2024 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ Johns Hopkins University

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to Varsity Vocals’ 28th 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 650 groups and over 10,000 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 28 years ago and we can’t wait to see how our 2024 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 MID-ATLANTIC QUARTERFINAL

Johns Hopkins University
Saturday, February 10th, 2024

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

varsityvocals

@varsityvocals

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 27th.

The high school tournament is now in its 19th 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 26th.

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 Golden Blues is the University of Delaware's oldest all-inclusive a cappella group. They work hard to provide a sweet performance with the sweetest people, all the while having fun doing what they love most: singing! They have performed once before in the ICCA and can't wait to show you what they’ve got! Since the group’s founding in 1989, they have been dedicated to creating and sharing a cappella with the community and they wish to promote the values of friendship and self-expression through their music. They value having a vocal and social blend made of diverse identities and voices! Being a Golden Blue means being part of a bright community of equality, individuality, and creativity.

The YChromes is the University of Delaware's premier all-male a cappella group. Their goal is to provide a cappella entertainment for their university and surrounding communities. As a group, they also strive to foster musical and personal growth and establish connections between members and alumni. They have approximately 150 alumni in an ever-expanding network of passionate and creative musicians. They host two large concerts and perform in a variety of gigs throughout the year, including homecoming events, holiday parades, and joint concerts with other a cappella groups! With seven other groups at UD, The YChromes strive to create an open and collaborative community with many social and performance events. They sing a variety of music genres, with a focus on pop and R&B music. Simply put, The YChromes is a close-knit group of friends who love to sing and hang out together. They competed in the ICCA last year and are extremely excited to be back!!

Introducing The MUSES from the illustrious campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), where harmonies soar, melodies groove, and vocal excellence takes center stage. As the first a cappella group on campus, The MUSES have mastered the sultry allure of jazz and R&B. They are thrilled to make their debut in the world of collegiate a cappella, as well as the HBCU community. The MUSES is a branch of the UMES gospel choir directed, organized, and arranged by its students. While they may be new to the scene, they’re bursting with enthusiasm, raw talent, and a passion for a cappella that knows no bounds. With an eagerness to learn, grow, and make their presence known, The MUSES are excited to embark on their ICCA journey this season. The MUSES bring a unique perspective, experiences, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of a cappella. Their harmonies are crisp, their energy contagious, and their determination is unwavering. Join The MUSES for their inaugural year, where every note and every harmony is a testament to their musical evolution. The MUSES’ debut at UMES is a journey filled with promise, passion, and the power of music.

The UMBC Stilettos is UMBC's only all-treble and female-identifying a cappella group. They specialize in pop and R&B and are committed to promoting female empowerment and sisterhood!

The Vocal Chords is an all-gender a cappella group known for their close-knit family dynamic and outstanding musicianship. Fondly dubbed as Hopkins’ “friendly neighborhood a cappella group,” they perform throughout the DMV region, from smaller student-centered events at various college campuses to performances at venues like the Carnegie Library and Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena. They sing original arrangements of music from all genres, from pop to rock to jazz and more. The Vocal Chords have competed in the ICCA every year for nearly a decade and even advanced to Semifinals after placing 2nd and winning Outstanding Arrangement in the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals. They were also awarded Outstanding Soloist at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals.

DaCadence is the University of Maryland’s elite all-gender a cappella team. This dynamic vocal ensemble prides itself on nurturing the musical talents of its members while providing entertainment to audiences both in the University of Maryland community and surrounding areas. DaCadence is dedicated to the pursuit of musical mastery. Through rigorous rehearsals, innovative arrangements, and a collaborative spirit, this talented team of singers continually strives to push the boundaries of a cappella performance. They believe music has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers and they harness that power to create unforgettable musical experiences. In the 2023 ICCA, DaCadence won 1st place at Semifinals and went on to represent the Mid-Atlantic at Finals in New York City where they won Outstanding Vocal Percussion. Besides competing, they perform at various concerts, fundraisers, and gigs around the DMV, record and produce albums, and film music videos. Although they take their music seriously, they are also DaFam, a super close group of friends. They love to hang out at lunches, rehearsals, and semester retreats. Their common goal is to ignite a love for a cappella music, leaving a lasting impact on their community, and empowering future generations of singers.

Squawkappella is not just Salisbury University’s premier a cappella group, but also a family bound together by their passion for music, harmony, and creativity. They arrange, create, and perfect music together to perform, compete, and record. Founded in 2004, they have come together to create a harmonious and unique sound that resonates with all audiences. Squawkappella’s mission is to bring an exciting twist to a cappella music, challenging norms and leaving audiences with a newfound love for the music. Their countless hours of dedicated practice have brought them many performance opportunities on campus, in the community, and at previous ICCA competitions. They are currently producing their first EP featuring last year’s ICCA set. Squawkappealla’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical genres and they perform many pieces that have been arranged by group members. These arrangements are carefully crafted to showcase the versatility and power of human voice, in which each note sung is infused with passion. They use rehearsal time to hone their musical skills and foster a sense of unity, camaraderie, and teamwork. Squawkappella is not just about the music, but the relationships they build, the memories they create, and the shared dream they pursue together.

