Looking Back on the May 31- June 2, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Retreat plus June 1 Wolf Trap Appearance 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) held its annual chorus retreat over the weekend.  The chapter has a retreat every year and this one was held locally so the ensembles could appear as a combined chorus at Wolf Trap.

The Harmonizers and Metro Voices sang on stage at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts special event ‘Joyfully Together – A Community-Powered Singing Celebration.’  Santino Fontana (a Tony award winner and Broadway star) was guest artist and emcee for the concert. 

Fourteen choral ensembles from the Washington, DC, Metro area were invited to attend and members of those groups, including AA CC, sang three songs as one-group to end the concert. Six ensembles were chosen to sing three songs on the stage to start the concert.  Coordinator of the singing groups was Dr. Eugene Rogers, artistic director of The Washington Chorus. 

AACC was one of the six ensembles invited to appear on the stage and our members were the final act to wrap up the performing ensembles. AACC was a huge hit and the audience reaction was exciting.  They sang “Defining Gravity” from Wicked with Samantha Tramack as soloist, with Tony Colosimo, arranged by Steve Tramack; “I’m Still Standing” a popular Elton John song, arranged by Melody Hine; and “Hey Jude” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with Matt Ambler as soloist, arranged by Jay Giallombardo. 

One other performing group was our friends from Alfred Street Baptist Church. John Greene, who serves on our chapter board, sang on stage with them.  Dr. Joyce Garrett was their director. She is a past recipient of a Harmonizer Community Service Award and helped AACC artistic director, Joe Cerutti, establish an annual sing-together of our choral groups.

Our singers arrived at Wolf Trap at 2 pm and assembled in their assigned meeting space back stage. There was some vocal warm up time. There was a line-up time to fit the Wolf Trap riser formation, then a sound check session. Our AACC group had food from Subway during the break waiting for the show to start at 7:30 pm.  (Thanks to Mark Oswald for taking notes from the backstage time. YeEd)

There were a good number of members, family and friends in the Wolf Trap audience. Many of them enjoyed the great weather and picnicked on the grounds in the Park.

The retreat aspect of the weekend started at AlexRenew in Alexandria Friday, May 31, from 7-10 pm. Riser crews were busy all weekend.   Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up exercise for the combined ensembles and included lots of vocal techniques.  He also included work on “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed Matthew Zagorski from 17^th Street Dance group, who joins the front row, and also welcomed Josh Meyers who will be back to sing with us for the contest. 

Joe thanked our retreat coaches and introduced them to all the members of AACC – Cy Wood, Steve Tramack andRenee Tramack. Renee worked with Metro Voices all weekend providing Private Vocal Instruction sessions for each member – offering advice for their vocal skills as a way to make better contributions to their ensemble. Steve and Cyworked individually and as a team with the Harmonizers contest package – “And the World Goes Round; and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Cy also worked with the front row who worked independently on their choreography plan for the package. 

 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, announced the Class of 2024 – a chapter tradition of celebrating new members. They will elect a chairperson, plan a skit to share with their fellow chapter members and wear their bandanas at every chapter function.  This year’s bandanas are dark blue with the AACC logo and 2024 on them. Thanks to Tyler Carpenter for producing them.

 

Members of the Class of 2024 are Mert Tramack, EJ Harold, Mark Oswald, Jimmy Miotto, William Vesilind, Ker Medero, Charley Rothermel, Jared Liscinsky, Kevin Mendez, Matthew Zagorski, Mireille Kouagou,, Ashley Merryman, Dana Richardson, Leah Musico, Marsha Ansel, Catherine LaValley, Callie Cirillo, and Hannah Nesich.

 

The ensembles worked on their own risers and for break, enjoyed ice cream treats from Jack Pitzer. Friday evening’s session ended on time and members adjourned to rest for a busy Saturday. Joe encouraged members to wear comfortable shoes for Saturday morning rehearsal session and the afternoon at Wolf Trap. 

 

Saturday’s retreat session started at 9 am at Colvin Run Elementary School that was very near Wolf Trap.  Luckily the cafeteria space included some riser steps and saved hauling risers.  Cy Shuster and Gary Cregan did bring the sound equipment for coaches and directors to use. 

