2024 ICCA Northeast Semifinal @ Berklee College of Music

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 NORTHEAST SEMIFINAL

Berklee College of Music
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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@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

A Minor is a co-ed a cappella group from the University of Connecticut Storrs campus! This dynamic group is no stranger to competition, having participated in three previous ICCA seasons. In 2017, A Minor earned 1st place at their first-ever ICCA Quarterfinal, in addition to special awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Soloist, Vocal Percussion, and Choreography! In 2019, A Minor achieved 2nd place at Quarterfinals and Outstanding Soloist. In 2022, A Minor won 1st place at Quarterfinals, as well as Outstanding Soloist for “I Know the End” and Outstanding Choreography for their whole set! Despite their diverse backgrounds, the members of A Minor share an unbreakable bond that shines through in every performance. A Minor’s origins are deeply rooted in the Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC) and their 20th anniversary celebration this year will honor their community. Their alumni song, “Fix You” by Coldplay, is dedicated to two alumni who are unfortunately no longer here. This ICCA season, they plan on dedicating their set to these cherished alumni, ensuring that their memory continues to be a source of inspiration. A Minor is excited for another amazing ICCA experience and to leave a lasting mark on the world of a cappella music.

The Legends is Quinnipiac's one and only a cappella group focused on bringing the power of music onto campus since 2012. This co-ed group performs at departmental concerts and other events around campus. The group has also performed at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Quinnipiac sporting events. The Legends’ favorite time of the year is ICCA season! They placed 1st and 3rd in their last two appearances at Northeast Quarterfinals and look forward to the competition every year. The Legends can't wait for another great season!

The Unisons is a lower-voice a cappella group based out of Northeastern University in Boston. The Unisons was founded in 2008 by Aaron Templar Smith, after he realized the high demand for a TTBB a cappella group at Northeastern. The original eight singers had a combined vision to produce enjoyable a cappella experiences, while promoting the arts at Northeastern and in Boston. By 2011, The Unisons made their competitive debut at ICCA Northeast Quarterfinals. A year later, they released their first album, Off the Cabeza, and have gone from strength to strength ever since. You can find their four music videos, seven singles, and four full-length albums on any streaming platform. In 2022, they released their first album since 2017 called Outbound to Wonderland, featuring fan-favorite songs like “Particles” and “Bottom Of The Deep Blue Sea.” They also released a brand-new music video to accompany their latest single, “Lose My Cool.” They have reached ICCA Semifinals on two separate occasions, most recently in 2016. This year, in their first competition since 2020, they plan to shatter expectations with brand-new arrangements and choreography. To learn more, follow them on Instagram @theunisons where they post updates about shows, music releases, and more!

The Boston College Dynamics is an all-gender a cappella group from Chestnut Hill, Mass. Founded in 1998, the group has developed into a premier performing group on the Boston College campus. Their repertoire includes Top 40, R&B, and many other genres of popular music. The Dynamics are passionate about showcasing their talent at competitions. They placed 3rd at ICCA Northeast Quarterfinals in 2021 and 4th in 2022. They also competed in Boston Sings (BOSS) last April. They released their 14-song album, SUPERNOVA, across all streaming platforms, adding to their extensive existing discography. Follow them at @bcdynamics on Instagram to see more!

Vocollision is a premier competitive a cappella group at New York University focused on exploring diverse genres. Founded in 2008, this co-ed, all-inclusive group has performed nationwide, released singles, an EP, and music videos, and competed in many ICCA events, including the Northeast Semifinals in 2021 and 2023. Above all, Voco is a family that loves to chill and have fun but they’re ready to kick ass when the time comes!

The Hofbeats is one of Hofstra University's all-voiced, award-winning a cappella groups. This dynamic group views music as a vessel for expression and creativity, as well as a foundation for the strong relationships among group members that have made them a family. The Hofbeats have been competing in the ICCA since 2017 and have loved every minute of it! They won 1st place at their 2023 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal, along with awards for Outstanding Soloist, Choreography, and Vocal Percussion, 3rd place at the 2022 Northeast Semifinals, and 3rd place at the 2022 Northeast online Quarterfinals. When The Hofbeats are not competing, you can find them performing at different events around campus, including Accepted Students Day and Family Weekend. They love to travel off campus for special events, such as invitationals, to share their music with other schools, support other groups, and make new friends! The Hofbeats are also passionate about recording and uploading their music to streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Last year, The Hofbeats released their award-winning set, "Rattle," as an EP and plan to release more music this year. Follow them @thehofbeats on all streaming and social media platforms.

Upper Structure was founded in 2015, making them the youngest a cappella group at Berklee College of Music. These humble beginnings started something none of the founding members could have imagined. Upper Structure placed 2nd internationally at ICCA Finals in 2018 and 2021, taking home special awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. In 2020, Upper Structure was named Champion of the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF). Upon the festival’s return in 2023, Upper Structure returned to defend their status as reigning Champion, ultimately winning 1st place along with special awards for their arrangements, movement, and rhythm section for the entire set. Most recently, they released their holiday single, “Favorite Time of Year,” which won Best Holiday Song at the 2023 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). With each iteration, their members have continued to bring emotional, empowering, and innovative perspectives to every performance. Upper Structure’s purpose is to make music with meaning and to create something bigger than themselves. Make sure to follow their journey @upperstructureacappella on all platforms.

