Looking Back on the Jan. 30, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 30, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week’s rehearsal at AlexRenew launched work on preparing songs for 2024 shows and events. 

Alan Wile and Walt Page welcomed everyone when they arrived on the sixth floor (and invited them to get some 50/50 tickets).  The winner keeps one half each week, and the other half is sent to the Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) Endowment Fund in the name of the chapter. 

Speaking of M-AD, it is good to note that several of our members are in leadership positions on the district board.  Bob Eckman is Immediate Past President, Dave Welter is treasurer, and Sheryl Berlin and Mike Fasano are members-at-large.

The opening warm up session for the combined ensembles was conducted by Tony Colosimo. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was back from his trip to Hawaii and thanked all those who attended the celebration of life for Geri Geis at Arlington National Cemetery, Friday, January 26.  During the service, her daughter Stacie gave the eulogy and shared that Geri was extremely honored to have been recognized at the chapter’s 75^th anniversary when Joewelcomed her and suggested she was the matriarch for the Harmonizers.

There were many Harmonizers there to honor her. The chorus sang “I’ll Walk With God” during the 3 pm service in the chapel, and then sang “I’ll Be Seeing You” at the graveside. Terry Reynolds directed. Attendees included Ken Ives, Bob Wilson, Rick Savage, Geoff Berman, Troy Hillier, Jeff Ashford, Howard Nestlerode, Dean Rust, Steve White, Mike Wallen, Noah Van Gilder, Bob Blair, Dave Welter, Martin Banks, Michael Schwartz, Carl Kauffmann, Bob Bates, Rick Taylor, Sam Brothers, Greg Tepe, Terry Reynolds, TJ Donahue, Jack Pitzer, Chuck Hunter, Ken Rub, Brian Ammerman, Bruce Roehm, Craig Kujawa, Mark Klostermeyer, Ike Evans and Alan Wile.

After that, Joe invited input from members about the recent chapter events. He also encouraged all singers, especially any new members, to consider signing up to be in a quartet or ensemble on February 14 to sing Valentine messages in the Alexandria Metro area. Anyone interested should be sure Terry Reynolds knows what part of that day they are available and what part they sing. In preparation for this project, Tony had the singers do a quick run through of “Heart of My Heart” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” during the warm up, that are the songs the quartets will sing. 

Joe also confirmed the plans for the eighth annual interview process when each member has a half hour interview with music team leadership.  New members will meet with Joe; Metro Voices singers will meet with their director, Samantha Tramack; and others will meet with their section leaders. It is important that each member complete the survey prior to their interview which will be scheduled by Terry Reynolds.

The location of the February 20 meeting for Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) will not be at AlexRenew and that location will be announced soon.

At this point in the evening, Metro Voices adjourned to the board room to work on “Happy Together,” “Fight Song,” and “Sing/Swing Medley.”  The Harmonizers worked on “Hey Jude” which will be used at their participation in the Wolf Trap show with other local choral groups; plus “Calling Dreams,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” along with a reminder session for the choreography for that song, and “Wee Small Hours.”

Midway during the evening, there was a business meeting for all attendees. Operations director, Gary Cregan, asked for ideas on optional meeting locations for March 5, since that is an election day and AlexRenew will be used as a polling place.

Steve White and all his fellow Harmonizers who are members of the M-AD honor chapter,  Delasusquehudmac (DELA), welcomed another chapter member who was recently elected to membership in DELA – Sheryl Berlin. Members are elected in recognition of their extra service at the district level in a variety of leadership and service positions. She joins 22 current members who are in the DELA chapter. (Delasusquehudmac is a made up name from the names of all the major rivers in the M-AD.)

Kathy Kauffman made an appeal to all members to bring in empty liquor bottles next week that she and the decoration committee will use for the Gala on March 2. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed three returning guests – Mary, Alex and Marcia. There were four guests present for their first visit: Routa Mesfin who learned about us via MeetUp Alexandria; Charley Rothermel, a guest of Rob Barnovsky; Shane Lawson, a guest of Matt Ambler; and William Vesline, who saw us singing in Old Town in December. We sang our “Welcome Song” with Terry as director. 

The evening wrapped up about 9 pm with the 50/50 drawing, an invitation to guests and members to come to the Harmo House for an afterglow, and then singing of  “Keep the Whole World Singing” directed by Sheryl.

In other news, the chapter learned recently of the passing of Bill Sowers who died on January 3, 2024, due to complications following a serious fall.  He and his wife Charlie were long-time supporters of the chapter long after Billstopped singing. A private burial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. 

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 23, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 23, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

There was a good turnout for this week’s rehearsal back at AlexRenew.  As is the custom there, early arrivals can help move tables and chairs and set up the large meeting space on the sixth floor. The chorus will meet there for the next four weeks and then will meet off site on Feb. 20. 

The opening warm up session for the combined ensembles was conducted by Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers.  

