Looking Back on the Oct. 28, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Launch of Capital Force Youth Ensemble

 Looking Back on the Oct. 28, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting and Launch of Capital Force Youth Ensemble

Congratulations and celebrations for the launch on Sunday, Oct. 26, of the 2025-2026 Capital Force youth ensemble as part of AACC! Male and female singers in 7^th to 12^th grades were invite to join. The 17 singers made great progress and worked on their first song for this season – “I Will Go Sailing No More.”  Director Tessa Walker welcomed the new class and shared that there are other singers who will join but couldn’t make it this week.  There were several singers from last season’s ensemble back again. 

Assistant director Julian LeFlore helped teach tags during the 2-4 pm gathering at Fairlington Presbyterian Church in Alexandria.  There were a number of parents on hand to observe after providing transportation. A number of AACC members were there to help – section leader duties were staffed by Maggie McAlexander, tenors; Samantha Tramack, leads; Tony Colosimo, baritones; and David Breen, basses. Maggie, Samantha, Julian and David also sang a quartet song for the students.  All of the AACC members helped the new singers determine which part they should sing after some voice placement exercises. 

The ensemble will meet on subsequent Sundays with a goal to sing on the Dec. 13 AACC holiday show; sing with AACC members in Old Town on Tuesday, Dec. 16; participate in Youth Harmony Day on Sun., Nov. 1; and perform a final end-of-season show on March 22.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Harmonizers and Metro Voices continued their hard work in preparation for the chapter’s holiday show weekend, Friday and Saturday evenings, December 12 and 13 at Fairlington Presbyterian Church. 

The meeting was at AlexRenew and Maggie led the warm up session for AACC and taught a fun exercise with Halloween-appropriate words – ‘break me off a piece of that KitKat bar.” After warm up sessions, both ensembles combined to work on AACC chorus songs “Welcome Christmas” and “Gloria” led by artistic director, Joe Cerutti. Then the ensembles separated to worked on their holiday repertoire for the show.

The chapter business meeting included an important NOTE that the meetings on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 will start at 7:30 pm and end at 10 pm, at Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street in Alexandria. Chapter leaders ask all members NOT to enter the church until right at 7:30 pm those nights so that a church event will not be interrupted. Early arrivals should wait in their cars. 

Looking ahead: November 1 is  another Honor Flight sing – organized by E.J. Herold.  Singers available for the 8 am call time at North Security Checkpoint in DCA, had to sign up by the end of this week’s rehearsal.  Honor Flight singers will wear AACC t-shirts and sing an assortment of military-tribute and patriotic songs. 

Tuesday meetings on Nov. 4 and 11 will be at Fairlington Presbyterian from 7:30 – 10 pm. On Nov. 11, the Harmonizers will work with Steve Armstrong, coach and arranger, to learn about their dynamic new contest package. Joe asked members to reach out and invite any previous or new singers to attend that night to consider participation in this major musical experience for the Harmonizers. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, AACC will sing in Old Town to promote attendance at the holiday show which will be Fri. Dec. 12 and Sat. Dec. 13 at Fairlington Presbyterian.   On Nov. 25 the meeting will be back at AlexRenew. AACC will have their traditional holiday carol sing again in Old Town on Tues. Dec. 16. There will be no rehearsals on Dec. 23 and 30. The Jan. 6 meeting will be the traditional kickoff session for the 2026 year and also the next chapter Put Together Quartet Contest – as the name implies, 

members are encouraged to “put together” a quartet and enter the fun.  Usually some BHS friends are the judges.  Rules and details to come soon.

The chapter sang “Happy Birthday” to Craig Kujawa, Mireille Kouagou. and Robert Santine.  

Chapter leaders ask AACC singers to be alert for another possible holiday sing on Dec. 7  - caroling for Blue Star Families.

President Craig Kujawa reported on the success of the campaign to get member donations from buying Scrip cards during the just-ended fiscal year.  The chapter came close to making the goal of $5000 – actual was $4555.49. The top 12 donors from the chapter were Charley Rothermel, Bruce Roehm, Ashley Merryman, Craig Kujawa, Cy Shuster, Heidi Suckow, Ken Ives, Antony Takahashi, Dean Rust, Steve White, Dave Welter and Randall Eliason. All brought in over $100 or more. A total of 38 members made donations. 

Chapter secretary, Cy Shuster, presented membership renewal cards for four AACC members: for 2 years, Brenden White; for 3 years, Adele Jones; for 3 years, Lenna Jawdat; and for 4 years, David Hillinck.

