Looking Back on the July 23, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter

 Looking Back on the July 23, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter 

Finally back “home,” the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) meeting on July 23 was back at AlexRenew.  

Two main events on the agenda for this week: review/prep for the sing-out on Wed. July 24 at Franconia District Park, 6601 Telegraph Rd., then break for all to have fun watching a movie, American Harmony. Refreshments were shared and everyone laughed and had a good time together.

Jason Lee did a warm up session for the combined ensembles and then Tony Colosimo directed them for a quick review of the songs for Wednesday night.

There were a few announcements: first was the reminder that the call time for the show at Franconia District Park amphitheater is 6:30 pm.  Chapter leadership will alert members as early as possible via Slack if the show is cancelled because of the weather. Singers will wear their AACC t-shirt with jeans or other dark slacks or shorts.  A riser crew is needed at 6 pm. The show starts at 7:30.  There is plenty of parking. Good idea for audience folks to bring a lawn chair, although there are benches facing the stage. 

Next week, July 30,  AACC will meet at 7:30 pm (NOTE THIS START TIME CHANGE) in Old Town Alexandria at Market Square, warm up the voices and then walk along King Street and go to the Waterfront, stopping every so often to sing a set of the songs. Members will wear their new AACC t-shirt. Each ensemble will sing a couple songs and the combined chorus will also sing. The stop at the entrance to the Torpedo Factory is usually a longer set since the acoustics are good there and there are usually lots of folks walking by that spot.  (There will not be a Looking Backreport for that event until the report for Aug. 6.)

Membership director, Jacob Broude, welcomed five guests this week –three returning guests were Brenden White, Estela Zaffaroni, and Hanna Drobar; two first timers were Adele Jones (although not new to the chapter but a guest of Metro Voices), and Trudy Gelfand, who directs a church choir and asked her friend Mark Klostermeyer if she could come observe. Terry Reynolds directed the chapter “Welcome Song.”

The fall show will be Sept. 21 and it was announced that self-recordings will be required. 

Chorus medals were presented to six Harmonizers who did not get one yet. Tyler Carpenter will be engraving the medals the Harmonizers earned in Cleveland starting in August.  The cost is just $5 and includes the date, the event, the logo and the member’s name and voice part.  

In other news, on Saturday, July 20, a small ensemble of 16 Harmonizers sang at the celebration of life for Al Herman, long-time member since 1984, and many time chair of the finance committee/treasurer. Terry Reynolds was director for the appearance at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. An ensemble of string players from the Arlington Philharmonic played when people gathered.  We sang after a welcome by the family present.  Al was a strong supporter for both the Philharmonic and the chorus where he sang bass. Al’s career was all based on law including his Air Force years. 

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 76^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 July 16, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Post Cleveland

 Looking Back on the July 16, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Post Cleveland 

There was no meeting of the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) on July 9 so members could rest up and get back into their work and life routines. The meeting for July 16 was well attended and was a fun night to regroup and celebrate. This report will cover several outside-the-chapter events held after members returned home from the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) convention in Cleveland, too. 

Saturday, July 13^th was the retirement ceremony for Captain Craig Kujawa. USN at the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, DC. A group of 37 Harmonizers attended and sang the National Anthem as part of the traditional ceremony. Craig was honored during the ceremony for his work during his 32-year Naval career. His parents were able to attend and the Harmonizers sang Happy Birthday to his Dad, Ray. Guest speaker who recognized Craig’s work and dedication was Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, Commander, Submarines, NATO.  

Later on Saturday, chapters in the DC Metro area gathered to honor Sam McFarland for his 82^nd birthday. Several Harmonizers made it there as did members from others chapter such as Loudon, Fairfax, Mount Vernon, Richmond and Dundalk.  Sam has sung with most of these groups at some point, and so he was invited to sing with several groups – quartets and choruses - during the program part of the afternoon.  Rick Taylor was emcee. A great feast started things that was all part of the truly special event organized by Cliff and Gretchen Shoemaker. Sam has moved to a new address in Ashburn as of July 1 (contact YeEd if you would like his new address). 

