2024 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal @ Washington University in St. Louis

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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Washington University in St. Louis
Saturday, February 10th, 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

A Cub Bella is the premier all-treble competitive a cappella group at Missouri State University. Originated in 2002, A Cub Bella was notorious for their dedication and undeniable talent, which brought them up in the ranks of collegiate a cappella. They even progressed to ICCA Finals, but unfortunately disbanded in 2021 following the pandemic. In the spring of 2023, Cadence Arnold and Taylor Northern, the current president and music director, knew they had to bring back a musical outlet where treble voices could thrive. They both sought to create a safe and inspiring community of strong-willed, talented singers by bringing back A Cub Bella. After this fall, the group gained 11 new members, which denotes its promise to remain strong for many more generations. Each group member brings a unique history and relationship with music, so they are able to bring together various perspectives to create a diverse learning and working environment. The beautiful experiences that they create as a group are a wonderful reminder about why they pursue passions in music. This year, A Cub Bella is back and better than ever, and they can’t wait to get back to doing what they love most: performing together.

After Dark is a non-themed, all-gender a cappella group from Washington University in St. Louis. Since its founding in 2001, After Dark has evolved into a close-knit group of singers who perform songs from all genres arranged by their very own members. After Dark competes nationally every year and has performed across the country, from Chicago to Disney World! In addition to performing, After Dark records every semester, with two newly released singles “My Future/Godspeed” out on all streaming platforms! They also have four albums and an EP currently available for streaming and just released their newest EP, After Party, in November.

Astha a Cappella is Saint Louis University’s premier co-ed, South Asian fusion a cappella group. “Astha” means faith in Hindi. Established in 2006, the group was started by six students who came together to pursue their passion for singing Indian fusion music. Their faith in music allowed Astha A Cappella to be born. Astha has grown from simple jam sessions to complex compositions. Their music spans a variety of backgrounds, all with an interest in combining Western and Eastern musical influences. They compete annually in South Asian A Cappella Bid Competitions and in the ICCA circuit as well. Some of their recent achievements include placing 1st at ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023, and 3rd at the 2022 ICCA Midwest Semifinals.

The Beartones is Missouri State University’s male-identifying a cappella group. Though the majors of these 15 (awesome) members span from graphic design to cell and molecular biology, they are united by a passion for music. Over the years, they’ve sung a variety of complex arrangements in multiple styles, from pop-rock to indie-electronic to soul! More than just the music, The Beartones is a culture of encouragement, authenticity, and friendship. The genuine bond of the group members brings their music to the next level. By encouraging making mistakes, they create a family of singers who can grow together without fear of judgement. The Beartones have traveled across the country, performing in their hometown, Springfield, Mo., along with St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, and New York! Their dedication and teamwork have earned them 1st place during many ICCA competitions, as well as numerous accolades, such as Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Choreography, and more. While ICCA is their biggest annual event, they also sing at charity fundraisers, parties, and other local events across southwest Missouri throughout the year. The Beartones are excited to share their music with you!

Decadence A Cappella is Saint Louis University's iconic co-ed a cappella group! Established in 2010, the name consists of two words, "Deca" and "cadence." Deca refers to the group’s history, originally as 10 members and a beatboxer, and cadence is a progression of two chords leading to closure within a musical composition. Today’s group mirrors the founding members with 10 singers and a vocal percussionist. Decadence is very proud of how far they have come since 2010 and is excited for what's in store for them in the future.

The Hibernotes is Missouri State University's premier all-gender a cappella group. They enjoy creating music using only the voice and strive for efficiency, fun, and creating a safe and uplifting environment. In addition to competing in ICCA each year, they hold concerts in both the fall and spring semesters and perform at other events in the Springfield and greater Southwest Missouri area. Along with performing live, The Hibernotes preserve their sound by recording songs for the public to hear for years to come. Most recently, they have recorded and released their ICCA set from spring 2023.

Miner Key is Missouri S and T's first and only a cappella group. Since its founding in 2018, the group has grown from eight friends with a love for music to an 18-member competitive ensemble. Composed of predominantly engineering and science majors, their goal is to promote a local community of music and have fun while doing it.

The Mosaic Whispers is WashU’s oldest all-gender a cappella group. They compete nationally, most recently winning ICCA 2023 Midwest Quarterfinals and placing 3rd at the 2023 Semifinals, where they were also awarded for Outstanding Choreography, Vocal Percussion, and Arrangement. They are passionate and dedicated to music, but their sense of community sets them apart. The alumni that travel to their spring concert prove that you are always a Whisper, whether you’re TikTok viral, a backup singer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, or releasing music of your own!

Redhawk Rhythm A Cappella is an a cappella group from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), which is in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Founded in 2019, they are SEMO’s first and only a cappella group. The group is composed of men and women and performs a variety of genres, with a focus on pop music. Their events throughout the school year typically consist of the ICCA and at least one performance on their university campus. The group has participated in three previous ICCA competitions and has performed a variety of songs to showcase their group’s talents. While they have only been to Quarterfinals, ICCA regulars have been able to see the group improve each year as they develop their competitive skill set. They are excited to perform at ICCA again in 2024!

