest milestone event for the Alexandria Chapter was the launch of Capital Force – a youth chorus for students in grades 9-12.  The launch was on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street in Alexandria, from 2:30-4:30 pm.

There were 13 youth singers who attended the launch event. Some of them were accompanied by their parents. 

A team from the AACC musical leadership was on hand to manage the event. Tessa Walker is the main director for this ensemble. She was aided by Susan Fitzpatrick, Sheryl Berlin, Samantha Tramack, Maggie McAlexander, David Breen and Julien LeFlore.

The afternoon session started with welcoming and issuing of name tags, then warm up exercises for physical, mental and vocal. There were light refreshments for students and parents too. A quartet with David, Julian, Maggie andSamantha sang for the students. The music team helped Tessa with vocal placements and icebreaker activities. 

All singers were given sheet music for “You Can’t Stop the Sun” and “It’s You I Like.”  The singers worked in sectionals with Maggie for tenors, Tessa with leads, Samantha with baritones and Julian with basses. At the end of the rehearsal, Capital Force sang parts of both songs.  The sound was great and the students, and parents too, were all excited! 

The next session for Capital Force will be Sunday, Oct. 20^th, 2:30-4:30 at Fairlington Presbyterian.

There was a previous version of Capital Force as a youth chorus in Alexandria, beginning in 2010 as best as Alan Wilecan recall.  Tony Colosimo was the organizer and director. Administrator was Patrick Kim. Members were 30 years old or younger (Joe was a singer as was Kellen Hertz from the main chapter, and Alan’s 11-year-old grandson, Thomas Miller.). The youth chorus competed at the BHS midwinter conventions for evaluation only at Las Vegas in 2011, and at Orlando in 2013.

The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8  was at AlexRenew.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, led the warm up sessions for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices ensembles. He used a new vocal exercise for this warm up session.  He welcomed Chuck Miller back to the meeting after she and her husband have returned to the DC area following a health scare; Jack Pitzer also back after a recent stroke; and former active members Rich Payton and Jimmy Miotto.

Joe also acknowledged the successful 2024 launch of Capital Force with kudos to Tessa Walker, their director. He also expressed his appreciation to those who sang and coordinated the recent appearance of the chorus at Art on the Avenue.

He was excited to announced a harmony fellowship event, MAD TAGS, set for Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 3 pm and ending when the tag singers fade! It will be at Honey’s Harvest Farm in Lothian MD. There will be a food truck.  Cost is $35 per person. Organizers of this fun singing event include Bob Bates, David Wilt, David Breen, Steve White, andTony and Elizabeth Colosimo. It is also possible to get a room at the event. 

Before announcements, the two ensembles met separately, they worked in sectionals on “Gloria” for the holiday show list, then came together to sing it.

 The following announcements and reminders were made by chapter leaders:

Next week's rehearsal on Oct. 15 will be at Beth El Synagogue.

Terry Reynolds encouraged members to sign up to sing for the Honors Flight performance. Songs for that appearance were rehearsed after this week’s meeting. Harmonizers performing at Reagan National Airport for Honor Flights on Oct. 19 will only need to provide their full name and date of birth beforehand to get through security that morning. We will sing “Armed Forces Medley” and ‘God Bless America” and sheet music will be available for those who need to use it. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed new AACC member, Katie Raimonde to Metro Voices!

Returning guests were Josh Berenhaus and Rob Santine. First-time guests were Dan, Caleb and Lewis Jacobson (Dad is Dan), and Nerissa Yui.  Terry Reynolds directed the “Welcome Song” for guests.

After the business session, Joe shared his excitement for another men’s fellowship for the Harmonizers with Alfred Street Men’s Choir from Alfred Street Baptist.  The gathering will be at their church next Wed, Oct. 16  (Joe says if you can only make it to one event next week, come to the church). They are great hosts and offer refreshments after the singing.  Both groups will sing two songs the Harmonizers will sing “Calling Dreams” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” and we will teach them “Keep the Whole World Singing.” 

For the rest of the evening, both ensembles worked on the holiday show repertoire songs. 

A REMINDER FOR ALL  MEMBERS: The Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 15, as part of our Tuesday night rehearsal. Rehearsal will begin at 7pm.There will be one item on the agenda: to elect the 2025 Chapter Board of Directors. The slate, as selected by the nominating committee and accepted by the president, is as follows:

• President: Craig Kujawa
• Vice President: Ashley Merryman
• Secretary: Cy Shuster
• Treasurer: Terry Reynolds
• Member at large: Carolyn Griffin
• Member at large: Mary Cooper
• Member at large: Michael Berkson
• Member at large: Betsy Mullins
• Member at large: Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter
• 
  

I encourage all members, whether currently active with the choruses or not, to attend in person to help ensure the presence of a quorum. (Besides, we miss you and we’d love to see you.) Noah Van Gilder
President, Alexandria A Cappella Collective (Alexandria Chapter, BHS)

In other news, the AACC ensembles sang at Art on the Avenue, Sat, Oct. 5, the annual multicultural arts festival on Mount Vernon Avenue in the historic Del Ray neighborhood. A large crowd enjoying the beautiful weather and variety of events stopped by to listen to Metro Voices, the Harmonizers and the combined AACC chorus.

