Looking Back on the May 12, 2026 Alexandria A Cappella Collective Chapter Meeting
AACC singers gathered at 7 pm on risers (thanks to all the members who arrived early and promptly helped with the set up) for a warm up session conducted by Peter Cunningham, who was at the meeting as coach for Metro Voices.
After the exercise, artistic director Joe Cerutti led a quick sing/review of “Hey Jude” with soloist Matt Ambler, and “I’m Still Standing.” These songs will be part of the 20-minute AACC paid performance for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) evening banquet on May 23. Next week, AACC will review “We Will Be One” and “Defying Gravity” as part of rehearsal warm ups. Attire for this performance will be AACC formal.
This week’s meeting was at AlexRenew and the meetings will be there on May 26, June 2 and June 9. The May 19 meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd., Alexandria. David McEachern will be coaching the Harmonizers that night and will stay in town for the special coaching event for the Harmonists on Saturday, May 23 (before the singout for TAPS).
Metro Voices worked more on their contest package and coach Peter had compliments for their work ethic and progress when YeEd spoke with him at the afterglow.
The Harmonizer rehearsal started with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, teamed with Turner Arndt, working on choreography for “Harmony.” Joe and Turner both stood on the director riser so they could watch and coach – part of the time Joe would ask the front three rows to sing only and the back two rows would do choreo. Then they would switch that plan. He was pleased at the end of the rehearsal with the progress on the choreo to go with the great singing. They also worked on “I’m Just a Bill” this week.
There are a number of business announcements to report again this week:
The annual chorus retreat has been scheduled for June 5-7 at AlexRenew. Terry Reynolds shared that the following time frame is likely for those who need to make plans: Friday from 7 to 10 pm, all day Saturday 9 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 9 am to noon. Coaches for this year’s retreat will be David McEachern and David Drown for the Harmonizers, and Blair Brown and Patrick McAlexander for Metro Voices. As a reminder, Harmonizers will bring their all black contest attire to wear on Saturday night of the retreat when they sing the package for Metro Voices (and chapter team can check the fit and appearance of the choices that members made). Metro Voices will sing their package for the Harmonizers too.
Registration for the chapter’s Japan trip in 2027 is now open. During the trip, the AACC chorus will make a guest appearance at the Japan Barbershop Convention in Yokohama, August 22-23. Trip coordinator for AACC, Brad Jones, suggests sending any further travel questions to AACCJapan2027@gmail.com.
President Craig Kujawa suggested it was still possible for members to buy gift cards to use in paying for their hotel room – those card purchases earn cash for the chapter. Contact Craig if you have not purchased your cards.
Last week, Craig also acknowledged Ashley Merryman who was recognized recently for her significant work in preparing the chapter’s annual report. Here are the complete details: Ashleyreceived Awards of Distinction in the 2026 Communicator Awards sanctioned by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts for two pieces of her AACC-related writing – the AACC FY24 Annual report and a press release from last fall announcing that both Metro Voices and the Harmonizers had qualified for International. (YeEd wanted to get it correct for the record – congrats to Ashley.)
At a recent meeting, Sheryl Berlin promoted registration/attendance at Harmony College East (HCE) – a weekend barbershop educational opportunity organized by the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD). It will be June 18-21 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Individual singers are encouraged to attend too, maybe take voice lessons, or attend as a quartet with three other singers. Registration can be managed at midatlanticdistrict.com.
Here is a reminder of the two Honor Flight dates the chapter will be singing at this spring – May 16, two flights; and May 30, three flights. Call time both dates will be 7 am at Reagan National Airport. Repertoire songs will be sung in the existing men’s key. Folders of the music will be provided. Uniform will be the AACC t-shirt or a plain black t-shirt, and slacks. Singers need to have signed up on Groupanizer – it’s not too late. Stay tuned for more details including some info about parking.
Jacob Broude recognized returning guests this week including Dana Wooster, Elizabeth Halford, Constanza Frakes, and Mike Zelno. Terry Reynolds, assistant director of the Harmonizers, led the AACC in singing the chapter welcome song for all the guests. Good to see Mary Cooper back on the risers after travel and then surgery.
It was also great to see Dennis Ritchey on hand this week. He was tapped to build the piano prop for the Harmonizer contest package and brought it to the rehearsal for all to see – wow is it nifty! Joethanked him for using his skills at building sets and such.
On Saturday, May 23, the main coaches for the Harmonizer contest set will be here to coach the “Harmonists” and other characters for the Harmonizer’s contest package. The morning session is closed to just those players. Then, between 1-5 pm - chorus members are encouraged/welcome to attend to observe, give feedback and understand the vision.
To wrap up this week’s meeting, each ensemble had their own finale to sing “Keep the Whole World Singing.” There was a big crowd of singers at the HarmoHouse for lots of pizza and visiting and comparing notes about the music.
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.
