Looking Back on the July 14, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the July 14, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting 

There was a full-house for this week-after-International meeting with both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices together much of the evening to celebrate and make more great music! Dean Rust was sporting a “We Are Proud of You” balloon tied to his name tag, and Samantha Tramack was sporting a blue ribbon with a shiny gold medal around her neck.  When she arrived, the hall burst into cheers.

Jason Lee, assistant director of the Harmonizers, led a good warm up session for the singers in chairs in the board room at AlexRenew. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed everyone back after such a wonderful experience in St. Louis. Then he shared news from the recent AACC music team meeting that the fall show will be cancelled.  Finding a venue is one reason. The plan is to find a more informal venue or setting for something in the fall.

He confirmed that next week the July 21 AACC meeting will be at Fairlington Presbyterian Church and then July 28 will be back at AlexRenew.

Joe alerted members that they need to sign up for appearances ASAP on Groupanizer – especially the Aug. 20 show at Nottaway Park, and then the Thursday, Feb. 4, appearance at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter convention in Virginia Beach.  The music team needs to know who will be doing those shows before officially committing to the appearances. Members should stay tuned about possible bus transportation to Virginia Beach. 

Then it was time to sing!  Joe had the AACC chorus sing through “Parting Glass” three or four times. And then the two ensembles went to separate rehearsal spaces to work on songs for the upcoming shows.  The Harmonizers worked on “The Barber of Seville” and Joe used sectional duets to rehearse the music and then invited guys to volunteer to sing it in an octet. Metro Voices worked on some of their show music too.

Joe presented 2026 gold medals to Randy Lazear, Joel Golden and Antony Takahashi who had to leave St. Louis before the ceremony there. It was great to see Chuck Powell back on the risers with the Harmonizers. Mark Klostermeyer presented a framed replica of a poster promoting the original Comedian Harmonists to Joe for his collection. 

President Craig Kujawa reported some extra thank yous for International: for Ken Rub and Patrick Horne who drove the Harmo truck there and back; to Maggie McAlexander who created the Jumbotron ads for the chapter; and to the 30 members of AACC who bought gift cards to pay for hotel costs and earned nearly $3500 for the chapter. Joe paid tribute to Craig who served as convention/contest coordinator on top of being president. 

Jacob Broude welcomed a long list of guests and alerted members that there will be a guest night on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The goal is for each member to bring a singing guest. This week’s guests included Jonathon Meyers, Patrick Lawson, Elizabeth Halford, Ruth Catlett, Andy Budzinski, Matthew Dacanay, Serena Davis and David Strasser, plus the CHEF’S KISS quartet from Montgomery County – Mark Magpantay, Isaac Teheren, Danny Ameduite and Ivan Diehl - that sang a couple songs for the chapter.

There was a break about 8:30 pm and everyone enjoyed the various treats and lemonade some members brought in to share to celebrate the chapter’s success at International.

Following the break, Terry Reynolds did his traditional statistical review of the scores and history markers for the chapter and its ensembles (there were some new things to report with a second ensemble these days).  There were laughs when he referred to all the “Geeks” who like this sort of thing!  Just a few notes from his presentation: the performance score for the Harmonizers was a record. Samantha is the only gold medal quartet winner in Harmonizer or Metro Voices history. Steve White is the only Harmonizer to have sung in every one of their International contest appearances. Finally, the Harmonizers are tied with Cincinnati for the most medals ever. When he was done, the gang cheered “Terry!, Terry!, Terry!” 

As is the tradition, Joe invited any first timers who sang on the stage in either ensemble to share their thoughts and reactions and perspectives. There were about ten who raised their hand to share very personal thoughts. The common themes included the joy to be included and welcomed so warmly; the pride of the quality and work ethic; a discovery of the administrative and musical leadership that makes the chapter run at such a high level; understanding the ranking of the chapter in the BHS community; and developing an appreciation for what barbershop harmony can be!

Joe ended the comments with his thanks to all and his challenges to keep the ball-in-the-air. One challenge is the need to find ways to fund the chapter operation with grants and fundraising. Certainly there is a need to continue to grow the size of each ensemble. And finally, the unwritten magic is the volunteer leadership service members will need to contribute to the operation of a great barbershop chapter.

Before this week’s 50/50 drawing led by Alan Wile, Joe thanked Kathy Kauffmann for the mementos she created for each ensemble and presented to each member before taking the stage at the contest. 