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed four returning guests: Billy Ermlick, Cooper Schwartz, Devante Lucas, and Catalina Buitrago Torres.  There was a 10-minute break and then it was back to rehearsal with Joedirecting the Harmonizers and Samantha directing Metro Voices. 

 

In other news, local station WETA chose a Harmonizer recording of “O Come O Come Emanuel” for their Sound of the Season series in December. 

Adele Jones was recognized for earning a fourth place chorus medal at the recent Sweet Adeline International convention.  She sang with Harbor City Music Company. 

The two ensembles worked the rest of the meeting on their music, then gathered for the close of the evening’s activities to sing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Samantha Tramack. 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

This was another busy chapter meeting for Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) with the need to be ready to sing on the fast approaching holiday show.  As it has always been, this is a crazy time of year to refresh lots of songs plus learn some new ones for the holiday shows - this year on Friday and Saturday evenings, December 12 and 13 at Fairlington Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. It is especially crazy for all of our new members, and for sure the members of Metro Voices, to learn so much new music.

The meeting was at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd., and both ensembles were able to find space to have sectional rehearsals on some of the new songs in the repertoire. After warm up sessions, each ensemble started their work sessions.  

Both ensembles combined to work on “Welcome Christmas” led by artistic director, Joe Cerutti. 

The chapter business meeting included a thank you to E.J. Herold for his leadership to organize an AACC appearance at the Danish Embassy, as part of the chapter’s outreach to the military community. 

On Monday, Oct. 20,  2025, twenty-seven AACC members (15 Harmonizers and 12 Metro Voices) represented the chapter to sing at the invitation of the Danish Ambassador, Jesper Møller Sørensen, for the farewell to Danish Defense Attaché and outgoing Dean of the Defense Attachés, Rear Admiral Jakob Rousøe. This VLQ [Very Large Quartet] was chosen from available singers who knew the fall show music. Tony Colosimo directed the Harmonizers (“Africa” and “What a Wonderful World”), Samantha Tramack directed Metro Voices (“How Far I'll Go” and “Maggie's Medley”) and Maggie McAlexander conducted the AACC for “Defying Gravity.”

 The group performed for the Danish Ambassador Prince Joachim of Denmark, assorted senior US military officers and a large contingent of Defense Attachés from the Washington diplomatic community. Former US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, was also in attendance. The crowd, many accompanied by their spouses, numbered nearly 250. AACC performed on the balcony of the Ambassador’s residence on a pleasant evening. The entire set, which lasted about 20 minutes, finished to raucous applause from an appreciative audience following the performance of “Defying Gravity” with a solo by Samantha Tramack. RADM Rousøe was surprised by the performance arranged in secrecy by his staff, but he thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Thanks from the audience, the Ambassador and the Embassy staff left no doubt that they enjoyed the performance.

Looking ahead: The Oct. 28 meeting will be at AlexRenew. November 1 is  another Honor Flight sing – organized by E.J. Herold.  Details for the Honor Flight activity will be fully announced on Oct. 28.

On Tuesday, November 11, the Harmonizers will work with Steve Armstrong and discover their new contest package. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, AACC will sing in Old Town to promote attendance at the holiday show.  AACC will have their traditional holiday carol sing again in Old Town on Tues. Dec. 16.

 There will be no rehearsals on Dec. 23 and 30. The Jan. 6 meeting will be the traditional kickoff session for the 2026 year and also the next chapter Put Together Quartet Contest – as the name implies, members are encouraged to “put together” a quartet and enter the fun.  Usually some BHS friends are the judges.  Rules and details to come soon.

Chapter secretary, Cy Shuster, presented membership renewal cards to several members including some long-time members – Alan Wile for 44 years and Carl Kauffmann for 53 years.  Joe then presented Jack Pitzer his card and pin for 60 years of membership in the chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Joe used the occasion to encourage future generations of chapter members to look forward to long years of membership, service and music. (YeEd says thanks to all who extended a hand of friendship and congrats!!)

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed Chris Buechler and Dixie Kennett; and four returning guests: Billy Ermlick, Susan Friel, Cooper Schwartz, and Monica Lynch.  Jason Lee directed the chapter welcome song. 