The Boston University Allegrettos is a close-knit, all-gender a cappella group whose performances feature alternative pop and R&B songs. When they’re not singing at events on and off campus, they’re recording music, which can be found on all streaming platforms. The Boston University Allegrettos previously competed in the ICCA in 2020 and 2023 and are excited to be back on the stage!

The N’Harmonics is a distinguished and versatile all-gender a cappella group at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Their eclectic repertoire spans everything from current hits to legacy arrangements dating back to their founding in 1994. The N’Harmonics are excited to be returning to the ICCA after their Championship win at 2019 Finals. They seek to make their competing sets conceptual works with a narrative arc. Coming from various New York creative scenes, The ‘Harmz use multidisciplinary storytelling to make artistic statements with every piece. Group alumni have been seen and heard in Broadway and (inter)national touring productions of shows including “Wicked,” “Spring Awakening,” “The Great Comet,” “Beetlejuice,” “School of Rock,” and “Sister Act.” Former ‘Harmz can also be spotted in TV shows including “Glee” and “The Other Two.” Many members, both current and past, are active recording artists, songwriters, and producers. They have performed at venues including Radio City Music Hall, Yankee Stadium, Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center, The Playstation Theater, The Beacon Theater, Joe's Pub, 54 Below, and many colleges in the Northeast.

The Cleftomaniacs (a.k.a. The Cleftos) is an all-treble, women-identifying a cappella group. Founded in 1997, Cleftos is built upon a strong love for music and an irreplaceable chosen family. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary pop and R&B to classics that everyone knows and loves, all featuring a fun flair that makes every piece completely their own. The Cleftos won Outstanding Choreography at Quarterfinals this year and last and placed 3rd overall in 2020. The Cleftos are ecstatic to compete at their fifth ICCA competition, marking their first appearance at Semifinals, but definitely not the last! Make sure to follow them on Instagram @thecleftos to stay up to date on shows, auditions, and their new EP coming soon!

GUEST PERFORMER

Pitch Slapped is one of the world's premier co-ed a cappella groups. Named one of the top five a cappella groups in the country by USA Today, the group has won two ICCA Champion titles in 2011 and 2014. In 2010, the group appeared on NBC's "The Sing Off and was featured on America's Got Talent in 2015. Their album, Sincerely, is out on all streaming platforms and they can be found at @pitchslappedacapella on social media.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Harrison Acosta is composer, sound designer, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator based in Boston. Harrison originally studied film score and vocal pedagogy at the UCF School of Performing Arts. Two years later, he founded and directed UCF’s Voicebox. Under his direction, they attended the 2016 ICCA Finals and were crowned the 2016 SoJam and 2018 BOSS Champions. Harrison has earned 10 Outstanding Arrangement awards (including ICCA Finals, BOSS, and SoJam) and four CARAs. After completing his capstone thesis, "Capturing Moments in Music feat. the Human Voice," he studied at the Contemporary Writing and Production program at Berklee College of Music. Since graduating, he has been working as music director and orchestrator for “Once Upon A Carnival” at the New Works Festival in Boston. He also can be spotted on AcaVille TV’s aca-competition talk show, “The Winning Edge!”

Christopher Brody is an a cappella producer, arranger, coach, performer, enthusiast, and cheerleader. In 2016, Christopher graduated with a music education degree from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Mich. A proud alumnus of Gold Vibrations, he was a rare four-year music director and part of the team that helped lead the group to the 2016 ICCA Finals. Christopher is now an award-winning producer and arranger, having produced and arranged over 10 tracks that are featured on BOHSA, BOCA, and other compilation albums, and sings with Sound Off A Cappella. He continues to work with many college and high school groups, helping students learn and grow about the art form he is so passionate about. His dream is to create the first-ever a cappella group composed completely of pugs.

An instrumentalist for most of his early life, Chris Hoffman found his calling in vocal music as a member and eventual president of Hofstra University’s Sigma’cappella. After bringing the group to ICCA Semifinals twice in its first three years of competition and earning individual awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Vocal Percussion on the way, Chris went on to coach and arrange for various college and high school groups in the area. He's also performed with groups like Satellite Lane, competing in tournaments such as the Aca Open and the Harmony Sweepstakes. Chris enjoys helping students reach their potential and find their voice, both as the ICHSA Northeast producer and as an admissions counselor for the University of Minnesota.

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 the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (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

Sarah Maskill fell in love with a cappella two weeks after joining her college group at her first big performance: the ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal! She is a former bass and business manager of Michigan State University's Ladies First. During her time with Ladies First she produced two EPs, was nominated for a CARA, and was fortunate enough to advance to ICCA Great Lakes Semifinals three times. She has since workshopped with many groups in the Midwest region, performed at The Open with her group Revel, and currently runs the Artist in Residence program at A Cappella University. You may have also seen her behind a camera at Varsity Vocals events and CASA festivals.

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

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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2024 ICCA Finals.

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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