What’s New With
A Cappella Unlimited Unofficial/Official 2025 Competition photo. Au takes singing seriously but ourselves…not so much
AWinter 2026 Edition
u kicked off our holiday performances with the Hays County Veterans Day Parade on November 8 in San Marcos. This is an annual event for Au and we’re honored to be invited back each year.
On November 13, Au sent a pick-up quartet (Acapellettes) to radio station KZSM in San Marcos to promote barbershop and our upcoming performance at the San Marcos LBJ Museum.
Au presents a patriotic set at the Hays County Veterans Day Parade
Au’s “Acapellettes” pick-up quartet (l-r) Kate Hungerford, Meli Van Natta, Kathy Pillmore, Marché Marquis at KZSM
November 30 saw us at the opening night of the Wimberley Trail of Lights where we welcomed Santa to start the monthlong festivities. We also visited our display which is featured as part of the trail.
December 4th, we sang for the San Marcos residents and friends of the LBJ Museum. Au, in the early years, often rehearsed in the LBJ Museum. It was nice to be back and see how much the museum has grown since 2011-12, as has Au.
The Au display in the Wimberley Trail of Lights
Opening night at the Wimberley Trail of Lights
Au members mugging for the camera before the LBJ Museum performance
Au and Santa at the LBJ Museum performance
December 6, on the heels of the LBJ performance, we presented our brand of holiday cheer to the residents of The Village on the ParkOnion Creek with a matinee show.
On December 12, Au members caroled for the vendors and shoppers at Buda’s “Oh Silo Night”.
Au delivers holiday cheer to the residents of The Village on the Park-Onion Creek
(l-R)Kyong Hee Chee, Renee Chang and Michelle Mitchell at The Village on the Park
Oh Silo Night! Au carols for the Mill & Grain Silo vendors and shoppers in Buda
Our host for “Oh Silo Night” was Rebecca Acosta-Ojeda, owner of Salon One12 in Buda (far right)
On December 13th, Au joined with A Cappella Texas, the Austin-based Barbershop Harmony Society mixed chorus, to present “Yule Be Entertained: A Holiday Extravaganza” The show was a hit with a full audience. It included performances by several quartets including Au’s Better Than BeFour. Each chorus performed their holiday set with a finale that featured the combined choruses performing the Carol of The Bells
Au takes the stage with their holiday set
Plans are already underway for a joint holiday show in 2026.
The finale with both choruses performing, directed by Jacob Bankston ATX director
Au quartet Better Than BeFour, the 5th place 2025 Regional Quartet and Novice Quartet awardees (l-r)
Kadi Conklin tenor, Melonie Mills lead, Kathy Wilson bass, Laura DeAngelo baritone
ABCD VLQ* Quartet including Au members Jocelyn Yanagisawa (left in green) and Meli Van Natta (in red) *Very Large Quartet
December 19, it was on to Kissing Tree in San Marcos for another annual performance in this 55+ residential neighborhood— one of our favorite outings. Whew! After all this, we took a well-deserved break to enjoy the holidays with our families..
Our performance at Kissing Tree was our last for 2025, and sadly the last for one of our original charter members and a 43-year SAI member. Marché Marquis hung up her costumes and retired to deal with life’s challenges that take priority. Her beautiful tenor will be missed as will her forever smile. We wish her the best.
Ian Yanagisawa, hubby of Jocelyn, is the chorus workhorse, hauling and setting up risers, helping to set up the display in Wimberley, letting us use his large garage/ workshop for impromptu rehearsals…you name it. He has become affectionately known as “Hey You” and to codify the name, he was presented with his very own A Cappella Unlimited name tag by Madison.
In early January two new members were welcomed into the chorus. We’re pleased to introduce Cynthia Cruser and Stephanie Cohen. Cynthia joined our tenor section and Stephanie became our newest lead. Woohoo!!
Rehearsals are back underway as we begin preparations for Regional Competition in April.
Madison presented Ian with his official name tag
Cynthia Cruser (center left) and Stephanie Cohen shown with Director Madison Shortes and Membership Coordinator Kyong Hee Chee
Au Calendar
Open rehearsals Mondays, 7 to 10 pm, Texas State University Music Building, 101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX, Room 222 ($5 parking available in the Pleasant Street Garage. Use the AMP Park app to pay.)
February 28 Coaching with Patty Cobb Baker, Location TBD
March 6-8 Au members meet at the YO Ranch Resort in Kerrville for the annual coaching retreat. Patrick McAlexander will be coaching as we prepare for Spring competition.
April 11
Competition Send-Off Show in conjunction with A Cappella Texas Spring Fling at Saengerrunde Hall, Austin. Check our website for details.
April 17–19 Great Gulf Coast Region 10 63rd annual Convention and Competition, Double Tree Hotel Hobby Airport, Houston.
Check our website for updated information www.acappellaunlimited.org/calendar
For More Information Phone: 737-242-6453 or email acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
Beginning in May 2026, A Cappella Unlimited must secure a new rehearsal venue. As Texas State University continues to grow, they will no longer be accomodating outside groups, such as ours, in their facilities. This is a devastating blow to our small chorus, but we will overcome the challenge. We have been so appreciative of our 15 years at Texas State University, and will be sad to lose our connection with the university. Our challenge is to find a location where we can rehearse on Monday nights, 7 to 10 pm, that has a piano and possibly risers or room for risers. if you are aware of a facility that might be able to accomodate us, please contact us at acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
What’s New with Au is published digitally four times per year and contains information about A Cappella Unlimited’s activities, performances, and membership. We welcome inquiries, questions, or comments at acappellaunlimitedchorus@gmail.com
• Purchase priceless learning media.
• Hire excellent coaches that keep us a winning chorus!
• Provide outreach and educational opportunities to music students and teachers.
• Provide costuming to make us shine!
• Continue performing in our community!