There was a brief  break and then it was back to rehearsal.  During the Harmonizer rehearsal, Joe shared the warm and personal thank you note from Dr. Joyce Garrett who the chorus saluted recently at Alfred Street Baptist Church for her retirement.   Her note included thanks for the flowers and wonderful songs – she shared “the music made my heart sing.” 

Also Joe shared a recent message from Kirk Riffer and his wife Dana about the serious development of health issues for her. Joe recorded the Harmonizers singing a message to Dana and Kirk and added a message to welcome them for a visit when they can. 

The end of the meeting included the entire AACC chorus singing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Lance Fisher. 

In other chapter news, chapter leadership sent a message to members about estate planning and legacy giving to the chapter.  This annual appeal helps build up funds needed for the growth and expansion of the chapter programs and services to members. Consider how you can support the appeal. 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Oct. 14, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Oct. 14, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

This was a busy chapter meeting for AACC to launch important work on holiday music for the show in December and the carol sings in Old Town Alexandria.

The evening began at 7 pm at AlexRenew with a lot of guests and members on hand. The Harmonizers and Metro Voices met separately for the first part of the evening.

Metro Voices started with warm ups led by their director, Samantha Tramack, then they worked in sectionals on “Sing Me Noel” and “Auld Lang Syne” with a run-through of each of those songs after the sectionals.  Next, assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, walked through the scores from their recent appearance at the district contest, and explained the judging categories. 

The Harmonizers warm up session was led by associate director, Tony Colosimo, then they worked on “El Yivneh Hagalil.” 

It was apparent that members had worked on learning the new songs before they got to the meeting this week!

Both ensembles combined to work on “Welcome Christmas” led by artistic director, Joe Cerutti. 

Next, president, Craig Kujawa, conducted the official chapter meeting and election of the officers and directors-at-large for 2026. Secretary Cy Shuster declared there was a quorum and that no nominations had been made by members beyond the slate announced by Bruce Roehm for the nominating committee.  President Craig declared the slate elected by acclamation. 

President – Craig Kujawa

Secretary – Cy Shuster

Treasurer – Terry Reynolds

At Large Board Members – Michael Berkson, Mary Cooper, Ashley Merryman, Betsy Mullins, Carolyn Griffin, Cody Leihgeber Carpenter

Thanks to this year’s nominating committee for their work to get the slate for the election: Bruce Roehm, chairman, with members Terry Reynolds, Charley Rothermel and Sheryl Berlin.

Other announcements for AACC included a thank you to Ashley Merryman for her work on the fall show. Joe shared his pride and thanks for great performances by both ensembles who qualified to compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International contest in St.  Louis in July. A great accomplishment!  

Looking ahead, a small ensemble will represent the chapter to sing at the Danish Embassy on Oct. 20 for the Defense Attaché Association – the group chosen from singers who were available and who knew the fall show music. Members will car pool to the event.  E.J. Herold is organizer. The Oct. 21 meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue; Oct. 28 will be at AlexRenew. November 1 is  another Honor Flight sing – also organized by E.J. Herold.  On Tuesday, November 11, the Harmonizers will work with Steve Armstrong and discover their new contest package. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, AACC will sing in Old Town to promote attendance at the holiday show.  That show will be on the weekend of Dec. 12-13-14 – final times and venue to be announced soon. AACC will sing carols again in Old Town on Tues. Dec. 16. There will be no rehearsals on Dec. 23 and 30. The Jan. 6 meeting will be a kickoff session for the 2026 year and also the next chapter Put Together Quartet Contest – as the name implies, members are encouraged to “put together” a quartet and enter the fun.  Usually some BHS friends are the judges.  Rules and details to come soon.

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed a long list of guests this week: Billy Ermlick, Susan Friel, Linda Sinnwell, Cooper Schwartz, Mary Beth Cole, Monica Lynch, Justin Schoolmaster, Catalina Buitrago Torres, Mackenzie Girard, and Logan Glauser. Our newest member, Robbie Delia Bernarda, received his official name tag.  Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter welcome song. 

There was a fifteen minute break and then both ensembles continued their work on holiday music. Metro Voices worked on “Oseh Shalom” after Sheryl Berlin introduced the song,  explained its meaning and suggested pronunciations of some of the words. (Thanks to Annie Ermlick for her reporting again this week.)  

The Harmonizers worked on “Here Comes Santa Claus” in sectionals and back as a full ensemble.

The end of the meeting included the 50/50 drawing coordinated by Alan Wile, and the entire AACC chorus singing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Christine Pan.

