Looking Back on the Aug. 26, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
This was the first Tuesday night meeting after the chapter’s trip to Ireland, so members were eager to see each other and reconnect. There were several reports of illness among the ranks. Plus some confessions that the member just needed another couple days to rest and recover.
The Metro Voices ensemble and the Harmonizers met in separate rooms to start the evening in preparation for the fall show – assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, conducted warm ups for that ensemble, and assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander conducted warm ups for that ensemble. Both groups are also preparing for their appearance at the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest.
The Harmonizers actually concentrated on stage presence review and drill for their songs which artistic director, Joe Cerutti, conducted with help from Turner Arndt and Jason.
About midpoint in the evening, the two ensembles came together for business topics. To kick it off, Joe recognized Brad Jones for his leadership and dedication in managing the Ireland trip for the 100 participants which prompted a standing ovation for Brad. To conclude the celebration, Joe shared that the chapter has had a tentative invite for an international experience trip in 2027! More details to come after the invite is confirmed.
There will be regular chapter meetings on Tues. Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 at AlexRenew. The rehearsal on Sept. 16 will be sort of the dress rehearsal for the show and be held at Bishop Ireton or at Beth El Synagogue (watch for clarification). The show is Sept. 20 at Bishop Ireton High School.
Admin leader, Terry Reynolds, reminded everyone of the need for volunteers to recruit singers for the Capital Force youth chorus in AACC on Sept. 6. There is a major push needed to get more youth singers to register for the Sunday evening rehearsals that will start later this fall.
Ashley Merryman shared the chapter’s plans for inviting a number of special guest groups to the fall show allowing them to bring audience members from their groups as well as leaders from their organization. The charity groups invited include Arlington Volunteers, Blue Star Families, Defense Attaché Association, Fisher House, Honor Flight, Military Women’s Memorial, National Military Family Association, and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).
The guest emcee for the show will be FOX5 Anchor/Reporter, Julie Donaldson. Guest photographer will be Sharon Farmer.
Show producer, Catherine LaValley, shared details about ticket sales (with a word to the wise that we are far behind selling enough seats for the 750-seat auditorium at Bishop Ireton). She suggests that each member needs to sell at least three tickets. Also, watch for Catherine’s upcoming requests for volunteers to help with other tasks needed for the Sept. 20 event. There will also be an afterglow for the show, so also watch for signup details for that too.
Membership director, Jacob Broude, introduced our newest AACC member, Matt Darouse. A first time guest this week was music educator, Devante Lucas. Returning guests were Robby Bernarda, Lisa Venbrux, Catalina Buitrago Torres, and Cooper Schwartz. Maggie McAlexander, directed the chapter welcome song.
Singing rehearsal resumed until the 9:30 end time and a rousing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by David Breen.
In other news, chapter president, Craig Kujawa, has reported that 38 members of AACC (and their family and friends) have earned over $4,500 through RaiseRight by purchasing over $80,000 worth of scrip gift cards. Congrats and thanks to those members for their help in raising income for the chapter. Craig has announced a goal of $5,000 for FY 2026.
Word has come to the chapter of the passing of longtime chapter friend, Marjorie Latzko. She was 96 and the wife our chapter coach and arranger, Walter Latzko, who helped us earn gold chorus medals with arrangements and coaching talent. She met Walter when she was singing with the CHORDETTES, a famous female barbershop quartet from the 1950s and he was their coach and mentor for appearances on the Arthur Godfrey Show and similar network shows. She attended a number of Harmonizer shows and concerts and contest performances even after Walter passed.
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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