Joe added to things in his part of the room, challenging YeEd to make a note of every detail for this report.  Samantha Tramack directed “Keep the Whole World Singing,” 

Before leaving the hall, members took advantage of the service from Tyler Carpenter to have their medal engraved or to have a replacement name tag created. A big crowd made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House for pizza and lots of story-telling from St. Louis. 

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 78^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 30-July 4, 2026 Alexandria Chapter Successes at the BHS International Convention in St. Louis, MO

 Looking Back on the June 30-July 4, 2026 Alexandria Chapter Successes at the BHS International Convention in St. Louis, MO 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) had a fantastic week at the 2026 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Contest and Convention in St. Louis, MO. Many members of the chapter “family” traveled on Monday, June 29, in order to be there for the major contests and events that kicked off on Tuesday. Headquarters hotel was the Marriott St. Louis Grand and it was across the street from the contest venue, The Dome of America.

Several “big news” things happened at the convention for AACC members!!! Here is a report of the list of “wins” for AACC.

Top of the list celebrates that GQ quartet, with Amanda Sandroni, Katie Gillis, Ali Hauger, and Samantha Tramack,earned the gold medal in this year’s quartet contest – the first time for women to earn a gold medal.  Their total score after three rounds of competition was 6,723 (93.4 %). GQ pulled far ahead in the top ten finals round Saturday night which included their amazing performance of “Mothers and Daughters” which earned a perfect score of 100 from performance category judges. 

Next on the list is the success of FIRST TAKE with Alex Corson, Tony Colosimo, Drew Wheaton and Andrew Havens, who captured fourth place in the quartet contest. Their total score was 6,552 (91.0%). Their comedic coffee cup routine was an audience hit!

There were 52 quartets that started in the quarterfinals round of the contest, and 38 choruses in the chorus finals. 

Second place quartet was GIMME FOUR from Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) that has helped with Harmonizer youth camp over the years. There were two other M-AD quartets at the top ten – seventh was SECRET BEST FRIENDS (bass Will Daniel Simmons sang in the front row of the Harmonizer chorus before college), and mic tester at eleventh was SMOKE RING who sang at the chapter’s fundraising gala in 2025. 

Next on the list is news that the Harmonizer chorus earned fourth place in the chorus contest with their emotional story of the Comedian Harmonists. The total score for the Harmonizers was 2,199 (91.6%) with 70 singers on the risers. The chorus wore all black – suits, coats, slacks, shoes – their own choices.  The six Harmonists wore white tie and black tails. The package included “Harmony” and “Stars in the Night” – both from the musical “Harmony – A New Musical ” that was on Broadway. It was at one of those Broadway performances that the Harmonizer musical team discovered the story and songs about the Comedian Harmonists and determined it was a message they needed to share with the larger Barbershop Harmony Society of close-harmony singers. Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, led the development of the package, working for over two years, with arranger Steve Armstrong. 

Some long-standing Harmonizer traditions were continued this year with the riser placement ceremony (combined with Metro Voices this time) early on Friday morning.  Singers were invited to take the risers as their initiation class year was announced including the Class of 2026. (Bandanas were no longer required!) 

Then there was the medal presentation to each Harmonizer by Joe immediately after the chorus contest results were announced. Each man got one “clap” when his name was announced and he got a hug from Joe. There was spontaneous applause, though, when each of the Harmonists and other major characters were called. 

Another behind-the-scenes activity was for the AACC choruses to go sing their set for another chapter in the contest.  The Harmonizers sang a “swap” with Bloomington Sound of Illinois chorus. Metro Voices sang a “swap” with Space City Sound from Houston Metro Area, and with VocaMotion from the Greater Boston area. 

Both AACC choruses received a gift from the 2025 chorus champs, Vocal Majority. And as is becoming the custom for AACC ensembles, they both were there for each other as they headed for the ready room and stage.

The men who brought the Comedian Harmonists to life in the Harmonizer package were Matthew Ambler, Matthew Darouse, Chad Ross, Robert Santine, Robert Stark, and Ben Watsky. The extra rehearsals, the added choreography, the deep dives into the history of the men they were portraying, all paid off. Michael Berkson and Randall Eliasonwere the understudies for all the actors in the package and are credited for their extra work, knowing they might never perform it. 

 

Stuart Zagnit, a Broadway professional who joined the chapter to help with the package, played the “Older Roman,” a role he understudied on Broadway.

 

Patrick Horne, who has a theater background, volunteered to play the role of the German officer after the chapter spent months searching for a non-barbershopper to do it. Patrick willingly stepped into the role.