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Oct. 7 and 8, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Events

 Looking Back on the Oct. 7 and 8, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Events

AACC music team leaders decided to cancel rehearsals for both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices for Tues. Oct. 7 so that folks could rest up after the district contest weekend, so that singers could get well (many folks had reported they could not attend), and so that the Harmonizers could muster a large ensemble for the sing at Alfred Street Baptist Church on Wed., Oct. 8.

The Harmonizer event is the annual men’s fellowship sing with Alfred Street men’s choir in Alexandria.  This year it was also the opportunity to honor Dr. Joyce Garrett, minister of music, who has retired.  She initiated the idea of the men’s singing fellowship. 

The evening began at 6:30 pm with a run-through of “Impossible Dream.” The Harmonizers wore their AACC t-shirts with jeans. They were the first chorus to sing and did “Africa” and “Wonderful World.” Associate director, Tony Colosimo, taught all singers a tag – “Raindrops” – that sounded great with all those singers.

The second chorus to sing was the West Point Alumni Glee Club.  They were guests of the Harmonizers and sang a cappella.  Their president is fellow-member E.J. Herold. Their director is Master Sgt (Ret) Neil Ewachiw, who formerly sang with the US Army Chorus. They sang “The Corps” and “Army Blue” – two songs recognized by all West Point graduates. They meet regularly and sing at retirement homes, Honor Flight events at National Airport, and at West Point. Their director taught a soldier’s prayer for world peace in Latin. In the end, it was sung in rounds.

The final chorus was the Alfred Street Men, directed by Melvin Bryant, Jr. He welcomed all fellow singers and thanked them for helping celebrate Dr. Garrett. Their songs were accompanied and included a great arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” It was great to see former Harmonizer, John Oswald Green, on stage with them!

After they sang, Melvin announced there was another new song and the singers began singing “Special Lady” – which lead to a tribute to Dr. Garrett. 

At the end of the evening, artistic director of the Harmonizers, Joe Cerutti, gave this tribute on behalf of the chorus and presented her with a bouquet. 

“On behalf of the Harmonizers, it’s always an honor to share an evening of fellowship with our Alfred Street brethren, but it’s even more of an honor to take a moment to celebrate the recent retirement of a remarkable leader, an inspiring educator, and a dear friend to our chorus – Dr. Joyce Garrett.

Since 2017, we’ve had the extraordinary privilege of standing in harmony with the Alfred Street Baptist Church Male Chorus. These collaborations have become some of the most meaningful musical moments in our history—and they simply would not have happened without Dr. Garrett.

This beautiful relationship began when she visited one of our rehearsals during a workshop with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey In The Rock. What started as a simple visit turned into something far more powerful. Dr. Garrett saw two ensembles—just blocks apart in Alexandria—and envisioned a partnership rooted in music, community, and collaboration.

Just a month later, in April 2017, our choruses performed together for the first time. And thanks to her, that “first time” quickly became a tradition. We co-hosted a two-day Gospel Fest for the City of Alexandria, featuring the Grammy Award-winning Fairfield Four, and later that fall established our very first evening of choral fellowship.

In 2018, we had the pleasure of presenting her with our Award of Harmony. And still, it feels like that small recognition couldn’t possibly capture the full impact she’s had on our group.

We also reflect with some amazement: for literally decades, our choruses rehearsed just down the road from one another... and yet, we never connected, and with deep gratitude to Dr. Garrett , we don’t just sing for each other—we sing with each other.

So, as you begin this next chapter of well-deserved retirement, we just want to say thank you.

Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for your belief in the power of music to unite community.
And thank you for reminding us that harmony is more than just the notes we sing—it’s the community we build together.

To close this tribute, we’ve prepared a very special gift. We’ve learned that this next song is one of Dr. Garrett’sfavorites—and so, tonight, the Harmonizers and the Alfred Street Baptist Church Male Chorus will sing it side by side, in your honor.”

At this point Alfred Street men and the Harmonizers sang “Impossible Dream” with a quartet of Kellen Hertz, Tony Colosimo, Rob Santine and Terry Reynolds singing the intro. It was a great ending for the night.

The fellowship event ended with the traditional spread of great eats in the church social hall. 

