Looking Back on the Feb. 27, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Feb. 27, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

A large crowd of singers were back at AlexRenew this week after meeting last week at 

The Bike Club. As it turns out, next week’s meeting will be back at The Bike Club and both ensembles will have a rehearsal that evening.

 

This week, the Harmonizers launched their first run of one of the contest songs and Metro Voices worked on a new song for their ensemble.  Both groups had a period of small group sessions this week.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up session this week for the combined ensembles. Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed all the singers and guests and reported that 83 individual interviews have been completed with just a few left to be done at the Harmo House on Thursday of this week.

He was excited to report the plans for the chapter’s work with DC Public Schools (DCPS).  We have a contract with them to provide something like an all-state choir experience. The event will be on Friday, March 8.  We have invited gold medal Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) quartet, SIGNATURE, to be the guest quartet for the event. Tessa Walker will be the clinician for the large number of youth singers who will attend at a venue in DC. There will be a 4 pm show but the venue is small and so neither of our chorus ensembles will sing, but interested members are encouraged to attend and support the event.  Joe indicated that the DCPS has totally endorsed the formation of Capital Force too.

Chapter members are asked to support providing a supply of bottled water and snacks by donating cash (give it to Dean Rust next Tuesday night - he will purchase the supplies and bring them to the venue on March 8), or by bringing cases of water to next week’s meeting.

Looking ahead – spring2ACTion will be on April 24^th. It has become our chapter’s largest fundraiser in recent years. It is organized by the City of Alexandria for not-for-profit groups.  Last year we broke all records and we had a fun watch party to keep track of donations that came in. The party included a cabaret with a dozen or so talent acts from with the chapter family.  The event will be at The Bike Club again this year and will be live-streamed for our donors to watch and enjoy too. 

So, this is the call for talent.  Any combination of members or their family is great: solo, duet, trio, instrumental, standup.  It will be a non-barbershop night. An accompanist will be available for the rehearsal and cabaret night. Members interested should let Joe know.

After the two ensembles practiced a while, they gathered for an ice breaker event which was coordinated by Turner Arndt and Becca Williams. It was a fun chance for members of both groups to get to know each other more.  Following the fun, communications director, Steve Murane, conducted a business session. President Noah Van Gilderreported that Ken Ives is doing well after a recent surgery. 

Chapter development director, Ken Rub, updated members that ticket sales for the Gala on March 2 are going well. Tonight was the cut off though for ticket sales so food could be ordered by the caterer. The long list of impressive silent auction items for the Gala was sent via email blast to members and chapter patrons. 

Locations for upcoming meetings are as follows: Mar. 12 – AlexRenew; Mar. 19 – singing in Old Town Alexandria; Mar. 26 – AlexRenew.

Ben Watsky managed guest registration this week and we welcomed back William Vesilind, Jared Liscinsky, Kar Medero, Hanna Nesisch. Dave Ermlick brought his wife, Anne, and their son, Billy, who was in the baritone section. First time guests were Callie Cirillo and Md Fardous – both guests following Metro Voices promotional efforts.  Benalso welcome back members Calvin Schnure and Geoff Berman.  Assistant director emeritus, Will Cox, directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

The evening wrapped up about 9 pm with an invitation to guests and members to come to the Harmo House for an afterglow, and then Samantha Tramack directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.” There was great celebration at the afterglow to learn that William and Kar both passed their auditions after the chapter meeting this week! Welcome to them.

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 Feb. 13, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Feb. 13, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

(Thanks for notes from EJ Herold – YeEd.)

The rehearsal opened with Tony Colosimo leading the warm-up and reinforcing the vocalization and breathing training from the last week’s meeting.  Using a tag, “How Will I Get by Without You?,” he taught all of us the notes and techniques leading to a beautiful finish to the drills. 

 

Artistic Director, Joe Cerutti, opened with announcements to the assembled Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) group noting that we have quartets that will deliver singing greetings for Valentine’s Day tomorrow.  A report of those activities from community outreach coordinator, Dean Rust, will be included in next week’s Looking Backreport. 

 

Joe also gave an update on the progress of the annual interview process of all AACC singers. 

 

Because AlexRenew is unavailable on Feb. 20, the chorus will meet at The Bike Club (99 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria) for an evening of fun activities. Singers will choose from among several activities delivered in sequence or simultaneously to include: new member orientation; “You be the Judge;” barbershop “fails;” a class on proper breathing technique by Tony and a class by Joe.

 

The group will be back at The Bike Club on March 5 as Alex Renew will be used as a polling place that evening. On March 19 the ensembles will sing in Old Town. 

 

The Metro Voices rehearsal with director, Samantha Tramack, worked on “Happy Together,” “Fight Song,” and “Sing/Swing Medley.”  