While both ensembles were together for warm ups, there was a brief follow-up to the Jan. 16 kickoff session – comments were good and the plans for a full and fun year seemed to be appreciated by the singers. The Singing Valentines effort for 2024 is coming up soon and all singers were invited to add their name to the clip board offering their availability on Feb. 14 to make quartet appearances in the Alexandria area (such as at city hall, at senior living places, some restaurants and office areas, and at AlexRenew). Chapter leaders will assemble quartets and make appearance appointments.

At this point, Metro Voices moved to the board room with their director, Samantha Tramack, to work on “Happy Together” and “Fight Song.”

Tony continued working with the Harmonizers on “New York New York,” “Hey Jude” which was a new arrangement for many, “Rockin the Boat,” and “Wee Small Hours.”

During the business session conducted by Steve Murane, communications director, Randall Eliason reminded all singers of the need to get gift cards and other major donations for the Gala on March 2. Development director, Ken Rub, alerted everyone that tickets are on sale for attendance at the gala. He also announced a request from the gala’s decorations committee  for members to bring them empty wine, gin, bourbon or rum bottles for the speakeasy theme. (Bring them next week.)

President Noah Van Gilder reported that Sam McFarland is home and doing ok. 

Terry Reynolds alerted all members that the survey will be coming to each person soon that they must fill out prior to their individual interview for 2024.

The details for the funeral service for Geri Geis on Friday, Jan. 25 were reviewed. Those attending met after the meeting to review “I’ll Walk with God.” 

The service will begin at the Ft Myer Old Post Chapel which is on base which means you need to allow time to go through military security. Arrive at the Hatfield Gate off Rt 27/Washington Blvd near Rt 50. Have your photo ID and vehicle registration. At 2:30 singers will gather to rehearse (outside or inside the Chapel - TBD). At 3:00 pm the service begins - Harmonizers sing “I’ll Walk with God.” At about 3:20 the service will be at the gravesite - Harmonizers sing “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Wear your own coat and tie. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, was back and welcomed recent new members Mark Oswald and Jimmy Miotto, and guests Alex Radt, Hannah Nesich and Marsha Mallett. Jeff Burkey was back to sing too after a few years off the risers.  

There were a few final announcements to wrap up the evening. The Catactones in Frederick, MD, sent an additional donation to go specifically to Metro Voices thanking them for singing on their holiday show. 

As part of the ongoing project to have quartets available to accept singing jobs during the year, Samantha and Mert Tramack and their quartet SWEET AND SOUR, appeared in Lawrenceville, VA, recently; as did a quartet organized by Tony with three men from the Army Chorus. Our organization has a plan to have several smaller ensembles available, as needed, to fill requests when sending the whole chorus would not be possible. 

Cy Shuster won the 50/50 this week; and Jeff Burkey directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 16, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Kickoff for New Year

  Looking Back on the Jan. 16, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Kickoff for New Year 

The snow storm on Tuesday prompted chapter leadership to hold this important meeting via Zoom.  It was weird to go back into Zoom-mood – even music team administration guy, Terry Reynolds, admitted he was a little “rusty” at setting it all up like we did during the Covid era.

The meeting had been planned for The Bike Club in Alexandria with refreshments and a relaxing evening.  But as it turned out, there were 83 attendees on the call including three guys from far away – Bob Rhome, Keith Jones andMike Edison.

In recent days, all members have received the complete set of slides used by chapter leadership for the kickoff presentation for Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC), so this report will give the general highlights of the meeting.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, spoke on behalf of the music team. Before launching on 2024 plans, he welcomed comments about the successful and fun trip to NYC for MidWinter last week.  He was proud and complimentary to the chorus, soloists, quartets, the student chorus from Seneca Valley,  and the gold medal winners of the senior chorus contest. 

Topics for this week’s Zoom presentation included announcement of music team members for both ensembles.  There were basically no changes for the Harmonizers. The expanded list of section leaders for Metro Voices includes Elisabeth Cosh, for tenors; Sophie Clark, for leads; Sheryl Berlin for baritones; and Leah Musico for basses. Tessa Walker will be director for Capital Force youth mixed gender chorus for students in grades 8-11. There is a need for volunteers to help with the launch of this third ensemble – interested members or family members or former members should contact Tessa or Sheryl.

The plan to kick-off another ensemble of all gender seniors (age 55 and over) for a daytime chorus will be in 2025. Terry Reynolds is expected to be director for that group. Senior members of current ensembles will be welcome to join Vintage Blend as well as sing with the Harmonizers or Metro Voices.

The calendar of events for 2024 was reviewed and all members are encouraged to post those events in their own calendar.  Joe acknowledged that it will be a very busy year. There was a reminder to leadership to add the chapter’s annual Put Together Quartet contest to the calendar. Also, members were reminded that the meetings will be at AlexRenew for the year ahead except on the third Tuesday of the month. Alternate meeting locations will be used on those Tuesday nights – often for social or networking or outreach in the community.

Joe shared some details about the work with DC Public Schools on March 8.  Gold medal quartet, SIGNATURE, will be back to work as clinicians for the day along with a guest soprano and alto clinician. The chorus will sing in the evening for the students and their family members. 