 

The creative team including Steven Armstrong, Darin Drown, David McEachern, Steve Tramack and Cy Wood, partnered with Joe for two full years on this huge project. Their expertise, their honesty, and their willingness to wrestle with hard questions, pushed the Harmonizers to be better at every turn. 

 

The Harmonizer internal music team including Matthew Ambler, Turner Arndt, Anthony Colosimo, Lance Fisher, Jason Lee, Jared Liscinsky, Terry Reynolds, and Calvin Schnure carried the daily/weekly weight of preparing a chorus for something that had never been done before.

 

Norbert Hammes from Barbershop in Germany, (BinG), was willing to fact-check every historical reference to the Comedian Harmonists. Greg Tepe learned the performance inside and out so he could call cameras and capture it properly. Dennis Ritchey stepped up to build the stage piano used in the package.

 

A special social media campaign, daily, for weeks on end was conducted by Alex Chen, Randall Eliason, Mike Kelly, and Robert Santine. There is remarkably little information about the Comedian Harmonists available in the world, especially in English. The information the team shared on behalf of the Harmonizers now lives in perpetuity, for anyone who goes looking today or twenty years from now.

 

Next on the list of AACC success stories at convention has to be the 19^th place finish by Metro Voices chorus directed by Samantha Tramack, and assistant director, Maggie McAlexander.  Their total score was 1,970 (82.1%).  They sang “Yes I Can” arranged by Steve Tramack, and “Me and the Sky” from “Come from Away” and arranged by Maggie McAlexander. This was their first competition at International.  There were 29 singers on the risers. They wore assorted black and teal semi-formal outfits to represent airline uniforms, with some accent pieces of bling like pilot pins.  An airline pilot’s coat and hat were handed to Samantha for the end of their package. 

The music team for Metro Voices supported the ensemble’s preparation for the contest. That team includes Tessa Walker, administrator, plus section leaders Elisabeth Cosh, Hannah Drobac, Sheryl Berlin and Christine Pan. 

Here are some other high-on-the-list successes for AACC at convention: SUPERNOVA quartet with Maggie McAlexander and Tessa Walker plus Amanda Pitts and Serena Davis captured 34^th place in the quartet contest. Former member Ryan Killeen was in TRIBUTE quartet that placed 16^th. Family member Heather Havens sang in TALL GIRLS QUARTET (the quartet competed after winning the Sing-In contest earlier in the week in St. Louis) that placed 25^th. Julian LeFlore and the QUIN-TONES placed 6^th in the Next Gen Varsity quartet contest, and Muamen Alshealdh sang in BOYSEN BLUE quartet that placed 9^th in that contest. 

The 2026 gold medal chorus winner was the Ambassadors of Harmony with 129 singers that earned a score of 2,307 (96.1%). There were two other Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) Choruses besides the AACC ensembles - Parkside Harmony and Gotham Chorus that finished fifth and seventh respectively. Family member Erin Odell directed the Visons of Harmony treble chorus from St. Charles, MO. 

 

Joe Cerutti made a guest appearance in the Bloomington, IL, chorus package as the Christmas elf including landing on the floor for the finale. He was also busy all week as a BHS staff member launching the new philanthropy campaign, Ring True. He also was co-host for the Saturday evening Live Stream event. Rick Taylor was busy all week as a staff member too, Thanks to Robert Rund and all of the BHS staff for a really successful convention. 

 

Two major awards presented during the convention went to AACC friends. Cindy Hansen Ellis was a Class of 2026 addition to the BHS Hall of Fame in recognition for her work as coach and mentor for quartets and choruses. Darin Drown was a Class of 2026 Joe Liles Award recipient. The BHS also named Scott Joplin an Honorary Life Member of the Barbershop Harmony Society posthumously.

More on the list include shout outs to Terry Reynolds who was an emcee/presenter for the third chorus contest session, and to Kevin Keller, a chapter coach and friend who was presenter for the semi-finals quartet round. Brad Jones was a finalist interviewee for a slot on the BHS board. Ben Raja sang with the Nashville chorus. Sean Devine is a director of the Parkside chorus.  And who can forget the stage curtains falling down during a break in the semifinals quartet session? And salutes to whoever prepared the AACC advertisement that was on the Jumbotron in the contest venue. One more shout out – to the AACC social committee Becca, Matt and Kellen who organized visits to the axe throwing place, the walk to the arch, and some eating adventures during the time in St. Louis.