Off Track is a co-ed a cappella group founded in fall 2021. What originally began as a group of friends looking for a musical outlet turned into an award-winning group, as well as a family. The group values fun and friendship and aims to foster a supportive and diverse environment where they can share their passion for music together. This Off Track’s third year in competition. With several graduating seniors, they are excited to be back and make the most of this year!

Formed in 2018, Untitled is a competitive a cappella group with a focus on contemporary music. Hailing from Townson University, their mission is to bring forth a competitive, close-knit, and long-term organization on campus. Last year, Untitled had the honor of competing at SoJam in North Carolina and received the award for Outstanding Vocal Percussion! In their spare time, Untitled professionally records singles and has even sung the national anthem at Orioles games. Check them out on Instagram @towsonuntitled and be sure to stop by their Spotify page as well!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Aaron Bayne is an alumnus of Towson University and Berklee College of Music, holding a master’s degree in music business. He is the award-winning beatboxer of two-time ICCA Finalists turned professional group, The Trills (@thetrills). Over the last few years, The Trills accumulated over 4 million followers across social media platforms, with 24 million views on YouTube and over 300 million views on TikTok. The group’s social media presence has led to partnerships with several global brands, a feature on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” an opening slot for Straight No Chaser and Voiceplay, halftime performances for the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, headlining shows at Vidcon 2022 and 2023, and collaborations with acts like Drew Scott, Quinn XCII, and Tim McGraw. Aaron is excited to return as a Varsity Vocals judge this season and wishes luck to all the competing groups.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Penn., Amanda Cornaglia started her a cappella career as musical director of Special K at Hamilton College. After graduation, she moved to rural Japan for four years, where she founded, trained, and performed with the award-winning international a cappella group, The Amigos. Upon moving to the D.C. area in 2005, Amanda founded and continues to perform with the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL) group, Euphonism, and Snowday, a group that provides a cappella educational programs all over the world. She is the managing partner of Clear Harmonies Productions, president of CAL, and she served on the CASA Board of Directors from 2010-2015.

Will Damanka is an all-around creative and a member of eclectic pop a cappella group, The Trills. The Trills’ accolades include performing at the ICCA Finals in 2017 and 2019, headlining festivals including SoJam and SingStrong, and performing across the United States. Will has created multiple award-winning arrangements for the group, including their covers of “Dark Horse,” “Like It's Christmas,” and “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” the latter winning a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) for Best Holiday Song in 2022. He has assisted middle, high school, and collegiate a cappella groups in workshops, videography, and by being everyone's self-proclaimed biggest fan. Will's appreciation for a cappella as an art form continues to grow by seeing the next generation perfecting their craft and love of music.

Henry Hubbard is a versatile tenor with experience in opera, art song, and contemporary music, including a cappella. His a cappella experience began in 9th grade as a member of Priority Male at James River High School in Richmond, Va. After moving to St. Louis, Mo., he founded West A Cappella and instructed a group of mostly instrumentalists and non-singers, teaching fundamentals of singing along with choral techniques. This sparked a love of vocal music that led him to attend James Madison University, in no small part due to the strong a cappella community. He joined The JMU Overtones in 2013, served as music director from 2014-2016, and oversaw the recording and production of the album, Synesthesia, which featured his arrangements of “Uptown Funk,” “Chandelier,” and “I Wouldn’t Be A Man.” As an arranger, Henry strives to reimagine songs with a balance of solo and background to highlight the unique qualities of vocal music. Henry holds a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from JMU, as well as Master of Music degrees in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, and musicology from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank The AllNighters
and The Octopodes; our judges, hosts, competitors, volunteers, partners, and producers; and you, the audience, for supporting Varsity Vocals programming.

Amanda Newman
Executive Director

Elise Hackl-Blumstein
ICHSA Director
PA/MA Program Coordinator

Dave Rabizadeh
ICCA Director

Emily Sucher
Director of Publications

Lucy Jacobs
ICCA West Producer

Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
ICCA South Producer

Arvin Zabalerio
ICCA Central Producer

Gemma Davies
ICCA United Kingdom Producer

Emily Benjamin
ICCA Northeast Producer

Danielle Sutherland
ICHSA Midwest Producer

Adam McNeil
ICHSA Great Lakes Producer

Cameron Clemens
ICHSA West Producer

Jody Hagler
ICHSA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Bryce McCracken
Associate Producer

Bri Decerio
Associate Producer

Courtney Jensen
Associate Producer
Emcee Extraordinaire

Sara Yood
Senior Producer

Emily Flanders
Director of Adjudication
ICCA Great Lakes Producer

Andrew Poole
Director of Digital Media

Charlotte Taylor
Marketing & Social Strategy

Holli Kitching
ICCA Mid-Atlantic Producer

Leah Alrutz
ICCA Midwest Producer

Bronwyn Jensen
ICCA Southwest Producer

Christopher Witham
ICCA United Kingdom Producer

Jillian Kimberlin
Senior Producer

Christopher Hoffman
ICHSA Northeast Producer

Ben Garza
ICHSA Southwest Producer

Luke Thomas
ICHSA South Producer

Alaina Wegner
Associate Producer

Jake Yoakum
Associate Producer

Rebecca Williamson
Associate Producer

Andrea Poole
Consultant
ICHSA Director Emeritus

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 placing groups at this event will advance to the 2024 ICCA Mid-Atlantic 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

#ICCA