On Sunday, July 14^th, there was a celebration of life for Jack Crickenberger who was an early Harmonizer and sang in one of the chapter’s first organized quartets, THE CONFEDERATE NOTES. He was 97. He joined the chapter in 1950 and was an active member until 1964 – although he came to visit the chapter often “to check on the boys” and keep in touch.   He promoted quartet singing his whole life through his choir.  He was a lawyer and provided legal services for some members over the years.  He arranged lots of music for quartets and the chorus but he never listed his own name as arranger – he used “N Fringer.” During the ceremony, his stepson recognized Jack’s barbershop background and his membership as a Harmonizer. 

As a side note from that ceremony, the minister of the St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, told some of us that he had grown up as a kid living next to Scott Werner in Dale City and new lots about the Harmonizers.  (YeEd contacted Scott that evening and he replied that he missed the Harmo gang and sent his greetings to all.)

This week’s meeting was organized as an education meeting with a variety of program options and was held at Beth El Synagogue on Seminary Road. Membership director, Jacob Broude, organized refreshments for the night too – lots of pizza, salads, sandwiches and sweets, plus cold beverages. Many hands helped set up and get the room ready for the meeting. Attendees were encouraged to get refreshments when the meeting started at 7, and as is typical, the AACC crowd devoured the chow in no time at all.

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, welcomed members of Metro Voices and the Harmonizers to this educational meeting and led a cheer for the Metro Voices success in the festival event in Cleveland.  He also encouraged everyone to watch the video of the Harmonizer performance and share the pride of being in this great chapter!  

He offered some other business matters for folks to add to their calendar: next week, July 23, the meeting will be back at AlexRenew, 1800 Limerick St., Alexandria. The plan for that night is to work on the songs the two groups will sing the next night, July 24, at Franconia Park, 6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria.  The concert is sponsored by the Fairfax County Supervisor for Franconia, Rodney Lusk. It will be in the outdoor amphitheater in the park.  There is lots of parking and benches for the audience – although many folks bring a lawn chair.  There are also picnic tables for anyone to use surrounding the amphitheater.  After working on the songs, the chapter will watch the movie “American Harmony.”

The meeting on July 30 will be a singing walk through Old Town Alexandria. Note the gathering time will be 7:30 pm, at Market Square. 

August meetings will concentrate on refreshing songs from the repertoire for the two ensembles to sing on the fall show scheduled for Sept. 21 at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. News is that all of the chapter quartets will appear on the show this year! 

Joe and Terry also promised that music for the holiday show in December will be on Groupanizer later this week so that anyone can get a head start on learning or refreshing the music. 

The opening event for education night was the celebration of the 76^th anniversary of the Alexandria chapter’s chartering  – June 19, 1948. The original charter was on display for all to see. Chapter historian, Don Harrington, retold the story of how our founders met and launched the chapter.  He shared details from the 50^th anniversary book, Breathless Moments. The history committee recognized the chapter’s success as Barbershop Harmony Society leaders with a reminder of members who have been named to the BHS Hall of Fame – Bud Arberg, Wilbur Sparks, Dean Snyder, Darryl Flinn, Walter Latzko, and Alan Lamson.  Several other members of the Harmonizer family are also in the Hall of Fame including David Wright, Kevin Keller, Tony DeRosa, Greg Lyne, and Jim Henry. 

The chapter is also proud to have its first member honored as a recipient of the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award – Joe Cerutti.

The history committee pledged to start building a history legacy for Metro Voices too and invited members of that ensemble to join the committee. Anyone interested should speak with Don or Jack Pitzer.  All the Metro Voices members present were also given a copy of Breathless Moments and the 75^th anniversary booklet.  

For the educational sessions. two breakout sessions were held for about 45 minutes. The first round was Cy Shusterand David Breen speaking and demonstrating “What Is An Overtone?” or Calvin Schnure explaining “What is a Brigade,” which many singers enjoy during the year. The second round was a debriefing from the BHS convention and contest with Joe inviting comments from members; or Ask FIRST TAKE any questions about their contest performances with Tony Colosimo plus  Andrew Havens and Drew Wheaton who were present via Zoom. 