Several members and friends of the AACC family were judges during the convention:  Steve Tramack is chair of the overall judging committee. Panel members for the chorus and quartet contest included Cy Wood. Steve Armstrong and Jay Butterfield. 

 

Finally, three Harmonizers were recognized as new 50-year members  - Bill Colosimo and David Welter -  at a BHS breakfast event during the convention.

The Monday afternoon BHS board meeting had several Harmonizers present:  John Santora is the immediate past president. Friend Kevin Keller is current BHS president.  Terry Reynolds is chair of the Leadership Development Committee and conducted the board elections.   Bill Colosimo was the official representative for Harmony Foundation International. Alan Lamson attended as a past BHS president.  Chris Buechler and Dixie Kennett were observers.

On Thursday morning there were meetings for the BHS judging program. Chris Buechler and Alan Lamson attended.  Several AACC members are in the judging program: Terry Reynolds, Maggie McAlexander and Tyler Carpenterare all candidates invited to Category School later this month.  

Mike Fasano, M-AD executive vice president, was busy during the convention to visit all district competitors and present them an honorarium of support from the district as a thank you for representing M-AD.

 

All during the week YeEd and reporters (Dixie Kennett, Ken Rub and Steve White in particular) spotted current and former members of the  AACC family at the convention (it is likely we missed someone – but it is still amazing how many members of the AACC family attended): Rich Peyton, Craig Odell, Bill Conway, Tim Cash, Keith Jones, Lynn Hineman, Lew Klinge, Torbjorn Molander from SNOBS, Ken Ives, Bob Rhome, David Wilt, Tom Gannon, Mike Louque, Jim Shoenhard, Donnell Torres, Jim Lake, Chuck Botts, Glenn Williamson, John Rettenmayerand Dan Cook.

 

The AACC crowd kept track of things and each other all week via Slack.  There were lots of volunteers to manage riser set up (and at least one time to relocate them). Ken Rub and Patrick Horne drove the Harmo truck with risers and sound equipment and other supplies, including the prop piano. 

 

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 78^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 23, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Send Off

 Looking Back on the June 23, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Send Off

The Harmonizers have held a send-off concert for many years prior to taking a package to the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International convention.  The 2026 send-off celebration was a great success this week at Beth El synagogue. Both ensembles performed at a very high level. Some friends and family of the chapter were there for the warm up rehearsal that started at 7 pm led by Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers.

 

 A big thank you to the crew of members who helped set up all the extra chairs for the standing-room-only audience at the venue and of course for those who brought in risers and sound equipment for the evening. Mike Kelly and Dennis Ritchey managed the sound and filming equipment operation. Thanks also to the members who volunteered to iron the waiter towel props that the Harmonizers will use in St. Louis. 

 

Additional guests and fans arrived for the 8 pm start of the performances. Alex Corson, tenor of FIRST TAKE quartet, was emcee for the performance. 

 

Metro Voices sang their package first.  Their attire for contest is a combination of black and teal semi-formal attire along with several accent pieces of airline attire and bling to carry out the theme. Samantha Tramack, director of Metro Voices, directed the set which included “Yes I Can” arranged by Steve Tramack, and “Me and the Sky” arranged by Maggie McAlexander.

 

The Harmonizer package led by artistic director, Joe Cerutti, included “Harmony” and “Stars in the Night”  both arranged by Steven Armstrong.  The songs were part of the Broadway musical “Harmony” and tell the amazing story of the Comedian Harmonists, who were a popular close harmony ensemble of five singers and a piano player.  (The Harmonizers will use a piano prop that was built by Dennis Ritchie for the package.) The chorus wore all black semi-formal attire and the six Harmonists wore tux and tails. 

 

The Harmonizers who appear as the Comedian Harmonists for the 2026 contest package are Chad Ross as Harry Frommermann; Ben Watsky as Young Roman Cyckowski; Matt Ambler as Erick Collin; Rob Santine as Ari Leshnikoff; Matt Darouse as Erwin Bootz; and Rob Stark as Robert Biberti. Randall Eliason will understudy for Older Roman, who will be portrayed by Stuart Zagnit for the contest. Michael Berkson will understudy the six Harmonists portrayed by fellow chapter members and will be the radio announcer.  Patrick Horn will be the soldier for the contest and his understudy is Terry Reynolds.

 

The Harmonizers have conducted an extensive social media campaign to expand awareness about the work of the Harmonists. Alex Chen was manager of that effort with help from several other members to prepare copy and manage the technical details including Randall Eliason and Mike Kelly. 

