THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF COLLEGIATE

A CAPPELLA

DEAR FRIENDS,

 

Welcome to Varsity Vocals’ 26th season! Our enthusiasm for the art of a cappella is greater than ever after more than a quarter century of presenting the best student groups on stage and in the studio.

Our tournaments have grown from a handful of events to the massive showcase they are today, this year featuring more than 578 groups and 8,772 singers at 77 events across North America and the United Kingdom.

Our original tournament inspired the hit movie Pitch Perfect, based on the nonfiction book documenting the true story of rival groups competing against each other in our very own ICCA. The Pitch Perfect franchise remains the highest-grossing musical series of all time.

Despite the incredible growth and mainstream popularity we’ve enjoyed, our focus remains sharply on the promotion and development of the talent that crosses our stage. We believe competition fosters growth, as groups work together toward a specific goal and cultivate lifelong skills and relationships.

We provide insightful feedback from our highly qualified judges – but more importantly, our singers get to connect with a larger audience from across the country, learning from their peers and finding inspiration in other groups.

Two years ago, our 2020 tournament was sidelined mid-season by the pandemic, and we were unable to crown champions for the first time. In 2021, as a cappella groups were unable to gather to rehearse or perform, we adapted our program by challenging groups to create 4-minute music videos, recorded and edited remotely. The astonishing artistry and skill in these videos is a testament to the adaptability, ingenuity, and determination of our competitors, and we couldn’t be prouder.

This season, we are again challenged by the pandemic, as we attempt to present live events across thousands of miles in an ever-changing COVID landscape. Although some of our events have been postponed or converted to virtual, we are determined to see the season through. Many groups haven’t been able to compete live since 2019 – some students for their entire high school or college career. We are humbled more than ever by the importance of our role in setting the stage for the creation of so much magic.

We have seen a cappella make great strides from where it began on our stage 26 years ago, and we can’t wait to see how our 2022 competitors push the envelope. Committed to promoting our singers and energized by the incredible music they create, we look forward to another memorable season. Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,

Amanda Newman
Executive Director

ICCA CENTRAL QUARTERFINAL 

The Theater at Innovation Square
Saturday, February 26, 2022

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ABOUT VARSITY VOCALS

 

Since 1996, we have encouraged students worldwide to sing a cappella throughout their lives. Our programs include the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA), and the International Championship of A Cappella Open (The Open). We also annually produce The Best of College A Cappella (BOCA) and The Best of High School A Cappella (BOHSA) compilation albums.

Our a cappella competitions give top-notch a cappella groups the opportunity to showcase their talents for an international audience and to take home valuable feedback from our qualified judges. This year, competing groups will appear in venues all around the world, offering their energetic musical performances for your enjoyment.

The college tournament takes place from January through April in nine regions across the country and around the world. Each region holds anywhere from four to five Quarterfinals, and the top groups from each Quarterfinal advance to the Semifinal. The winning group at each Semifinal is named Regional Champion and advances to the ICCA Finals at The Town Hall in New York City on Saturday, April 23rd.

The high school tournament is now in its 17th year. The winners of each of seven Semifinal rounds will advance to the ICHSA Finals at The Town Hall in New York City on Saturday, April 22nd.

The Open Tournament celebrated its third year in summer 2019 and featured six Semifinals that lead to the Open Finals featuring those six Regional Champions, two Wild Card Champions, and our 2019 ICHSA and ICCA Champions. Those 10 groups competed in October 2019 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.


 For a full tournament schedule, visit us at www.varsityvocals.com/events

ABOUT TONIGHT'S SHOW

 

The performance order was determined by random draw this afternoon and will be announced from stage.        

Tonight’s performers will be evaluated on elements of their vocal and visual performance, which carry numerical weight. The highest and lowest score from the individual judges will be dropped for each group. Our judges may recognize exceptional performances with special awards as they see fit.

There will be a 15-minute intermission. After the final group has performed, a guest performer will entertain you while the scores are tabulated.

Because each group only has ten minutes to perform, we ask you to keep your applause to an enthusiastic minimum between songs. Please feel welcome to applaud as much as you want after each group has finished its set.

Videotaping and non-flash photography for personal use is permitted during the concert, so long as you do not disrupt our performers or other patrons. Due to licensing regulations, we do not provide a video or audio recording of this performance.

