2024 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ Oakton High School

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

Oakton High School
Saturday, February 24th, 2024

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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 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

Hailing from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., The MotherFunkers is GW’s newest a cappella group, founded in 2012. On campus, they’re notorious for their unique way of connecting with an audience, notably through their eclectic, and often unexpected, repertoire. Beyond just pop classics, The Funkers bring raps, some Spanish music, and more to the stage, making their audiences think, “I would’ve never thought you could sing this a cappella!?" At this year’s ICCA, The Funkers are here to give you class, a whole lotta sass, and a big fat harmony. The group is composed of classically trained and recreational singers alike, all with the common passion of making great music that no one knew they needed to hear sung a cappella. In their big return to ICCA since the 2018 Quarterfinals, they’re ready to show up and show out. If you’re D.T.F. (down to funk), get excited for a funk-filled performance. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @GWFunkers. Stay funky!

Sons of Pitch is The George Washington University’s premier a cappella group for tenor, baritone, and bass voices. Founded in 2003, Sons of Pitch proudly represents 20 years of a cappella at GW. In 2019, SOP sang at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in front of thousands of attendees and for a national broadcast. In 2019 and 2023, SOP sang the national anthem for Washington Nationals baseball games. SOP released their debut EP, Since You Came Along, in 2020, and their second EP, With You I Belong, in April 2023. Follow them on Spotify at GW Sons of Pitch!

In 1996, The GW Pitches became the first all-female a cappella group at The George Washington University. The GW Pitches is an entirely student-run organization composed of 13 vocally diverse singers. They arrange an eclectic mix of songs and medleys, spanning all genres and various artists. The group holds rehearsals twice per week and organizes performances on a monthly basis. The GW Pitches give a final concert at the end of each semester and take part in the two largest a cappella extravaganza performances at the university, Acappellapalooza in the fall and Battle of the A Cappella Groups in the spring.

MSN is George Mason University’s premier gender-inclusive a cappella group. Founded in 2014, MSN (formerly Mason Some Noise) performs at events on campus and in the D.C. area. MSN exemplifies one of GMU’s best features, its diversity. They are a varied group united by their friendship and love of music. At last year's ICCA MidAtlantic Quarterfinals, MSN placed 2nd overall, with Surya Kommoju receiving the award for Outstanding Soloist. MSN also won 3rd place at the following Semifinal round.

Noteworthy is George Mason University's premier treble-voice a cappella group. Historically an all-female group, they are now a community that empowers members of all backgrounds and identities. Noteworthy does not specialize in a particular genre of music, but bases their repertoire on group input to sing music they all love. Their current repertoire covers a plethora of genres, including today’s pop hits, throwbacks, musical theatre, classic choral pieces, R&B, and more! Each semester, they hold at least one major concert and sing at different campus events and in the greater D.C. area. Last spring, they gave the opening performance at Mason Day 2023, one of GMU’s biggest community events! They also frequently team up with other student organizations for events, such as “Spark Hope'' with Kappa Phi Lambda, an Asian-interest sorority. This event aimed to raise money for Cooperative Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE). They have also performed at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. for the Women's March to advocate for more freely accessible menstrual products. Noteworthy competed in their first-ever ICCA competition in 2022 and followed that up with their first in-person ICCA in 2023. They are so excited to be back this year!

Founded in the year 2000, Low Key became the second mixed-voice a cappella group at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. The group was founded by a group of individuals who shared a deep friendship and a love for singing. Today, they hold true to their foundations of being a "Friends First" group and sharing a collective passion for music and entertaining others. The group has released six studio albums and has been featured on the BOCA and Voices Only compilation albums five times, with their most recent feature on Voices Only 2023 for their rendition of Sam Smith's "Diamonds." Their most recent album, Golden Hour, was released in April 2023, featuring artists such as Adele, Lizzy McAlpine, Justin Timberlake, and more. Tonight, the group will be making their ICCA stage debut!

Established in 2013, Extreme Measures (EM) is Christopher Newport University's competitive co-ed a cappella group. EM has traveled all over Virginia, participating in the ICCA, Richmond Rhythm, hosted by The Virginia Commonwealth University Ramifications, and L.E.N.S. hosted by Cut Off Studios. On campus, EM holds a place in the welcoming CNU a cappella community, performing in the annual Glow in the Darcappella and hosting their Blue Tie Affair invitational. EM is full of dedicated and talented musicians and doubles as a second family to its members. With a mission to spread their passion for singing, EM works diligently inside and outside of the rehearsal hall to provide the world with music curated from all of their hearts.