He was eager to share early plans for the trip to Lake George, NY, for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) Northeastern District Convention and Contest.  There will be a bus go up on Friday afternoon so we can do classes and coaching and networking, plus sing a couple times  He hopes members will plan to participate in this important and fun weekend. 

Songs for a return appearance at Wolf trap with six other choral groups in the area will be “Defying Gravity” and “Hey Jude” for the combined ensembles. That same weekend May 31- June 2 will be the annual retreat.  We won’t go to Westminster, MD, this year but hold the combined weekend nearer the Metro Area. Things will start at 7 pm Friday and end between 2-3 pm on Sunday. Likely coaches for that weekend will be Steve Scott and Steve Tramack. 

For the July BHS convention and contests, Metro Voices will sing in the Festival event in Cleveland and the Harmonizers will sing “Lullaby of Broadway” and “But the World Goes Round” in the chorus contest.  David Wright and Kevin Keller have arranged the songs for us and work will begin soon.  Cy Wood will be creating a visual plan for the contest package. 

A couple other tidbits of info about the ’24 calendar: the holiday show will be two concerts at Fairlington United Methodist church; a search is on for a venue for a fall show; and with a reminder from Dean Rust, there will be an opportunity for chapter quartets to deliver Valentine appearances in the local community area.  

Joe did share that there is talk about a possible International trip in 2025 – current idea is to go to Ireland.

The current board taking AACC into 2024 are : Noah Van Gilder, from the Harmonizers – President; Carolyn Griffin, from the community - Vice President; Terry Reynolds, from the Harmonizers – Treasurer; Cy Shuster, from the Harmonizers – Secretary; Turner Arndt, from the Harmonizers – Member-at-Large; Dave Kohls, from the community – Member-at-Large; Mary Cooper, from Metro Voices – Member-at-Large; Charlyne “Chuck” Miller from Metro Voices – Member-at-Large; and Michael Berkson from the Harmonizers – Member-at-Large.

Priorities for ’24 at to continue work on fundraising/development; address public relations and outreach; continue managing inclusion and diversity. Goals reported for the board are to update the strategic plan, support and oversee the rebranding process, develop new outreach strategies and to approve a balanced budget for ’25.

Day-to-day matters are managed by the operation team coordinated by executive director, Stan Quick. Other members of that team are:

 

General Manager – Susan Fitzpatrick

Artistic Director – Joe Cerutti, Jr.

Music Team Admin – Terry Reynolds

Membership Director – Jacob Broude

Contest Director – Craig Kujawa

Chapter Secretary – Heidi Krukowski

BHS Finance Director – Dave Welter

AHI Finance Director – Carl Kauffmann

Communications Director – Steve Murane

Director of Shows – Doug White

Operations Director – Gary Cregan

Education Director – Sheryl Berlin

Volunteer Activities Director – vacant

Archivist/Historian – Don Harrington

As a reminder, the mission of our organization is “Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.” Stan has established a six-point measurement scale to determine the value and importance of activities. His “Measure of Impact” points include Quality, Community Outreach, Brand Awareness, Financial Health, Culture of Fellowship and Growth of the Organization.

Ken Rub shared some early plans for the March 2, 2024 Gala – our first development gala in recent years with committees at work to make ‘A Night at the Speakeasy’ a success. It will include a silent auction and all members have been asked to gather major gift cards and such for that event. Recent district quartet champ, SMOKE RING, will sing in our speakeasy-themed venue at The Garden on Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria. There will also be a live auction.

Ken also has plans for the Spring2ACTion event with another cabaret watch night at The Bike Club; and Giving Tuesday efforts to include a push for replace-my-dues from members. 

Communications director Steve Murane stressed the importance that all members be certain the chapter has correct personal emails.  Michael Berkson was thanked for his work to launch SLACK as a new communications tool for the chapter. 

 Terry Reynolds and Joe took time to explain the traditional interview process for every. Member. Also, they explained the important survey each member needs to take before their interview that will be issued soon. Watch for complete details. Metro Voices will meet with Joe and their director, Samantha Tramack. New Harmonizers will meet with Joeand their section leader.  All other members will meet with their section leader.

Joe did take time to review plans for the repertoire in the year ahead.  Metro Voices will be adding “Happy Together,” “After You, Who?,’ and “The More I See You. The Harmonizers will add the two contest songs mentioned earlier and bring back “Hey Jude.” Joint songs for the two ensembles in AACC will be “Defying  Gravity,” “Why We Sing,” and a new arrangement of “My Romance.”

The mic was open for questions and everyone bid farewell.

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 11-13, 2024 Alexandria Participation at BHS MidWinter

  Looking Back on the Jan. 11-13, 2024 Alexandria Participation at BHS MidWinter 

(Thanks to reporters Cy Shuster, EJ Herold, Brad Jones, and Dixie Kennett for their reports to help create this report. YeEd).   

Members of Alexandria A Capella Collective made their way to NYC for the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) MidWinter convention and contests January 11-14. Many by train or bus. All events were at the Sheraton NY Times Square Hotel. Many members took advantage of the trip to see some Broadway shows as well.

