Looking Back on the Jan. 20, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
AACC singers ignored the cold weather again this week to be at the chapter meeting – this week at Fairlington Presbyterian Church. Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, led the warm ups for the combined chorus of AACC.
After a fun round about a “little alligator,” associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, led a solid work session on “We Will Be One,” including some time for sectionals on the song.
AACC admin leader, Terry Reynolds, led the business session for the chapter. He reported on representatives from our chapter who were in the limelight at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Midwinter convention in Pasadena. He recognized the accomplishment of INSTAGRAMP quartet who came in 8th in the Senior Quartet Contest. He recognized Joe as having made the kickoff address for the convention (we should be able to hear it before too long from BHS). Samantha Tramack substituted for a singer in RADIANT on the Friday night show. Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens and FIRST TAKE knocked it out of the park for their show spot on the Saturday night show at Midwinter.
Two major events on the AACC calendar coming up soon are the Wilbur Sparks Memorial Put Together Quartet Contest on Feb 3; and the first official guest night of 2026 will be held on Feb. 10. Also, members should stay tuned for more details about chapter quartets making appearances during the Valentine season at public locations and senior or health care facilities. This project is coordinated by Frank Fedarko and Dean Rust. There were sign-up sheets for anyone who is looking for singers to be in a quartet for the contest; and a sign up for singers who could make daytime appearances for the Valentines season.
Membership director, Jacob Broude reminded members to get their photo posted on Groupanizer and on Slack. Then he welcomed the six guests this week: four retuning guests were Ben Raja, Morgan Fabber, Laura Rutledge andJosh Frakes; and the two first time guests were Matt Goldstein and Bryan Reed. It was great to see Ryan Mextorfback this week too. Maggie directed the chapter welcome song.
Then the ensembles worked separately on their new music for the rest of the night. Before wrapping up for the night, all singers gathered together for reminders about events on the calendar, Terry also suggested member make an effort to learn “Place on the Risers” song that is now available.
“Keep the Whole World Singing” was the wrap up song. There was not an afterglow again this week.
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.