 

After a good vocal and physical warm up session, the chorus sang through the three songs for Wolf Trap, then the two ensembles began more work on their contest packages. Coaches rotated to the ensembles. Front row captain Bruce Roehm and the front row worked on their own to drill the choreography.  

 

For the morning break, AACC members each were given their new t-shirt for the concert – black shirts with the AACC logo on the front and the name of the chorus on the back in white. Treasurer, Dave Welter, collected payments and Terry Reynolds and Tyler Carpenter helped pass out the shirts.  Dave Ermlick went to get the shirts from the supplier on his way to the school. Terry Reynolds and Tessa Walker had worked to get shirts sizes for all members. 

 

The Saturday morning coaching sessions ended at noon and members were free to get lunch and relax on their own with a report time of 2 pm at Wolf Trap. 

 

Sunday’s retreat session started at 9 am back at AlexRenew. Tony did warm ups again.

Joe led the celebration for the great performance of AACC at Wolf Trap.  He invited members to share comments and responses from family or others.  There were many and they brought good laughs and cheers among the singers on the risers.

 

Coaches worked during the day to move the contest packages forward.  For lunch, there was a pizza feed with sodas in the kitchen area of AlexRenew. Thanks to chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, for getting the lunch delivered and set up.  

 

In the afternoon, there were sectionals. President, Noah Van Gilder, spoke to all that there were only 33 days until the contest in Cleveland.

 

Sunday afternoon’s session ended with thanks to the coaches, after their summaries of work done and work to be done by the two ensembles.  Joe also thanked Craig Kujawa for his work as contest/retreat coordinator; Terry Reynolds for his minute-by-minute coordination of the weekend as well as recording the coaching sessions; Gary Cregan and Cy Shuster and the riser crews for equipment set up; and the members for hanging in there all weekend.

 

There were a couple bandana checks for the Class of 2024 during the weekend!  

 

As a reminder, the Tuesday night rehearsal, June 4, will be at Beth El Synagogue on Seminary Road.

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 May 28, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) was back at AlexRenew in Alexandria this week. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for each ensemble.   Always good to see members of both groups helping with the riser crew.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up exercise for the combined ensembles and included the “pizza is great; can’t believe how many pieces that I ate” round. He also included work on “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, encouraged all members to attend the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper who died unexpectedly in January. The service will be Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm.  RSVPs are requested at 703-919-8795.  She was an active barbershopper before she joined Metro Voices, having sung with the Pride of Baltimore, Greater Harrisburg, Potomac Harmony, Vienna-Falls, and Scottsdale Sweet Adeline choruses. 

Joe also confirmed that a group of members of AACC will sing June 8 at The Bike Club to recognize major donors to spring2ACTion. Call time is 12:30 pm, singing at 1 pm. Songs will be “Why We Sing,” Hey Jude,” and “I’m Still Standing.”

Here are calendar updates from chapter leadership:  the Tuesday, June 4 chapter meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Rd.; the June 11 meeting will also be at Beth El; the June 18 chapter meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. 

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance for fans before we take the contest package to Cleveland – it’s a long standing chapter tradition – family, friends and patrons are welcome to attend) at Beth El. 

There will be an extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 27, at AlexRenew in preparation for Cleveland.

AACC members should stay tuned to SLACK for details about the retreat weekend.  Things will get started at AlexRenew on Friday, May 31, for rehearsal and coaching from 7 pm to 10 pm. Coaches will be Steve and Renee Tramack and Cy Wood.  The retreat continues on Saturday morning, June 1, someplace TBD – likely near Wolf Trap.  The retreat wrap-up session will be Sunday, June 2, from 9 am to 4 pm at AlexRenew.  Many other details will be coming to members about meal times, social times, attire, issuing of t-shirts, parking ideas, call time for Wolf Trap performance, and more.

After the announcements, the combined ensembles worked on songs for Wolf Trap. 

Carey Fagerstrom provided  pitches as needed for the rehearsal for the full chorus. 

A brief business session for the combined chorus included a thank you message from president, Noah Van Gilder, to those members who anonymously donated funds for the angel fund. Noah invites any members who need financial help from the angel fund for travel to the Cleveland convention or for the Ireland trip to also speak to him.

Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, presented membership renewals for several members: Candence Flaherty for 2 years; Patricia Chow for 2 years; Samantha Tramack for 4 years; Mert Tramack for 10 years; and Craig Kujawafor 21 years. 