Looking ahead, on Oct. 14, AACC will meet at AlexRenew, hold the annual election of officers and board of directors, and launch the musical work for the holiday show. The next “new member orientation session” will be on Oct. 14 too. The Oct. 21 meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue; Oct. 28 will be at AlexRenew. November 1 is  another Honor Flight sing.  On Tuesday, November 11, the Harmonizers will work with Steve Armstrong and discover their new contest package. The holiday show is scheduled for Dec. 13-14; then AACC will sing carols in Old Town on Tues. Dec. 16. There will be no rehearsals on Dec. 23 and 30.

Holiday music is on Groupanizer so members can get a start on reviewing or learning the songs that have been used in the past for the holiday shows.  New holiday songs are also being added to Groupanizer.

In other matters, here is the slate of candidates for the chapter election on Oct. 14, as offered by the nominating committee (Bruce Roehm, chairman, with members Terry Reynolds, Charley Rothermel and Sheryl Berlin):

President – Craig Kujawa

Secretary – Cy Shuster

Treasurer – Terry Reynolds

At Large Board Members – Michael Berkson, Mary Cooper, Ashley Merryman, Betsy Mullins, Carolyn Griffin, Cody Leihgeber Carpenter

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Oct. 3-4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Success at M-AD Contest

 Looking Back on the Oct. 3-4, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Success at M-AD Contest

AACC quartets and choruses were highly successful at the fall contests and convention for the Mid-Atlantic District (M-AD) this past weekend in NJ.

The Harmonizers and Metro Voices competed in the district chorus contest that was also the International preliminary chorus contest to select contestants for the International convention in St. Louis in 2026. Both AACC ensembles scored very well and earned a spot among the six choruses from M-AD that will compete in the July ’26 contest.

Quartets representing AACC also did really well and ended up first, second and third in the contest – GQ with Samantha Tramack scored 3298, 91.6 %; BETTER TOGETHER with Tony and Elizabeth Colosimo, Heather andAndrew Havens scored 3063, 85.1%; BELTWAY with Rob Santine, Suranjan Sen, Josh Myers and Ryan Mextorfscored 2824, 78.4%. 

FANTATIC 4 qualified for the finals round with Heidi Brown,  but their lead was unable to attend the finals, and so Jason Lee filled in for him – they were not ranked after that change. INSTAGRAMPS with Steve White, Jay Butterfield and Rick Taylor sang in the first round for score only and were declared M-AD Senior quartet champs. MENTAL NOTE with Scott Beach, Mike Geiple, and Jerry Candrilli did not compete since Scott’s father died recently.  

The Harmonizers scored 1579, 87.7% and ranked third in the chorus contest with Tony Colosimo directing the 49 singers.  Their songs were “But the World Goes ‘Round” and “Come Follow the Band.” 

Metro Voices scored 1475, 81.9% and ranked fifth with Samantha Tramack directing the 25 singers. Their songs were “How Far I’ll Go’ and “World Here I Am Medley.” 

 Both ensembles wore their formal attire of blacks and teals. 

Other choruses going to International include Parkside Harmony, East Coast Sound, Gotham and True North. 

Guest emcee for the finals quartet contest was Robert Rund, newly named CEO of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).  As a 50-year member, he was baritone in DOUBLETAKE quartet - M-AD champs in 1982; and is an arranger for quartets and choruses. He also sang one of his arrangements with SECRET BEST FRIENDS, last year’s district champs, on the show. He also did an interview with M-AD leaders so attendees could learn more about the new CEO.

Two Harmonizers, Tyler Carpenter and Cy Wood worked as judges for the contest weekend.  Several AACC members worked all weekend as part of the district events team backstage making things go well – Ken Rub, Brian Ammerman, Patricia Chow and Mike Kelly. Mike Fasano serves as executive vice president of M-AD. 

The contest venue was the Middle Township Performing Arts Center in Cape May, NJ.  Many members attended the first round of the quartet contest on Friday afternoon to cheer for our quartets. 

The Harmonizers sang 10^th and Metro Voices sang 12^th on Saturday.  During the warm up period in the morning, Metro Voices were there to send the Harmonizers on to the stage with applause and cheers.  Then during the contest, the Harmonizers were vocal in the auditorium with cheers for Metro Voices.  A great family spirit!

There were several appearances of chapter members and former members in other choruses.  Josh Myers sang with East Coast Sound and Bill Colosimo was a walk-on with them as part of their set. Great to see Mike Wallen as director for Richmond with Jacob George and Mike Geipel and Jerry Candrilli on the risers. Kris Zinkievich directed Patapsco Valley with Tim Buell, Bob Hirsh and Biff Gaut on the risers. Fred Womer, Sean Devine and Chris Yatessang with Hershey. Dave DesPortes sang with Philadelphia.  Julian LeFlore directed Greater Delaware. (Sorry if YeEd missed anyone on the risers!)

