Looking Back on the July 19, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective 2024 Awards Ceremony.
Distinguished Service Awards for AACC for 2024 were presented to members on Saturday evening, July 19, 2025, as part of the annual retreat held at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Chapter president Craig Kujawa conducted the presentation ceremony. He also made presentations of Meritorious Service Awards that are chosen at the discretion of the president. Alan Wile was on hand, as he is every year for this task, having ordered the plaques and then handing them to the president.
Chapter historians will note that the 2024 awards were a revised list of awards from the past and included some awards for the separate ensembles. A task force met in the fall of 2023 to recommend changes to the awards list, and the chapter board approved the action. That task force included Frank Fedarko, Jack Pitzer, Mary Cooper, Sheryl Berlin, Terry Reynolds, Noah Van Gilder, and Joe Cerutti.
A different team was named as the selection committee for 2024 and for 2025 including Steve White, Jack Pitzer, Chuck Miller, Mark Klostermeyer, Carey Fagerstrom, Annie Ermlick, and Bob Blair.
Here is the ceremony script from president Kujawa:
2024 AACC MERIITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS
Recipients of the Collective’s Meritorious Service Awards are selected at the sole
discretion of the President. Two of those individuals were recognized July 19, with
a third deferred until a later date.
Jacob Broude
The first recipient is a member of the Harmonizers, but will be known equally to all
members of the Collective, regardless of ensemble, and regardless of whether one is a
long-time member, a member of the Class of ’25, or even a one-time guest. He has
improved both the guest and the new member experience significantly during his
tenure. Our success in recruiting, retention, and membership growth of the past several
years, particularly of younger members, has been largely – if not exclusively – due to
his incredibly hard work, countless hours of commitment to the cause, and noteworthy
innovation. It is with great respect, admiration, and gratitude, that I present my first
Meritorious Service Award to Jacob Broude.
Tessa Walker-Sifuentes
The next Meritorious Service Award recipient is a member of Metro Voices, but
performed both in that ensemble to earn first place in the 2024 Chorus Festival and in
the international chorus finals, earning a medal on stage with the Harmonizers in
Cleveland. Despite her accomplishments with these two choruses, her most noteworthy
achievement in the recent past has been as the Director of the third ensemble currently
comprising our Collective. It is safe to say that the very existence of Capital Force in its
current incarnation, and the tremendous musical success of its inaugural season is due
in no small part to her passion for youth music education and her skill as a singer,
clinician, coach, and director. In recognition of her exemplary service to the Collective,
and the collective good, it is my honor to present a 2024 Meritorious Service Award to
Tessa Walker-Sifuentes.
2024 AACC DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
2024 New Note of the Year Award - Metro Voices
CRITERION: Given to a member of Metro Voices who has contributed outstanding
service to the ensemble in the first year of membership. Attendance, attitude,
accomplishments of duties, both volunteer and assigned, and positive reaction of
chapter members to the candidate’s effort shall be considered. All new members for the
previous 18 months prior to October 31 of the current (award) year will be considered
for this award, unless the individual was the New Note winner for the previous year.
CITATION:
This awardee is a highly personable, capable, and delightful individual. She brings to
the AACC her extensive experience and education in music, including being one of the
founding organizers of the SingStrong A Cappella Festival in which the Harmonizers
participated as well as other choral groups. Shortly after joining our chapter, she
volunteered for various responsibilities within the AACC and Metro Voices, significantly
contributing to the fundraising Gala by managing donations and overseeing the
decoration efforts. Her extensive expertise in theater arts has been invaluable as she
assumed the role of AACC Show Producer, coordinating logistics for both the Fall and
Holiday shows in 2024. Furthermore, her professionally produced and edited
promotional videos for AACC concerts have reached audiences numbering in the
thousands. We are so very grateful for her efforts. The Metro Voices New Note of the
Year award goes to Catherine LaValley.
2024 New Note of the Year Award - The Harmonizers
CRITERION: Given to a Harmonizer who has contributed outstanding service to the
ensemble in their first year of membership. Attendance, attitude, accomplishments of
duties, both volunteer and assigned, and positive reaction of chapter members to the
candidate’s effort shall be considered. All new members for the previous 18 months
prior to October 31 of the current (award) year will be considered for this award, unless
the individual was the New Note winner for the previous year.
CITATION:
This highly enthusiastic award recipient received nominations for several chapter
awards this year which reflects the recognition of his unwavering commitment and
extensive contributions to AACC life. His involvement began in the spring of 2024 when
he prepared theory resources that helped enable members’ success with the music
presented at the international chorus contest in Cleveland. Currently serving as a
section leader, he has played a pivotal role in musical education and development of his
section and to the chorus in general bringing to bear both his experience as a vocal
performer and instrumentalist, and his contagious demeanor. He remains a consistent
contributor in music team meetings and actively seeks innovative strategies to elevate
our ensemble performances. He has also helped to compile vocal tracks for Metro
Voices. This year’s Harmonizer New Note of the Year award goes to Jared Liscinsky.