TONIGHT'S COMPETITORS

 

Soundbytes is Carnegie Mellon University’s sultriest a capella group! Established in 1996, they are the first co-ed secular group on campus and have had the honor of performing at many concerts and fundraisers locally and throughout the Northeast. Every year, they host Almost Midnight A Cappella, where all of CMU’s a cappella groups gather to perform on the night of the first reading day of finals week. In the past, they have hosted joint concerts with groups from the University of Pittsburgh and competed many times in the ICCA. Soundbytes has a broad repertoire that is largely dictated by the vibes of the current group and all of their music is arranged by current or former members (Oldbytes). Some of their fan-favorites include “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles and “Get You” by Daniel Caesar. In fact, there’s a solid chance that you’ll find them backstage at any concert singing the latter, with everyone joining in on the groovy bass part. Soundbytes likes taking risks just for the fun of a cappella and they’re excited to return to the ICCA. They push themselves to sound their best and contribute to the flourishing Pittsburgh a cappella community. 

After a season of rehearsing on Zoom, The Tributones are excited to be back together in person. This diverse group of personalities is ready to show what two-year college programs are made of, so get ready for a lit show! 

Active on campus since 1999, The RIT Brick City Singers (lovingly referred to as BCS) have been defying borders, crossing genres, and pushing the limits onstage with entertaining performances that leave everyone wanting more. With a broad repertoire, wacky antics, amusing skits, and just a bit of class, BCS is a force to be reckoned with. They are known for their creativity onstage, as they bring a new sound to classics and “radio hit” pieces. They wear Hawaiian shirts and look totally handsome doing it. 

Hailing from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Eight Beat Measure is the original all-male a cappella group on campus. Eight Beat Measure began in 1987 as the RIT Men’s Octet. Originally faculty-led and formed as an extension to the RIT Singers, they quickly expanded their horizons and branched into the world of contemporary a cappella, changing their name to Eight Beat Measure to reflect the new attitude, and expanding from only eight members. The group now sings genres ranging from hip-hop to rock to Irish folk, so there is something for everyone in their repertoire. The boys continue raising the heat for their audiences at two annual concerts and they’re ready to compete all across the country. 

Encore A Cappella is Rochester Institute of Technology’s original soprano/alto (SSAA) group. This energetic and fun-loving group has entertained RIT audiences over the years at campus events and independent shows. They were originally founded in 1996, but became something closer to its current teal-clad form in 2003, when they weaned themselves away from piano accompaniment for good. At the beginning of this year, they added nine new singers. Even though this outnumbered the existing members, this current group has defied the odds and are stronger than ever. They practice between six and eight hours a week and love creating beautiful harmonies, blends, and performing in front of an audience. Their favorite thing is spending time together outside of rehearsal, having fun, laughing, playing the board game “Encore” (very fitting), and hanging with the other a cappella groups on campus. Over the years, Encore has performed many times at Fringe Fest, RIT Commencement, RIT hockey games, joint-concerts with other a cappella groups, private events, RIT Brick City Weekend, and ICCA. Recently Encore released an EP, which can be found on most streaming platforms, called After the Applause. Check out Encore on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Founded in 1956, The University of Rochester YellowJackets is an all-male collegiate a cappella group based in Rochester, N.Y. This tight-knit group is composed of students from both the University's River Campus and the Eastman School of Music. Musically, The YellowJackets are willing to take on any genre, and they love to create fun and unique music videos. Their rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” notably amassed over 4 million views on YouTube and their most recent project was a cover of BTS’ hit single “Dynamite.” The group performs at campus events and around the city and is particularly passionate about community engagement. Specifically, The YellowJackets created “The Buzz” program in 2011 at the Rochester City School District's “World of Inquiry” School, where they teach a cappella to local schoolchildren and host a yearly concert for parents. The group also loves to share their music with people everywhere, performing across the United States and recently visiting Kenya for a musical exchange. On September 19, 2011, the group made their national television debut to an audience of 5.3 million viewers as contestants on Season 3 of NBC's "The Sing-Off," ultimately finishing in 7th place (out of 16 Finalist groups). 

Vocal Point is the University of Rochester’s only all-female a cappella group. Founded in 1969 as a women’s ensemble of 12, the group has transformed over almost five decades to the contemporary a cappella group it is today. Over the years, Vocal Point has performed in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, the Metropolitan Club in New York City, the White House, and many other places across North America. In 2016 and 2019, the group placed 1st runner-up at their ICCA Quarterfinal, and advanced to Semifinals. Vocal Point celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2019 and just released their newest album, When Roses Turn Blue, in 2020, available on all streaming platforms. Visit urvocalpoint.com or listen to them on Spotify and Apple Music! 