Both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices were invited to sing on the Thursday, Jan. 11 show with a large contingent of other Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) ensembles. 

Here is a report from EJ Herold: The Harmonizers and Metro Voices assembled throughout the day on Thursday, arriving by all manner of conveyance to the Big Apple. As they gathered in their color-palette-approved raiment, they presented a feast for the eyes that would soon complement that for the ears.

 

Warm-ups were led by Tony Colosimo, associate director of the Harmonizers, as voices and bodies were limbered up to dispel tension and pre-performance nerves. Under Terry Reynold’s watchful-eye, the group was ushered through movements and stage blocking to prepare for a professional-looking series of on-stage transitions. Following a sound check of “Defying Gravity,” there was a warmup with Parkside Harmony, Parkside Melody and Gotham to prepare the closing song, “How Can I keep From Singing?” There was a palpable sensation of the camaraderie of singing. 

 

During the performance, artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was at the helm for the  combined Alexandria ensembles for stunningly emotional renditions of “San Francisco” and “Defying Gravity.” “New York, New York” proved to be a crowd-pleaser getting amused reaction to the “kick line;” and Samantha Tramack’s solo in “Gravity” was a tour de force that brought the audience to their feet. “San Francisco” got whoops and a standing “o” from the audience, as well. Finally, “Why We Sing,” with a touching introduction about the importance of the barbershop family, was another hit.

 

The Metro Voices performance appeared to go well but we were backstage with no way to observe the performance or audience reaction, other than hear enthusiastic applause. Samantha directed their performance.

Ye Ed gathered the following information about other Alexandria participation at the convention. There was a last minute change for the Harmonizer performance when Zak Sandler had to miss the trip to NYC due to illness and wasn’t there to accompany the Harmonizers for “San Francisco.”  He helped Joe locate a piano accompanist in NYC about midnight before the performance!  The substitute did a great job with little or no extra work with the chorus.  

Tessa Walker’s  mixed youth chorus, Seneca Valley Singers, from Germantown, MD, earned an Outstanding Rating in the Next Generation Festival for Junior Choruses on Friday, Jan. 12. There were 36 students in the group that sang three songs. She is a music educator at their school.

Many members from AACC went to the Massed Sing at Times Square as reported on SLACK.

Also, there were a large number of Alexandria singers in the M-AD Seniors Chorus that competed in the MidWinter Senior Chorus contest on Friday. The chorus was directed by Keith Harris. They sang “How Lucky You Are,” and “That Old Quartet of Mine.” The following members sang on the contest stage and earned gold medals for their first place finish: Bob Blair, Chris Buechler, Frank Fedarko, Mike Geipel, Brad Jones, Adele Jones, Carl Kauffmann, Dave Welter, Steve White, Rick Taylor, Bob Wilson, Chris Yates, Mike Wallen, Tim Buell, and Biff Gaut. 

SILVER ALERT quartet with Kris Zinkievich, Kevin McKenzie, Mike Edison, and Steve Murane placed 21^st in the 2024 International Seniors Quartet finals contest, Saturday Jan. 13.  They sang “Just in Time” and “Blue Velvet” – with some original words and arrangement work by the quartet family.

Society president, John Santora, attended meetings.  Former BHS president, Alan Lamson, attended, as well. Bill Colosimo attended as chair for the BHS Leadership Development Committee. Chris Buechler, Steve Tramack, andMike Louque were involved as judges at the convention.  Joe was a busy member of the BHS staff as well as directing our chorus, and directed a mic tester chorus of convention attendees (which included several Alexandria singers).  

For the Saturday night show, FIRST TAKE was one of the medalist quartets from last July’s contest invited to sing on the MidWinter show with Tony Colosimo, lead, and Andrew Havens, bass. As it turned out, their baritone, Drew Wheaton, was unable to make the trip, so seven other baritones each sang one of the songs with FIRST TAKE including Vince Sandroni, Ben Hawker, Heather Havens, Lance Fisher, and Tim Waurick. 

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 9, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 9, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

It was a really cold and very rainy night, but a contingent of Harmonizers made it to the rehearsal at AlexRenew.  The plan was to work on their songs for the Jan. 11 appearance at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) MidWinter convention in NYC.

The Metro Voices singers decided to all attend via Zoom with Samantha Tramack leading their rehearsal – also for their appearance at the MidWinter.

Harmonizer associate director, Tony Colosimo, conducted the rehearsal after a warm up session. Some Harmonizers did also attend via Zoom.

Assistant director, Terry Reynolds, managed all the links and connections and messages to those on Zoom and those at the meeting place.

During a brief business session, president Noah Van Gilder, announced the recent passing of Noreen, Jim Kirkland’swife.  

Tony encouraged the members to lend support as possible to David Breen, whose father died recently.

There were some reminders about the NYC trip: a reminder to get uniform clearance to be on stage; call time is 6 pm; arrive to the stage dressed for the show; have fun on the travels up (via train, bus or plane). 