Tyler Carpenter introduced this week’s guests: Carl Parkin for his fourth visit, and Benjamin Banker for his first visit. Samantha directed the chapter welcome song. 

At this point in the evening, the two ensembles adjourned to their riser rehearsal space and worked on their music

As the evening ended, Joe invited guests and members of both ensembles to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow and then invited all singers to sing the three group songs for Wolf Trap.

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 May 21, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 21, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week’s rehearsal for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) was at another new location – the Beth El Hebrew Congregation synagogue at 3830 Seminary Road in Alexandria. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up.  We began the evening in a large function room much like a hotel ballroom. The risers fit there nicely.

There was enough room for the front row to hold their early bird practice in the room too, but when the risers were full, they adjourned to the front lobby of the building.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up exercise for the combined ensembles and included work on “Down Our Way.”

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked chapter general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, for helping arrange for this meeting space. There is some chance the chapter will meet at the synagogue on Tuesdays in June – stay tuned.  The decision for a place for June 18 is complicated because some of our meeting spaces are also polling places that night.  There has not been word announced yet for the June 25 sendoff event either – a performance for family members and patrons to showcase the packages the ensembles will present in Cleveland at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) convention. 

Joe shared some details about the retreat weekend plans for May 31 – June 2.  The ensembles will meet at AlexRenew on Friday, May 31, from 7-10 pm and on Sunday, June 2, from 9-3.  Joe is working with the Wolf Trap staff to find a place on their campus for a Saturday, June 1, 9 am – 2 pm session with the coaches – Cy Wood and Renee and Steve Tramack. That might also include some plans for meals. 

As part of the Wolf Trap gig, the singers will join all of the other performers for three songs.  Sheet music for those songs is on Groupanizer and labeled for Wolf Trap. Joe expects to run a quick review of those songs at the end of the Tuesday, May 28, rehearsal at AlexRenew.

The AACC will sing three songs for the 7 pm show – “Hey Jude,’ “I’m Still Standing,” and “Defying Gravity.” The Alexandria chorus will lead off the six groups chosen to appear on the Wolf Trap stage for this community event promoting choral music in DC. Speaking of that show – singers do not need tickets. Other chapter members and family and friends can get free tickets using the code and link on Slack.  The singers and chapter member will have a new t-shirt to wear for that day.  Terry Reynolds and Tessa Walker have collected t-shirt sizes.  Any member who didn’t turn in their size, should contact one of those two ASAP.  Jeans will be complete the casual uniform for Wolf Trap.

Special guest, Sean Fagan, was on hand to share the plans for the proposed trip to Ireland in 2025. He organized the Alexandria chorus trip to Scotland. After his visual presentation about the Ireland trip planned for our chapter, he offered to answer any questions and suggested that future questions could go to Brad Jones.  Sean did suggest the possibility of an extension to Northern Ireland. 

President Noah Van Gilder spoke about the chapter’s angel fund that is used to help members who need financial assistance for things like the Ireland trip and for the contest in Cleveland.  Members can speak to Noah about their possible need. Similarly, any other members who can make a donation to the angel fund can also speak to Noah. Those conversations remain anonymous.

Samantha Tramack, director of Metro Voices, shared that she has been named the new bass in the GQ quartet.  Congrats to Samantha!

Terry Reynolds was seeking member availability for a special request for a chorus on June 8 to sing for donors to spring2ACTion. 

Jacob Broude, membership director, welcomed returning guest Carl Parkin, and first time guest, Carey Graven.  He also welcomed Dixie and Chris Buechler, Greg Tepe and Ellen Dellert.  Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

At this point in the meeting, the two ensembles moved to separate rooms.  Metro Voices used the sanctuary to work on their music including their new audition song.

The Harmonizers continued singing on the risers. Joe distributed printed copies of the recently annotated music for the contest package.  He walked the singers through the document to include the abbreviation codes and how to use the information to perform the package at top capacity.  He also invited the singers to record themselves for submission to musical leadership, and he reminded them of the requirement to submit a video of themselves performing the package.

As the evening ended, Joe invited guests and members of both ensembles to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow before Jason Lee directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

 

There is other barbershop news in our metro area. Harbor City Music Company Chorus from Severna Park, MD, won their Region 19 Sweet Adeline International (SAI) contest last weekend and qualified to go to the SAI International next year.  The chorus has several partners of Harmonizers as members and is directed by Michael Gellert. 