Next was the skit from the Class of 2024 – a long awaited demonstration of their paying good attention at meetings and rehearsals. As is typical – it brought lots of laughs and played heavily on in-house jokes from the past few months. Thanks to Charlie Rothermel who reportedly pulled things together for his class! After the applause, the 2024 bandanas were discarded!

The final presentation for the evening was Terry Reynolds’ annual “nerd” or “geek” report and statistics about convention scores and placements and the history of the Alexandria chorus in International contests.  His final slide summarized the main points of his fun session: we’ve earned more third place medals than any other chorus (7); we are second in the total number of medals earned (21); we are tied for sixth in number of gold medals (4); we are the highest scoring eight place chorus in BHS history!; Metro Voices made a huge splash in their first International appearance; and finally, we have proven ourselves competitive at the highest levels while following a strategic plan that emphasizes community and de-emphasizes contest. 

After “Keep the Whole World Singing” the hall was cleaned up and chairs stacked, and Joe invited folks to the Harmo House for the afterglow.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 76^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 30-July 7, 2024 Alexandria Chapter Time at the BHS International Convention in Cleveland, OH 

The Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) had a great week at the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Contest and Convention in Cleveland, OH. Many members of the chapter traveled on Monday, July 1 in order to be there for the major contests and events that kicked off on Tuesday.

There were sixty quartets in the quarterfinals round of the quartet contest with five quartets that had AACC members: WILDFIRE with Kevin Mendez; FIRST TAKE with Anthony Colosimo and Andrew Havens; SWEET & SOUR with Samantha Tramack and Mert Tramack; PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen; and MIXTAPE with Cy Wood. Three of our quartets made it into the semifinals round: FIRST TAKE, SWEET & SOUR, and PRAXIS. 

When the results were called out on Saturday night after the finals quartet round, FIRST TAKE had earned the second place silver medal from among the top ten finalists. Their total score for the three rounds was 6,688 points with a 92.9 average. Their performances were so classy and solid all week, always drawing their audience into their music.  For the finals round, they changed things for their final song and had a ton of fun singing, “No One Sings Higher Than Me,” and making the audience laugh (and taking a few digs at the judges and how a quartet can get a 100 points for a song  –Tony actually did a pratfall onto the stage floor!). 

The first place gold medalist quartet was “Three and a Half Men” that includes Tony DeRosa who has often coached the Harmonizer chorus and is a friend of many members of the chapter. Their score was 6,795 points with a 94.4 average. Third place quartet was GIMME FOUR from Mid Atlantic District (M-AD) that has helped with Harmonizer youth camp over the years. Fourth was THE LADIES which includes Kim Newcomb who coached Metro Voices, fifth was THE NEWFANGLED FOUR. There were two other M-AD quartets in the top ten – eighth was SECRET BEST FRIENDS (bass Will Daniel Simmons sang in the front row of our chorus before college), and ninth was SMOKE RING who sang at the chapter’s fundraising gala this year. 

For the chapter record, SWEET & SOUR placed 16^th, PRAXIS placed 20^th, MIXTAPE placed 22^nd and WILDFIRE placed 24^th. 

The two ensembles that currently comprise AACC had a very successful week as well as the chapter quartets.

Metro Voices was one of the eight groups competing in the International Chorus Festival and earned a Superior rating (score 80.3) and was named champion of this event. A great accomplishment! The ensemble is directed by Samantha Tramack, with assistant director Maggie McAlexander. 

They sang “After You, Who?” arranged by Carole Prietto, and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” arranged by Bev Sellers.  For their initial appearance at an International contest, there were fifteen singers on the risers: Becca Williams, Cadence Flaherty, Mireille Kouagan, Jeanne Hillinck, Lenna Jawdat, Tessa Walker, Heidi Krukowski, Patricia Chow, Elizabeth Cosh, Leah Musico, Maggie McAlexander, Sheryl Berlin, Sophie Clarke, Ashley Merryman, with Samantha Tramack as director. 

Metro Voices met a couple times early in the week for rehearsals and then on Thursday they started the day with warm ups conducted by Tessa Walker.  Their coach, Renee Tramack, met with them too. When it was time to depart for their 12 noon stage time, the Harmonizers formed a tunnel outside the rehearsal room for them to all walk through with high-fives and cheers. Everyone was wearing their new AACC t-shirt too. 

