Jacob Broude is Raising $$ for AACC!
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Alexandria A Cappella CollectiveBeyond Music: Building Community
$1,175
raised by 9 people
$500 goal
Today is Spring2Action, the big annual fundraising day for non profits in Alexandria, VA. In this insane world, I always feel incredibly self conscious asking people to donate to a singing group of all things. However, while our impact may be more local, the Alexandria A Cappella Collective is an oasis for the arts. Outside of just being a place for adults to share music, in past years, we’ve expanded our reach to start a youth chorus, and have continued to spread singing to kids in the DMV area through many events, most recently the third annual Harmony Festival for DC Public Schools, hosted at Duke Ellington. We’re soon to start a daytime seniors chorus as well.
This year though, I want to focus more on what my specific chorus, the Harmonizers, is doing for International Competition. We are singing a set of songs from the musical Harmony, which brought to the public’s eye on Broadway the history of the Comedian Harmonists. This set has extra meaning to me because of the story it tells (no, it’s not because I’m a Barry Manilow fanatic). As a Jew, I’ve been aware of the history that has allowed me to be here, in the United States, living the life I lead, while other families have not been so lucky. Going to a liberal arts college, I was able to take classes outside my major and explore that history in numerous classes. The Jews I know are pretty proud of their heritage, which makes it all the more surprising that I hadn’t heard of the Comedian Harmonists until last year. It’s been amazing to learn about this incredibly popular group, whose history was wiped away as a product of World War II, and I’m really excited to be spreading their story this year. The money the chorus takes in allows us to explore ambitious projects such as this one, while helping build and support this amazing community that is home to many of my friends.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Comedian Harmonists, we have been and will continue to post about the group in the lead up to Internationals on July 4th weekend. You can see all the posts here, and if you want to get an overview of their history, the below podcast is great too:
https://www.facebook.com/harmonizers?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ikytp9iSfMYyJuq2JXKtO?si=qMcE0mHOQrGUSCIJEiFyYA
About AACC’s Impact:
These days, harmony can feel elusive. At the Alexandria A Cappella Collective, we believe in something simple but powerful: when people sing together, they build connection, understanding, and community.
That belief guides everything we do. We’re not just presenting concerts. We’re bringing live, human connection into everyday spaces across Alexandria and beyond.
Here are just a few ways that comes to life:
In December, we strolled through Old Town Alexandria sharing favorite holiday songs, and we continue to offer free pop-up performances there throughout the year
In February, we delivered free Singing Valentines to area retirement communities, bringing joy and personal connection to those who need it most
In March, we hosted our third annual Harmony Festival, spending a full day introducing more than 100 D.C. public school students to a cappella singing -- in addition to hosting a separate a workshop and performance for four area youth choruses and a featured concert with our own youth ensemble, Capital Force
And in May, we will once again welcome military veterans arriving at National Airport on Honor Flights, greeting them in song as they embark on a visit to the nation’s monuments
These moments don’t happen by accident. They are made possible by a community that believes, like we do, that music can bring people together in meaningful, lasting ways.
We invite you to be part of that work. Your support helps us keep these programs free, expand opportunities for young singers, and bring the power of harmony to more people across our region.
Make a gift today and help us create harmony in Alexandria and beyond.