The Mid Atlantic District Association of Quartet Champions chorus sang to welcome GQ into the fold to wrap up the convention on Saturday night. In addition to adding Samantha to the group as a new champ, there were more than a dozen chapter members on the risers who had also earned a district champ medal in the past.  Great to see them all there.  

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 77^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 Sept. 30, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Sept. 30, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

AACC members were ready to put final touches on their contest songs at this week’s rehearsal. A riser crew of volunteers from both ensembles arrived early to do the set up. Both ensembles are eager to deliver a solid barbershop performance at the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest in NJ.

There had been a flurry of messages on Slack about room reservations, arrival times, and uniform details. AACC singers are ready.

AlexRenew was a busy place this week, and the two groups also sang their packages for each other which stimulated much applause and cheering and support for each chorus.

The district contest will be at Middle Township Performing Arts Center in Cape May, NJ.  Many members will go up on Friday afternoon to cheer for our six quartets that will compete on the Friday night contest stage.  (In case you have not heard, that contest starts at 4:30 pm. Make travel plans accordingly – especially if you plan to use the Ferry.) The quartets with AACC members are MENTAL NOTE with Scott Beach, Mike Geiple, and Jerry Candrilli; BELTWAY with Rob Santine, Suranjan Sen, Josh Myers, and Ryan Mextorf; FANTATIC 4, with Heidi Brown; BETTER TOGETHER with Elizabeth and Tony Colosimo, and Heather and Andrew Havens; GQ with Samantha Tramack; and INSTAGRAMPS with Rick Taylor and Steve White. 

Saturday is the chorus contest starting at 9 am. For those interested, there is a meet the new CEO of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) at 5:15 pm, then the finals for the quartet contest starts at 6:30 pm.   Clearly, attendees will need to plan ahead to get to everything and get some dinner. Often there are food trucks outside the contest venue, so that might be an option.

The Harmonizers sing 10^th – about 10:53 am or the second chorus after intermission. The Harmonizer music team will stay for the evaluation/coaching meeting with the judges, but all members are welcome to stay as well.  Metro Voices sing 12^th at about 11 am. Their members will all stay for the chat with the judges since this is the first official contest for several of their members.  

 Coming soon on the Harmonizer calendar is the annual Men’s Fellowship sing with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s Choir.  This year, the West Point Alumni Chorus will be singing as special guest of the Harmonizers, coordinated by E.J. Herold. Event is at Alfred Street Baptist, 301 S. Alfred in Alexandria, call time for the chorus is 6:30 pm. AACC t-shirt and jeans is the dress code. Songs will be “Africa,” “Wonderful World,” and “Impossible Dream.”  We will also sing a song to help honor Joyce Garrett (it’s on Groupanizer for review) at this year’s event and to recognize her contributions and leadership in support of male singing in the community. 

Looking ahead, on Oct. 7, the AACC chorus will sing in Old Town Alexandria. On Wed., Oct. 8, the Harmonizers will attend the men’s fellowship with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s Gospel Choir.  Joe encourages all Harmonizers to attend this fun and meaningful musical sharing event, and if a member can’t do both Tuesday and Wednesday night chorus events of that week, then choose the Wednesday night event. On Oct. 14, AACC will meet at AlexRenew, hold the annual election of officers and board of directors, and launch the musical work for the holiday show. The Oct. 21 meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue. 

The meeting agenda is also hectic as AACC prepares for its holiday show.  Chapter leadership is working hard to locate a suitable venue for that show – the venues are getting harder and harder to find (and to afford). Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, is leading the effort for the chapter on this front.

Holiday music is on Groupanizer so members can get a start on reviewing or learning the songs that have been used in the past for the holiday shows.  New holiday songs will be added soon including an arrangement of “Welcome Christmas” for the AACC chorus.  

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed the guests this week, including Devante Lucas, Cooper Schwartz, Steven Pei and Jen Wheaton. Terry Reynolds lead the chapter welcome song. 

Joe was emcee for the annual “shedding of the bandanas” for the Class of 2025.  The ceremony took place with Joewelcoming singers to the riser based on their class year for their first contest starting with a few men who were in the 1978 class.  The Class of 2025 was welcomed to the risers and allowed to discard their red AACC bandanas.