Next week’s important Kickoff for 2024 will be at The Bike Club, 99 Canal Center Plaza #110, Alexandria, VA 22314.  Usual 7 pm start time.  Cake and goodies planned. Parking is $5 in the lot or street is free. Suggestion: bring your 2024 calendar and something to take notes on when artistic director, Joe Cerutti, the music team, and the board announce plans for the months ahead.

As a reminder, the celebration of life for Geri Geis will be on Jan. 26 at Arlington Cemetery.  Members will sing “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I’ll Walk with God.”  Current and former members are welcome to join and attend.  Watch for more details as to reporting time and location. Geri was a major force in the gold medal years of the Harmonizers. 

The meeting ended at 9:30 after the 50/50 drawing and “Keep the Whole World Singing.” There was no afterglow 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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Jan. 2, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Jan. 2, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The chapter started the new year with a rehearsal at AlexRenew to prepare for the appearances by the Harmonizers and Metro Voices at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) MidWinter convention in NYC on January 11.

This was a follow-up session after a work time on Saturday, Dec. 30, that concentrated on the songs for NYC. At both rehearsals, many singers arrived early to have their uniform options checked by the task force of Tony Colosimo, Maggie McAlexander and Tessa Walker. (All uniforms for the NYC appearance must be approved by the task force – members can bring or wear their uniform or take a picture of themselves wearing it.)

A riser crew brought in the risers to store inside the AlexRenew building on Tuesday. Other singers helped set up chairs in the main room for the combined rehearsal of the two ensembles.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up session for the combined chorus before they concentrated work on “Defying Gravity.” Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, announced that Samantha Tramack will be the soloist for “Defying Gravity.” Then the combined chorus worked on “Why We Sing.”

After the combined session, each ensemble worked on the two songs they will do on the MidWinter show.  The Alexandria groups will be appearing on a special show featuring Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) quartets and choruses. 

Joe explained to all that the annual chapter personal interviews will be held again this year (this will be the eighth year the chapter has done the interview process to gain input, ideas and suggestions from the singers).  This year Metro Voices singers will meet with Joe and Samantha. New Harmonizers will each meet with Joe, and the other Harmonizers will meet with their section leader.  Just prior to these interviews, each member of the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) will be asked to respond to a survey.

The annual kick off session for the year will be Tuesday, Jan. 16 – it may be virtual if a meeting location cannot be found since AlexRenew is not available on the third Tuesday of each month. The annual kick off session is when the music team presents all the plans for 2024 – what will be the contest songs; who will be coaches for the year; who will be section leaders; what major shows or performance events are already on the calendar; what are the plans for kicking off our third ensemble, Capital Force,; and what the details about our first Gala fundraiser event. 

The celebration of life for Geri Geis will be on Jan. 26 at Arlington Cemetery.  Chapter members will sing “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I’ll Walk with God.”  Current and former members are welcome to join and attend.  Watch for more details as to reporting time and location. Geri was a major force in the gold medal years of the Harmonizers. 

Joe also announced that David Breen’s father died unexpectedly in recent days.  He was 69.  All members send their thoughts to David.

There was a business session during the meeting. President Noah Van Gilder asked for members to provide their nominations for the annual chapter awards.  He sent a message recently and asked for a prompt turn-around of responses.

During this week’s meeting, there was a transition to a new chapter secretary – David DesPortes is moving out of the area, and Heidi Krukowski has been named to fill the position. She and David presented three membership renewals: Stephen Gudauskas for two years; Cy Shuster for eleven years; and Tessa Walker for twelve years. The chapter thanked David for his years of service as chapter secretary. 

Tessa reported activities for her youth chorus from the school where she teaches. 

There was a guest singer present for Metro Voices – Christina. The Terry Reynolds directed the chapter’s welcome song. 

Alan Wile and Walt Page managed the 50/50 event this week. Half of the monies collected become our chapter donation to the M-AD Endowment Fund, and the winner each week gets the other half.

The meeting ended a little early after the ensembles worked on their songs. A small crowd made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House on a really cold night. 

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Dec. 19, 2023 Alexandria Caroling in Old Town

 Looking Back on the Dec. 19, 2023 Alexandria Caroling in Old Town  

After our great holiday shows, the singers of Alexandria A Cappella Collective met in Old Town Alexandria on Tues. Dec. 19 at 7 pm to sing for those folks out on the festive streets and restaurants in the area.

Everyone gathered at Market Square in the 27 degree weather with scarves and gloves.  Terry Reynolds brought the chapter’s stash of Santa hats for everyone to wear.  

Mark Klostermeyer had arrived early to stop into various restaurants on King Street asking if we could sing a few songs for their patrons.  There were 6 or 7 stops on the walk with a few impromptu stops where there were folks to listen and enjoy. A mini performance was held on the steps at the Torpedo Factory.

Artistic director Joe Cerutti told each audience who the group was and invited interested singers to check the website.  He directed the Harmonizers and Samantha Tramack directed Metro Voices.  Each ensemble sang a song of their own and the combined group sang “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” They sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as they exited the restaurant.