Founded in 2014, Six-Eight Christian A Cappella is a family that seeks to bring Christian values to the Saint Louis University campus through music and community outreach. They try to emulate the values of Micah 6:8, "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly." They do this in their music by consciously choosing songs that talk about love and hope, raising money at their concerts for on-campus charities, and constantly trying to love one another and others to the best of their ability. Six-Eight is an inclusive Christian community, welcoming members of all faith backgrounds and walks of life

GUEST PERFORMER

Viva Voce is a treble-voice a cappella group from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis, Mo. Founded in 2016, Viva Voce is a musically talented, highly dedicated group of high school students who come together to share their love of a cappella music with their peers and community. This extracurricular group currently includes 22 students. The Vivas pride themselves on being involved in many sports and activities at LHWHS, but always finding time to sing and keep their lives musical.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

After singing in choirs since elementary school, Alli Baranski entered the world of a cappella in her freshman year at the University of Mary Washington. She joined the co-ed a cappella group, The One Note Stand, in which she sang alto and was a frequent soloist for her four years there. When Alli began with the group, they had never performed at the ICCA, and she led the group’s effort to compete in 2017 and 2018, helping them reach 3rd place at their Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal in Washington, D.C. After graduation, Alli became affiliated with Cut Off Studios, where she coordinates and teaches at educational events. She has worked as a clinician for two years and specializes in helping groups find their identity, both musically and literally.

Jaylen Davis-Vaughn is the Director of Choral Activities at Webster Groves High School. He received his Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in vocal music education and K-12 licensure from Millikin University, where he sang with Dissonance A Cappella. His professional highlights include serving as Interim Director of Millikin University’s BluBop Vocal Jazz, conductor of two choral festival choirs, and singing background for Josh Groban in his 2022 summer tour series. During Jaylen's free time, he teaches private voice and piano students to over 30 students, ranging from 5 to 60 years old, online and in person through his voice studio, Vaughn Music Studios. Through this experience, Jaylen has been able to help vocal and instrumental musicians of all skill levels reach their goals and potential to continue music in their professional careers.

Laura Hollingsworth has a degree in vocal music education from Illinois State University, where she performed with The ISU Clef Hangers for four years. She served as music director and arranger for the group, leading The Clefs to ICCA Semifinals and receiving an Outstanding Arrangement Award for "Breathe Me" by Sia. Laura is currently a K-12 music and choir teacher in Staunton, Ill., where she teaches the fifth grade, junior high, and high school choirs, and directs the spring musical and the extracurricular a cappella group, The SHS Dynamics. Laura also sings with No Name Chorale and the St. Louis Chamber Singers.

Lindsay Ryan has been an accomplished performer, director, arranger, choreographer, and vocal percussionist for most of her life. Born in St. Louis, she began her career performing in musical theatre productions at the St. Louis MUNY Opera. From there, her talents took her across the country with credits including the 30th Anniversary national tour of “Annie,” performing for the NBA L.A. Lakers, NBA L.A. Clippers, and the WNBA L.A. Sparks, and appearing on shows like “X-Factor” and “Oprah.” Eventually, she found her way to a cappella music, beginning with arranging and beatboxing at age 13 and going on to win multiple awards for arranging and performance at vocal and choral competitions all over the U.S. At the age of 16, she graduated high school and began her own childrens’ music education program/performance group called RockNacappella. Soon after the group was formed, they went on to perform at venues like the STAPLES Center, GRAMMY Museum, Pantages Theatre, and the L.A. Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival (winning Best Arrangement and 1st Runner Up in 2015), and released music on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Since then, Lindsay has returned to St. Louis and continues to arrange, choreograph, and consult for various a cappella and vocal groups across the country.

Josh Warren has been heavily involved in music throughout his life. While attending Truman State University, he sang with the University Chorus and Cantoria, Truman's select choral group, played saxophone in Truman's marching band, and conducted the women's ensemble Voci Della Tempesta and Truman's University Chorus. He performed in various small ensembles throughout his time at Truman, as well the theatrical productions “South Pacific” (Stewpot) in 2016 and “Hänsel und Gretel” (Father) in 2017. Josh was actively involved in the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha, where he sang in their chapter's barbershop octet and conducted their choral group. He graduated in 2018 with a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in vocal music, and a master’s degree in conducting, with emphasis in the choral arts. Currently, Josh teaches middle school choir at Selvidge Middle School, actively participates in the Selvidge Theater Program as the musical director, and sings as the bass section leader at First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank the Arnold Family, Jeff Griswold, Emily Kennenbeck, 560 Music Center Staff, Viva Voce, Rory Lustberg, and Ovya Diwakaran; 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 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!

VIEW ALBUMS

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