Looking Back on the Oct. 21, 2025 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
This was another busy chapter meeting for Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) with the need to be ready to sing on the fast approaching holiday show. As it has always been, this is a crazy time of year to refresh lots of songs plus learn some new ones for the holiday shows - this year on Friday and Saturday evenings, December 12 and 13 at Fairlington Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. It is especially crazy for all of our new members, and for sure the members of Metro Voices, to learn so much new music.
The meeting was at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd., and both ensembles were able to find space to have sectional rehearsals on some of the new songs in the repertoire. After warm up sessions, each ensemble started their work sessions.
Both ensembles combined to work on “Welcome Christmas” led by artistic director, Joe Cerutti.
The chapter business meeting included a thank you to E.J. Herold for his leadership to organize an AACC appearance at the Danish Embassy, as part of the chapter’s outreach to the military community.
On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, twenty-seven AACC members (15 Harmonizers and 12 Metro Voices) represented the chapter to sing at the invitation of the Danish Ambassador, Jesper Møller Sørensen, for the farewell to Danish Defense Attaché and outgoing Dean of the Defense Attachés, Rear Admiral Jakob Rousøe. This VLQ [Very Large Quartet] was chosen from available singers who knew the fall show music. Tony Colosimo directed the Harmonizers (“Africa” and “What a Wonderful World”), Samantha Tramack directed Metro Voices (“How Far I'll Go” and “Maggie's Medley”) and Maggie McAlexander conducted the AACC for “Defying Gravity.”
The group performed for the Danish Ambassador Prince Joachim of Denmark, assorted senior US military officers and a large contingent of Defense Attachés from the Washington diplomatic community. Former US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, was also in attendance. The crowd, many accompanied by their spouses, numbered nearly 250. AACC performed on the balcony of the Ambassador’s residence on a pleasant evening. The entire set, which lasted about 20 minutes, finished to raucous applause from an appreciative audience following the performance of “Defying Gravity” with a solo by Samantha Tramack. RADM Rousøe was surprised by the performance arranged in secrecy by his staff, but he thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Thanks from the audience, the Ambassador and the Embassy staff left no doubt that they enjoyed the performance.
Looking ahead: The Oct. 28 meeting will be at AlexRenew. November 1 is another Honor Flight sing – organized by E.J. Herold. Details for the Honor Flight activity will be fully announced on Oct. 28.
On Tuesday, November 11, the Harmonizers will work with Steve Armstrong and discover their new contest package. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, AACC will sing in Old Town to promote attendance at the holiday show. AACC will have their traditional holiday carol sing again in Old Town on Tues. Dec. 16.
There will be no rehearsals on Dec. 23 and 30. The Jan. 6 meeting will be the traditional kickoff session for the 2026 year and also the next chapter Put Together Quartet Contest – as the name implies, members are encouraged to “put together” a quartet and enter the fun. Usually some BHS friends are the judges. Rules and details to come soon.
Chapter secretary, Cy Shuster, presented membership renewal cards to several members including some long-time members – Alan Wile for 44 years and Carl Kauffmann for 53 years. Joe then presented Jack Pitzer his card and pin for 60 years of membership in the chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Joe used the occasion to encourage future generations of chapter members to look forward to long years of membership, service and music. (YeEd says thanks to all who extended a hand of friendship and congrats!!)
Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed Chris Buechler and Dixie Kennett; and four returning guests: Billy Ermlick, Susan Friel, Cooper Schwartz, and Monica Lynch. Jason Lee directed the chapter welcome song.
There was a brief break and then it was back to rehearsal. During the Harmonizer rehearsal, Joe shared the warm and personal thank you note from Dr. Joyce Garrett who the chorus saluted recently at Alfred Street Baptist Church for her retirement. Her note included thanks for the flowers and wonderful songs – she shared “the music made my heart sing.”
Also Joe shared a recent message from Kirk Riffer and his wife Dana about the serious development of health issues for her. Joe recorded the Harmonizers singing a message to Dana and Kirk and added a message to welcome them for a visit when they can.
The end of the meeting included the entire AACC chorus singing “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Lance Fisher.
In other chapter news, chapter leadership sent a message to members about estate planning and legacy giving to the chapter. This annual appeal helps build up funds needed for the growth and expansion of the chapter programs and services to members. Consider how you can support the appeal.
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.
