Looking Back on the March 4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

 Looking Back on the March 4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

The March 4 meeting at AlexRenew was a busy one for the two active AACC ensembles. 

Artistic director. Joe Cerutti, was coaching in Hawaii, so music team admin, Terry Reynolds, got each ensemble started with Samantha Tramack doing warm ups for Metro Voices and Maggie McAlexander doing warm ups for the Harmonizers.  Samantha stayed “up front” with her chorus and associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, made it in just after 7 pm after directing the band at his school to fill in for a work colleague in the music department.  Both ensembles worked on their contest music.

Terry made these announcements about AACC schedule and events: first - the Gala on March 1 was a great success and he thanked development director, Ken Rub, for his efforts to make it all go well. Second – interviews will be done this weekend. Third – stay tuned for sign-ups to sing on the Honors Flights events April 19 and 26 (baritones are needed for these appearances. Fourth – the next two week’s meetings will be at Beth El and likely last until 10 pm to add additional rehearsal time. A riser crew is needed for those two weeks. Fifth -  the third week will be at AlexRenew and will be an education night where the evening will be divided into presentations for anyone to attend and then switch to another topic. Sixth – the major youth sing with DC Public School will be Friday, March 7.  A riser crew is needed on Thursday night.  Donations are still accepted for snacks and water – get to Mark Oswald or Randy Lazear.  All members are encouraged to come to the free wrap up concert on Friday at 4 pm at UDC to support the youth.  Tessa Walker will be dean of the event. Seventh – Becca Williams spoke with both ensembles about attire for the contests in Towson. Eighth – secretary Heidi Suckow has published an important reminder to all members that any singer on the contest stage must be paid up on their BHS dues, and must have a convention registration.

Anne Ermlick provided the following report from Metro Voices: At last night’s Metro Voices rehearsal, director Samantha. and her leadership team, explored key techniques from last week’s coaching session with Peter Cunningham. Members made personal recordings of the audition song and a fresh arrangement of "Somewhere" from West Side Story, led by assistant director, Maggie. 

Following a period of sectionals, the chorus worked on three technical skills—legato, timbre, and pitch accuracy—through targeted exercises. As they transitioned between the skills sessions, each group built upon the previous skills, fostering a deeper understanding of musicality. Moreover, the emphasis on peer feedback and personal reflection culminated in a collective spirit of growth and pride. 

In another room of AlexRenew, Tony was in charge of the rehearsal for the Harmonizers and began with work on “World Goes Round.” The ensemble next worked on “Toyland.” Zak Sandler continued a discussion of emotions and how to show them as relates to “Toyland.”  That work will continue each week. 

Then there was a major section of the rehearsal time used for “Come Follow The Band, ” followed by work on “What a Wonderful World.”

These rehearsals lasted until about 9:30 pm, then Stan Quick, chapter executive director, invited the two ensembles to regroup for final business items: Ken Rub had “’left overs” from the Gala bar operation for nominal prices near the elevators; Maggie reminded everyone to submit their audition tape for the cabaret that will be on Wednesday, April 9, as part of the celebration following the spring2ACTion fundraiser event (she asked for help in finding a venue for that event); members and guests should consider coming to cheer for the DCPS concert. 

Jacob Broude, membership director, announced the newest chapter member, Brigham Blackhurst.  Welcome aboard! There were ten returning guests this week: Patrick Horne, Leah Bernstein, Randy Althaus, Holly Perdue, Shira Perlmutter, Maumen Alsheahk, AJ Gupta, Daniel Huitt, Jackson Byrd and Heather Huish.  Terry Reynoldsdirected the “Welcome Song.”

The evening ended with “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the closing number. There was no official afterglow this week.  Singer noted the new stand for the director to use thanks to operations director, Gary Cregan!  

It’s been a while since the chapter has had so many quartets with current or former members or family members from the chapter. Here is the lineup for quartets singing at the Southern Division/International Prelims contests in Towson, MD, at the University’s Kaplan Concert Hall (8000 York Rd.), March 21-22. The bold faced names are affiliated with AACC. 

