2023 ICCA Northeast Semifinal @ Berklee College of Music

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to Varsity Vocals’ 27th 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 610 groups and over 9,100 singers at 85 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 cinematic 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.

We have seen a cappella make great strides from where it began on our stage 27 years ago, and we can’t wait to see how our 2023 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 NORTHEAST SEMIFINAL

Berklee College of Music
Sunday, March 26th, 2023

WE'RE SOCIAL

We're talking about this event, and all of our events around the world!

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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 29th.

The high school tournament is now in its 18th 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 28th.

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

Pitch, Please! is a Northeastern University women-centered treble a cappella group. Since they were founded in 2012, they have continued to push the boundaries and challenge the standards of traditional collegiate a cappella. As a competitive group, they have performed at ICCA Finals in 2019, ICCA Semifinals in 2020 and 2021, and earned 1st place in the collegiate championship on the PBS show “Sing that Thing!” in 2019. Additionally, Pitch, Please! placed 1st at Haunted Harmonies in 2019, won the 22nd Annual Faneuil Hall Competition, and even performed on “The Today Show” in New York City for International Women’s Day in 2020. That same year, their full-length album, Obsidian, won the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) for Best Female Collegiate Album. Last year, they placed 3rd overall at their ICCA Quarterfinal. Today, you can find them performing at various venues at Northeastern University and across New England! Pitch, Please! encourages their followers to continue streaming their recent EP, Indigo, as well as their most recent single and music video, "Diamonds." Keep an eye on their social media @NUpitchplease for more content, as well as new upcoming singles!

L’Shir A Cappella is the premier a cappella group at The University of Hartford. The group first formed in the spring of 2000 with Benjamin Rauch as music director. Originally an all-Jewish a cappella group, L’Shir has evolved into one of many denominations. However, they still call themselves “L’Shir,” which in Hebrew means “to song,” referring to raising a glass and cheering for making music!

The Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones is an award-winning, all-gender, contemporary a cappella group at Harvard College, founded in 1985 by a co-ed group of students including Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino. The Veritones have toured around the world and have competed since 2015, winning recognition for their soloists, choreography, and vocal percussion. They also have a new album, with “Leave The Door Open” as the lead single, currently out on all music streaming platforms.

The Harvard Callbacks is one of Harvard University’s premier all-gender a cappella groups! Founded in the fall of 1986 as an independent, student-run group, The Callbacks create enriching musical experiences through their original arrangements and live performances. The group seeks to foster a vibrant musical atmosphere at Harvard by offering stellar performances on and off campus and engaging with the school’s performing arts community. Over the years, The Callbacks' musicality, reputation, and community has grown and continues to diversify the a cappella scene at Harvard and beyond. They have received national recognition for their unique and challenging arrangements, impressive soloists, and quality recordings from ICCA, the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA), BOCA, and Voices Only. The Callbacks also tour annually, both domestically and abroad, perform at functions in and around the Boston area, and hold a concert in Harvard’s historic Sanders Theater each semester. Most importantly, The Callbacks are proud to foster a familial environment and shared love of music among its members. The Callbacks prepared an incredible performance for this year’s ICCA and hope to showcase their passion for music, friendship, and fun.

The BU Treblemakers was formed in 1996 around three fundamental ideals: fun, love, and music. The group is known for its diverse repertoire, energetic performances, talented soloists, and innovative arrangements. Trebs value friendship over all else and their connections with one another and the music they perform drive them to be better every day. To learn more about all of their amazing adventures, check out their Instagram and Facebook @BUTreblemakers!

On The Vox is a co-ed a cappella group at Berklee College of Music. It is composed of 14 members from all over the world and best known for their "off the wall sound”! On The Vox has competed in competitions such as ICCA (most recently 2022 Northeast Semifinalists), Haunted Harmonies, and Boston Sings (BOSS), where they were recognized for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Arrangement, Outstanding Vocal Percussion and two Outstanding Soloist awards. On The Vox is a hardworking and talented groupand maintains a fun, welcoming, familial environment. Follow their social media @onthevoxacappella on all platforms to stay tuned for exciting updates!

Frequency is collegiate a cappella's fresh new face. In the fall of 2017, Frequency was founded by a few Pace students to provide a creative outlet for students to develop their musical gifts. Frequency’s mission is to be a place where students from all different cultures and backgrounds can express their love for music. Frequency also works to be diverse in sound and are proud to call themselves a cappella risk takers. They arrange and perform songs across all genres in order to accommodate various audiences and are a club as well as an auditioned competition group.

Vocollision is a premier a cappella group at NYU focused on exploring diverse genres and languages. Founded in 2008, this all-inclusive, fun, and co-ed group has performed nationwide and has released an EP, numerous singles, and a music video. For the last four years, Voco has participated in competitions and placed 1st at the New York ICCA Quarterfinals in 2021. Above all, Voco is a family that loves to chill and have fun but is ready to kick ass when the time comes!