 

Bella Nova chorus in Herndon, VA, took second place in the Area 3 chorus contest of Harmony, Inc.  They are directed by former Harmonizer director, Richard Lewellen.  They were also named most improved and qualified to go to their International contest. 

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 May 14, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 14, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week’s rehearsal for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) was an exciting one with lots of progress on songs for the Wolf Trap performance on June 1 and for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) convention in Cleveland in early July.

The Harmonizer front row met early to block out their choreography for the contest package. Operations director, Gary Cregan, and a riser crew of volunteers from both ensembles got eight sections of risers up in the board room on the sixth floor of AlexRenew.

Assistant director of Metro Voices, Maggie McAlexander, directed a warm up session for the two choruses and included “Down Our Way” as part of her time up front.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked all those who sang at Arlington National Cemetery at the service for Bill Sowers.  Joe was just back from Germany and brought greetings from the Barbershop in Germany (BinG) Heavy Medal chorus who sang with us last summer and stayed in the homes of Alexandria members.

Joe spoke briefly about the chapter retreat weekend May 31-June 2 – asking members to mark their calendars to plan to work on Friday night and on Sunday until about 3 pm since much of Saturday will be needed for the appearance at Wolf Trap.  He also reports there will be a fun afterglow someplace on Saturday night after that performance. The location for the retreat session is still TBD.

Here are some other calendar items for all members to take note:  the previously scheduled “extra” rehearsals are still on for Thursday, June 20 and 27. Watch for exact time and location.

Next week’s chapter meeting will be at Beth El Synagogue, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. (This change is necessary because the chapter does not meet at AlexRenew on the third Tuesday of the month as the space is used for their company board meeting.) Also – the chapter needs to meet someplace else all of the weeks in June. If a member has a contact of a space that can hosts the two groups and is reasonable in cost, contact Terry Reynolds or Gary Cregan. 

The combined ensembles sang “I’m Still Standing” and used small ensembles to hone the skills on the relatively new song.  Seven or eight members volunteered to join the basses for their melody part in the song.  It will be ready in grand style for Wolf Trap.

Speaking of that show – singers do not need tickets. Other chapter members and family and friends can get free tickets using the code and link on Slack.  Joe reports that one of the other groups on that show will our friends from Alfred Street Baptist. 

The singers and chapter member will have a new t-shirt to wear for that day.  Terry Reynolds and Tessa Walker have collected t-shirt sizes.  Any member who didn’t turn in their size, should contact one of those two ASAP. Jeans will be complete the casual uniform for Wolf Trap.

Ben Watsky welcomed two returning guests to this week’s meeting – Brenden White and Carl Parkin.  Will Coxdirected the chapter “Welcome Song.”

At this point in the meeting, the two ensembles moved to separate rooms.  Metro Voices used their rehearsal time for sectional, and some small group work.  They also worked on “It’s the Music That Brings Us Together” that will be their new audition song.

In the session with the Harmonizers (who were using the risers again this week), Joe was pleased to welcome back coach and arranger and chapter friend, Kevin Keller, from the St. Charles area in MO and a member of Ambassadors of Harmony.  Joe introduced Kevin to the chorus since so many singers are new and have not worked with him as a coach.  Kevin was named to the BHS Hall of Fame and is currently executive vice president of the organization.  He is a judge and has chaired the Society’s contest and judging program. 

The coaching session with Kevin concentrated on his arrangement, “The World Goes ‘Round.” It was terrific and gave the singers great insight into the song, its parts and the ways the arrangement is made to help the singers present the song to the listeners. He taught many basic principles of performance – especially regarding the three parts with one part predominate. (YeEd can report many Harmonizers were taking notes on their music during the effective coaching session.)

Joe invited the guests and members to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow before Kevin directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

 

Last week, the Harmonizers sang farewell to Lt Col William H. “Bill” Sowers, USAF Retired at a grave side service at Arlington National Cemetery.  Bill and his wife, Charli, were long time supporters of the chapter even after he took himself off the risers.  He was 87.  He sang in the gold medal chorus for the 1989, 1995 and 1998 championships. For the service, there were about 40 singers present directed by associate director, Tony Colosimo, They sang “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “I’ll Walk with God.” 

