Looking Back on the June 11, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 11, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

Singers had to cope with some bad traffic this week for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) meeting at Beth El synagogue on Seminary Road. In the end, a good crowd was present for both ensembles. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for the Harmonizers in the main hall. The front row put down their ‘number tape’ to help them with spacing on the stage in front of the risers. Metro Voices met in the sanctuary with their coachKim Newcomb.  

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the Harmonizer warmup, and Kim conducted the Metro Voices warm up. Great to have Dennis Ritchey with us for this week. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked all those who sang in the mini-chorus of AACC members on June 8 just outside The Bike Club in Old Town. The event was hosted by ACT for Alexandria – a community foundation that catalyzes change through strategic initiatives and smart philanthropy (like our successful efforts as part of spring2ACTion).  About 30 singers performed “I’m Still Standing,” “Hey Jude,” and “Why We Sing.”  Terry Reynolds and Samantha Tramack directed the chorus who sang outdoors; since Joe and Tony were gone to Portland, OR, to coach a chorus retreat over the weekend. 

 

Joe encouraged, again, that Harmonizers sign up for the personal coaching/help sessions. He has added additional timeslots to make it possible for more men to get extra help they might need.

 

He 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. 

The June 18 chapter meeting will be at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. Plan ahead for the new location.

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. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. The Harmonizers are expected to wear their Cleveland outfit, so that it can be checked.  (Black and gray clothes, white shirt, black tie with black socks and shoes - details are on SLACK.)

Note: there will be two extra rehearsals on Thursdays, June 20, at Beth El, and June 27 at AlexRenew, in preparation for Cleveland.

Here is a preview of the AACC schedule for July, 2024: 7/2 - in Cleveland; 7/9 – no meeting; 7/16 – an education meeting at The Bike Club; 7/23 – short rehearsal for an outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – an outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

Joe took a few minutes to share a resource he had discovered in our chapter to help prepare the chorus for the competition.  One of our AACC members, Ashley Merryman, has written “Top Dog – the Science of Winning and Losing.”  It was an instant New York Times Best Seller. Joe and Samantha met with Ashley and learned many things to coach our ensembles. One of the big points was to ask one’s self – “Are you playing to succeed? Or just not to fail?“

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 24 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He invited members to share what will get them excited for the contest experience and how will they get prepared. There were great responses from the risers. One good response was “I know I have about 50 others brothers on the risers with me to do what we want to do.”

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from recent rehearsals. The Harmonizers repeated the work plan from last week - half of their time with Joe, and half of their time with Tony. Those sessions were held with bass and tenor combinations and baritone and lead combinations.

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  A large crowd made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House.

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 June 4, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 4, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) ensembles met separately at Beth El synagogue on Seminary Road this week. A riser crew arrived at 6:15 pm to unload the truck and set up risers for the Harmonizers in the main hall. Metro Voices met in the sanctuary.  The riser crew used the sign up system instituted recently via Slack for riser crews.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted their warm up exercise and taught the “I Will Dream of You” tag.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed Johan Westberg back to DC from his other home in Stockholm.  He has been working on his music and performance plan and will compete with the Harmonizers in Cleveland.

 

Joe provided printed schedules that members could use to request and sign up for individual help from the music team on the contest package. 

 

He 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. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. 

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

Here is a preview of the AACC schedule for July: 7/2 - in Cleveland; 7/9 – no meeting; 7/16 – an education meeting; 7/23 – short rehearsal for an outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – an outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

There was a bandana check for the Class of 2024 – no one has had to sing “I’m a Little Teapot” so far this year!

Harmonizer uniform plans for Cleveland were reviewed – details are on SLACK.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that it was 31 days until they will be on stage in Cleveland.  He invited two Harmonizers to share how they are preparing for their appearance at the contest - Calvin Schnure andJarid Liscinsky. 

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from the retreat. The Harmonizers worked half of their time with Joe and Turner Arndt to capture the choreography changes, and half of their time with Tony to capture the musical aspects. Those sessions were held with bass and tenor combinations and baritone and lead combinations.

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, so there was a fast sing of “Keep the Whole World Singing” and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  A few folks made it to the afterglow at the Harmo House – many members still catching up after the long but successful retreat and show.

 

In other news, president Noah Van Gilder reported that Charli Sowers, widow of Harmonizer Bill Sowers, made a generous donation to the chapter of $15,000 in Bill’s memory. This donation will allow the chapter to grow its efforts to share the joy of chose harmony singing within the community. 

 

Dave Barton sent word that his wife, Miriam, died March 24.  She suffered a heart attack while in the hospital.  Dave and Miriam were long-time members of the Harmonizer family.  He was an assistant director and a member of the front row for contests during his years of active membership.  He continued his membership when he retired to Florida. A Celebration of Life for Miriam will be June 21 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral.  

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 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.