 

Singing Order:

Fri night mic tester – SURPRISINGLY COMPETENT with Jim Lake

Singing second – MENTAL NOTE with Scott Beach and Mike Geipel

Singing third – BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth Colosimo, Heather Havens, Tony Colosimo, and Andrew Havens

Singing fifth – BELTWAY with Rob Santine, Suranjan Sen, Josh Myers, and Ryan Mextorf

Singing sixth – THE ELDERLY BROTHERS with Mike Wallen

Singing eighth – INSTAGRAMPS with Rick Taylor, Jay Butterfield and Steve White

Singing tenth – HARMOHAUS with John Sifuentes, Lance Fisher. Kevin Mendez, and David Breen

Singing thirteenth – FANTASTIC 4 with Chris Susalka and  Heidi Brown, daughter of Anne Ermlick

Singing fifteenth – FIRST TAKE with Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens

Singing nineteenth – HEART AND SOUL  with Bob Mattes

Singing twenty third – SUPERNOVA with Tessa Walker and Maggie McAlexander

 

We will also have some quartets singing in the Northern Division/International prelims contest  April 25-26 in New Jersey including LEGACY with Rick Taylor; GQ with Samantha Tramack; and PRATT STREET POWER with Ed Schubel. 

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 March 1, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Gala

Looking Back on the March 1, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Gala 

 

Over 80 members and friends of the Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter enjoyed the wonderful second annual Gala event on Saturday evening, March 1.  The major fund raiser was held at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. Kudos to chapter development director, Ken Rub, who was the lead in making the event a huge success that was fun for all. Theme for the evening was ‘Emerald Affair – a wickedly Irish Gala.’  Attendees carried out the spirit and wore a great array of green and Irish attire! Table decorations created by Cathy Kauffmann added to the theme.

Special keynote speaker for the evening, was Dr. Jim Henry, a Harmonizer coach and chapter friend from St. Louis, MO, where he is director of the Ambassadors of Harmony chorus.  During his encouraging remarks about the character of the AACC chapter, he shared a message from chapter artistic director, Joe Cerutti, who was on travel and not able to attend. Jim thanked the chapter for inviting he and his wife to attend. They enjoyed some days as tourists in the DC Metro area. Jim also shared fond memories of past exchanges with the Ambassadors and the Harmonizers; and he spoke about the important history of the chapter  as part of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 75 years. 

Special thanks go to caterer, Joan Wolford of Savoir Fare Limited, for the fantastic dinner with great service, yummy family-style main dishes and desserts, and a creative hors d’oeuvres table. The generous bar was also available all evening beginning with the opening period when attendees could make additional bids on the many terrific silent auction items.  Bidding had begun online days in advance of the Gala. 

Randall Eliason was chair of the silent auction that raised major funds for the chapter.  The rest of his team included Mary Cooper, Callie Warren and Hannah Nesich with assistance from chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick. The auction items were displayed on decorated tables in the reception area.  

During the reception period, there was great Irish music and dancing provided by the Corkers, Bobby Seay and his sister Michaela Seay.  They are offspring of the famous Seay barbershop family in the Baltimore area. 

There was a live auction item for the evening – a basket of liquors donated by the musical directors of the three ensembles in AACC. Jim Henry offered the auction item after dinner and Frank Shipp emerged as high bidder for the basket from the many competing bidders.  Angela Marty held the winning ticket for the evening’s 50/50 drawing!

Guest quartet for the banquet was SECRET BEST FRIENDS – Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) champs. Former Harmonizer, Will Simmons, who sings bass in that quartet, was sick with the flu and so David Breen sang two songs with the quartet and Jim Henry sang two.  They were great and the rich bass sounds were terrific.

Samantha Tramack thanked those who attended and expressed appreciation from leaders of all three of the singing ensembles in AACC for the support generated at this year’s Gala. Mike Kelly was on hand to provide sound for the evening. Other volunteers were Will Wittaker, David Means, Zak Sandler, Catherine LaValley.

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 Feb. 25, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

 Looking Back on the Feb. 25, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

The Tuesday, Feb. 25, meeting was at AlexRenew in Old Town Alexandria. 

Metro Voices worked with a coach, Peter Cunningham, who is a Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) singing judge and was part of a Collegiate Champ quartet with Kevin Mendez. He is from Texas. The chorus is preparing for its first official contest at Southern Division and worked on “After You, Who?” and “World Here I Am.” Samantha Tramackdirected their rehearsal session. Tessa Walker sat in on parts of the Harmonizer rehearsal in order to get the announcement information and take it in to the Metro Voices session. 

The Harmonizers worked on “Come Follow The Band,” “Toyland,” and began working on a new song, “What a Wonderful World.” Zak Sandler initiated a discussion of emotions and how to show them as relates to “Toyland.”  That work will continue next week. 

Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers, conducted vocal warm ups for them. Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, expressed appreciation to the AACC members (ten Harmonizers and nine Metro Voices) who sang for the Defense Attaché Community at the Danish Ambassador’s residence on Feb. 20. E J Herold reports that they were extremely well received by the banquet guests and the Prince and Princess. Members were invited to enjoy the foods and reception as well as meet and talk to the attendees. Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensend greeted the singers and welcomed them to his home.

The audience of 190 included defense attaches and their wives from countries around the world, plus senior civilian and military officials from the US government. Danish royalty - Prince Joachim of Denmark, brother to the King, and his wife, Princess Marie - were introduced to the chorus and many members spoke to the Prince and Princess.

There was great audience support when the singers did our National Anthem and “Armed Forces Medley” as openers for the evening.  Then, after dessert, the combined groups did a second set with songs by Metro Voices with Maggie McAlexander directing,  and the Harmonizers with Tony Colosimo directing. The combined ensembles sang “Why We Sing” and “I’m Still Standing.” Terry Reynolds did the emcee duties.  This chapter outreach effort will likely lead to other appearances at embassy events.

Next, Joe gave a final push for the chapter gala organized by Ken Rub, development director. This year’s gala will be March 1, 2025, themed “Emerald Affair, ” at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314, at 7:30-10 pm. Keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Jim Henry, director of the Ambassadors of Harmony in St. Louis and popular coach of the Harmonizers. Guest quartet will be SECRET BEST FRIENDS, current champs of Mid Atlantic District. 

Randall Eliason sent a message to all members and friends of the chapter announcing that the fund raising silent auction held as part of the gala is now open for bids. Bidding will close on Saturday evening at the Gala. Auction items include travel events, restaurants, professional services like voice lessons or piano tuning, or recreation events.

Joe shared details of the latest project by the chapter - to bring barbershop singing experience to students in the DC Public School system. There will be 136 students at the Fri., March 7, event at UDC on Connecticut Ave. at 4 pm. Tessa Walker will be major clinician for this educational event. Mark Oswald is coordinating the chapter’s efforts to collect waters and snacks for the youth event. Members can also give cash donations to Mark or Randy Lazear at chapter or bring supplies like energy bars and chips or snack packs.  Members and friends are encouraged to attend the 4 pm clinic wrap up at UDC – to help build an audience to honor the youthful enthusiasm. It’s free. 

Joe also confirmed that the annual interview process is moving along to near completion.  Finally, he confirmed that the chapter meeting will be at AlexRenew next week.

President, Craig Kujawa, served as business meeting chair this week.  

Craig encouraged members to be sure to get their registrations for the Southern Division contest in March.  Metro Voices will sing 9^th at that contest (the very first official contest for Metro Voices) and the Harmonizers will sing 12^th.  There will be a good number of quartets from the chapter in the contest too – some of our newest members are singing as quartets! Call times for the chorus members will be determined soon. He also shared word about an afterglow that weekend sponsored by three M-AD chapters.  Anyone can attend for $5.

Next, Craig introduced the members of the AACC Chapter Awards Committee. All AACC members will be invited to suggest possible recipients for the 2024 awards. This committee will collect the suggestions and boil them down to a recommended list of recipients for the chapter board. The committee includes Jack Pitzer, Bob Blair, Mark Klostermeyer, Steve White, Anne Ermlick, Carey Fagerstrom, and Charlyne “Chuck” Miller.  They will be communicating to their fellow AACC members on how to recommend recipients and what the awards are.  Stay tuned. 

Finally, Craig explained the long-standing Angel Fund that is managed in the chapter by the president.  The funds are used to assist members who need financial help for conventions, contests, travel and such.  Member should feel comfortable to speak to Craig about such needs.  And other members are encouraged to offer non tax deductible donations to the Angel Fund – donations go directly to the Angel Fund via the chapter president. 

Members were asked to submit their availability via Groupanizer to sing for two more Honors Flights  - both at 8 am. For April 19 and April 26. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, asked members to update their contact info in Groupanizer. Then he welcomed the following returning guests: AJ Gupta, Brigham Blackhurst, Muamen Alsheakh, Michael Snow, Patrick Horne, Heather Huish; and first time guests: Jackson Byrd and Stephanie Byrd.  Tony directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

The two ensembles each ended their session with “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the closing number for the evening. Joe issued the usual invite to the afterglow at the Harmo House explaining the location and pizza-slice-count to the many guests. 

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 Feb. 18, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting; Valentine’s Activities; Capital Force Concert

 Looking Back on the Feb. 18, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting; Valentine’s Activities; Capital Force Concert

For the history records, the Feb. 11 meeting was cancelled due to the major winter storm in the entire DC Metro area at that time.