The evening ended with an afterglow at Chadwicks.

It was great to have some family members along for the walk and fun, and some members who were in town for the holidays and came to see old pals.

The next chapter gathering will be on Saturday, Dec. 30 at AlexRenew to work on music for the Jan. 11 performances in NYC at the MidWinter convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). Metro Voices will work from 9-1 and the Harmonizers will work from 11-3 – thus an overlap for some time to work on songs both ensembles will sing together. 

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Dec. 16 and 17, 2023 Alexandria Holiday Shows

 Looking Back on the Dec. 16 and 17, 2023 Alexandria Holiday Shows

The singers in Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) were busy with two major holiday shows on Sat. Dec. 16 and Sun. Dec. 17.  There was a dress rehearsal for those shows on Tues. Dec. 12.

The Fredrick, MD, Catactones barbershop chorus invited the Harmonizers and Metro Voices to do a holiday show for them at Urbana High School in the Fredrick area. The theme for their show was The Secret of Christmas and started at 3:30 pm.  The Alexandria part of the show included basically the same songs as were used for the show on Sunday. The Catactones had refreshments for all singers back stage and that allowed for the two groups to visit and meet each other. Great to see former Harmonizers Scott Hoge, Garry vom Lehn and Biff Gaut at this performance. 

On Sunday, the Harmonizers and Metro Voices repeated the holiday music and performance for their own show at Fairlington United Methodist Church (UMC) on King Street at 3:30 pm. Show patrons responded generously to bring canned goods to the show for Alive!, an Alexandria food gathering group to serve those in need. Over 500 pounds was donated!

The Sunday performance was Live Streamed and Harmonizer leadership from Dean Rust, made certain that residents at the following eight senior living facilities could watch the show: Brandywine Living; Sunrise of Mt. Vernon; Sunrise in Alexandria; Paul Springs; Elance at West Side; Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center; Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads; and Goodwin House Alexandria. 

AACC shows director, Doug White, and chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, with some volunteers, welcomed all the patrons (who had preregistered for the free concert). Other volunteers helped collect the food donations at the door and helped patrons to their seats (patrons had arrived during a severe rain storm in the local area!).

The chorus filled the choir area and the patrons filled the sanctuary and its balcony – the acoustics were great. Singers wore dressy black attire with green and red accents (many guys pulled out red ties from a previous chorus uniform).

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, took his position to audience applause and the Harmonizers kicked off the concert with “J I N G L E Bells.” Steve White brought his family heirloom sleigh bells to ring during this fun number.

Terry Reynolds welcomed everyone to this special event during the 75^th year of the chapter. All during the concert, various members came forward to introduce the song or tell a little story. Associate Harmonizer director, Tony Colosimo, directed “Deck The Halls;” Joe directed “Believe;” Tony directed “Little Saint Nick;” Joe directed “Let It Snow” and “Grinch.”  Terry did the narration about the grinch with a crazy hat plus he created chaos as he told the story by moving all through the chorus and hiding behind some of the singers. 

A combined chorus of the two Alexandria ensembles performed “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”  Matt Ambler and Catherine La Valley sang solos for this number.

The Harmonizers left the stage and Metro Voices sang with Samantha Tramack, directing “Sing We Noel,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “The Man with the Bag.”

Will Cox entertained the audience, as he has at many holiday shows, with his comedic recitation of  “The Night Before Christmas” – even as he forgot some of the words, or made up some in order to make things rhyme. 

Joe invited many of the singers out into the aisles to help with an audience sing-along – “Rudolph,” “Joy to the World,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with singers coaching a few rows of the audience with crazy words for each of the twelve days.  It was fun to bring back this tradition from the era of holiday dinner shows organized by the Harmonizers. Another tradition was for the chorus musical leadership to steal the spotlight for the ‘Five Golden Rings’ line – and our team stole the show with a louder and higher tag each time! Thanks to Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of the Metro Voices; Samantha, Joe and Tony.

The Harmonizers returned to the stage and David Breen sang the solo to start “Let All Mortal Flesh.” A small ensemble sang an original “Dreidel” song created by Josh Meyer. The singers were Kellen Hertz, Heidi Krukowski, Devin Gerzof, Michael Berkson, Matt Ambler, David Breen, Josh Meyer, Turner Arndt, Ben Watsky, Sheryl Berlin, and Tony Colosimo. 

Following that song, a quartet with Lance Fisher, Tony Colosimo, Josh Meyer, and David Breen sang “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” which was an introduction for the chorus to sing “Silent Night.” 

As a wrap up for the show, Joe thanked the Fairlington UMC for their welcoming help to host the show; thanked the folks at Alive! for their work; and thanked all those who made it to the show in the rain.  He invited them to make a freewill offering as they left the church to singers stationed at the door. The final song was “Do You Hear What I Hear” with both ensembles combined for an eight-part arrangement.  The soloists for this year’s version of this holiday show closer were Frank Fedarko, Terry Reynolds, and Heidi Krukowski.