As part of the formal meeting, Joe also recognized the quartets that will represent the chapter in the contest. He thanked Catherine LaValley for her work on the fall show, and presented a gift from the chapter to Brad Jones for his year-long administrative leadership for the trip to Ireland. 

Rehearsals ended close to 10 pm this week with “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Zak Sandler.

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 77^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 Sept. 20, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Fall Show

 Looking Back on the Sept. 20, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Fall Show

The fall show on Sept. 20 was at Bishop Ireton High School auditorium in Alexandria. Theme for the show was “Follow The Song” – a journey through song that defies gravity, crosses oceans and dares the impossible.

Call times were pushed 15 minutes later than previously scheduled so that the riser crew reported at 1:15 pm, with Harmonizer front row reporting at 1:30 pm. Harmonizer singers reported at 1:45 pm to the Band Room, with a warm-up led by assistant director Jason Lee. After warm-up, the Harmonizers moved to riser positions for some touch-ups of choreography and music for “Come Follow the Band” and “But the World Goes Round,” run by associate director, Tony Colosimo. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, then took over the rehearsal for Harmonizers to run the rest of the concert set, including: “Africa,” “Calling Dreams,” “Impossible Dream,” and “What a Wonderful World.” For the warm-up, David Breen, Tony Colosimo, and Jason Lee performed the opening of “Impossible Dream.”

Metro Voices call time was at 2:30 pm, reporting to the Band Room backstage where their assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, and their music director, Samantha Tramack, led a brief warm-up. Afterwards, Metro Voices joined the Harmonizers on the risers to finalize riser positions and run the combined songs: “I'm Still Standing,” “Defying Gravity,” and “The Parting Glass.” The same trio from the Ireland trip, David Breen, Lance Fisher, and Sophie Clark, sang for “Parting Glass.”

Throughout the rehearsal, fall show producer, Catherine LaValley, ran sound and light checks to ensure quartets and trios could be heard and seen over the ensemble. Thanks for back stage help from Greg Tepe, sound and light help from Mike Kelly, and the tech crew of Bishop Ireton students. Other volunteers helped with ticket sales and welcoming patrons.

At 4:00 pm, Harmonizers were dismissed from the risers for a brief touch-up in the Band Room led by Tony. Section leader, Matt Ambler, ran a brief lead sectional for “But the World Goes Round.” After this, Harmonizers were dismissed for dinner and to prepare for pictures before the show. 

Metro Voices, meanwhile, stayed on the risers to run their show set, directed by Samantha. The set included “Happy Together,” “Where You Lead - Together We Can” medley, “Somewhere,” “How Far I'll Go,” and “World Here I Am.”  Afterwards, Metro Voices briefly returned to the Band Room to touch up a couple of sections, before getting dinner. 

The guest quartets then went through sound check and stage time for their songs. All of the quartets featured in the show included members of AACC: HARMOHAUS with John Gabriel Sifuentes, Lance Fisher, David Breen, and Kevin Mendez; BELTWAY featured members Robert Santine, Suranjan Sen, Josh Myers, and Ryan Mextorf; and finally, SUPERNOVA featured AACC's Maggie McAlexander and Tessa Walker, as well as Amanda Pitts and Serena Davis. 

After everyone finished getting into show attire (everyone looked fabulous in their teal and black!), photos were taken on the risers for each ensemble, as well as the combined Collective. 

The show started a few minutes after 7:00 pm, kicked off by emcee Julie Donaldson from Fox 5 DC. When the curtains opened, 430 audience members were greeted with the combined AACC singing “I'm Still Standing,” directed by Joe Cerutti. The contest set of “Come Follow the Band” and “But the World Goes Round” was directed by Tony Colosimo, and all other Harmonizer numbers were directed by Joe. Metro Voices kicked off their set with “Happy Together,” directed by Samantha Tramack, which they followed with “Somewhere,” directed by Maggie McAlexander. All remaining Metro Voices pieces were directed by Samantha. Joe directed all of the remaining combined numbers.

The show was a rousing success with many rave reviews from audience members. Halfway through the show, it was decided to add “Hey Jude” as an encore. This featured soloist, Matt Ambler.

Special shout out to HARMOHAUS that was the featured quartet during the Harmonizer run of “Impossible Dream.” And also for the solos by Samantha and Tony in “Defying Gravity.”