As part of the chapter’s tradition, a quartet of Harmonizers sang at several senior care facilities for Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14.  Dean Rust, bass, organized the appearances and recruited Brian Ammerman, tenor; EJ Herold, lead, and Joel Golden, baritone, to sing with him. The quartet announced themselves as FRIENDS OF PUNXATAWNEY PHIL and started early that day to warm up and then sing at the Lee Center in Alexandria for the Alexandria Seniors Valentine event, which included meeting the new mayor of Alexandria, Aliyah Gaskins, who asked to have Capital Force some sing for the City Council meeting.

Then the quartet traveled to the Silverado Memory Care Community on King Street, and to Woodbine Rehab Center also on King Street. Next they went to Sunrise of Alexandria on Duke Street.  At most locations, they were welcomed by activities directors who asked them to sing at several locations at the facility – often for the staff of the facility. The quartet wore red ties, white shirts, dark trousers.  They were prepared to sing “Heart of My Heart,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “God Bless America,” and “Keep the Whole World Singing.” The quartet enjoyed spreading Valentine smiles and cheer in the  community.  Often the seniors recognized the song and sang along.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the AACC talented youth ensemble, Capital Force, sang their end-of-season concert. It was at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Old Town Alexandria. Tessa Walker is director of the youth ensemble with assistance from Sheryl Berlin and Julian LeFlore. 

Singers for Capital Force included Caleb Jacobson, bass; Kit Rufus, lead; Emily Robinson, lead; Faith Jacobson, tenor; Jackson Byrd, baritone; Joy Edwards, lead; Julia Ratiu, lead; and Lewis Jacobson, bass. They are students in grades 8-12. 

The free concert at 3:30 pm was in the theater at the Memorial. All three AACC ensembles sang together for “I’m Still Standing” with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, conducting. Tessa Walker, Capital Force director and project leader, welcomed all former members, family and friends of singers, and supporters of the new youth chorus. She invited Metro Voices to sing next with Samantha Tramack directing “After You Who” and “So Happy.”  

Capital Force lead, Kit Rufus, welcomed a guest quartet to sing next - SUPERNOVA with Maggie McAlexander, tenor; Tessa Walker, lead; Amanda Pitts, baritone; and Serena Davis, bass. 

Caleb Jacobson from Capital Force introduced Joe and the Harmonizers for their two-song set – “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and “Chasing Dreams.” Later in the concert, Caleb was recognized as a senior who will age out of the Capital Force. 

Julian brought on the Capital Force ensemble, with Tessa as their director, for their first ever concert. They sang “You Can’t Stop the Sun,” “It’s You I Like, ” and “Smile.”

The finale for the show included all three ensembles again.

There was a celebration after the concert with cupcakes for the Capital Force singers and their families. 

The regular Tuesday, Feb. 18, meeting was at Beth El Synagogue.  

Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers, conducted vocal warm ups for the singers and ended his session with the combined ensembles singing the tag – “Ireland, My Ireland, I’m Longing for You.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed everyone and encouraged members to welcome the new folks next to them (and if you don’t know it they are new, then introduce yourself, and make sure they have a guest book). 

Joe was eager to share a number of important details for the chapter’s coming calendar of events.

First, he gave a major push for members to consider attending the chapter gala organized by Ken Rub, Development Director. Members should purchase tickets for themselves and their guests, soon. It is a classy event and enjoyed by all. New members and guests are welcomed to attend. This year’s gala will be March 1, 2025, themed “Emerald Affair, ” at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314, 7:30-10 pm. Keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Jim Henry, director of the Ambassadors of Harmony in St. Louis and popular coach of the Harmonizers. Guest quartet will be SECRET BEST FRIENDS from the Mid Atlantic District. 

Randall Eliason explained how members should get auction items for the Gala such as travel events, restaurants, professional services, or recreation events. The goal is to get items that could likely be sold for $100 or more, or gift cards that could be bundled and sold as a group. Members can bring donated auction items to Randall at February chapter meetings.

Joe paid tribute to Tessa Walker for her passion and work to launch our first youth ensemble in AACC and for the successful concert of the Capital Force singers on Sat. Feb. 15.  The members of AACC joined Joe with a rousing applause for fellow singer, Tessa!