The chorus sang holiday greetings, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’ as the show ended.

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

Looking Back on the Dec. 5, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Dec. 5, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Everyone made it to our new meeting location, AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Parking is  pretty tight, so some had to walk several blocks and pay for parking. A riser crew had to get all of our meeting equipment from the Harmo truck – up the elevator to the sixth floor. 

However, the risers were full of singers at the 7 pm start time for Maggie McAlexander, assistant director of Metro Voices, who directed the warm-up session for the combined ensembles. She included an eight-part tag of “Lullaby and Good Night.” 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed all the members to AlexRenew. He reviewed the busy upcoming schedule. Dress rehearsal for the chapter’s holiday show will be next Tuesday night at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street (to clarify for new members – this is not a true dress rehearsal – just wear typical attire like any rehearsal); Sat. Dec. 16, show for Frederick, MD, Chapter, call time is 1:45 pm, show starts at 3:30 pm at Urbana, MD, High School Auditorium, “The Secret of Harmony;”  Sun. Dec.17, our own show, “Believe,” at Fairlington UMC, call time is 2 pm, show actually starts at 3:30 pm; Tues. Dec. 19, Carol Crawl in Old Town; Sat. Dec. 30, extra prep session for the Midwinter convention performance - Metro Voices from 9-1 and Harmonizers from 11-3.

Joe shared that the popular sing-along for our show audience will include the crowd favorite “Twelve Days of Christmas,” with members encouraging them to have fun with the words.  It was always a great event at our holiday dinner shows a number of years ago.

There will be finale special numbers for Alexandria singers to know, which Joe explained.

After the warm ups, the singers worked on the two songs the ensembles will singer together – both the Saturday and Sunday shows will be basically identical.

The chapter business session was conducted by Steve Murane, communications director, and started with chapter secretary, David DesPortes, presenting a 47-year renewal membership card to Steve White.

Shows director, Doug White, explained that our Sunday show will include a system for attendees to make donations.  Attendees are also asked to bring canned goods which the chapter will give to the church to add to their food drive for ALIVE in Alexandria. 

He also explained how the chapter is managing the sold out situation for the Sunday afternoon show.  A stand by list is being managed by Doug.  There were already a lot of names on it.

Associate Harmonizer director, Tony Colosimo, alerted all singers going to perform at the MidWinter in NYC to watch for a memo soon about attire for that event. 

Chapter conventions coordinator, Craig Kujawa, also alerted the members about the urgency to register for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) convention in Cleveland in July. He will be getting out directions on registration and housing.  Take action!!!  Rates will be going up before too long and there is concern that there might be a sellout for seating in Cleveland. 

There were several singing guests present and former member Larry Nixon, from 1971-2002, was present. Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song.

The chapter held the 50/50 drawing organized by Alan Wile and Walter Page; and the chorus sang “Keep the Whole World Singing,” before the two ensembles moved to their own risers on the sixth floor.

The singing ended about 9:30 pm and chapter operations director, Gary Cregan, coached the members in getting all of our equipment back onto our truck.

A nice crowd attended the afterglow at the Harmo House after finding a new route from AlexRenew.  

Looking Back readers: please note that there will be no report from the Dec. 12^th dress rehearsal.

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Nov. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Nov. 28, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week there were really full risers despite the freezing cold temps and serious winds outside.  Many singers were there to get caught up on the holiday show music.  And it was the last night we will be meeting at the Scottish Rite Temple (SRT). Next week will be at AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Another change will be for the pre-meeting dinner gathering spot – we will move to Glory Days, 3141 Duke Street, Alexandria. We gather about 5:30.  There is an easy route from there to AlexRenew. Anyone who happens to get to town early is welcome to join the half-dozen regulars who gather each week.  

Speaking of routes, there is also a pretty easy route to the Harmo House from AlexRenew for afterglow. And of course, the Eisenhower Metro is about a 12-15 minute walk to the new meeting space. 

It was a work-on-the-holiday-show-music for both ensembles this week again, and associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up session. 

When artistic director, Joe Cerutti, started the evening reporting on some Thanksgiving travels.  Then he expressed his grateful appreciation for the help from Ashley Merryman who replied to his request last week for help with a show script for the holiday show.  She and Joe are collecting any person connection stories to the show songs.

This week Joe’s special request was for two or three members who could drive SIGNATURE quartet around DC on Dec. 12^th.  The gold medal quartet from 2019 will fly to DC from Florida that day to help us demonstrate barbershop harmony and to extend invitations to DC Public School students to participate in our chapter youth event in March.  The drivers will make it faster and easier for the quartet to get from school-to-school in the city.  Tell Joe that you can help! You will get to spend some time with a great champion quartet. 

Attire for the holiday shows was addressed and several questions were cleared up. The attire for the Midwinter performance in NYC on January 11^th is still TBD.

