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 1990, creative director/choreographer Geri Geis was recruited to turn the Singers into showmen by adding lively dance routines to their programs. In October 2000, Lisa Gibbs-Smith joined the Singers as their accompanist.

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, 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, and the 2002 Pageant of Peace.

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.