2024 AACC Open Arms Award
CRITERION: Presented to the member who, during the past year best demonstrated
the qualities exemplified in the lives and contributions of Dick Hall and Sandy Stamps.
The awardee must have promoted the AACC value of a welcoming and inclusive
environment for all singers, exhibiting a spirit of congeniality, good character, and
sustained encouragement of visitors and members. Their actions will have improved the
accessibility of AACC activities to all people, regardless of demographics or barriers to
participation, such as economic status, physical limitations, or cultural differences.
CITATION:
The recipient of this award has been a steadfast Harmonizer and veteran leader for
decades, having held numerous roles including Chapter President. As the primary
greeter at AACC weekly meetings, he helps foster a welcoming and inclusive
community spirit by ensuring that all members and guests start each rehearsal with a
friendly smile, a warm welcome, and a soft handshake. He reaches out to welcome and
encourage new guests with personal notes and keeps tabs on ailing members. He is
also the chair of the Mid-Atlantic District Endowment Fund that helps sustain vocal
music education for all members of the district, its schools, and its diverse communities
– and is supported through our weekly 50/50 raffles that he manages. The 2024 Open
Arms Award is presented to Alan Wile.
2024 AACC Family Spirit Award
CRITERION: Presented to those who, during the past year, best demonstrated the spirit
of family and service exemplified by Ibbianne and Wilbur Sparks. Given to recognize the
important contribution of AACC family teams, or members of the extended AACC family,
to the success and well-being of the organization. The award will be made to an
outstanding family team or individual who has contributed greatly in variety and quality
of services and demonstrated initiative.
CITATION:
This dynamic duo contributes extensively to the AACC both visibly and behind the
scenes. One has for several years overseen the annual Put Together Quartet Contest
which helps build camaraderie and enjoyment for those participating and watching. He
quietly manages the chapter name tag engraving and distribution process and designs
and provides branded clothing items. The other gentleman in this duo serves as an
elected AACC Board Member, providing energy, expertise, and professional experience
to that body. He helps to guide our organization in a variety of high-level initiatives
including but not limited to branding, marketing, and fundraising. Moreover, he supports
musical events as an usher and ticket team member for major shows and events . The
Family Spirt Award for 2024 goes to Tyler Carpenter and Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter.
2024 AACC Outreach Award (Two Recipients)
CRITERION: Presented to a member whose leadership has built community
connections with the community of Alexandria and the larger DC region. Through
dedicated service, the awardee’s work has promoted collaboration, social connection,
and visibility between the AACC, other local groups, and the general public.
CITATION:
This year, the Awards Committee simply could not recommend a single recipient of the
Outreach Award – for to do so would fail to adequately recognize both of the members
who have undoubtedly done more than enough to merit the award. One is a decorated
retired Army officer, and despite this poor life choice, I still like him. The other is a
devoted Navy spouse and mother, whom I adore for that reason among several others.
Both recipients remain highly connected with military and veterans’ communities in the
Washington area and well beyond. They have worked both together and separately to
establish outreach initiatives that enhance the Collective’s presence and contributions at
events such as military Honor Flights, Blue Star Family gatherings, and premiere
embassy performances with international dignitaries. Their dedicated support for our
veterans, active-duty personnel and their families, and with international military
relations, has created valuable opportunities for community engagement and public
appreciation. The 2024 Outreach Award is presented to Dana Richardson and Ernest
(E.J.) Herold.
2024 Scott Werner Music Award for The Harmonizers
CRITERION: Presented to commemorate the musical contributions of Scott Werner
(Musical Director 1970-1980, 1984-2002) to the success of the chorus. It is given to a
Harmonizer whose dedicated effort has made significant contributions to the musical
program of the ensemble during the past year. The awardee's contribution need not be
highly visible or of a technical character, but it must be related directly to music or
performance. Anyone who has been a member of the Harmonizers for more than one
year shall be eligible for the award.
CITATION:
This incredibly enthusiastic awardee is an integral member of the Harmonizers’ music
team and serves as a highly effective section leader. He brings to the team his
extensive experience in choirs, Christian rock bands and college a cappella groups. He
was the tenor and assistant musical director of Word of Mouth, the group who won the
first annual Harmonizer Aca-Challenge Contest. Recruited for the Front Row in the 2024
international contest in Cleveland, he has also performed as a soloist on multiple
occasions to cheering audiences. In addition, his musicology research into “The Parting
Glass” has provided valuable information to its meaning, history, and structure to aid in
learning and understanding for the two ensembles. For this and numerous other
contributions to the music program of the Harmonizers, the 2024 Scott Werner Music
Award is presented to Matt Ambler.
