Group History

Founded in October 1975 by sixteen Alexandria residents,
the Alexandria Community Singers, as they were then called, decided to do
something different. They
picked a repertoire that no
other choral group was doing. Their focus on American popular music — pop, rock, show tunes, blues, and jazz — distinguished them from the numerous choral groups in the area.

The group first hired Nancy Reid as their temporary music director. In November 1975, Barry Hemphill was brought on board and the group made its debut before the residents of the Woodbine Nursing Home and at the Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting at Market Square.

In January 1978, Hemphill left the group and Roger Oliver was hired. In September of that year, Nancy Reid returned as accompanist. In 1988, the organization’s name was changed to The Alexandria Singers, but the group’s commitment to its community and community service has only grown stronger over the years. In 1993, a group of the Singers traveled to Russia to bring needed medical supplies, sharing their music along the way.

In 1990, choreographer Geri Geis was recruited to turn the Singers into showmen by adding lively dance routines to their programs, and thus rounding out the creative team. Upon Nancy Reid's retirement in October 2000, the Singers were fortunate to welcome Lisa Gibbs-Smith as their accompanist, bringing fresh energy to the group as well as her musical talent. 2006 was a year of transition for the Singers, as they recruited current choreographer Karen Reedy and current accompanist Meg Slachetka. Both ladies are a welcomed addition to the Singers family. After Roger Oliver's retirement at the end of the 30th season, the Singer's were very pleased to have the musical talents of Interim Music Director Les Cameron to kick off the next 30 years. Following an extensive search, Bill Colosimo made his debut with the group as music director for its Spring 2007 Pops Song and Dance Spectacular "Broadway Idols".

Bringing music to their community has always been an important part of the Singers’ mission. Each year their schedule includes concerts at area hospitals and senior centers. They also perform free concerts at Fort Ward Park and Market Square. In 1993, they went on a goodwill tour to Russia and Estonia and delivered both songs and medical supplies to children’s hospitals.

In addition, the Singers have performed in many places including the Kennedy Center, The National Theatre, DAR Constitution Hall, the Alexandria Lyceum, the Mormon’s Visitor Center, Fort Ward Park, Alexandria City Hall, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial. They also performed at events such as the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival, the Christmas Eve benefit concert at the Kennedy Center hosted by WMAL-FM, the Christmas in Washington program for President Reagan, President Carter’s Inaugural Songfest, the Old Town Alexandria Arts Festival, the Pageant of Peace at the National Christmas Tree. Most recently, the Singers are honored to have performed at the Jamestown 400th anniversary celebration of the Godspeed, the first annual Alexandria International Film Festival, and at the Verizon Center for the Washington Capitals.

The support of our audience is very important to us. We appreciate your patronage and your support. If you are interested in joining us on stage, helping us behind the scenes, or becoming a donor, please call us at (703) 941-SING or contact us.