Joe shared details of the latest project by the chapter - to bring barbershop singing experience to students in the DC Public School system. There will be 136 students at the Fri., March 7, event at UDC on Connecticut Ave. at 4 pm. Tessa Walker will be major clinician for this educational event. Mark Oswald is coordinating the chapter’s efforts to collect waters and snacks for the youth event. Members can also give cash donations to Mark at chapter or bring supplies like energy bars and chips or snack packs.  Members and friends are encouraged to attend the 4 pm clinic wrap up at UDC – to help build an audience to honor the youthful enthusiasm. It’s free. 

Thanks to the 18 Harmonizers who performed as an ensemble on Sat. evening. Feb. 15, for the Honor Flight Summit Gala at the Crystal City Marriott Hotel. The banquet recognized Honors flight volunteers from across the country who organize trips for veterans to come to Washington, DC, to visit memorials and monuments.  EJ Herold was coordinator for the chapter and is reporter for this Looking Back column.   The ensemble sang “Armed Forces Medley” which allowed folks to rise for their song. When our members sang “God Bless America” the audience sang along and rose to their feet in patriotic support.  The show also included “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat,” with Lance Fisher as soloist; and “Calling Dreams.” Terry Reynolds and Randall Eliason were emcees for this event, and Terry was music director. 

Joe did a shout out to Susan Fitzpatrick, chapter general manager, who was online watching this week’s meeting prior to her upcoming surgery. He also invited everyone to join him in Happy Birthday for Terry Reynolds, Frank Fedarko and Mary Cooper. He announced that those members who will do the sing out at the Danish Embassy on Feb. 20 would meet for a few minutes at the end of tonight’s meeting. 

He also confirmed that the annual interview process is moving along. Anyone who has yet to submit the pre-interview survey needs to get it in at least 24 hours in advance of their interview with Joe or Samantha.  Finally, he confirmed the chapter meeting will be at AlexRenew for the next two weeks.

Terry Reynolds served as business meeting chair this week.  Becca Williams spoke about uniforms/costumes for upcoming shows. Gary Cregan, Operations Director, announced dates and times for riser crews for the DC youth session, March 6 and 7.

Maggie Alexander announced that audition tapes are invited from any members who would like to perform at the evening cabaret on Wed. April 9, as part of the chapter’s celebration following the spring2ACTion fundraiser event for Alexandria arts groups. Performances can be anything except barbershop. The audition tapes are due on March 9 to barbershopmaggie@gmail.com. New members and guests are encouraged to join in the fun either as a performer or as cheering audience members. 

AACC president, Craig Kujawa, thanked members who have signed up for cards sales.  He is still pushing for a goal of $5000.  As promised at recent meetings, he presented a free Starbucks card to Becca Williams whose name was drawn from the list of recent sign-ons. 

Craig also encouraged members to take advantage of the early bird prices for registrations for the Southern Division contest in March. 

 

Finally, Craig announced the members of a new Awards Committee. All AACC members are encouraged to suggest possible recipients for the chapter awards to anyone on the committee. This committee will accept the suggestions and boil them down to a recommended list of recipients for the chapter board. The committee includes Jack Pitzer, Bob Blair, Mark Klostermeyer, Steve White, Anne Ermlick, Carey Fagerstrom, and Charlyne “Chuck” Miller.  Suggestions must be submitted before March 11. Members should review the descriptions of the revised awards list including some awards for specific ensembles.

Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, with help from Jared Liscinsky, presented membership renewal cards to several members. The tradition to clap for each year of renewal continues!! Two years for Chuck Miller, three years for Jeanne Hillinck, six for Devin Gerzof, 9 for Michael Berkson,17 for Sheryl Berlin, 23 for Frank Shipp, 23 for Frank Fedarko, 24 for Bob Blair, 31 for Brian Ammerman, 33 for Brad Jones, 37 for Ike Evans, 45 for Dean Rust, and 51 for Rick Savage.

Heidi has also begun to recognize members who bring a guest that becomes a member – that earns the member a New Member Note Award.  The top New Note Award winners were Sheryl Berlin for 4, Mark Klostermeyer for 4 and Frank Shipp for 4, then Tessa Walker for 5.  Good job all.

Members were asked to submit their availability via Groupanizer to sing for two more Honors Flights  - both at 8 am. For April 19 and April 26. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, asked members to update their contact info in Groupanizer. Then he welcomed our two newest members - Robert Stark and Christine Pan – and gave them their new name tags. 

Jacob welcomed the following returning guests: AJ Gupta, Shira Perlmutter, Leah Bernstein, Holly Perdue, Brigham Blackhurst, Muamen Alsheakh and Erin Schmidt; and first time guests: Randy Althaus and Tyler Underwood.  Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

Then the Harmonizers and Metro Voices moved to separate rehearsal space to work on their new music.  The ensembles did some sectional rehearsals during this part of the evening. Guests were welcomed to sing too and were given music to use.  