 

In other news, our general manager, Susan Fitzpatrick, has posted the 75^th anniversary booklet on the 75th Anniversary page of the website -  Celebrating 75 Years - Alexandria Harmonizers.  

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 May 7, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the May 7, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

It was great to celebrate the wonderful trip to Lake George, NY, to perform for barbershoppers in the Northeastern District; but it was back to hard work at this week’s rehearsal for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles at AlexRenew.

Cy Wood was back to continue his work with the Harmonizers for their contest package for the Cleveland contest in July.  The front row was especially busy to learn their extra detailed plan and met at 6 pm to get an early start.

The AACC rehearsal started at 7 pm with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, congratulating SWEET AND SOUR and FIRST TAKE quartets for their success in the quartet contest in NY. He shared comments from respected coaches about the great performances from AACC ensembles. 

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, did the warm up session for the combined ensembles. He used “Down Our Way” as part of the exercise.

Joe reviewed the details about the grave-side service for Bill Sowers at Arlington Cemetery on Wednesday, May 8. Bill’s wife, Charli, will be eager to see all of the members.  Call time is 2:15 pm at the Administration Building (not at the chapel where we have met other times). Current and former members are encouraged to attend if at all possible, and are welcome to sing.  The chorus will sing “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I’ll Walk with God.” Terry Reynolds will have music for those who need it. 

Reminder that Kevin Keller, arranger for “The World Goes Round,” will be at the meeting next week to work with the Harmonizers. 

The AACC chorus will sing three songs at Wolf Trap on June 1 – “Hey Jude,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Defying Gravity.” They worked on the first two this week.  (Seems the extra work by singers on the eight-hour bus ride home on Sunday made quite a difference!).

Chapter executive director, Stan Quick, conducted a brief business meeting. Jared Liscinsky offered to make CD learning materials for those who contact him.  Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, presented a membership renewal card to Matt Ambler for two years.  

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed two returning guests: Brenden White and Maureen Baille Rodrigus.  Carl Parkin was a first time guest – although he was formerly a student of Tony’s when Tony was on the faculty of a local middle school. Maggie McAlexander directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”  Joe also congratulated Chad Rosswho was married recently.

Both ensembles then went to work on their music with the Harmonizers on risers set up in the board room, and Metro Voices in the open room on the other end of the sixth floor of AlexRenew.

Cy worked with the Harmonizer front row early in the evening, then he taught the new choreography for “World Goes Round.”  Joe teamed up with Turner Arndt for review of the choreography for “Lullaby.”  Before the evening ended the front row joined the Harmonizer chorus to round out the work on the contest package.

Joe invited the guests and members to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow before Cy 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 May 3-5, 2024 Alexandria Chapter at NED Convention

 Looking Back on the May 3-5, 2024 Alexandria Chapter at NED Convention

The May trip to Lake George, NY, for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles, was a great adventure and another opportunity for the chapter to participate in an outreach effort to share our hobby with other barbershop singers. It was also a great chance for members to get to know more of the new members.

We were hosted in Lake George, NY, for a Northeastern District (NED) barbershop quartet and chorus contest weekend.  Quartets were able to qualify for the July Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) contest in Cleveland.  The Metro Voices and the Harmonizers attended as guests of the district through a grant from the city of Lake George.

The venue on the Lake was a great meeting place. The contest and show were at Warrensburg High School.  The Alexandria crew mostly traveled by bus on Friday, from a parking lot near the chapter’s meeting place.  It was an eight-hour ride including a motor problem about 10:30 pm when a belt came off.  Luckily, our chapter executive director was able to assist the driver to get it working well enough to take us the last half hour of the trip to our hotel. Stan Quickworks to restore cars and knew what to do and how to do it without tools! In typical barbershop tradition, the singers broke into singing “Down Our Way” while the engine work continued. A replacement bus arrived during the night for the return trip to Virginia on Sunday.

As usual for chorus bus rides, there were lots of snacks on board and some game playing; plenty of laughing; and some guys reviewing the new songs and choreography. Some members drove up to tour the area, and a few family members were on the trip, too.

