Looking Back on the Jan. 13, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
AACC singers ignored the cold weather to be at AlexRenew for the chapter meeting to kick off work on new music for 2026. Assistant director of the Harmonizers, Jason Lee, led the warm ups for the combined chorus of AACC.
Then the ensembles worked on their music – each taking a turn at using breakout rooms for sections. It was clear the music teams had done their homework based on messages sent to members prior to Tuesday so singers could be preparedl; and as noted when directors had members use their pencils to mark their music with breaths and other interpretation notes. Several music team members helped with sectionals.
After a significant slot of time, the ensembles met to together for business coordinated by AACC admin leader, Terry Reynolds. He emphasized that next week’s meeting, Jan. 20, will be at Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street. Early arrivals into the meeting space is set for 7 pm - not extra early. The meetings on Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10 will be at AlexRenew.
Also note these changes in the 2026 chapter calendar of events – the traditional Put Together Quartet contest will be Feb. 3 at AlexRenew. Any AACC singer who wishes to compete in a quartet for that contest and needs help finding other singers, contact Terry. If there are questions about how the contest works, ask Terry. For example, quartets can be mixed genders, guests can sing in the contest, quartets can sing a whole song or just a tag, costumes and comedy have always been a popular part of the event and in fact, we usually have awards for the best comedy group.
The first special guest night event for 2026 will be Feb. 10 at AlexRenew. AACC members are encouraged to invite prospective singers that night as the program will be designed to provide information about the chapter and how to join. Invite them soon in order to give them time to change their schedules to attend.
AACC president, Craig Kujawa, reminded members of the important deadline on Jan. 15 – it is the last day to order tickets/registrations at the early-bird price for the 2026 Barbershop Harmony Society International Contest and Convention (BHS) in St. Louis, MO, in July. It is also the last day for members of competing ensembles to get an early bird housing reservation in designated hotels at competitor rates. For your planning, the Harmonizers will have their first rehearsal in St. Louis on Tuesday evening, June 30.
The AACC chapter will also be represented at the BHS Midwinter convention in Pasadena, CA, scheduled for Jan. 13-18. Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was already there as a BHS staffer. Samantha Tramack will be filling in with RADIANT quartet (from the Sunshine District of BHS) for their appearance on Fri. Jan 16. The quartet was 2025 Next Generation Varsity champ.
Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens will appear with FIRST TAKE on the Sat. night show in Pasadena.
Three members of AACC will sing in the BHS Senior Quartet contest at the Midwinter – INSTAGRAMPS with Rob Seay, Rick Taylor, Jay Butterfield, and Steve White. Their quartet will be representing the Mid-Atlantic District and district treasurer, Dave Welter, presented them monetary support from the district during this week’s AACC meeting.
Chapter membership director, Jacob Broude, reminded everyone to be certain their mug shot photo was on Groupanizer and Slack. He presented a new member pin to Logan Glauser. And he welcomed guests Ben Raja, Morgan Tabber and Laura Rutledge. Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter welcome song. Long-time member, Bill Colosimo, was welcomed this week too.
After the business session, the AACC chorus worked on “We Will Be One.” There were sectionals with some members reassigned to different parts for combined AACC songs. Samantha was director for the AACC chorus. Tony paid tribute to Zak Sander who wrote the song and to Lance Fisher who created the arrangement.
After the 50/50 drawing, Bill Colosimo directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.” There was not an afterglow this week at the Harmo House since Joe was out of town.
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.