The two ensembles met together for “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the closing number for the evening. Joe issued the usual invite to the afterglow at the Harmo House explaining the location and pizza-slice-count to the many guests. 

In other news from outside the chapter, the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) newsletter, Mid’l Antics, was recently published with names of district leaders on the board and on committees and teams.  Many of them were members of AACC.

Mike Fasano is executive vice president of the district board. Dave Welter is treasurer and Sheryl Berlin is board member at large.

Bill Colosimo is chairman of the M-AD leadership development committee with Joe Cerutti on the committee. Alan Wile is chairman of the Endowment Fund Committee. Ken Rub and Mike Kelly serve on the events team to operate conventions and meetings. Bob Eckman and Dave Welter serve on the finance committee. Dennis Ritchey and Joe Cerutti are in line to be chairs of the Hall of Honor team. Mike Kelly is district M-AD webmaster. Randall Eliason is chair of the ethics committee. Bill Colosimo and Sheryl Berlin are co-dean for the district Harmony College East event. Kris Zinkievich is southern division VP for leadership training. Chris Buechler is on the secretary’s committee.

Congratulations and thank you to all of those members who are helping.

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 Feb. 4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

  Looking Back on the Feb. 4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting 

This week’s meeting was an official guest night event for AACC at AlexRenew. Much of the evening was coordinated by membership director, Jacob Broude, and the chapter welcomed 10 first time guests and 8 returning guests from January. 

The first time guests were Shira Perlmutter, Ruth Catlett, Erin Schmidt, Joe Capel, Alyssa Stanton, Samantha Clifford, Camara Capel, Juliane Valencia, Eric Hunstiger and Will Rippeto.  Returning guests were Akshar (AJ) Gupta, Leah Bernstein, Robert Stark, Christine Pine, Patrick Horne, Muamen Alsheakh, Brigham Blackhurst, and Heather Huish.

The outline for the evening’s program and activities was:

• 7:00 pm Meet and Greet 
• 7:15 Introduction and Warm up 
• 7:35 Welcome / Quick Business
• 7:45 Rehearsal (choruses split) 
• 8:25 Informal Social/Tagging
• 8:35 Performance
•      Metro Voices – “Auld Lang Syne”
•      Harmonizers – “Calling Dreams”
•      Combined – “I'm Still Standing”
• 8:50 Mixer game 
• 9:20 “Keep The Whole World Singing”

Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers, conducted vocal and physical warm ups for the singers; then Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of Metro Voices, did more singing warm ups with a fun round (“to stop the train in case of emergency, pull down the chain, pull down the chain, penalty for improper use, five pounds”) and ended her session with the tag “New York Ain’t New York Anymore.” She also invited octets of singers to step out to sing it for the others. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed everyone and thanked the chapter’s musical leaders as he introduced them. Several of them offered comments such as “what is a tag” and helped the many guests find a section to sing in for the evening. Joe welcomed Walt Page who was back this week. 

Then the Harmonizers and Metro Voices moved to separate rehearsal space to work on their new music.  Guests were welcomed to sing too and were given music to use.  

There was a ten minute break about 8:30 for singers to visit and members to reset the hall for a mini-show. Each ensemble sang a song for the guests who were seated in seats up front. Then the ensembles combined to sing “I’m Still Standing.” 

During the business session that followed, leaders spoke about the Feb. 15 inaugural performance of the Capital Force youth ensemble. It will begin at 3:30 pm, with a 2:30 call time for the Metro Voices and the Harmonizers who will appear with them. Location is the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. It is free for audience members. Tessa Walker directs Capital Force.  Later that evening, the Harmonizers will perform for leaders of the Honors Flights program. 

Then on Feb. 20,  a small ensemble from the chapter will sing at a Defense Attaché Association reception at the Danish Embassy in DC at 7 pm..  

Music team admin coordinator, Terry Reynolds, reported details for the annual interview process for all AACC singers which is currently underway.  All interviews will be at the Harmo House except for those scheduled via Zoom. 

Ken Rub, development director for the chapter, encouraged members to buy their tickets for the March 1, 2025, Gala, “Emerald Affair, ” at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314, 7:30-10 pm. Guest emcee for the event is Dr. Jim Henry, director of the Ambassadors of Harmony in St. Louis and coach of the Harmonizers. Guest quartet will be SECRET BEST FRIENDS from the Mid Atlantic District. 