 

Because the evening was so busy this week, there was no official ‘bandana check’ for the Class of 2026, although there was evidence that many did have them with them on stage (such as one YeEd saw that was pinned on the inside of a jacket!). The class includes 11 Harmonizers: Matt Darouse, Robby Della Bernarda, Cooper Schwartz, Jerry Candrilli, Devante Lucas, Billy Ermlick, Ben Raja, Owen Lyons, Josh Frakes, Logan Glauser, and Ben Hawker; and five Metro Voices: Susan Friel, Morgan Fabber, Laura Rutledge, Renee Tramack and Sarah Lott.  

 

Before the AACC chorus sang, chapter leadership presented a 50-year membership card and pin to another AACC member, Bill Colosimo. Also, Ken Rub, chapter development coordinator, invited attendees to consider donations using QR codes he had posted in the hall to support contest efforts by the chapter and its two ensembles. 

 

The two ensembles combined on the risers as the AACC chorus to sing “We Are One” directed by Samantha Tramack. The song was written by AACC member Zak Sandler and arranged by AACC member Lance Fisher.  The finale song of the AACC chorus was “I’m Still Standing” directed by artistic director, Joe Cerutti.

 

It is terrific to have two ensembles competing in the 2026 chorus contest.  This year will be the first time for Metro Voices to compete at the International. Then add to that excitement, three quartets in the contest too – GQ, FIRST TAKE, and SUPERNOVA – with AACC members – who were recognized at the send-off. 

 

Among the huge crowd of guests for the sendoff, there were many former members, partners and spouses of singers, and long-time friends of the chapter. The large crowd yielded an extremely full house for the afterglow at the Harmo House – cars were parked for blocks around the neighborhood! The attendees ate about a dozen large pizzas, and a cake, and the usual snacks.

 

There were several gold medal quartet singers there; a quartet in town who are also instrumentalists from the British Royal Marines Band, who are performing at DC area landmarks (they are friends of Tessa Walker) agreed to sing a song; plus, in addition to tag singers in the basement, BELTWAY quartet was on hand and singing for folks in the kitchen. The patio and outside areas were full since the weather was so great.  

 

In other news, AACC held an extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 18, and both ensembles worked hard to fine-tune their package musically and visually. There will be another extra session on Thursday, June 25, at AlexRenew.  The chapter’s Culture team is launching a monthly BIRTHDAY TREATS NIGHT – the first one set for June 25.  Their team is also looking to create a Sunshine Committee as part of their operation. The purpose of that committee is to help the chapter show support for any member during times of both celebration and/or hardship. Anyone interested in serving should contact Matt Darouse. 

 

There also will be a work crew needed to load the Harmo truck on June 25 that will be driven to St. Louis with risers, sound equipment, and such.  Drivers will be Ken Rub and Patrick Horn. Plus Terry Reynolds has asked for volunteers to iron the white hand towels used by the Harmonizers in their package prior to St. Louis. 

 

Then here is more news about AACC members who attended the Mid Atlantic District  (M-AD) Harmony College East (HCE) education weekend, in Westminster, MD, at McDaniel College.  The following list of AACC members and some former Harmonizers (hopefully it is correct and we didn’t miss anyone!) were involved as organizers, as district leaders, as quartet singers, as individual students, as coaches, as presenters, as tech team, and as tag singers: Tony Colosimo, Andrew Havens, Joe Cerutti, Mike Wallen, Rick Taylor, Mike Kelly, Mike Fasano. Bob Eckman, Jay Butterfield, Julian LeFlore, Biff Gaut, Sam McFarland, Mike Geipel, Heidi Brown, Jerry Candrilli, Paul Grimes, Devante Lucas, Susan Friel, Scott Beach, Will Daniel Simmons, Tessa Walker, Samantha Tramack, Kenny Floyd, Ben Hawker, and David Welter.  

 

Bill Colosimo and Sheryl Berlin continued their long years of service as “deans” of the weekend. Alan Wile was on hand as usual to accept donations to the M-AD endowment fund all weekend. He happily reports a record-breaking donation total at the event. A special recognition to Tessa Walker and her student ensemble, JAMD, who assisted with the music educator’s program and then performed on the Saturday night show.

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 78^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 16, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 16, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting 

This week’s meeting was back to Beth El Synagogue, with a fired-up chapter of two choruses headed to the International contest in a few weeks!  Pretty amazing to have two ensembles going to the “big dance,” as it is sometimes called. Then add to that excitement, three quartets in the in the contest too – GQ, FIRST TAKE, and SUPERNOVA – with AACC members. 