2024 Elaine Cooper Music Award for Metro Voices
CRITERION: Presented in memory of Elaine Cooper, an important leader in the
formation of Metro Voices. It is given to a member of Metro Voices whose dedicated
effort has made significant contributions to the musical program of the ensemble during
the past year. The awardee's contribution need not be highly visible or of a technical
character, but it must be related directly to music or performances. Anyone who has
been a member of Metro Voices for more than one year shall be eligible for the award.
CITATION:
This dynamic and personable woman regularly energizes AACC rehearsals with
engaging warm-ups and stands out as an encouraging mentor, coach, and music
educator. She serves as Assistant Director of Metro Voices, playing a central role in the
success of the music team and the ongoing development and expansion of the treble
chorus. She is an active arranger who has arranged a song for Metro Voices with more
in development. She cheerfully and effectively applies her extensive musical expertise
and experience as a distinguished vocal musician, holding the title of 2013 Harmony,
Inc. Quartet Queen and SAI Rising Star Quartet Champions, and recently participated in
her first Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Quartet Contest with
Supernova. And she is a candidate judge in the BHS Musicality Category. The 2024
Elaine Cooper Music Award is presented to Maggie McAlexander.
2024 AACC Honor Award
CRITERION: Given to a member for service that is above and beyond the usual service
expected of members during the past year. It is not intended as a reward for discharging
a single specific duty, but for stepping up to provide continuous service in several
activities.
CITATION:
The recipient of the Honor Award for 2024 has indeed demonstrated service to the
Collective above and beyond that expected of members. This recipient has
documented rehearsal notes for distribution, leads within the ensemble to which they
belong, and has performed as a soloist at public performances. This awardee also
organizes highly enjoyable social mixer activities during rehearsals with engaging
games to enhance camaraderie and help foster a greater sense of community and team
spirit between the Harmonizers and Metro Voices. And lastly, she has cheerfully and
competently helped design and coordinate the performance attire for the AACC since
the establishment of the new color schemes, has developed standardized uniform
guidelines, and has provided constructive support to those requiring assistance. For all
of these reasons and others unmentioned, the 2024 Honor Award is presented to
Becca Williams.
2024 AACC Legacy Award
CRITERION: The highest recognition which the AACC can bestow on a member. It is
given to the member who, during their entire period of membership, has devoted
themselves most unselfishly to rendering outstanding service to the organization. The
award recognizes extraordinary participation in AACC activities, as measured by the
variety of projects to which they have contributed, the level of leadership rendered in
their completion, and the consistency of their involvement over many years of dedicated
membership.
CITATION:
Recognized for a lifetime of service, this unassuming, mild-mannered, and gracious
recipient of the Legacy Award has become synonymous with reliability, generosity, and
selfless commitment to the chorus for five decades. His steady presence and quiet
diligence have inspired generations of members, leaving an enduring mark on the
legacy of the ensemble and earning the profound respect and gratitude of all who have
had the privilege to sing alongside him. For many years he served as the Harmonizers’
tenor section leader and continues to set the vocal performance benchmark for this
section. For two decades he was our chief uniform designer and coordinator,
overseeing numerous fitting processes and costume acquisitions. His musical legacy as
a Class of 1978 chorus member includes four gold chorus medals where he was a front
row member in the 1980s and 90’s. He is also a Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champion
with the quartet Premiere and has competed numerous times in international
competition with this foursome and Copyright ’86, earning top 20 honors. Please help
me to recognize and thank the recipient of the Collective’s highest honor for 2024, Mr.
Ricky Savage.
Presidential Recognition
Finally, it is my honor as President to bestow a token of recognition and gratitude upon
my predecessor. For those who don’t know, our last President was not only I believe
the youngest person to ever be elected to that position, but also the first President
during what I refer to the Common Board era, which began in 2022, when the boards of
directors of both the BHS Chapter and Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc. were first
comprised of the exact same people. He served longer than most chapter presidents of
the last decade, shepherding the organization through a critical period of its
development, not to mention the first real non-pandemic years of the 2020s. During this
period the organization re-branded itself into what we now know as the Alexandria A
Cappella Collective, including both Metro Voices and Capital Force, and saw through
myriad changes as a result of that transformation. President is a rewarding but difficult
position to inhabit, and he would be worthy of praise had he served only one year. It is
my privilege, however, as the current president, to present this token of esteem and
gratitude for his 3 years of service in that role to our last President, Mr. Noah Van
Gilder.
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.
