Looking Back on the Sept. 2, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
It seemed like chapter members were ready to get back to singing after the Labor Day holiday weekend; and a number of members were proudly wearing their green t-shirts from the Ireland trip. A good crowd of members were on hand for these rehearsals for the show and contest coming up soon. We are missing a few members since the break for the Ireland trip – hurry back friends!
The Harmonizers worked on all of their show songs this week – “Come Follow the Band,” “But the World Goes ‘Round.” “Africa,” “Calling Dreams,” “Impossible Dream,” and “Wonderful World.” Assistant director, Jason Lee, did the warm up session for this ensemble, then artistic director, Joe Cerutti, directed a run-through of all six songs. The Harmonizers were on risers for this part of the evening and that was helpful for the songs with major choreography.
Metro Voices worked on show music too and their contest songs with assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, and director, Samantha Tramack, working as a fun team to lead the rehearsals and warm up. According to reporter, Annie Ermlick, one of their songs was arranged by Maggie and the members appreciated the chance to get coaching input from the arranger herself. Part of their evening was in sectionals too.
Also, Metro Voices will hold an extra rehearsal, with Steve Tramack as their coach, on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 12-6 pm at AlexRenew. Singers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and supplies for breaks.
Midway in the evening, the two ensembles met together for business announcements. The Sept. 9 meeting will be at AlexRenew. The Sept. 16 meeting with be at the Beth El Synagogue and be the final rehearsal before the show. Then the Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 meetings prior to the fall Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) contest will be at AlexRenew.
Another series of new member orientation sessions will begin on Sept. 9 for those who did not get to attend a session a few months past.
There is always a need for more helpers on Sat. Sept. 6 to pass out flyers and help recruit singers for the chapter’s youth ensemble, Capital Force, that will meet on Sundays starting in November.
The fall show is Sept. 20 at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314, in the 750-aeat auditorium. Theme for the show is “Follow The Song” – a journey through song that defies gravity, crosses oceans and dares the impossible.
Call time for the fall show was announced: riser crew at 1pm; Harmonizers on the risers at 1:45 pm, and Metro Voices on the risers at 2:30 pm. For those members new to the venue, there will be dressing room space at the school. Catherine LaValley, fall show producer, thanked the members for stepping up ticket sales last week, but emphasized that we need two more weeks of strong sales to break even! Catherine also needs several volunteers from the singers (such as any new members who won’t be on the risers), or family members or friends who can help with ticket sales, door checkers, and welcoming the many VIP and media folks invited. Contact her ASAP via Slack.
Uniform reminder: the plan is to use the formal attire outfits for both the fall show, Sept. 20, and for the district contest, Oct 3-4. Contact Becca Williams if there are questions.
Oooops! At this point in the meeting, there was a surprise bandana check to see if the Class of 2025 was wearing their red bandanas! Three didn’t have them, so they each were asked a couple questions by members in the chorus.
Then back to the business meeting. Be watching for final details about singing for the arrival of Honor Flights at DC airports later this fall.
Membership director, Jacob Broude, introduced first time guest. Steven Pei; and returning guests, Devante Lucas, Cooper Schwartz and Bob Blair’s son-in-law, Tony, who lives in England. Jason Lee, directed the chapter welcome song.
Singing rehearsal and choreo reviews resumed until the 9:30 end time and a rousing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Calvin Schnure.
In other news, congratulations to Maggie McAlexander and Kevin Mendez who were married on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the DC War Memorial.
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.