The chorus festival was in a large ballroom in the headquarters hotel. The hall was full when the Harmonizers arrived to clap and scream and cheer for them, and Metro Voices  hit a home run with their great singing and performance flair. 

Harmonizer rehearsals started on Wednesday, July 3.  President Noah Van Gilder welcomed everyone to join in the excitement of the week.  The chapter’s convention host, LeAnn Snyder, met us and give us details about the contest venue and plans for the week as a representative of the convention host committee. M-AD president, Steve Kirsch, stopped by and presented a monetary gift to the chapter from the district to help with expenses of both ensembles to represent M-AD at the convention. Chapter volunteer, Kathy Kauffmann, presented a token of encouragement to each member of the two AACC ensembles to carry in their pockets on stage to feel the support of the whole chapter family. 

Thanks to Gary Cregan and Cy Shuster for driving the Harmo truck to Cleveland and for coordinating the large crews of volunteers from the AACC ranks for getting risers and sound set up in Room 25. 

The Harmonizer contest package consisted of “The World Goes Round” arranged by Kevin Keller, and “Lullaby of Broadway” arranged by David Wright. Prior to this first rehearsal, the front row worked with choreography coach Cy Wood.  The wonderful choreography created by Cy was led by the front row which included front row captain Bruce Roehm, Ken Rub, Randal Eliason, Matt Ambler, Chad Ross, Terry Reynolds, Reed Livergood, Jacob Broude, Craig Kujawa, and Matthew Zorgoski who joined the front row coming from the 17^th Street Dance group of the Washington, DC Gay Men’s Chorus. Chapter choreo coach was Turner Arndt.

Both David Wright and Kevin Keller stopped in for a few remarks as did long-time coach, Cindy Hansen Ellis. Then Kevin and Cy each took a chunk of time to work with the whole ensemble. 

 

 

 

 

For the Thursday practice, the Harmonizers went back to their rehearsal room after cheering for Metro Voices.  Jason Lee did the warm up session for the chorus. David McEachern came to coach and added touch up points to the performance plan for the package. 

Friday morning’s 8:30 am rehearsal start time meant that Harmonizers got their breakfasts and brought their contest attire (black or gray suits and ties) to the Room 25 space that was used by both ensembles all week. The special trio of Tessa Walker, Maggie McAlexander and Samantha Tramack was already there with makeup and hair stylist friends from M-AD, Christi Willett and Meredith Glemboski, helping the trio get into their attire to fit the theme of the package. 

There was the traditional bandana check Friday morning for members of the Class of 2024 which included 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. (Only those names in bold type competed in Cleveland.) This year’s blue bandana featured the new AACC logo. 

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the beginning warm up session followed by Jason Lee to finish preparing the chorus to sing. It was at this point that word came that fellow singer, Chuck Powell, was ill and not likely able to go on stage. (He did in fact improve in his room and was able to drive home safely.) 

 

About 9:30 am, all singers left the risers for the annual “building of a chorus by the year they first sang at International” starting with the Class of 1958 and ending with the Class of 2024 – honoring our past and celebrating our future!

 

The Harmonizers sang nineth in the first chorus contest session Friday.  They walked to the Cleveland Public Auditorium through tunnels and walkways to get to the stage.  They came onto the stage amidst huge cheers and applause from Metro Voices, lots of other M-AD members, and the general barbershop audience who know the Harmonizers would be a great presentation. Greg Tepe represented the chapter backstage for lighting cues. 

 

Great singing and movements including a special surprise appearance in the uptune of a treble trio – Maggie McAlexander, Tessa Walker and Samantha Tramack – who danced with the front row and sang several parts of the song with bass background. It was a fantastic special number with three gold medalist quartet singers!

 

The chorus received standing ovations for both songs and left the audience talking about a terrific performance.

 

There were two more chorus contest sessions – one Friday evening and one Saturday morning.  The results were announced at the end of the Saturday session and the Harmonizers were honored to have earned a fifth place medal with a score of 2,158 point with an average of 89.9. The Harmonizer fans erupted with wild cheering and applause.