 

Next week, the traditional send-off performance for family, friends and patrons prior to the chorus going to an International contest, will be on Tuesday, June 23, at Beth El. Other important dates include the extra chorus rehearsals on June 18 and 25 at AlexRenew. NOTE that the truck headed to St. Louis with risers and such will be loaded after the 6/25 meeting.  Plan ahead.

 

And according to Matt Darouse, the Culture team is launching a monthly BIRTHDAY TREATS NIGHT – the first one set for Thursday, June 18, at AlexRenew.  The sign up to bring goodies is in Slack. 

 

Regarding the send-off on 6/23 – Harmonizer and Metro Voices singers will wear their contest attire for their stage time next week.  Come prepared for a quick change – likely wearing basic parts of the outfit with a last minute addition. All members are encouraged to invite family and friends.  The guests are welcome to come at the 7 pm start time to observe rehearsal, but the actual start of the send-off performances will begin at 8 pm.  The send-off event will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd. The AACC chorus will sing two repertoire songs for the audience at the send-off. Plus there will be a guest appearance of GQ quartet with Samantha Tramack singing bass.  

 

Thanks to the Culture Team for organizing the recent Movie Night to view “The Harmonists” movie for Friday, June 12.  Kellen Hertz made it happen, Ben Raja managed the tech details to show the DVD, and Joe Cerutti got the DVD for the chapter.  Just under 20 AACC members and guests attended and enjoyed homemade popcorn from Jack Pitzerfor movie night at AlexRenew. 

 

Their team is also looking to create a Sunshine Committee as part of their operation. The purpose of that committee is to help the chapter show support for any member during times of both celebration and/or hardship. Anyone interested in serving should contact Matt Darouse. 

 

This week’s warm up session for the AACC chorus started at 7 pm with associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo; then Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of Metro Voices, led more warm up singing with a fun tag. Samantha Tramack, director of Metro Voices, led a review/sing of “We Will Be One” that the AACC chorus will sing for the June 23 appearance. Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, directed the AACC singers to review “I’m Still Standing” that will also be sung at the send-off.  

 

Because the rehearsal was so busy this week, there was no official ‘bandana check’ for the Class of 2026. However, at one point Joe did a spot check and asked Owen Lyons if he had his bandana.  Sure enough, it was in his back pocket.  He got a round of cheers from his fellow classmates! The class includes 11 Harmonizers: Matt Darouse, Robby Della Bernarda, Cooper Schwartz, Jerry Candrilli, Devante Lucas, Billy Ermlick, Ben Raja, Owen Lyons, Josh Frakes, Logan Glauser, and Ben Hawker; and five Metro Voices: Susan Friel, Morgan Fabber, Laura Rutledge, Renee Tramack and Sarah Lott.  

 

Tyler Carpenter filled in for Jacob Broude to recognize guests this week including returnees, Elizabeth Halford, and Larry Cohen who brought his friend Morgan Slusher. First time guests were Noah Rish from Ohio and his friend Collin – they were guests of Matt Darouse,  Other guests this week who have visited before – Muamen Alsheakh as a member and Charlie Gross  who was invited to direct “Keep the Whole World Singing” this week – Maumen is the baritone and Charlie is the lead in BOYSEN BLUE quartet.  They will be representing the Pioneer district in the Next Generation quartet contest in St. Louis.  Finally, it was great to have Joe and Janet Cerutti, Joe’s parents, with us this week. The AACC chorus, directed by Terry Reynolds, sang the chapter  “Welcome Song” for all the guests. 

 

President Craig Kujawa spoke about the success of raising funds for the chapter by those members who purchase Raise Right gift cards. He also reminded members of the long-standing Angel Fund the chapter maintains to offer assistance to any member who might need financial help for major events like the International contest travel. He particularly spoke about the need to rebuild the balance.  Donations of all sizes should go through Craig.  Similarly, if a member needs to request help, he or she should speak with Craig. 

 

As soon as business matters were addressed, the two ensembles worked on their contest packages. This included some important time to adjust to the full stage size that will be used in St. Louis (the main hall at Beth El is large enough to step it off).   For the Harmonizers particularly, the location of the mics on the contest stage needed to be set and marked on the floor with blue tape this week. Joe shared some important thoughts with the Harmonizers – recognizing the depth, scope and impact of the  chapter’s work to tell the Comedian Harmonists story. He shared an important encouragement message from Almut Schmitz, executive director of Barbershop in Germany (BING). Plus Joe shared some in-depth comments he received from coach Steve Tramack. 