A few folks took flights in order to arrive there early for the first round of the quartet contest Friday evening. Our artistic director, Joe Cerutti, was emcee for that contest.  We had two quartets in the contest - SWEET AND SOUR with Samantha and Mert Tramack, and FIRST TAKE with Tony Colosimo and Andrew Havens. Tony had some challenges getting to the contest with flight delays and finally renting a car to drive.  His quartet was able to get his luggage and quartet uniform at Albany airport and he arrived in time for them to sing last in the contest Friday night.

Both quartets were in the finals on Saturday night and both scored very well and will go to Cleveland! Their Virginia comrades cheered and applauded for their success.

Saturday morning for the choruses started early. The bus left from the hotel at 8:30 but most coffee shops didn’t open until 8. Somehow, most everyone got some coffee and were able to board the bus.  The first activity was a warm up session with NED singers for a mixed voice mic tester chorus.  Joe welcomed a large contingent of barbershoppers who had prepared to sing with the AACC.  He remarked it might be the largest mic tester chorus ever!  The singers filled the risers to start the NED chorus contest then at 10 am. They sang “Down Our Way” and “From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye” – another chance to interact with other barbershoppers and encourage shared singing. 

While the NED chorus contest was being held, both Metro Voices and the Harmonizers worked on music for their Saturday appearance on the convention show.

In order to be ready for the Saturday evening show, the AACC members found a place to get an early dinner, including some who took the bus to a great diner. They all changed into their color coordinated blue/black/purple outfits for the show.

The bus took everyone back to the school to cheer our quartets in the finals (including a couple of other Mid Atlantic District quartets that come to NED to compete).

After those results were announced, Metro Voices opened the show with “Happy Together” directed by Samantha Tramack.  Assistant director, Maggie McAlexander, directed “Sing/Swing.” Samantha directed the rest of their show including “Fight Song” with Becca Williams singing a solo spot. 

The NED emcee for the show then welcomed FIRST TAKE to do a guest spot in which they wowed the audience with their show package and a wonderful new emotional ballad.   They concluded their set with “Impossible Dream” which ended with the opening of the curtains to reveal the Harmonizers on the risers to sing the tag with the quartet. 

The chorus opened with “New York, New York” with word changes to ‘Lake George, New York.’ The audience loved it and of course the traditional Harmonizer front row chorus line choreography earned a huge response. 

Joe thanked the NED for their hospitality and their welcome to our ensembles.  He explained the current Alexandria outreach approach and introduced “Wee Small Hours,” arranged by Walter Latzko, as our 1998 gold medal ballad.

Terry Reynolds introduced “Calling Dreams” which was commissioned for the chapter’s 75th anniversary. Joehonored a longtime NED member with flowers and Happy Birthday.

Then Tony spoke about our Everyone In Harmony approach in Alexandria which led into the exciting performance of “Defying Gravity” with Samantha as major soloist. 

To wrap up our show, those NED members who had prepared in advance joined the AACC on the risers for “Why We Sing” including a young boy with him mom (he knew all the word too). Joe directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” to close the convention.

The bus took the AACC folks back to the hotel to change and join in the afterglow there and a pizza feed.

Sunday morning, folks were up and found coffee and on the bus by 9 am for the drive back to Alexandria. Honestly, a lot of the members napped on the way home.  There was a lunch break stop too.  Some singing started and members accepted the challenge to work on and learn “I’m Still Standing” for the Wolf Trap show in June.

The bus made the trip without problems and all of our cars were safe. As usual, this sort of trip requires a lot of coordination.  Terry Reynolds gets credit for keeping everyone at the right place at the right time. The new SLACK app was a useful tool.  Stan Quick also provided leadership for the bus trip.  Randall Eliason brought waters and drinks and goodies for the bus ride too, which were appreciated by all. 

Former Harmonizer, Alan Lamson, was in the audience as a NED leader. Our frequent retreat coach and the arranger of “Why We Sing,” David Wright and his wife Sandy, were on the judging panel. He has arranged a number of songs for our chapter including “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” for our 2022 contest package. 

The arranger of our 1995 gold medal contest ballad, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” Rob Hopkins, was also on the judging panel for the contest. Former chapter member, Spencer Wight, sang with MADHATTAN in the quartet contest. 

Steve Tramack and Renee, Samantha’s parents and coaches for our 2024 retreat, were at the NED event.  He was emcee for the chorus contest, sang with us for “Why We Sing” and is the arranger of “Defying Gravity.” 