 

As soon as everyone could get back to the chapter’s rehearsal room, there was the traditional ceremony to give each singer a medal.  Terry Reynolds called each singer’s name, and chorus manager for the week, Mark Klostermeyer, handed a medal to Joe to give to each man – after a big bear hug and congrats.

 

The first place chorus was The Westminster Chorus; second was Heralds of Harmony, third was Gotham from M-AD; and fourth was Parkside Harmony from M-AD. 

 

There were singers from the Harmonizer family in several of the other choruses too.  As risky as it is to try to report all of them, YeEd and his reporter team will try (sorry if we didn’t see someone on stage): Lynn Hineman with Heralds of Harmony; Lou Bergner with Harbourtown Sound and with Toronto Northern Lights; Donell Torres with The Recruits, with the Next Gen Mic Tester Chorus, and with the Ambassadors of Harmony for their swan song as last year’s chorus champs; Adele Jones, Brad’s wife, with the Dream Chorus directed by Greg Clancy; Erin Odell who directed the Visions of Harmony treble chorus from St. Charles, MO; TJ Donehue and Johan Westberg with Sound of the Rockies; Rich Payton with Space City; Chris Yates, Sean Devine, Jay Butterfield, and Fred Womer with Parkside Harmony; Rasmus Kingstrum with the AIC chorus; and Dan Cook and Jim Mathis with  Ambassadors swan song performance. 

 

Several members of the Harmonizer family were judges during the convention: Alan Lamson and Steve Tramack for the quartets and choruses; David Wright, Mo Field and Matt Fellows for the Next Generation Quartet contest; and Cy Wood for the Comedy Quartet Festival and the Chorus Festival.  Our M-AD friends, THE QUIN-TONES, placed seventh in the Next Gen contest; and M-AD friends, MADHATTEN, earned a Superior rating in the Comedy Quartet Festival with former Harmonizer, Spencer Wight, as their baritone. Donell Torres was tenor in the first place Next Gen quartet TOFU CONCERN. 

 

On the administrative side of things, there were several from the Harmonizer family who had extra duties. John Santora, BHS president, welcomed attendees at the first session. Kevin Keller was presenter for the quartet semifinals session and was elected president of BHS during the Monday BHS Board meeting. He will take office in January. Bill Colosimo served as nominating committee chairman for the BHS board, but he was on travel that day from Europe and so he asked Terry Reynolds, who is a member of the leadership development committee for BHS,  to fill in for him.  

 

Rick Taylor worked all week as a staffer for Harmony Foundation International. Chris Buechler and Steve Tramackattended Society Contest and Judging Committee meetings Sunday and Monday – Steve will become the next chairman of that committee.  

 

Joe Cerutti directed the US National Anthem at the session on July 4; was host for the Saturday evening Live Steam event; presented the awards for the Next Gen contest; and on Saturday he was name 2024 recipient of the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award. The audience responded joyously and loudly with plenty of noise from all the AACC family present.

 

In his remarks of appreciation, he shared what an honor it was to be considered with the name of a hero to many - a leader of barbershoppers - Joe Liles.  “I am confident that my contributions would never have amounted to anything significant if the Alexandria Harmonizers hadn’t taken an enormous and life-altering risk hiring a 25-year old music educator 17 and a half years ago.” 

 

“And if I’ve done anything worthy of recognition in this organization, it is with deepest gratitude to my so-called right and left hands, my partners in harmony, Anthony Colosimo and Terry Reynolds.” Joe also acknowledged his pride of the AACC and expressed hope that the BHS would never lose sight of the true essence of the art form and its community – the amateur singers and the countless volunteers that make things run. 

 

All during the week YeEd and reporters (Dixie Kennett and several Harmonizer members) spotted current and former members of the  Harmonizer family at the convention (here again it is likely we missed someone – but it is still amazing how many of the Harmonizer family attended): Joe Kane, David Wilt, Jim Gammon, Glenn Williamson, Ken Ives, Keith Jones, Craig Odell, Mike Wallen, Bob Hirsh, Don Harrington, Eric Wallen, Lew Klinge, John Knight, Michael Gilmore, Ray Yeh, Richard Lewellen, Joe Wagovich, John Sifuentes, Drew Fuller, Frank Fedarko, Jim Kirkland, Tony LaRosa, Norbert Hammes from BING, and John Rettenmeyer.

