Looking Back on the July 8, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
Attendance was great this week despite the 100 degree heat in the area and a hard rain storm just before chapter time. There was lots of fun and excitement in the air at AlexRenew as the chapter celebrated the successes of AACC members and friends at last week’s International Contest and Convention in Denver!!
Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, shared a run-down of Denver accomplishments to kick off this week’s meeting. (A complete Looking Back report will be released in a day or two – be on the lookout.) Joe also shared his plans to share some of the videos from the chorus contest when they are released.
Other opening announcements included a reminder for the upcoming retreat that will start at 7 pm on Friday, July 18, and end about noon on Sunday, July 20, at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. The annual retreat is a great opportunity for serious work on the music, plus a chance for members to meet and socialize with each other and get to know more names to go with the faces we see each week. The two coaches for the weekend will be Darin Drown from Denver, CO, and Cy Wood, our frequent performance coach from Ohio. There will also be a ceremony to present the 2024 distinguished service awards for the Collective. Rumor has it that the Class of 25 is working on a skit for the Saturday night party!
Future chapter meeting locations were confirmed: the meeting on July 15 will be at Beth El Synagogue, July 22 back at AlexRenew, then July 29, AACC will be singing in Old Town Alexandria and passing out recruitment flyers for the next Capital Force youth ensemble. Joe also alerted members of plans for the August 5 and 12 meetings when there will be more work on getting each singer up-to-the-mark for the current songs.
The AACC black t-shirts are available for just $10 each. Contact Terry Reynolds before the next chapter meeting so he can bring one to you to have for the chapter retreat.
Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed this week’s list of guests including some folks present who will be guests on the trip to Ireland like Jerry Caudrilli, from Richmond. Returning guests included Donald Medor, Robby Bernard, and Alaina Forte. First time guests included Charlie Garlow, Lisa Venbrux, Carri Nelson, Hank Turner and Darci Horne. Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter welcome song.
After a brief vocal warm up session, Joe asked the Class of 2025 to step forward and present their red bandanas. Ooops – one member forgot – and so he had to answer three questions from members on the risers such as ‘what is your favorite season’ and ‘when did you grow your mustache.’
At this point the two choruses started work on their songs for the trip to Ireland which will also be music for the fall season. Each ensemble got time on the risers to practice choreography.
To wrap up the night, Joe worked with the combined ensembles on “Parting Glass” arranged by Steve Tramack. Soloists for this song will be announced next week.
Recently, Tessa Walker spoke to the chapter about helping spread the word to high school students about the upcoming formation of another Capital Force ensemble as part of AACC. She will help create forms and flyers for the project that will be part of sing outs in coming weeks including two specific events, Aug 23rd and Sept 6th, that will be dedicated to finding new youth singers.
Joe added this week that active AACC members will be needed to assist with the Capital Force ensemble for their meetings on Sundays from November to February in all aspects of the operation – both musical and administrative. Watch for a Sept. 2025 survey to offer your inputs.
The rehearsal wrapped up with “Keep the Whole World Singing,” directed by Samantha – wearing her new bronze quartet medal! The fun afterglow was at the Harmo House for tag singing, pizza and snacks.
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 77th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)
The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.
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