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 April 30 , 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the April 30 , 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

It was a busy meeting for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles at AlexRenew this week as they were preparing for their appearance at the Northeastern District (NED) barbershop convention in Lake George, NY, this weekend. The rehearsal started at 7pm with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, leading the warm up session for the combined ensembles.

He used this time to include work on “Down Our Way” and “First Hello/Last Goodbye” which the combine chorus will use as a mic testing appearance for the NED chorus contest on Saturday.  Other barbershop singers at the convention will join the Alexandria singers for this event as part of the outreach for traditional songs that members can sing with fellow barbershop singers anytime and anywhere.

Joe welcomed University of Maryland student, Lenna, who is working on a field work project for one of her music classes.  

He also thanked a mixed ensemble who sang over the past weekend at an arts festival in Old Town.  They sang some of the old songs too.  Singers were Patricia, Elizabeth, Heide, Ken, Jared, Dave W. and Dean.  Thanks to them all, and especially for new member, Jared, for stepping up to help.

The Metro Voices and Harmonizers then worked on three songs they are singing together in the weeks ahead – at Lake George and/or at Wolf Trap: “I’m Still Standing.” Defying Gravity,” and Why We Sing.” 

Joe invited Becca Williams to explain this week’s ice breaker event which got all singers up and moving and meeting other members. 

Chapter executive director, Stan Quick, conducted a brief business meeting.  He started off with latest details about the bus taking the singers to NED on Friday. The bus will depart exactly at 2 pm from 305 Hoffs Run Drive with possible parking for those who need to leave a car in the lot of the Patent and Trademark building - $10 per day.

It is an 8-hour ride so members should bring what they will need including food for dinner. Casual attire for the weekend for the bus and at the convention will be black camp shirt for the Harmonizers or any black short sleeve shirt for those who don’t have one of those shirts, and jeans and black shoes. Singers will wear their approved uniform/outfit for the show

There will be two quartets competing Friday night representing our chapter – FIRST TAKE (with Tony Colosimo andAndrew Havens); and SWEET AND SOUR (with Samantha and Mert Tramack).  Both quartets are hoping to qualify for the 2024 International convention in Cleveland in July. Unfortunately, the bus won’t get us there in time to cheer for them in their first round appearance, but likely both quartets will make the finals round on Saturday night.

Stan also reminded all members that the sign up deadline for the Ireland trip in 2025 was extended to the end of June. It was stressed by president, Noah Van Gilder, that the trip is only a go if adequate numbers of performing members decide to go so that the chapter can perform in Ireland. Many questions that were asked by members where promptly answered on SLACK by trip coordinator, Brad Jones, after the meeting. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed two returning guests: Brenden White and David Eckersell. Will Coxdirected the chapter “Welcome Song.”  He also directed Happy Birthday for Joe and Ashley.

Both ensembles then went to work on their songs for the NED weekend. The Harmonizers also worked on their contest songs including a helpful review of the choreography for “Lullaby” with Turner Arndt helping with prompts. They will work with Cy Wood again next week on their contest choreo.

Joe invited the guests and members to come to the Harmo House for the afterglow before they sang “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.

 

oking Back on the April 24 , 2024 Alexandria Cabaret Celebrating Spring2ACTion

 Looking Back on the April 24 , 2024 Alexandria Cabaret Celebrating Spring2ACTion 

Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) singers presented quite a fun show for this year’s cabaret to celebrate another successful fundraising drive as part of the City of Alexandria’s spring2ACTion campaign. It is designed for non-profit arts groups to raise funds for their programs.

A good crowd of members from both Metro Voices and the Harmonizers attended, enjoyed some refreshments and clapped loudly for the cabaret performers. It was also live on Facebook. There were also a large number of chapter patrons at the cabaret. 

The donations are still coming in as we write this, but as of 10 am on April 26 the total was $27,185 from 241 donors,  Thanks for our many donors in the chapter and friends of the chapter, we also won some prize money for things like the most donors in our 3-4 pm power hour.

The chapter had several members and friends who contributed funds prior to spring2ACTion that allowed the chapter to match the first $6750 received on the big day.  Thanks to Randall Eliason, David and Jeanne Hillinck, Ellen Dellert, Dean Rust and Terry Reynolds.