 

AACC contest coordinator, Craig Kujawa, had helped make arrangements for the chapter months before and he helped members get housing, and kept them informed as to plans, times and schedules. 

 

The chapter music team gets much credit for helping the two ensembles prepare for their appearances with extra work, private sessions, learning materials, and passing along tips about performing from those who have gone before. The team certainly starts with artistic director, Joe Cerutti, and Samantha Tramack, Tony Colosimo, Maggie McAlexander, Terry Reynolds. Add to that the hard working section leaders: for Metro Voices – Elizabeth Cosh, tenors; Sophie Clarke, leads; Sheryl Berlin, baritones; Leah Musico, basses; for Harmonizers – Randy Lazear, tenors; Ben Watsky and Lance Fisher, leads; Jason Lee, baritones; David Breen, basses; Turner Arndt, stage presence leader. 

 

In addition to all the members in Cleveland, there were many family members present. Some took advantage of the things to see and do in the convention city such as the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, a stroll along Lake Erie that was just outside the headquarters hotel, and to take in a ballgame with the Cleveland Guardians vs. the Giants on Friday evening (just after the rain stopped). The AACC crowd kept track of things and each other all week via Slack to include a report on Sunday of family visits to Cedar Point for a famous roller coaster experience.

 

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 76^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 25, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Send Off Before Cleveland

 Looking Back on the June 25, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Send Off Before Cleveland 

On June 25, the Alexandria A Cappella Collective hosted the annual send-off concert  (a performance for fans before the singers travel to the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Convention in Cleveland, OH, July 1-6, 2024).  Family, friends and patrons arrived at Beth El Synagogue on Seminary Rd. about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance. 

The singers arrived at 7 pm in their coordinated attire for the contest – a dress rehearsal, if you will, for the performers. EJ Herold helped coordinate volunteers to get chairs set up for the audience in the ballroom space.  Operations director, Gary Cregan, reports there was a good crew to help. Cy Shuster set up the sound equipment.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the warm up for the combined ensembles.  Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, had a few announcements for the chorus members going to Cleveland.  First – everyone is expected to attend every rehearsal at the convention, but if anyone won’t be on time for a rehearsal, or they have an emergency, they must notify Terry Reynolds.  Second – there is a major movie filming crew slated to be in Downtown Cleveland while the convention is underway and that crew could be closing streets and walkways and disrupting things without notice.  Singers should note that the rehearsals for all competing choruses is about three blocks from the Westin in the Huntington Convention Center – Room 25.  The first rehearsal for the Harmonizers is at 2:45 pm on Wednesday and for Metro Voices at 5 pm in Room 25.

After announcements, each ensemble did some rehearsal time before a 15 minute break to get uniforms ready and to prepare to welcome the guests. 

Emcee for the event was Harmonizer, Rick Taylor.  He welcomed the large crowd to the AACC Send Off for Cleveland and introduced Metro Voices as the first performing group with Samantha Tramack as director and Maggie McAlexander as assistant.  They performed their two-song package they will use to compete in the 2024 Chorus Festival at the convention – “After You Who” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Next on the risers was the Harmonizers dressed in blacks and grays.  Their package consists of “The World Goes Round” and “Lullaby of Broadway” with great singing and a couple of surprises plus wonderful choreography led by the front row which includes Ken Rub, Randal Eliason, Matt Ambler, Chad Ross, Terry Reynolds, Bruce Roehm, Reed Livergood, Jacob Broude, Matthew Zorgoski, and Craig Kujawa. 

The audience showed their appreciation for the great performances by both groups with loud and long applause.