The Hofbeats is one of the only co-ed a cappella groups at Hofstra and a family that shares a love of singing and music! They perform at campus events such as Admitted Students Day, open houses, showcases, and more. They also travel to different universities in the Tri-State area to perform at invitationals and compete in the ICCA. The Hofbeats won their 2018 ICCA Quarterfinal and was named Hofstra’s Performance Organization of The Year in both 2018 and 2021. Also in 2021, they progressed to Northeast Semifinals, ultimately placing 3rd and setting an ICCA record for Hofstra a cappella groups! Last season, they repeated that success, placing 3rd at the 2022 Semifinals. In addition to performing live, The Hofbeats released their first-ever EP, Listen, in 2019, and a single, NSYNC’s "Bye Bye Bye,” in summer 2020. Their song, “I Found,” was featured on the 2021 BOCA and they received two CARA nominations for their EP, Believe, and featured single, “Hollywood’s Bleeding.” Their newest EP, Paint it Black, is currently out and they have another on the way! Check them out on all streaming platforms for their music and YouTube for music videos! Follow them on social media @TheHofbeats for updates!

The Bottom Line is Bryant University's only a cappella group on a campus with no formal music program. They proudly aim to bring a cappella music to a campus that is primarily focused on business and athletics. The Covid-19 pandemic forced The Bottom Line to grow stronger and closer than ever. Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Bottom Line released their first music video and their debut album, Legacy, which is now available on all streaming platforms. The group was originally brought together by a shared love of music, but stays together for the unwavering support and friendship that developed along the way.

GUEST PERFORMER

Tyler and Nico connected through Berklee's a cappella group Pitch Slapped and have been singing together for the past two years. With a mix of pop, rock, and R&B, Tyler and Nico are excited to be performing an acoustic set for your pleasure! Follow Tyler on Instagram @tylerchristian and Nico @carfishi.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Jessica Chen is the Senior Director of Development and External Relations at the Community Music Center of Boston. Prior to her current role, she received her M.A. in child study and human development from Tufts University and worked in various roles at Tufts, ZUMIX, and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. In the contemporary a cappella community, Jessica serves as the Executive Producer for the NE Voices Festival and as the Director of Awards for CASA. Other interests include video games, Boston sports, and all dogs ever.

Alex Grover is the choral director at Danvers High School, where the a cappella ensembles have represented the Northeast at ICHSA Finals and the National A Cappella Convention (NACC). Alex's groups have made numerous appearances on the BOHSA compilations and been nominated for CARAs. He holds a B.A. in music from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, and a certificate in teacher leadership from Brandeis University. www.grovervocals.com

Amy Malkoff is one of the producers of the Haunted Harmonies festival in Salem, Mass. She has served as the marketing director for the A Cappella Education Association, as well as the media director of the Women's A Cappella Association (WACA), and on the board and as web content director for CASA. She is a longtime ICHSA/ICCA judge, as well as a certified judge for other vocal events. She is a workshop teacher, master clinician, writer, designer, social media manager (www.amymalkoff.com), and a singer/songwriter and studio musician (www.amymalkoffmusic.com). She currently runs and manages the New Hampshire-based performance venue Club Sandwich (Sandwich, N.H.), where celebrity John Davidson performs on weekends, along with a lineup of nationally known artists on Thursdays. She was a founding member of the groups All About Buford and Deadline Poet and has appeared onstage and in the studio with acts such as Wayne Brady, Jonathan Brooke, The Persuasions, Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert, GrooveLily, Patty Griffin, and Dar Williams. She has a degree in music from Kenyon College, with music studies at Youngstown State University and master’s-level coursework at the New England Conservatory of Music. Amy's music has appeared on both the Rounder Records and Hear Music/Starbucks labels. @amalkoff

Amanda Roeder is a high school choral and a cappella director in Chelmsford, Mass., where she directs The Thursdays and The Crescendos. She has previously led an award-winning a cappella program in Marblehead, Mass. In 16 years of teaching, her groups have earned multiple CARAs, ICHSA titles, and spots on BOHSA compilations. Amanda is a co-founder and board member of the N.E. Voices high school a cappella festival. She performs as a freelance vocalist, flutist, and pianist, and teaches private lessons and masterclasses in the greater Boston area.

Allie Spurling has been involved with a cappella since 1994. At James Madison University, Allie started the school's first co-ed a cappella group, The JMU Overtones. The group appeared on BOCA in 1998. After graduating, Allie started The Flint Hill Major Minors, a co-ed high school group in Fairfax, Va., and directed them from 2001-2005. The group appeared on BOHSA for multiple years. When Allie returned to her New England roots, she co-directed an all-female group at the Wheeler School for three years, and directed and advised a co-ed group at the Moses Brown School for three years. In addition, Allie runs workshops and arranges for high school and college groups up and down the East Coast and mentors high school groups through the process of recording an album.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank 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
PA/MA Program Coordinator

Lucy Jacobs
The Open Director
ICCA West Producer

Emily Flanders
Director of Adjudication
ICCA Great Lakes Producer

Andrew Poole
Director of Digital Media

Erica Tackett
Director of Marketing
& Social Strategy

Emily Sucher
Director of Publications

Sara Yood
Senior Producer

Holli Kitching
ICCA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
ICCA South Producer

Arvin Zabalerio
ICCA Central 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

Jillian Kimberlin
ICHSA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Danielle Sutherland
ICHSA Midwest Producer

Jake McVey
ICHSA Northeast Producer

Cameron Clemens
ICHSA West Producer

Ben Garza
ICHSA Southwest Producer

Luke Thomas
ICHSA South Producer

Adam McNeil
ICHSA Great Lakes Producer

Nicole Kholweiss
ICCA Central Day-Of Producer

Courtney Jenson
Associate Producer
Emcee Extraordinaire

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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2023 ICCA Final.

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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