Just to confirm, here is a list of upcoming meetings/rehearsals/events: next week, Tues. Dec. 5 at AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; Tues. Dec. 12 dress rehearsal at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street; Sat. Dec. 16, show for Frederick, MD, Chapter, call time is 1:45 pm, show starts at 3:30 pm at Urbana, MD, High School Auditorium, “The Secret of Harmony;”  Sun. Dec.17, our own show, “Believe,” at Fairlington UMC, call time is 2 pm, show actually starts at 3:30 pm; Tues. Dec. 19, Carol Crawl in Old Town; Sat. Dec. 30, extra prep session for the Midwinter convention performance - Metro Voices from 9-1 and Harmonizers from 11-3.

At this point in the meeting, the two ensembles moved to their own practice area in SRT to work on their holiday show music. For a few minutes, the guys singing the “Dreidel Song” met with associate director, Tony, in the lobby. 

All singers reconvened in the auditorium for the business session coordinated by communications director, Steve Murane. He started it off with announcement of the food drive the chapter will have as part of its holiday show – our donations will go to the church as part of their efforts to provide needed goods for ALIVE.  Members can bring some and can encourage their patrons to bring some canned goods.

Terry Reynolds reported that the large stash of sheet music of every song that chapter has ever sung is being digitized and so copies of that music were available for the taking in the lobby. Anything left in the boxes will go to the trash.

Mary Cooper from Metro Voices welcomed guests this week that came to sing with the ensembles. Will Cox directed the chapter welcome song.

After the business session, the two ensembles worked on holiday songs they are singing together

Operations team leader, Gary Cregan, coordinated taking out the risers and all of our property from SRT. 

The busy evening ended with the 50/50 drawing organized by Alan Wile. Ben Hawker, baritone in PRATT STREET POWER quartet, directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.” Orders for pizza were taken and a nice crowd attended the afterglow at the Harmo House. 

Looking Back readers: please note that there will be no report from the Dec. 12^th dress rehearsal.

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.

 

 

 

 

Looking Back on the Nov. 21, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the Nov. 21, 2023 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Well, this week it was a nasty weather night plus nasty traffic jams as people left the DC area for the holiday weekend. But still there was a good number of singers at the Scottish Rite Temple (SRT).

It was a work-on-the-holiday-show-music for both ensembles this week again, and associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up session. 

When artistic director, Joe Cerutti, started the evening, he thanked members for making the effort to attend despite the weather.  And he asked what folks were doing for Thanksgiving.  Many are joining family – there were some large crowds planned for the big meal such as 22 and 20 and even 45!  A few singers will be traveling to other countries over the holiday too

Joe invited members of both ensembles who are interested in singing in a small ensemble (quartet or double quartet or the like) to sign up on the provided form.  The chapter gets a number of requests for smaller groups and this effort will help the chapter shows director, Doug White, fill those requests.

Attire for the holiday shows was addressed and several questions were cleared up – basically, all black with something red or green to accent.  Dressy – no black jeans or tennis shoes or any kind of sweat shirt.  Accents could be a tie, a pin, a bracelet, a pocket stuffer, a belt – for a few ideas.

The ensembles will need to learn a couple finales for upcoming events. Take note of the weekly email.

Just to confirm, here is a list of upcoming meetings/rehearsals/events: next week, Dec. 28 – at Scottish Rite Temple; Tues. Dec. 5 at AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; Tues. Dec. 12 at Fairlington United Methodist Church, 3900 King Street; Sat. Dec. 16, show for Frederick, MD, Chapter, call time is 1:45 pm; Sun. Dec.17, our own show at Fairlington, UMC. call time is 2 pm; Tues. Dec. 19, Carol Crawl in Old Town; Sat. Dec. 30, extra prep session for the Midwinter convention performance - Metro Voices from 9-1 and Harmonizers from 11-3.

At this point in the meeting, the two ensembles moved to their own practice area in SRT to work on their holiday show music. For a few minutes, the guys singing the “Dreidel Song” met with associate director, Tony, in the lobby. 

All singers reconvened in the auditorium for the business session coordinated by communications director, Steve Murane. He started it off with confirmation that there would be no bus to NYC for Midwinter. Joe suggested any singers not familiar with travel in NYC to speak to some who travel there often.

President, Noah Van Gilder, alerted members about  an email coming to all, asking input on nominees for the annual awards the chapter presents each year. All member can offer nominees. 

Terry Reynolds reported that the large stash of sheet music of every song that chapter has ever sung is being digitized and so copies of that music were available for the taking in the lobby. This is preparation for moving out of SRT.

Chuck Miller from Metro Voices welcomed guests this week. Mark Oswald passed his audition as a baritone for the Harmonizers. Chuck Hunter, member and chorus coach, was in town for this week from Chicago. There were several other guests this week. Terry directed the chapter welcome song.

After the business session, the two ensembles worked on holiday songs they are singing together. 

The busy evening ended with the 50/50 drawing organized by Alan Wile and Walter Page. Carey Fagerstrom from Metro Voices directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.” Orders for pizza were taken and a nice crowd attended the afterglow at the Harmo House. This week there was a Smores set up in the dining room! 

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 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

The Chapter Mission Statement Enriching lives through vocal harmony in the greater DC area.