Randall Eliason explained how members should get auction items for the Gala such as travel events, restaurants, professional services, or recreation events. The goal is to get items that could likely be sold for $100 or more, or gift cards that could be bundled and sold as a group. Members can bring donated auction items to Randall at February chapter meetings.

Joe shared details of the latest project by the chapter - to bring barbershop singing experience to students in the DC Public School system. There will be 136 students at the Fri. March 7 event at UDC at 4 pm.  Immediate need is for an AACC member to coordinate collection of waters and snacks for the youth event. Members who could help should speak to Sheryl Berlin or Stan Quick ASAP. 

Jacob presented visitor pins to all the guests and Terry Reynolds directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

Becca Williams and Devin Gerzof coordinated a fun mixer game for all singers.  Attendees formed into groups of 10 or so and each group had to sing a few bars of any song with the word “sky” in the lyrics when it was their turn.  In the end, one group out-lasted all the other groups with a song that had the right word! 

“Keep the Whole World Singing” was the closing number for the evening. Joe issued the usual invite to the afterglow at the Harmo House explaining the location and pizza-slice-count to the many guests. 

In other news from the chapter, kudos to Zak Sandler for his original musical, “Inside My Head” that was performed at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park, MD, in January. Several AACC members and their partners attended. The show was endorsed by The National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Also in January, a number of AACC members participated in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter Convention in San Antonio, TX. The Seneca Valley High School Singers, Germantown, MD, directed by Tessa Walker, earned an Outstanding rating in the junior chorus festival.  They sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It” with “Get Happy.”

 Joe Cerutti was a music judge for the junior quartet contest.  Former member, Paul Wietlisbach, competed with SILVER RING quartet in the senior quartet contest.

FIRST TAKE, with Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens, was featured on the Saturday night show. Earlier in the week, Tony filled in as baritone to help a M-AD quartet, GIMME FOUR, on a show. John Santora served as Immediate Past President of the BHS board of directors.  Current president of the board is, Kevin Keller, who has often coached the Harmonizers.  

Other AACC family at the convention included Steve and Renee Tramack, Bill Colosimo, John Sifuentes, Sheryl Berlin, Mike Fasano, Chuck Hunter, and Bob Eckman. Based on comments that appeared on Slack, there were also a number of members who watched it live. 

At the Feb. 4 chapter meeting, Joe shared that guest, Muamen Alsheakh, earned a co-championship title with his quartet, BOYSEN BLUE in the Junior Quartet Competition at the recent BHS Midwinter.  He has recently moved to the DC area with his family.

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 Jan. 28, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 28, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting 

The rehearsal space at AlexRenew was full with members and 11 guests for the Jan. 28 chapter meeting of AACC.  (And it wasn’t even a guest night – that’s next Tuesday!) 

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, lead vocal warm ups for the combined ensembles of AACC.  In recognition of the chapter’s International trip this summer, he taught a new tag – “Ireland, My Ireland, I’m Longing for You.”

Then he passed the baton to Artistic Director, Joe Cerutti, who spoke about the Feb. 15 inaugural performance of the Capital Force youth ensemble. It will begin at 3:30 pm, with a 2:30 call time for the Metro Voices and the Harmonizers who will appear with them. Location is the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. It is free for audience members. Tessa Walker directs Capital Force.  

Later that evening, the Harmonizers will perform for leaders of the Honors Flights program. 

Then on Feb. 20,  a small ensemble from the chapter will sing at a Defense Attaché Association reception at the Danish Embassy in DC at 7 pm..  

The AACC will meet again at AlexRenew for the next two weeks. Note that the Feb. 4 meeting will be an official guest night. Current members are encouraged to invite guests – not just those who want to sing, but those who would be good support team members or leadership helpers for an arts organization. 

Music team admin coordinator, Terry Reynolds, reported details for the annual interview process for all AACC singers in the coming weeks.  All interviews will be at the Harmo House except for those scheduled via Zoom. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed returning guests Patrick Horne, Brigham Blackhurst, Michael Snow, Robert Stark, Christine Pan, and Holly Perdue.  First time guests were Akshar Gupta, Heather Blackhurst, Carol Phan, and Jeremy Horowitz. Terry Reynolds directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

The combined ensembles worked on “Why We Sing” and then adjourned to separate meeting space. 

The Harmonizers actually worked with the section leaders for a while.  The Harmo rehearsal included work on “Come Follow the Band,” “Rockin the Boat,” “Toyland,” and “Calling Dreams.”  Metro Voices worked on “World Here I Am,” “After You Who,” “It’s the Music,” and “Happy Together.” 