 

The Harmonizers started with a ‘push out’ quartet activity singing “Hey Jude.” Comedic results were achieved as a couple singers lost their place but the overall effect was pleasing and fun! This will be a continuing practice to encourage quartet singing.

 

It was announced that the music team plans to post the contest songs for the Harmonizers on Groupanizer by the end of the night. Joe said the chorus will start working both “Lullaby of Broadway” and “But the World Goes ‘Round” in two weeks. All singers were asked to focus on measures 101 to the end of “Lullaby”, though the leads were asked to skip measures 117-124 until further instructed. The annotated versions of the music will be coming soon. 

 

The chorus then worked on “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” including the choreography led by Turner Arndt. Work on “Wee Small Hours of the Morning” and “Calling Dreams” to polish some of the more challenging spots, filled the rest of the evening.

Midway during the evening, there was a business meeting for the combined ensembles conducted by communications director, Steve Murane.  Development director, Ken Rub, spoke about the upcoming Gala on March 2. His major message was for members to invite non-members to attend understanding that the goal is for it to be a successful fund raising gala. It is not a concert.  There will be passed hors d oeuvres and a family-style dinner.  The Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) quartet champ will sing. Dress is not black tie, but dress up. 

Archives chairman, Don Harrington, announced that there were several framed chorus pictures from a former member set out on tables and free for anyone to take. 

Conventions chairman, Craig Kujawa, spoke about members getting their registrations for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) convention in Cleveland in early July. Note that early-bird prices end on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed five returning guests –Alex Radt, Charley Rothermel, Jared Liscinsky, Ker Medero and William Vesline. First time guest was Avery Biggers, a guest of Jared. We sang our “Welcome Song” for all of our guests, with Maggie McAlexander as director.  It was great to have Jim Kirkland and Dave Ermlick back to sing. 

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 Jared.

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 Feb. 6, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

  Looking Back on the Feb. 6, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

This week’s rehearsal at AlexRenew continued work by both the Harmonizers and Metro Voices on preparing songs for 2024 shows and events. 

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

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, shared that the interview process is underway. Schedules and location charts were posted around the meeting place. 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.

Joe also shared that there is a need for more volunteers to sing in quartets to deliver Singing Valentine messages on Wednesday, February 1.  Our organization does not charge for these appearances, but sings to spread cheer and messages of the day 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. 

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.

Joe was able to confirm that the choruses would not be expected to sing at the March 8 program introducing barbershop to students and parents from DC Public Schools. He did suggest that it would be a positive showing if some members were in the audience. Past gold medal barbershop quartet, SIGNATURE, will be singing after they and an Alexandria team work with students during the day. Tessa Walker will be clinician.  The event will be at Capital Turnaround at 4 pm in SE Washington, DC.

At this point in the evening, Metro Voices adjourned to the board room to work on “Happy Together,” “Fight Song,” and “Sing/Swing Medley.”  In other news from Metro Voices, they had fun social time at the Harmo House on Saturday evening, February 3. During this week’s meeting, they introduced two Harmonizers, Tyler Carpenter and Chad Ross, as part of an effort to help their members get to know members of the other ensemble. 

The Harmonizers worked on “Calling Dreams,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat” along with a reminder session for the choreography for that song, and “Wee Small Hours.” 

Joe had just received the learning tracks for the Harmonizers’ new contest package and he was eager to were play them for the singers. Tony DeRosa created the tracks. The ballad, “But The World Goes Round,” was arranged by Kevin Keller. It was often used by Liza Minnelli to close her shows. The uptune, “Lullaby of Broadway,” is a classic Broadway number used by Ella Fitzgerald. It was arranged by David Wright.

Tony did a couple craft sessions to strengthen the skills of the singers during the rehearsal.

Midway during the evening, there was a business meeting for the combined ensembles conducted by communications director, Steve Murane.  Randall Eliason prompted everyone to turn in any silent auction item they have collected for the fundraising GALA.  They should be turned during the next two weeks. 

Kathy Kauffman was on hand to collect empty liquor bottles that she and the decoration committee will use for the Gala on March 2. 

Metro Voices director, Samantha Tramack, reported the recent passing of a founding member of their ensemble, Elaine Cooper, who died from complications of surgery.  The family plans a celebration of life in the future. Joe spoke to share that Elaine was a stronger leader of the Pride of Baltimore chapter. 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed six returning guests –Alex Radt, Routa Mesfin, Charley Rothermel, Shane Lawson, Jared Liscinsky, and William Vesline. 

First time guests were Tyler Greene, a guest of Turner Arndt; Ker Medero, a guest of Ben Watsky; and Jamie Brazen, a guest of Sheryl Berlin. 

We sang our “Welcome Song” for all of our guests, with Will Cox as director. 

The evening wrapped up about 9 pm with the 50/50 drawing (Joe was shocked to have finally won the drawing for the first time!), 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 Lance Fisher.

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. 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.