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.

Looking Back on the June 5-7, 2036 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Retreat

 Looking Back on the June 5-7, 2036 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Retreat

This year’s retreat weekend was a great success, lots of fun, a terrific chance to get to know more members, and enough time to improve the contest packages for the trip to the BHS International contest in St. Louis.  

The chapter held this year’s retreat at AlexRenew in Alexandria and members had the challenge to travel into to the city on Friday night from 7-9 pm, then Saturday from 9 to 9 followed by an afterglow at Astro Beer Hall, and again on Sunday from 9 until noon. 

The chapter’s music team invited two out-of-town coaches for the weekend for each ensemble.  Darin Drown from Denver, CO – a retired music educator and gold medal quartet singer in STORM FRONT; and David McEachern, from Canada and one of the coach team members who developed the Harmonizer package, worked with the Harmonizers for the weekend. 

Patrick McAlexander from Houston, TX, certified BHS judge, director of the Space City Chorus, and tenor of PANDA RING quartet (and Maggie’s brother); and Blair Brown from California, a certified BHS judge, former BHS board of directors, and a member of DOUBLE DATE quartet, worked with Metro Voices for the weekend. 

Steve Tramack was on hand for the weekend too as an extra set of coaches eyes and ears. 

Many chapter members volunteered to help with the retreat operation such as: transportation and hosting for coaches, sound and riser set ups for two rehearsal spaces, clean up on Sunday, and hosting fellow chorus members to save them from long drives back and forth all weekend.  The chapter leadership triads all had a role, especially the Culture team (Becca Williams, Kellen Hertz and Matt Darpuse) who helped keep a water supply on the ready and provided donuts and coffee and such for Saturday breakfast, then dinner Saturday evening. There were ice cream treats on Friday night during break too. President Craig Kujawa was on hand to represent the chapter leadership team, as needed, all weekend. 

A unique aspect of the weekend was the display of Harmonizer memorabilia that has been removed from the chapter storage units recently.  It was all on display for members to review, pick through,  and take home any and all they wanted before it was to be all tossed.  Thanks for the many who helped haul in the boxes and cart loads up to the meeting space in AlexRenew and to Chad Ross for bringing it in the Harmo truck. (And then taking it to the disposal company.) 

Certainly, the music team was key to making the weekend run smoothly and to promote solid learning and member training. Starting with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, and Terry Reynolds who carried the load of admin for the weekend. Then the Harmonizer directors Tony Colosimo and Jason Lee, and Metro Voices directors Samantha Tramack and Maggie McAlexander. Section leaders for both ensembles were also ready to help as needed and to make certain the suggestions and instructions from coaches get passed on to their singers in the next couple weeks.

Friday night started with a game – each members got a sheet with ten spaces where you were supposed get a signature from a member you talked with before things got started that matched the sentences – like ‘has two or more pets,’ ‘is left handed, or ‘has been in barbershop for more than 20 years.’

After the fun mixer, the AACC chorus gathered on the risers for warm up with Jason Lee.  Before serious rehearsal started, chapter leaders introduced our newly hired executive director, Nandita (Dita) Rao, then Joe directed the chapter “Welcome Song” for her. 

After introducing the coaches for the weekend, there was a bandana check! This included the newest addition to the Class of 2026, Ben Hawker, who joins the 10 Harmonizers: Matt Darouse, Robby Della Bernarda, Cooper Schwartz, Jerry Candrilli, Devante Lucas, Billy Ermlick, Ben Raja, Owen Lyons, Josh Frakes and Logan Glauser; and five Metro Voices: Susan Friel, Morgan Fabber, Laura Rutledge, Renee Tramack and Sarah Lott. Each of the class had their bandana on display! Thanks to Tyler Carpenter for creating the bandanas again this year!

Then it was work by each ensemble until break time - about 8:30 pm for the ice cream bars Jack Pitzer brought.  After the break, the singers changed risers for the rest of the evening. 

 

Saturday morning, there was coffee and lots of donuts and fruit for all to enjoy as they arrived for the 9 am start – Tonydid warm ups for the Harmonizers and Maggie did warm ups for Metro Voices. Work continued on the contest packages with the coaches.  

 

For the lunch break, members went out to eat on their own with suggested locations from the Culture Team as to nearby spots. Then it was back to rehearsals until about 6 pm and a longer break and relaxation period for the singers who had spent most of the day on the risers. At one point in the afternoon, Alex Chen was introduced and recognized for his work with social media to promote the Harmonizer package and the story of the Comedian Harmonists.  Also, there was the annual group photo taken of the Class of 2026 – in anticipation of their skit later that evening.