The Notochords is VCU's oldest award-winning gender-inclusive a cappella ensemble that embodies family, harmony, and originality. Established in 1992 on the MCV campus, the group is currently based on the Monroe Park campus and actively participates in competitions, delivering captivating performances throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2021, The Notochords secured their place in the ICCA, clinching 1st place at Quarterfinals and earning prestigious accolades for Outstanding Arrangement, Soloist, Choreography, and Videography. Progressing to Semifinals, they continued to impress. They marked their second appearance the following year, earning a commendable 3rd place. In 2023, they secured 3rd place again and garnered recognition by earning the Outstanding Soloist award. The ensemble has released two singles and had their cover of “XS” featured on Varsity Vocals’ BOCA. They recently released their newest EP, M3, to various streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music) alongside their official music video for “Erase Me.”

The Ramifications is the premier, all-gender, award winning a cappella group on VCU's Monroe Park campus, founded in 2009. Nine years later, The Ramifications have only grown in talent and notoriety, and have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on VCU's campus. This is their fifth year competing in the ICCA and they are thrilled to be back. The Ramifications host Richmond Rhythm, Virginia's very own annual collegiate a cappella invitational, and have competed and performed all around Virginia. In 2018, they were the first group from Virginia Commonwealth University to advance to the ICCA, and placed 2nd at their 2020 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Quarterfinal, securing themselves a spot in Semifinals. In 2022, The Ramifications won 1st place at ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals, along with Outstanding Arrangement (Kabir Ali), and were 2021 ICCA Finalists.

No Ceiling A Cappella hails from the College of William & Mary, in Williamsburg, Va. The group was founded in 2015 and has been competing in the ICCA since 2016. Since joining the ICCA, they were Semifinalists in 2016, 2017, and 2022. In 2018, they won Quarterfinals and received Outstanding Choreography, then placed 2nd at Semifinals and received awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Soloist! In 2019 and 2020, No Ceiling was the Quarterfinals Champion. They are the only competitive a cappella group at William & Mary and are proud to represent their school. Most No Ceiling members are in one of the other a cappella groups on campus, so each individual brings special ideas and talents to the group. Many members hold leadership positions in their other groups, so they are all very comfortable expressing their opinions and visions, making their art a true collaboration among all members. Each member is encouraged to contribute, although they technically have elected positions for arranging and choreography! A group of dedicated storytellers, No Ceiling intentionally selects songs that create a narrative and that every member is passionate about performing.

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 Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) Board of Directors from 2010-2015.

Nathan Rusli (he/him/his) is a DMV-based baritone vocalist and arranger. His musicianship blossomed at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, as a member of renowned group Juxtaposition. During his time with the group, he served as president, business manager, marketing director, and an arranger. In 2020, he founded Inside Voices, a fully virtual a cappella ensemble, leading the group to place at The Open Semifinals in 2021. Since graduation, he continues to work with groups as an arranger andmentor at Virginia Tech and for outside groups, including Cape Harmony in Cape Cod. He is also a nominator and judge for the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). Nathan is excited about the talented groups competing tonight and wishes them the best of luck! Nathan’s participation on the panel tonight is in honor of his late friend, Alex Buchanan.

Nadia Sosnoski is a Berklee College of Music graduate and accomplished vocalist. She was a member of Pitch Slapped, the 2011 ICCA Finals Champions. Over the years, she has had the privilege of performing alongside respected artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, and Patti LaBelle. Her talent was further acknowledged as a Quarterfinalist at the 2021 American Traditions Competition. Currently, Nadia serves as the lead singer for Max Impact, the United States Air Force rock band, where she travels internationally to entertain troops, civilians, and dignitaries. In 2020, Nadia founded Sit Stay Productions, a voiceover company providing services to companies and brands around the world. Through Sit Stay Productions, she has provided voice talent for various esteemed clients, including Google, Solo Stove, Palmers lotion, and Wrangler.

Tony Wang sang with The Washington University Sensasians. During his years as music director, Tony led the newly-found group to their first-ever ICCA competition, where his arrangement of "Human" won Outstanding Arrangement. Tony's love of music began on the piano, but continued through voice, guitar, and percussion, as well as arranging. Since graduation, Tony has stayed involved in the a cappella community, serving as a musical adviser for his former group and singing with a recreational a cappella group. Tony is an avid music theory fan and vocal percussionist and would love to trade some beats with anyone who asks tonight!

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank DJ Godinez, the Oakton High School Chorus, the Herndon High School Chorus, and the Woodbridge High School Chorus; 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

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