As the two ensembles reassembled on the risers to sing together, chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, recognized five quartets that have AACC members in them that are competing in Cleveland.  Each quartet received some financial support as they represent the chapter. A total of 60 quartets have qualified to be in the contest. The quartet quarterfinals contest sessions are on Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July3. Singing 15^th – WILDFIRE with Kevin Mendez; singing 19^th - FIRST TAKE with Anthony Colosimo and Andrew Havens; singing 26^th – SWEET AND SOUR with Samantha Tramack and Mert Tramack; singing 28^th – PRAXIS with Lance Fisher and David Breen; and singing 56^th – MIXEDTAPE with Cy Wood. 

 

There was a bandana check for members of the Class of 2024 which includes 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. 

 

Membership director, Jacob Broude, presented a membership renewal card to Chris Huber for 32 years.  Chrisresponded that his wife Judy was with him and it was her birthday. Before we could sing greetings, it was confirmed that it was also Mick Stamp’s birthday.  Joe did the honors to direct all in singing “Happy Birthday.”

 

The last group to perform for the send-off was the combined AACC chorus directed by Joe.  They started with “I’m Still Standing.”

 

Terry then recognized all the 50-year barbershop singers in the room which led into the surprise announcement that the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) has named Joe Cerutti as the 2024 recipient of the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award. Everyone rose to their feet to applaud and cheer for Joe. He will receive this recognition in Cleveland.

 

Joe expressed his appreciation for the recognition and shared a few thoughts including that he would need to “share the award with Terry and Tony” who are an important part of his musical leadership team of the AACC.  Joe also recognized Elaine Cooper who was a charter member of Metro Voices and also an important helper in his musical educator role with barbershop choruses. 

 

Those comments led into the introduction of “Why We Sing” and his dedication of the song to Elaine, who died in January.

 

The finale was the wonderful performance by the combined ensembles of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, featuring Samantha Tramack, soloist, with Tony Colosimo. 

 

The audience filled every chair in the hall and included a contingent of Harmonizer folks from Richmond including Mike Wallen and Jim McConnell; several members who can’t go to Cleveland but came to cheer and support like Ben Watsky, John Taber, Alan Wile, Walt Page, and Michael Berkson; folks we have not seen in a while like Andrew Havens, Tom Kraus, John Sifuentes, Carlos Barillo, Dave Reyno, Drew Fuller, Jim Kirkland, Greg Tepe, Masahis Takahashe, Jerry Jayjohn; former community board member for the chapter, Bob Faherty; long-time fan and supporter, Ellen Dellert; family members and significant others; fellow barbershop singers from the DC Metro Area such as from Potomac Harmony Sweet Adelines; Metro Voices coach, Kim Newcomb; and a prospective member, Josh Berenhaus. Thanks to Susan Fitzpatrick, chorus general manager, for her help making arrangements for the event. 

Members and guests took down the risers and put the chairs away, and a large contingent adjourned to the Harmo House for another great afterglow. 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record for the great things going on each week during the 75^th year of the Alexandria Chapter. - YeEd)

 

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

 

Looking Back on the June 20, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Extra Meeting and June 21 Service for Elaine Cooper

 Looking Back on the June 20, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Extra Meeting and June 21 Service for Elaine Cooper

The musical leadership team for the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) scheduled an extra meeting for the two ensembles to prepare for their appearances in Cleveland.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted a warmup session for the combined ensembles. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, thanked everyone for making the extra effort on a Thursday night to come to Beth El.  The riser crew came early to set up equipment.

Joe took the combined ensembles through three extra songs they will perform at the ‘send-off’ concert next Tuesday night, also at Beth El. (Joe has invited any AACC singers who sang at Wolf Trap but are not going to Cleveland to join in singing the three extra songs.) 

On June 25, there will be a need for chorus volunteers to set up chairs for the many guests who will attend the send-off – which might include members of the Beth El community who have been invited. Non-singers can arrive about 7:45 pm for the 8 pm performance.

Note: there will be another extra rehearsal on Thursday, June 27, at AlexRenew, in preparation for Cleveland.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 15 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He repeated his cheer to “get excited, and get prepared!”

The correct date for the retirement ceremony for Craig Kujawa is July 13. Those attending should prepare for entry onto the military installation that day or ride with someone who has a pass.