 

To wrap up this week’s meeting, the ensembles met together to sing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Charlie Gross. The crowd at the afterglow enjoyed the pizza and the great summer evening weather which made it fun to gather on the screened porch. There was a lot of tag singing inside this week too. 

 

There were lots of cheers when Dean Rust had the lucky 50/50 ticket for the third week in a row!!

 

In other news around the Society, a longtime performance coach and friend of the Harmonizers, Cindy Hansen-Ellis, has been named recipient of a 2026 Hall of Fame Award by the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).  Congratulations to her from all the men on the Harmonizer risers! 

 

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 78^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 9, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 9, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting 

After a very successful retreat weekend, it was back to a Tuesday night rehearsal to apply the lessons learned by the ensembles on their contest songs.  Members responded with great attendance this week. 

 

Also the Harmonizers welcomed Stuart Zagnit who came from Broadway this evening to be the ‘storyteller’ during the contest package.  This week he worked with David McEachern, who stayed in town after the retreat, to help integrate Stuart into the set, along with Randall Eliason, who has learned the material as an understudy for the chapter performances. As reported earlier, Stuart was the understudy for that role on Broadway in the “Harmony” musical production. (He is best known for voicing Professor Oak in the Pokemon TV Show. He is currently appearing in “West Side Story.”) 

 

Artistic director of the AACC, Joe Cerutti, offered sincere thanks and appreciation to the many behind-the-scenes workers who have helped, and continue to help, the Harmonizers tell the story of the Comedian Harmonists. In that regard, he presented new chorus name tags to Stuart and to Alex Chen. 

 

Planning ahead, the chapter meeting for Tuesday, June 16, will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd. Then, the traditional send-off performance for family, friends and patrons prior to the chorus going to an International contest, will be on Tuesday, June 23, at Beth El. Other important dates include the extra chorus rehearsals on June 18 and 25 at AlexRenew. 

 

Regarding the send-off on 6/23 – members are encouraged to invite family and friends.  The guests are welcome to come at the 7 pm start time to observe rehearsal, but the actual start of the send-off performances will begin at 8 pm. The send-off event will be at Beth El Synagogue. The AACC chorus will sing “I’m Still Standing” and “We Will Be One” for the audience at the send-off, who will also enjoy a guest appearance of GQ quartet with Samantha Tramacksinging bass.  

 

This week’s warm up session for the AACC chorus was started at 7 pm by Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of Metro Voices; then Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers, led rehearsal for the chapter “Welcome Song.” 

 

Because the rehearsal was so busy this week, there was no ‘bandana check’ for the Class of 2026. The class includes 11 Harmonizers: Matt Darouse, Robby Della Bernarda, Cooper Schwartz, Jerry Candrilli, Devante Lucas, Billy Ermlick, Ben Raja, Owen Lyons, Josh Frakes, Logan Glauser, and Ben Hawker; and five Metro Voices: Susan Friel, Morgan Fabber, Laura Rutledge, Renee Tramack and Sarah Lott.  

 

Joe shared the news that Brad Jones has been named a finalist for a position on the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Board of Directors.  The election to fill the position will be held at the board’s meeting in the days leading up to the contest and convention in St. Louis. Brad’s extensive leadership experience within BHS will make him a strong candidate. If elected, he will join a long list of distinguished chapter members who served on the BHS board over the years.

 

Katie Raimondo, a member of the Membership Triad, filled in for Jacob Broude to recognize guests this week including returnees Jonathon Meyer, Elizabeth Halford, and Carl Parkan; first timer Brian Roberts who found us online; and the two newest members: Dana Wooster and Mike Zelno. The AACC chorus sang the chapter welcome song for all the guests. 

 

Chapter secretary Cy Schuster presented membership renewal cards to the following members (the chorus did the traditional one-clap-per-year for each one): Carey Fagerstrom for 4 years, Matt Ambler for 4 years, Craig Kujawafor 23 years, Jerry Candrilli for 23 years, and Mike Fasano for 31 years. 

 

As a reminder, retreat attendees should make certain to turn in their $25 payment for the retreat to any member of the Culture Team – Becca Williams, Kellen Hertz and Matt Darouse. The team announced the following members were winners of nifty gift bags for their successful entry in the mixer contest at the retreat: Heidi Brown, Jeanne Hillinck, Catherine LaValley, Ben Rja, Jacob Broude, and Mireille Kouagou. 

