Looking Back on the April 1, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Meeting
AACC members were on hand in big numbers this week in order to work on some new music and especially for all the new members who want to learn other repertoire songs.
The music team was hampered a little but they managed in fine style with Tony Colosimo on travel and Joe Cerutti, artistic director, sick at home. Assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, did the warm up session for the combined AACC chorus. Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of Metro Voices, assisted. Terry Reynolds, music team admin and assistant director of the Harmonizers, kept things rolling just great.
After the warm up period, Samantha Tramack, director of Metro Voices, directed the combined ensembles for a solid rehearsal for “Defying Gravity” with Maggie offering coaching advice to the singers. Following that, Jason worked with the group on “Hey Jude.” These two songs plus “I’m Still Standing” will be the AACC chorus songs for a May 9 choral appearance in Alexandria.
(Thanks to operations director, Gary Cregan, for his work to get platforms for directors of both ensembles to stand on when the singers are not on risers.)
There was a brief recap of the recent appearance of a group from Metro Voices who sang at a Virginia anniversary of the Association of American University Women. Samantha was director for the appearance at the Sheraton in Old Town Alexandria. The group sang four songs for the AAUW social event.
The AACC will meet at AlexRenew on April 8, 22 and 29. On April 15, there will be a walking sing out in Old Town Alexandria. Stay tuned for more details.
Chapter president, Craig Kujawa, reports that our current amount earned by members buying and using gift cards in our fundraising program is at $1900 – only about 38% of the chapter’s goal by the end of the fiscal year. He can explain to new users or put them in touch with other chapter members who are frequent supporters of this activity.
He also reported that at their recent meeting, the chapter board approved new bylaws as required by the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) for every chapter that is a registered corporation. One aspect of our bylaws approved the option to allow membership of any singer (not just men, as was previously the case for the Harmonizers), and the option to have three community representatives on the board (we received a waiver from BHS to have more than two). Craig brought this to everyone’s attention so that more members know the behind-the-scenes operation of a large, successful chapter like AACC.
Membership director, Jacob Broude, presented name tags to two new members: Michael Snow and Leah Bernstein. Returning guests were Heidi Brown, David Niemi, and Susan Friel. First time guests were Laura Rutledge and Max Demers. Harmonizer Dan O’Brien was visiting the chapter from his home in California. Terry directed the chapter’s “Welcome Song.”
There was a clarifying announcement that the Honors Flights will be on May 31 in the morning. Watch for more details.
After the business meeting, the two ensembles met to work on their own materials. Reporter, Annie Ermlick, submitted this report from Metro Voices: in addition to work on the new Irish tune, Metro Voices had a party in the board room area to celebrate their contest experience. Cake and sparkling cider were gifts from Maggie and Samantha. The discussion centered around the scores earned. Maggie, a candidate judge for BHS, explained many details and comments the judges in Towson made to the chorus. The Metro Voices also celebrated the support from the Harmonizers at the convention.
A major discussion point centered around the report that the arranger of “After You, Who?” (Carole Prietto) was in Towson and some folks spoke with her and have heard from her. Carol was thrilled with the performance and honored to have her arrangement treated with such respect and quality on the stage. She was also surprised since no one had alerted her that our ensemble would be singing that arrangement.
The Harmonizers took time to view their Southern Division contest appearance video. Jason and Terry moderated comments from members about the appearance and hints at next steps – especially considering the plan to add another layer of performance to the package (“Toyland” and “Come Follow the Band”) for the fall district contest.
After that, Jason helped the Harmonizers work on “Wonderful World.”
Then the Harmonizers worked in sectionals for the new Irish song – “The Parting Glass” which will be sung with Metro Voices. Current section leaders are Randy Lazear and Lance Fisher, tenors; Matt Ambler, leads; Jared Liscinsky, baritones; and Calvin Schnure, basses. The sections came back together for the Harmonizer chorus work on the song.
The chapter will also have some current or former members singing in quartets at the Northern Division/International prelims contest, April 25-26 in New Jersey, including LEGACY with Rick Taylor; GQ with Samantha Tramack; and PRATT STREET POWER with Ed Schubel.
The evening ended after the drawing for the 50/50 about 10 pm, followed by “Keep the Whole World Singing.”
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 76th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)
The Chapter Mission Statement: Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.