 

E.J. Herold, Chad Ross and an ample crew of volunteers had the risers unloaded by 2:05 when Maggie McAlexandercalled singers for warm up in the gymnasium of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. 

Several members travelled by metro and shuttle; others Uber and a few by bicycle. Many had a good walk after parking some distance away. After warm-up, the choruses separated for final touches while the riser crew moved the risers to the stage and set them up immediately following the departure of the previous group. 

Metro Voices sang “Happy Together,” “On the Wayside,” “Sing/Swing” and “After You Who” under the direction of Samantha Tramack and Maggie McAlexander. Harmonizers sang “Rockin’ the Boat,” “World Goes Round,” “Calling Dreams” and “New York New York” under the direction of Terry Reynolds.  AACC combined sang “I’m Still Standing,” “Hey Jude” and “Why We Sing.” Thanks to Matt Ambler and Rick Savage for solos. 

As program announcer, Terry Reynolds introduced the songs and plugged the startup of the youth chorus and plans for a seniors chorus.  General manager, Susan Fitzgerald, was on hand to greet visitors and provide more information about joining the chorus, upcoming shows or other ways to support AACC. After the performance, several AACC members engaged with guests while others broke down the risers and loaded the truck. (Thanks to Don Harrington for this report from Arts on the Avenue.)

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 Oct. 1, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

Looking Back on the Oct. 1, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting  

(Thanks to Ashley Merryman, Mark Oswald and Bruce Roehm for taking notes this week since YeEd was recovering from a stroke on Sept. 25^th.  Thankfully it was mild and no serious results!!)

 The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 2  was at AlexRenew.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti,led the warm up sessions for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices ensembles.

 The following announcements and reminders were made by chapter leaders:

Both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices will be singing at Art on the Avenue, Saturday, Oct. 5. Call time is 2 pm inside the Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria. Performance starts at 3 pm. Uniform is AACC t-shirts.

Next week's rehearsal on Oct. 8 will also be at AlexRenew.

Harmonizers performing at Reagan National Airport for Honor Flights on Oct. 19 will only need to provide their full name and date of birth beforehand to get through security that morning.

The first holiday and combined song everyone rehearsed was “Gloria,” with some members of both ensembles trying out different voice parts.

 The chapter business session was conducted by Stan Quick:

In addition to Art on the Avenue this weekend, we have committed to doing the Asbury Methodist Village performance on Oct. 27. However, both gigs currently have only a minimum number of singers signed up to attend, so if any of the "maybes" or anyone who has not RSVP'd to either event can make either one, please update your plan on Groupanizer *and* let Terry Reynolds know ASAP (especially for this Saturday's performance).

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed new AACC members, Annie Ermlick to Metro Voices, and Suranjan Sen to the Harmonizers!

Returning guests were Josh Berenhaus, Katie Rainmode, and Rob Santine. First-time guests were Daniel Egger andJacqueline Burke.  Maggie McAlexandrer directed the “Welcome Song” for guests.

After the business session, the Harmonizers started rehearsing some of our returning holiday music from last year, “Let it Snow” and “Deck the Halls.” During this time, Calvin Schnure led sectionals for each voice part on the new Hebrew song, “El Yivneh Hagalil.” Then we spent some time working on “Here Comes Santa Claus” and finished the evening with all parts together on “El Yivneh.”

Metro Voices began their rehearsal with a discussion about the fall show, giving particular kudos to show producer, Catherine LaValley!  Maggie directed their rehearsal which included work on their new audition song, “It’s the Magic that Brings Us Together.”  They concluded their work session with holiday music also. 

After the 50-50 drawing, the combined ensembles sang “Keep the Whole World Singing” directd by Ike Evans.

AACC members did well at the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest in York, PA, Sept. 27-28. The quartet contest was won by SECRET BEST FRIENDS with former member, Will Daniel Simmons, as bass. Second place was won by PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen (they sang an original parody by Lance for the finals). Third place was won by BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth and Tony Colosimo, and Heather and Andrew Havens.  

 

Rick Taylor sang with LEGACY; former member Spencer Wight sang with MADHATTAN; Scott Beach and Mike Geipel sang with MENTAL NOTE.

 

PARKSIDE HARMONY won the chorus contest.  Mike Wallen directed The Virginians chorus. 

 

The judging panel included Joe Cerutti, Steve and Renee Tramack.  Tyler Carpenter was a candidate judge at the contest too. 

 

And a huge congratulations to Tony Colosimo who was inducted into the M-AD Hall of Honor at the convention.  

 

Plus congratulations to Dennis Ritchey who retired as events coordinator after years of service in that position at M-AD contests and conventions.  His replacement is fellow chapter member, Ken Rub.