 

Also the team acknowledged several members for their extra efforts to help carry-the-load for the retreat weekend: Cooper Schwartz, Devin Turner, Ashley Merryman, Ruth for the cookies, Jack Pitzer for the ice cream, Brigham Blackhurst for the board games, Chad Ross for helping with the truck, and the chapter at large for riser set up and take down and clean-up of the halls.  

 

Finally, the team has confirmed plans to show the “Harmonist” movie at AlexRenew at 7 pm on Friday, June 12. 

 

After the business session, the two ensembles worked on separate risers for contest preparation – one full set in the main room at AlexRenew and a smaller set of the old risers in the smaller room. 

 

For the Harmonizers, there is a call for speaking roles auditions for “I’m Just a Bill” – Tony is the contact for this. AndJoe is asking for some volunteers to work on the costumes for those characters/spokespersons. 

 

Another addition to the schedule is the outdoor performance at Nottoway Park in Vienna, VA, on August 20, as part of the Fairfax County Park Authority summer concert series. 

 

Registration for the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) Harmony College East (HCE) – a weekend barbershop educational opportunity on June 18-21 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD - can be managed at midatlanticdistrict.com until the cutoff on June 11.  

 

To wrap up this week’s meeting, the ensembles met together to sing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Kevin Mendez. The crowd at the afterglow enjoyed the pizza and the great summer evening weather which made it fun to gather on the newly upgraded deck!

 

LATE BREAKING NEWS: The Communications Triad announced today the launch of the new AACC website! The address is aaccsings.org.  The old URL Harmonizers.org will now redirect to that site, as will welovetosing.org. If you discover glitches or typos, let the members of the Triad know – Maggie McAlexander, Randall Eliason and Frank Shipp. Good job. 

 

As a follow up to that news, there is a need for a member to step up or be nominated to serve as Webmaster, plus a need to fill positions as Social Media Captains for each ensemble.  Responses welcome.

 

Thanks to Alex Chen for the following update on the social media efforts of the chapter to explain and promote the Harmonizer’s efforts to tell the Comedian Harmonists story.

 

The Harmonizers’ Story Keeps Getting Richer

With about a month to go before July 3, the Harmonizers’ social media campaign is well into its second half, and there is a lot of ground to catch up on.

Since the last update, the campaign has introduced all six of the men portraying the Comedian Harmonists on stage: Chad Ross as Harry Frommermann, Ben Watsky as Roman Cycowski, Matt Ambler as Erich Collin, Rob Santine as Ari Leschnikoff, Rob Stark as Robert Biberti, and Matt Darouse as Erwin Bootz. The Thursday posts have given each historical figure his own spotlight, covering biography, personality, and the role he played in the group’s rise and fall. Along the way, the campaign has also featured choreographer Cy Wood, a behind-the-scenes look at the arrangements from Steve Armstrong, and a conversation with historian David Wright on why this repertoire matters.

Alex Chen meets weekly with Joe and Randall to plan, adjust, and keep the campaign moving forward. Randall serves as editor, and Mike Kelly has done remarkable work on the video side. Worth noting that Rob Santine has been the man behind the camera as videographer, on top of everything he is doing on stage.

An exciting development: Broadway veteran Stuart Zagnit will be joining the Harmonizers in St. Louis. Stuart understudied the role of Older Roman Cycowski in Harmony on Broadway and rehearsed the part with the full company. On July 3, he finally gets to bring it to an audience.

The best way to follow the whole story as it unfolds is the campaign playlist on Facebook, a running collection of every post updated each week.

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 “𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀” https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ErpqXLPuh/

For those on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandriaharmonizers/

The Harmonizers’ Facebook page remains the primary home for the campaign: facebook.com/harmonizers

 

In other AACC chapter family news, congratulations to Josh and Costanza Frakes on the birth of their son, Leonardo, on June 6!

 

Congratulations to Turner Arndt and his bride, Jessica, who were married this past weekend!

Both Josh and Turner claimed a good excuse for missing the retreat weekend!  

 

Then sympathy to friends and family at the recent passing of Bill DePuy who died in his sleep this week at home.  He was 85, having joined the Harmonizers in 2002 where he sang lead before moving to Waynesboro a number of years ago.  There will be no service, but instead, a celebration at a large golf event in the weeks ahead with some 40 golfing friends who have joined him for 30 years at Shenvalee Golf Resort. Chapter members who wish to send his wife, Mimi, a note may use the home address: 147 Lake View Circle, Waynesboro VA 22980.

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

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