Craig also alerted Cleveland singers that they must be sure their membership renewals are current (some expire about now); that everyone must have a full convention registration to compete; and that a riser crew will be needed in Cleveland about 4 pm on Tuesday, July 2.

There were some guests present at this meeting, Donell Torres and his wife Molly are in town from St. Louis to help Lance and Sophie move into their new apartment; and Jordan Zimmerman was in town to look for housing for he and his wife when they move back to the DC Metro area. Jordan sings lead in a quartet with Jason Lee, Ken White and Mike Fasano.

 The rehearsal went to 10 pm again so everyone helped with loading the risers in the Harmo truck(which actually stays in the back lot of Beth El these days). A good crowd came to an afterglow at the Harmo house.

On Friday, June 21, the AACC singers attended and sang at the Celebration of Life for Elaine Cooper, 77, who died in January.  She was a founding member of Metro Voices after many years as a barbershop singer and chapter leader. About 25 AACC members came to the service at Lyon Park Community Center, in Arlington, VA.  There was a space for the chorus to assemble and Tony conducted warm up for “Why We Sing.”  During the service Joe spoke about Elaine’s loyal service and courage as a chorus leader.  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. Her sons, Carlton and Matt Greene gave tribute to her many skills and talents. 

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 18, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting

 Looking Back on the June 18, 2024 Alexandria Hybrid Chapter Meeting 

With an ever-changing rehearsal location, this week’s Alexandria A Cappella Collective (AACC) meeting was at Heritage Presbyterian Church on Fort Hunt Road.  It was a longer drive for most and especially a challenge for those members who take public transportation to chapter meetings. The Harmonizers used the risers in the Fellowship Hall of the church, and Metro Voices used the sanctuary.

Associate director of the Harmonizers, Tony Colosimo, conducted the Harmonizer warmup, and director of Metro Voices, Samantha Tramack conducted their warm up. 

Artistic director, Joe Cerutti, met with the members who will sing at the celebration of life for Elaine Cooper Friday, June 21, from 11 am – 2 pm at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.  

On June 25, we will have our annual ‘send-off’ concert  (a performance by both ensembles for fans before we go 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. 

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 the outdoor performance and then watch “American Harmony;” 7/24 – the outdoor concert at Franconia District Park amphitheater just off Telegraph Road; 7/30 – singing in Old Town Alexandria.

Chapter president, Noah Van Gilder, reminded members that there 17 days until the choruses  will be on stage in Cleveland.  He repeated his cheer to “get excited, and get prepared!”

The correct date for the retirement ceremony for Craig Kujawa is July 13.

Tessa Walker met with all the first-timers-going-to-an-International-convention and provided tips and suggestions as to what to expect, what to bring, what will happen, how AACC will function during the week.  Convention coordinator, Craig Kujawa, added information. Her presentation is on SLACK.

Both ensembles worked on their music to incorporate the changes and suggestions from recent rehearsals. The Harmonizers worked to use the whole stage and to adjust to where the director will be for the songs. At one point, the Harmonizer front row faced the chorus so the riser singers could see the performance. There was a bandana check for the Class of 2024 too! 

After the 50/50 drawing, Lance Fisher directed “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

Rehearsal ran nearly to 10 pm, and everyone pitched in to put the risers back onto the Harmo truck.  Dana Richardsoninvited the chapter to her home, which was nearby, for the afterglow.  Joe took a count for the pizza order too. It was a great afterglow – some tag singing on the patio, good eats, and some gathered round the piano with Zak Sandler at the keyboard.  Thanks Dana. A barbershopper from the Seattle area, Kevin, also made his way to the rehearsal and afterglow.

 

In other news, an early member of the Harmonizer chorus, Jack Crickenberger, died on Saturday.  He was 96.  He joined the chapter in 1950 and stopped singing in 1964, but he came to chapter meetings often to “see how the boys are doin.”  He was the bass in the chapter’s sixth quartet ever formed - the CONFEDERAT NOTES.  He was a lawyer in Northern Virginia and some of us used his firm for wills and estate planning.  He was also the chapter’s registered agent for many years.  He liked to arrange songs for quartets and the chorus, but he never put his name on the arrangement – instead he used “N Fringer” as his signature.

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 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.