ALL MEMBERS NOTE: The Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 15, as part or our Tuesday night rehearsal. Rehearsal will begin at 7pm.There will be one item on the agenda: to elect the 2025 Chapter Board of Directors. The slate, as selected by the nominating committee and accepted by the president, is as follows:

• President: Craig Kujawa
• Vice President: Ashley Merryman
• Secretary: Cy Shuster
• Treasurer: Terry Reynolds
• Member at large: Carolyn Griffin
• Member at large: Mary Cooper
• Member at large: Michael Berkson
• Member at large: Betsy Mullins
• Member at large: Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter

I encourage all members, whether currently active with the choruses or not, to attend in person to help ensure the presence of a quorum. (Besides, we miss you and we’d love to see you.) Noah Van Gilder
President, Alexandria A Cappella Collective (Alexandria Chapter, BHS)

 

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 Oct. 1, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting  

(Thanks to Ashley Merryman, Mark Oswald and Bruce Roehm for taking notes this week since YeEd was recovering from a stroke on Sept. 25^th.  Thankfully it was mild and no serious results!!)

 The Alexandria A Capella Collective meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 2  was at AlexRenew.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti,led the warm up sessions for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices ensembles.

 The following announcements and reminders were made by chapter leaders:

Both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices will be singing at Art on the Avenue, Saturday, Oct. 5. Call time is 2 pm inside the Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria. Performance starts at 3 pm. Uniform is AACC t-shirts.

Next week's rehearsal on Oct. 8 will also be at AlexRenew.

Harmonizers performing at Reagan National Airport for Honor Flights on Oct. 19 will only need to provide their full name and date of birth beforehand to get through security that morning.

The first holiday and combined song everyone rehearsed was “Gloria,” with some members of both ensembles trying out different voice parts.

 The chapter business session was conducted by Stan Quick:

In addition to Art on the Avenue this weekend, we have committed to doing the Asbury Methodist Village performance on Oct. 27. However, both gigs currently have only a minimum number of singers signed up to attend, so if any of the "maybes" or anyone who has not RSVP'd to either event can make either one, please update your plan on Groupanizer *and* let Terry Reynolds know ASAP (especially for this Saturday's performance).

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed new AACC members, Annie Ermlick to Metro Voices, and Suranjan Sen to the Harmonizers!

Returning guests were Josh Berenhaus, Katie Rainmode, and Rob Santine. First-time guests were Daniel Egger andJacqueline Burke.  Maggie McAlexandrer directed the “Welcome Song” for guests.

After the business session, the Harmonizers started rehearsing some of our returning holiday music from last year, “Let it Snow” and “Deck the Halls.” During this time, Calvin Schnure led sectionals for each voice part on the new Hebrew song, “El Yivneh Hagalil.” Then we spent some time working on “Here Comes Santa Claus” and finished the evening with all parts together on “El Yivneh.”

Metro Voices began their rehearsal with a discussion about the fall show, giving particular kudos to show producer, Catherine LaValley!  Maggie directed their rehearsal which included work on their new audition song, “It’s the Magic that Brings Us Together.”  They concluded their work session with holiday music also. 

After the 50-50 drawing, the combined ensembles sang “Keep the Whole World Singing” directd by Ike Evans.

AACC members did well at the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest in York, PA, Sept. 27-28. The quartet contest was won by SECRET BEST FRIENDS with former member, Will Daniel Simmons, as bass. Second place was won by PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen (they sang an original parody by Lance for the finals). Third place was won by BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth and Tony Colosimo, and Heather and Andrew Havens.  

 

Rick Taylor sang with LEGACY; former member Spencer Wight sang with MADHATTAN; Scott Beach and Mike Geipel sang with MENTAL NOTE.

 

PARKSIDE HARMONY won the chorus contest.  Mike Wallen directed The Virginians chorus. 

 

The judging panel included Joe Cerutti, Steve and Renee Tramack.  Tyler Carpenter was a candidate judge at the contest too. 

 

And a huge congratulations to Tony Colosimo who was inducted into the M-AD Hall of Honor at the convention.  

 

Plus congratulations to Dennis Ritchey who retired as events coordinator after years of service in that position at M-AD contests and conventions.  His replacement is fellow chapter member, Ken Rub.

ALL MEMBERS NOTE: The Alexandria Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 15, as part or our Tuesday night rehearsal. Rehearsal will begin at 7pm.There will be one item on the agenda: to elect the 2025 Chapter Board of Directors. The slate, as selected by the nominating committee and accepted by the president, is as follows:

• President: Craig Kujawa
• Vice President: Ashley Merryman
• Secretary: Cy Shuster
• Treasurer: Terry Reynolds
• Member at large: Carolyn Griffin
• Member at large: Mary Cooper
• Member at large: Michael Berkson
• Member at large: Betsy Mullins
• Member at large: Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter

I encourage all members, whether currently active with the choruses or not, to attend in person to help ensure the presence of a quorum. (Besides, we miss you and we’d love to see you.) Noah Van Gilder
President, Alexandria A Cappella Collective (Alexandria Chapter, BHS)

 

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.