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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL
Missouri State University
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
The Hibernotes is the first and only co-ed a cappella group at Missouri State University. Founded in 2012, they are so excited for their 10-year anniversary this year! Over the past decade, they have performed numerous times, competed and placed at the ICCA, and released two albums! Every year, they focus on community engagement and interaction through meaningful and powerful pieces. In addition to their own concerts, they strive to participate in charity events, fundraisers, and other performances that create awareness. They pride themselves on being a group that allows students interested in all areas of study to come together in wonderful harmony. The current group is composed of freshmen through seniors and includes majors in hospitality, religious studies, dietetics, theater education, film, dance, political science, marketing, and fashion merchandising! Last year, they released a virtual concert entitled, “One Bright Moment.” They found that even in uncertain times, music has the power to bring people together and spread joy. This year, they are so excited to be back performing in person and seeing everyone face to face.
Based out of Springfield, Mo., The Beartones is Missouri State University's all-male a cappella group. Founded in 2000, The Beartones have always been focused on musical excellence, brotherhood, and having a good time. The group is renowned for their “polished” and “memorable” sets, and have racked up notable performances in cities including Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, New York, and more! There are currently nine members in The Beartones and they come from various backgrounds. Just because it is a singing group, doesn't mean you have to be a music major to join! As much fun as they are, The Beartones also have a competitive streak. They frequently compete in the ICCA and have consistently placed at Quarterfinals and Semifinals. Many times, they are fortunate enough to take home special accolades, such as Outstanding Choreography for the past three years. In 2009, the group took 1st place at Semifinals and moved on to compete at Finals in New York City, placing 3rd internationally! The group repeated their success in 2018, winning their Midwest Semifinal yet again. In 2019, The Beartones competed in VoiceJam and were fortunate enough to place 3rd in this prestigious international competition.
Redhawk Rhythm aims to rehearse at least once a week in order to prepare for performances. Hailing from Southeast Missouri State University, they love entertaining their campus with concerts, fundraisers, gigs, and more. Apart from learning music, their main goals are to compete in the ICCA and to create community and friendships through a shared love of music.
Located in Kirksville, Mo., Minor Detail is Truman State University’s only all-feminine a cappella group on campus. The group has 14 members this semester, all coming from various backgrounds! From psychology to biology majors, they are all united by a shared passion for music. Outside of rehearsals (every Tuesday and Thursday night!) you can find them participating in other organizations on campus, including student government, honor societies, and Greek life! As for hobbies, the MD girls love thrifting, exercising, and cooking for their friends! Speaking of friends, Minor Detail is a close-knit group of gals. They hold bonding events each semester that blossom new friendships and bring them together as a family! They perform at many on-campus and off-campus events and compete in ICCA every spring. They try to incorporate all sorts of music into their sets, such as rock, pop, and even the occasional country song! Founded in 2002, they have always been and always will be all women, all a cappella, all the time!
True Men is the all-male a cappella group from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. Currently composed of 12 student members, this group recently released an album titled True Good True Be True, which is available on Spotify.
Mizzou Forte is the University of Missouri's premier (and only) co-ed a cappella group. Mizzou Forte is known for being a fun-loving group which also sometimes sings. You can find them gracing the Columbia bar scene with a cappella renditions of pop and rock songs, singing Christmas carols in the East Campus Neighborhood, or honoring Mizzou alumni at events with their alma mater. They come from many diverse backgrounds but are united in their love for singing!
The Naturelles is the University of Missouri's all-female-identifying a cappella group, founded in 2007. They practice for four hours a week and compose their own music to perform for audiences across Missouri. These women pride themselves on being a group that encourages women to be themselves and know that they are worthy and talented. Give it up for The Naturelles!
GUEST PERFORMER
Established during the midst of the pandemic, The Ozarks A Cappella is an organization dedicated to providing a unique educational and musical experience for high school students in southwest Missouri. In their first year, The Ozarks were crowned champions of the 2021 ICHSA. Going forward, The Ozarks plan to continue competing, recording, and attending a cappella festivals. Check out their current recording projects on all streaming platforms.
TONIGHT'S JUDGES
Tabitha Brown first began her a cappella career in the premier all-female group, A Cub Bella, from Missouri State University. In her time in A Cub Bella, she competed in ICCA for three seasons. She was known for her vocal percussion and unique female bass tone quality. Tabitha also arranged several pieces for A Cub Bella, including "Devil's Backbone," which was chosen for the Women's A Cappella Association (WACA) compilation album last year! Tabitha graduated Missouri State University and continues to teach vocal music while performing with the Springfield Chamber Chorus.
Daniel Fister is a doctoral candidate at Washington University in St. Louis studying musicology. He earned his undergraduate degree at Chapman University in vocal performance and music history and his master’s degree at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in music history. He has presented and written on collegiate a cappella, musical theatre, and other American music. Before his life as an academic, he directed, sang, and arranged for Wilsonville High School’s Soul’d Out, leading them to the 2010 ICHSA Finals, and went on to participate just as actively in Chapman University’s SoundCheck, with whom he competed regularly in ICCA and directed the production of their debut album, Everything (2012). He remains involved in a cappella as a judge and arranger.
Renee Schwab is no stranger to a cappella. Growing up in Washington, Mo., she was a student director and vocal percussionist for her female high school a cappella group, Fretless. After graduating high school, she quickly got into the college choral and a cappella scene at Missouri State University, where she was a member of the premier all-female group A Cub Bella and Chorale from 2012-2016. During her time with A Cub Bella, Renee served in various positions, including business manager, concert chair, music director, vocal percussionist, and soloist for her last ICCA competition in 2016. In her time with Chorale, she studied under the direction of Dr. Guy B. Webb and Dr. Cameron LaBarr, touring internationally with the choir and earning the peer-elected title of Outstanding Singer. After graduating in 2016, Renee took off to teach in Lebanon, Mo. To be closer to Springfield, she accepted a choral position in 2019 at Willard Middle School, where she currently adores teaching and being the vocal director for all of the school’s musicals.
SPECIAL THANKS
Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Danielle Sutherland, The Ozarks, Kenny Kabak, PSU Staff, and Missouri State University; 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 Director
ICHSA Great Lakes Producer
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 Midwest 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!
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