The daylong competition between Randall and Joe Cerutti continues – but as of now, Joe has pulled ahead of Randall’s $2750 with a $3239 total dollars raised from other donots.  He actually first pulled ahead near the end of the cabaret when Joe asked for his friends to help him go ahead.  Joe Cerutti Sr. (who was watching on Facebook) came to the rescue and donated enough at that point to make it happen – actually in honor of Joe Junior's birthday on the 24^th.  And donations have continued coming.

Zak Sandler was accompanist for all of his fellow singers from the chapter. The cabaret acts included the following:

Lance Fisher who sang an aria in German

Clyde Crusenberry who entertained with a show song

Charlie Rothermel sang and accompanied himself with guitar

Heidi Krukowski sang a Whitney Houston  song

Joan Wolford, wife of Frank Shipp, sang a fun show song. (She was the caterer for the recent gala.)

Sophie Clarke sang a solo – she recently completed her voice recital for her Master’s Degree

Terry Reynolds sang “Trouble” from The Music Man with the chorus members filling in the responses 

Becca Williams and Ben Watsky sang a duet from High School Musical

Joan and Frank sang a fun duet of a John Prine song with Frank accompanying on the guitar

David Breen with Zak did a great jazz work on “Without a Song”

Devin Gerzof and Matt Ambler each did a song from Les Misérables

Joe felt like he should do a song, and so he decided to replicate performance of Tony Colosimo singing “Bring Him Home” also from Les Misérables. (It worked ok until Joe got the words mixed up and revealed he was not singing – Tony was on a mic in the back of the audience.) 

Tessa Walker sang a song from Dogfight, and then Samantha Tramack and Maggie McAlexander sang a show song duet to put a finale on the cabaret show.

Joe was emcee for the night, welcomed all the guests and donors both in the house and on Facebook, and thanked the development team of Randall, Ken Rub, Susan Fitzpatrick for their leadership in stimulating participation in spring2ACTion and for hosting the cabaret night.  There were drinks and goodies for guests to enjoy all evening.  Mike Kelly was on-hand to do the tech and sound in cooperation with the staff at The Bike Club. 

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 April 23 , 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the April 23 , 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

(Thanks to Bob Blair for taking notes this week.)

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles met back at AlexRenew this week. The rehearsal started on time, 7pm, with Joe Cerutti introducing Kim Newcomb who was with us as our guest coach for Metro Voices.

She has many awards and accomplishments in the barbershop world, a few of which were announced: Learning Track Producer, Master of Harmony for the Sweet Adelines, and Rising Star Award. Kim spent 20 minutes warming up both choruses.

 Joe took over and led both choruses (Harmonizers and Metro Voices) singing "Defying Gravity" with Kim coaching. Many highlights were pointed out and incorporated into our music production.

The business meeting was conducted before both choruses split into separate rooms for coaching and section leader work.

Guests were introduced: Brendon White (first time guest); Jim Friel (returning guest); Maureen Baillie (first time guest); and David Eckersell (returning guest).

Joe reminded us  that  "I'm Still Standing" will be worked on at the April 30th rehearsal and we should be ready to sing in preparation for the Wolf Trap show on June 1st.

Terry Reynolds announced that roommates for the NED trip (Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5) were posted on the wall and members should check it out before leaving.

Chapter secretary, Heidi Krukowski, announced renewing members: Carl Kauffmann - 51years, Jim Kirkland -14 years.

Joe and Randall Eliason reminded us all that thespring2ACTion non-profit giving Tuesday is on April 24th with the power hour from 3-4 pm to include a Cabaret gathering at the Bike Club. There seemed to be a contest brewing between Joe and Randall as to who could raise the most money for this important drive!

The Harmonizers went into Sectionals to work on "But the World Goes Round" and then back with full chorus singing both contest songs with extra work on choreography for "Lullaby of Broadway." Joe emphasized the need for extra homework on both songs. Cleveland BHS International is not that far away (July 1-7). If we don't put in the work we won't be able to display the Harmonizer magic that is expected by our International audience when we take the stage in Cleveland.

Metro Voices worked until about 10 pm with their coach.

This week’s 50/50 was won by Frank Shipp

Brad Jones is coordinator for the Ireland trip and can answer any questions members have about it. The deadline to make a deposit was extended recently.

Joe invited the guests and members to come to the Harmo House for an afterglow.

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.