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

 

Brandon Burgess attended SUNY Potsdam, where he received his bachelor's degree in music education, with clarinet as his primary instrument. As a freshman, Brandon auditioned for and was accepted into The Potsdam Pitches, the premier co-ed a cappella group on Potsdam's campus. During his time in the group, he arranged music and served as music director, assistant music director, alumni secretary, webmaster, and president. Brandon held a part-time instrumental music teaching position before returning to SUNY Potsdam to pursue his master's degree in music performance, with clarinet as his primary medium. During this period, he also returned to The Potsdam Pitches, helping them place at ICCA Semifinals and and progress on to ICCA Finals as Central Region Champions. Brandon is currently teaching in New York State. 

Allison Cranmer has been involved in a cappella since high school and immediately fell in love with the music and community. Immediately after arriving at college, she joined A Sharp Arrangement, SUNY Potsdam's only all-treble a cappella group. Starting in her freshman year, she served as the assistant music director and an arranger for the group. In her junior year, Allison became music director and led A Sharp Arrangement to its first ICCA Semifinal showing in the group's 25-year-long history. Following her student teaching placement, Allison returned to the group and again competed in ICCA, where they advanced to Semifinals a second time. Since graduating, Allison has taken a K-12 vocal and general music teaching position in Jasper, N.Y. She loves to share a cappella music with her students and hopes that they can find the same joy, passion, and community that she has enjoyed over the last several years. 

Katelyn Marasco is currently a music teacher in the Brockport Central School District. She previously taught general music in the Greece and Hilton Central School Districts, as well as choir at Wheatland-Chili High School. She received a Bachelor of Music in music education from Nazareth College, where she was the director of their a cappella group, Call4Backup. Katelyn holds music certifications from Eastman School of Music and after completing her Master of Science in education, she sang with the local a cappella group, Cut Off. Cut Off released their debut EP on iTunes in 2013, for which Katelyn was nominated for a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) for Best Soloist. She currently performs locally in a female acoustic trio, The Genesee Three, and is excited to be returning as a judge for ICCA this year. 

John R. Starr is the former music director and vocal percussionist of The Songburghs, a co-ed a cappella group from the University of Pittsburgh. He led his group to three back-to-back ICCA Semifinals appearances from 2018 through 2020 and holds an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award for their entire 2019 set. His a cappella arranging work can be found on their first two EPs, Forward and Orbit, and he has frequently arranged and edited arrangements for other collegiate groups. John is a classically trained pianist and has arranged music for jazz bands, choral groups, small orchestras, in addition to a cappella groups. 

SPECIAL THANKS

 

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Bryce Mckracken, Mike Jankowski, Natalie Fuller, Charlie Carr, Karl Stabnau, Acaproducers, and the staff from The Theater at Innovation Square; our judges, hosts, competitors, volunteers, partners, and producers; and you, the audience, for supporting Varsity Vocals programming.

Amanda Newman
 Executive Director

Dave Rabizadeh
 ICCA Director

Elise Hackl-Blumstein
ICHSA Co-Director
PA/MA Program Coordinator

Andrea Poole
 ICHSA Co-Director

Lucy Jacobs
The Open Director
 ICCA West Producer

Andrew Poole
 Director of Digital Media

Erica Tackett
 Director of Marketing & Social Strategy

Emily Flanders
Director of Adjudication
 ICCA Great Lakes Producer

Emily Sucher
 Director of Publications

Patty Floyd
 Accountant

Virginia DeMoss
 Album Production Coordinator

Sara Yood
Senior Producer

Holli Kitching
ICCA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
 ICCA South Producer

Leah Alrutz
 ICCA Midwest Producer

Bronwyn Jensen
 ICCA Southwest Producer

Gemma Davies
 ICCA United Kingdom Producer

Christopher Witham
 ICCA United Kingdom Producer

Emily Benjamin
 ICCA Northeast Producer

Arvin Zabalerio
ICCA Central Producer

Jillian Kimberlin
 ICHSA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Danielle Sutherland
 ICHSA Midwest Producer

Jake McVey
 ICHSA Northeast Producer

Donald Paradis
 ICHSA South Producer

Cameron Clemens
 ICHSA West Producer

Courtney Jenson
 Associate Producer/Emcee

Ben Garza
 ICHSA Southwest Producer

Katherine Mosher
 ICHSA South Day-Of Producer

Bri Decerio
 ICHSA West Day-Of Producer

Jake Yoakum
 ICHSA West Day-Of Producer

OUR TEAM

 

We have an amazing team of people who work tirelessly to make our programs so valuable for our singers and audiences alike — and they all do it while holding down full-time day jobs, too! 

 

The top two finishing groups will advance to the 2022 ICCA Central Semifinal.

BRING THE HARMONY HOME

 

Find your favorite groups on The Best of College A Cappella (BOCA) and The Best of High School A Cappella (BOHSA), available for purchase on Apple Music and Amazon Music!

VIEW ALBUMS

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