The combined ensembles combined again for announcements:  president Craig Kujawa shared word that our chapter is an active member of the Alexandria Arts Alliance and AACC leaders attended a meeting of the Alliance earlier this evening. 

He also repeated his offer of a Starbucks gift card for someone who signs up for a new Scrip fundraising account. 

Plus he shared that he will be looking for members to serve on the chapter awards selection committee (they will be suggesting recipients of the chapter award that have recently been revised to include all ensembles).

The final music work was on “I’m Still Standing.

Alan Wile was on hand for 50/50 sales again this week. Samantha Tramack directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” as the closing number for the evening. Joe issued the usual invite to the afterglow at the Harmo House explaining the location and pizza-slice-count to the many guests. 

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 Jan. 21, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 21, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting 

Another good crowd of members and guests were at the Jan. 21 chapter meeting of AACC at Beth El Synagogue.  Members were eager to sing again and there were folks working on their new music in an adjoining room with Calvin Schnure before the 7 pm start time. The extreme freezing temps did not seem to deter attendance or enthusiasm.

Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, conducted vocal warm ups for the combined ensembles of AACC.  She taught a tag that was used then by associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, in a class on the Musical Standards for AACC. 

Tony first welcomed everyone, reported that Joe was on travel this week, and thanked Tyler Carpenter for his leadership and work to organize last week’s Put Together Chapter Quartet Contest.  It was one of the best ever!

Tony also alerted members about the Feb. 15 plans for the Capital Force ensemble’s first concert. All singers should report by 2:30 pm prior to the 3:30 pm show at the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria. There will also be an appearance at an Honors Flight banquet that evening.  Stay tuned for all details.

Similarly, the chapter has gotten a request for an appearance at the Danish Embassy residence on Feb. 20.  Sign-ups looked good, so here again, stay tuned for details.

As a reminder, the chapter will meet the next two weeks at AlexRenew. Note that the Feb. 4 meeting will be an official guest night. Current members are encouraged to invite guests – not just those who want to sing, but those who would be good support team members or leadership helpers for an arts organization. 

The major points Tony made about the Standards for AACC included advice about breath, risk, intonation and contribution.  He spoke and explained his points on those four topics. 

Then the two ensembles adjourned to work on their music.  Metro Voices with Samantha Tramack worked in the fellowship hall on “World Here I Am,” “After You Who,” and “It’s the Music That Brings Us Together.” The Harmonizers with Tony worked in the sanctuary on “Come Follow the Band,” “Toyland,” “Calling Dreams,” and “Rockin the Boat.” 

Abut 9 pm, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for a business meeting. President Craig Kujawa spoke about the chapter’s fundraising activity - Scrip. He will be promoting more participation with the incentive of a Starbucks gift card distribution plan.  Stay tuned to participate.

Craig also is seeking a chapter member or a small team of members to take on Contest/Convention planning (the task Craig held prior to his moving into the presidency).  Any interested members should talk to Craig as soon as possible.

Executive director, Stan Quick, reminded members to turn in their media release forms to membership director, Jacob Broude. 

Music team admin coordinator, Terry Reynolds, reports that schedule and details about the annual interview process for all singers will be released to all in the coming days. 

Steve White spoke about the DELASUSQUEHUDMAC honor chapter (often called DELA) for leaders in the Mid Atlantic District of the BHS.  He invited all those members present at this week’s chapter meeting to come forward (on any given Tuesday you could find a good number of DELA members at a meeting of the AACC) to welcome the newest Alexandria member of DELA, Ken Rub.  Congratulations to Ken! Fellow chapter member, Mike Wallen, is currently president of DELA, and Bob Eckman is treasurer. 

Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, presented BHS membership renewal cards to the following members: Cary Fagerstrom for 2 years; Heidi Krukowski for 2 years; Samantha Tramack for 6 years; EJ Herold for 9 years; Tessa Walker for 13 years; Stan Quick for 13 years; Bruce Roehm for 24 years; Mark Klostermeyer for 44 years; and Steve White for 48 years. 

Tyler Carpenter welcomed guests this week and new member Tanner Perdue.  The first time guests were Patrick Horne, Brigham Blackhurst, Melodie Stehling, and Michael Snow.  Returning guests were Robert Stark, Christine Pan, Muamen Alsheakh and Julian LeFlore.

Alan Wile was on hand for 50/50 sales again this week and his helper, Walt Page, was back on deck to help!  Good to see Walt with us 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.