During the show, artistic director, Joe Cerutti, recognized music educators from DC Public Schools as a thank you for supporting the Capital Force youth ensemble and helping with a concert space for the group earlier in the year.  Mary Lambert, Robert Battle, and Yan Colón were presented the AACC Harmony Award. Their dedication has set a new standard for collaboration between arts organizations and public education, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators alike.

As key music leaders within DC Public Schools, they have worked together to establish a formal partnership with AACC, creating an annual festival/workshop that introduces DCPS students to the art of barbershop harmony. Their belief in the value of this unique musical style—an art form often overlooked in public school music programs—has resulted in an opportunity that is as rare as it is impactful. Over the past two years, their efforts have not only sustained this initiative but have significantly expanded its reach, increasing student and school participation while enhancing the reputation of AACC and the barbershop harmony community.

For the show finale, Steve White presented a touching and sentimental tribute to Marjorie Latzko and highlighted for the audience, the Harmonizers’ longtime relationship with her husband, Walter, as a famed arranger and coach, and with Margie, who recently passed away at the age of 96. 

She was the last remaining singer in one of the most well know women’s quartets in American pop music history, THE CHORDETTES, who had numerous Billboard top-10 hits including “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop;” were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Famer among other accolades; and were featured on major TV shows of the day including Arthur Godfrey, Andy Williams, Dick Clark’s Bandstand, and Ed Sullivan. 

In tribute to Margie, the chorus sang “Parting Glass” and the recoding of the performance was sent to her family for inclusion at an upcoming memorial service. 

The fall show afterglow was held at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington. Many members of the Collective and the audience attended for beverages, mini donuts, and tag singing late into the evening. Thanks to everyone who made this show possible,

(Thank you to Robert Stark and Christine Pan for their report to create this issue of ‘Looking Back!’)

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 77^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 Sept. 23, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Sept. 23, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting

AACC members gathered this week to rehearse for the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest and celebrated their successful fall show that was Sat., Sept. 20, at Bishop Ireton High School. During this week’s business session, artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked the singers for making it a GREAT SHOW, and he thanked the crews who did the behind the scenes work including Ashley Merryman and Catherine LaValley. Then Joe invited members to share stories or comments that their show patrons had shared – there were some terrific reflections.

To get this week’s important rehearsal started, assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, lead a beginning warm up session for the AACC chorus, and then assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, continued vocal warm ups for the two ensembles.

Admin leader, Terry Reynolds, invited Metro Voices to use the smaller rooms for sectionals and the Harmonizers headed for the risers after a riser crew was called to get the equipment off of the chapter’s truck and set them up for the evening. A crew of volunteers from both groups stepped up to help. At the halfway point of the evening, the two ensembles switched locations.

Terry also gave some details about the fall contest weekend.  First, all members must be a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) to appear on the contest stage.  Members who are not sure should contact membership director, Jacob Broude.  Second, singers must have a convention 

registration too.  Call time for the Harmonizers, who will sing 10^th in the Saturday, Oct. 4 chorus contest, will be 9:20 am. Call time for Metro Voices will be 9:40 am. Several quartets with AACC members will be competing on Friday evening, Oct. 3 (that contest starts at 4:30 pm) including: MENTAL NOTE, BELTWAY, FANTATIC 4, BETTER TOGETHER, GQ, and INSTAGRAMPS.

 

Looking ahead, the AACC Sept. 30 meeting prior to the fall contest will be at AlexRenew. On Oct. 7, the AACC chorus will sing in Old Town Alexandria. On Wed., Oct. 8, the Harmonizers will attend another men’s fellowship and sing with Alfred Street Baptist Men’s Gospel Choir.  Joe encourages all Harmonizers to attend this fun and meaningful musical sharing event, and if a member can’t do both Tuesday and Wednesday night chorus events of that week, then choose the Wednesday night event at 301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314. On Oct. 14, AACC will meet at AlexRenew and launch their musical work on holiday show music.

Holiday music is on Groupanizer so members can get a start on reviewing or learning the songs that have been used in the past for the holiday shows.  New holiday songs will be added soon including an arrangement of “Welcome Christmas” for the AACC chorus. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed two guests this week, including Devante Lucas and Crystal Goodman. Jason Lee lead the chapter welcome song. 

Both ensembles had sectional rehearsal time this week, and both took part of the evening to do choreo on the risers in order to be prepared for the contest. 

Rehearsal ended close to 10 pm this week with “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Leah Musico.

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

 

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