 

At 6 pm, the Harmonizers dressed in their contest attire (for a visual check by leadership) and then they sang their contest set (“Harmony” and “Stars in the Night”) for Metro Voices.  Then it was a switch for Metro Voices to sing their set (“Yes I Can” and “Me and the Sky”)  for the Harmonizers. The show time was followed by more rehearsal until dinner at 7:30 pm – brought in by the Culture Team – sandwiches and chips and fruit and cookies (plus a big tin of homemade cookies from Ruth, Brendan White’s fiancée). 

After dinner, everyone gathered for business and formal presentations.  Joe presented a 20-year membership card and lapel pin to Frank Fedarko. Then he presented a 50-year card and pin to Dave Welter with other 50-year members Rick Savage, Carl Kaufmann and Jack Pitzer looking on,. 

President Craig reminded members that they could still purchase an individual day pass for the BHS contest in St. Louis for any friends or family.  He also suggested it is a wise idea to confirm that members have a hotel reservation and a convention registration.   

Then Craig began the presentation of the chapter’s 2025 Distinguished Service Awards to members as nominated by a committee of Annie Ermlick, Bob Blair, Carey Fagerstrom, Chuck Miller, Jack Pitzer, Steve White and Mark Klostermeyer.  

Craig first announced a Meritorious Service Award chosen by the president to Sheryl Berlin for her work with Capital Force, Metro Voices, and M-AD.

New Note Award for Metro Voices was presented to Christine Pan and New Note for the Harmonizers was presented to Devin Turner – both members who jumped in and gave it their all right from the start of their membership. The Open Arms Award was presented to Jacob Broude for his major efforts to welcome and on-board the many new member of the two ensembles. The Family Spirit Award was presented to Annie Ermlick, Heidi Brown – plus recognizing Dave Ermlick andBilly Ermlick too – a family in action for both ensembles in the chapter. The chapter Outreach Award was presented to enthusiastic Ashley Merryman who has helped connect the chapter with many community groups and agencies. The 2025 Honor Award was presented to Brad Jones for his behind the scenes work in several areas but especially in his coordination of another international tour for the chapter in 2027. 

The Scott Werner Music Award for the Harmonizers was presented to Jason Lee for his work and leadership as an assistant director for the Harmonizers and his work to help new singers when they join the chapter. The Elaine Cooper Music Award for Metro Voices was presented to Carey Fagerstrom for her dedication to the music team of her ensemble.

The 2025 Legacy Award – the highest honor awarded to a member – was presented to Stan Quick to recognize his work to continue growth of leadership teams and to improve operational work with the chapter of several ensembles. 

Craig thanked past president Alan Wile for his help to order the plaques and awards to be presented each year. The it was time for the Class of 2026 skit!

Owen Lyons was their emcee and welcomed everyone to a talk show like Family Feud – the class invited members on the riser to answer questions as projected by Billy Ermlick on the big screen. Cooper Schwartz was interviewed by Owen at length, before each member of the class had to introduce themselves.

The Saturday night session ended with Becca Williams and the Culture team inviting everyone to the Afterglow at Astro Beer Hall = there was a good attendance and it was a fun evening. 

Sunday morning, folks gathered back at AlexRenew with coffee mugs in hand.  A few folks brought goodies to share with coffee.

Maggie did the warm up for the AACC chorus at 9 am and used a fun tag to get the bodies and voices ready. Tony led another review of the “Lifetime” tag. Then the coaches worked with the ensembles for another solid block of rehearsal time.

After the wrap up of rehearsal time, there were a few administrative announcements: a reminder for everyone to pay the $25 fee for the retreat – give payment to a Culture Team member; a thank you to that team for their work; and a plea for everyone to help with putting away risers, cleaning up the memorabilia, and generally making sure that everything was clean and left as we'd found it.

 

Artistic director Joe then saluted  the members involved in the operations transition:, all 24 people in the triads and the logistics team. He reminded the AACC chorus that his vision for the chapter is for our best work to be things we do in our community and not something that we take hundreds of miles away. And he led a chapter thank you and a round of applause for the directors, assistant directors, and coaches who worked to help us all weekend. 

 

Joe invited the coaches to say any closing words, and initially none of them had anything to say. He then asked Blair to conduct the “Lifetimes” tag, at which point she encouraged the members to appreciate the Harmony and Great Spirit there is within the chapter. 

“A lifetime’s not too long, not too long, to live as friends!” was the final tag for the weekend.

Members all pitched in to take down risers and various sound and furniture items used for the weekend to be stored at AlexRenew. 

Don Thompson summarized the weekend very well in his note to all via Slack: “we came away from the coaching weekend with a feeling of accomplishment and a gratitude for the coaches and deep respect for our musical leaders and the musicians we stand beside!”

(Thanks to Cooper Schwartz for helping report on the weekend.)

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.