2024 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal @ UC San Diego

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 SOUTHWEST QUARTERFINAL

UC San Diego
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

SoundCheck was Chapman University’s first a cappella group on campus. This co-ed group of passionate individuals performs contemporary a cappella arrangements on campus, around the community, and nationally throughout the United States. Their performances have included the ICCA (2016 Semifinals 1st place Champions, 2022 Outstanding Arrangement) SweeTARTS ACAPELLOOZA with Brittany Snow, and advertisements for CoverGirl's “Pitch Perfect 2” Makeup Collection. They have 12 years of alumni music connections and their alumni have sung background vocals for such artists as Childish Gambino.

Simply Vocale is an all-treble a cappella group from Chapman University. They are a family of loving and inclusive people who share a passion for music! They draw their music from a variety of genres, including pop and indie. The group was founded as a way to bring women together and they have expanded to also include nonbinary treble singers, which has only made them stronger. Simply Vocale incorporates a lot of pink and while they are not limited to women, they like to think that they are reclaiming what it is to be feminine. They like to choose powerful female anthems and pretty ballads. Simply Vocale prides itself on being open to non-music majors, which brings together many different types of people and encourages their passion for music!

The ChapTones is a fun-loving and award-winning co-ed a cappella group from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. One of five student-run a cappella groups at Chapman, they perform frequently on campus, around Orange County, and across the West Coast! They recently released an EP and an album to streaming platforms and YouTube and they have a new album coming out this year! The ChapTones pride themselves on including members of many different backgrounds and interests who all love to sing and want to be part of a performing family. The ChapTones have competed in multiple ICCA Quarterfinals and Semifinals and have even performed original material on the ICCA stage. They are very excited to be back on that stage again this year, after a successful 2023 season where they placed 3rd at the West Semifinals.

Acamazing is a co-ed a cappella group from UC San Diego! Established in 2010, they believe in having good vibes that bring members closer together while working hard to sound their best! They’ve performed at many ICCA events over the years, showcasing their versatile repertoire of musical genres and eras, ranging from Queen to Daniel Caesar. Just last year, their performance of "Falling Behind" by Laufey was recognized by the artist herself! Outside of music, Acamazing loves to connect over food and fun, including kickbacks, brunch, and holiday potlucks!

The Beat at UCSD is a talented ensemble of vocalists who deliver captivating a cappella performances. With their harmonies, precision, and vibrant energy, they offer a diverse repertoire that spans genres, from soulful ballads to R&B pop hits. The Beat consistently showcases their musicality and passion for creating beautiful melodies and harmonies with the power of their voices. Their performances aim to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impression on their audiences.

This is Duly Noted, one of the wonderful co-ed a cappella groups from UC San Diego! Since their founding in 2012, they have sung a variety of genres, ranging from pop to R&B to musical theatre. The Duly Noted community represents a variety of musical backgrounds and they fill their time together with creativity and collaboration. They're super excited to be back at ICCA this season after a three-year hiatus! When they're not competing, they enjoy performing at campus events, from college awards ceremonies to night markets and fairs.

SoundWave is the first and only co-ed a cappella ensemble at San Diego State University. This ensemble was founded for singers to express their talent, encourage creativity, foster teamwork, embrace diversity, and serve the performing arts community. They perform around the SDSU campus, in the greater San Diego area, and have even participated in the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF). This will be their fourth ICCA, following three years placing 1st at Southwest Quarterfinals and advancing to Southwest Semifinals. After taking a break last year, they are prepped and ready to jump back into the intensity, hard work, and dedication required for this competition. While the ensemble only includes three music majors, all of the group members go above and beyond to perform with passion and manage their academic load. SoundWave prioritizes excellence in music, along with creating a fun and welcoming family environment. SoundWave’s goal is to splash the audience with a wave of sound, bringing a musical repertoire of many different genres, styles, and some funky music for the theory nerds out there. They are so proud to show you what they have in store!

The Trebles is a soprano-alto a cappella group at UC San Diego, established in 2010. This group of talented, badass individuals represents a variety of majors and musical backgrounds and bonds over a shared love of music. In the last two years, they have moved to becoming a more competitive a cappella group. Whether for competitions or concerts, they always bring the treble and slay the stage! Last year was their first time competing at ICCA in person (and their first-ever in-person competition)! They love incorporating fun choreography into their performances and trying out songs of different moods, ranging from fierce to mellow to upbeat. While each Trebbie sings a specific voice part, they love to explore their range’s full potential by trying out other voice parts as well. Outside of rehearsing, they love hanging out at movie and karaoke nights, going on their annual retreat, and just spending time together whenever they can. They pride themselves on creating a fun and supportive environment where everyone is free to express themselves as individuals. Singing with The Trebles offers an escape from the busy schedule of school and work.

Founded in 1996, The Tritones is UCSD’s premier co-ed a cappella group! The Tritones represent a diverse microcosm of the UCSD student body, some bringing years of vocal training to the group and others guided solely by pure talent. They're committed to fostering a creatively empowering environment and providing a space for all members to take a breather from the arduous life of university. In their history, Tritones has won the LAAF, advanced to Semifinals in the ICCA, and shared the stage with many renowned artists such as Taylor Swift, Far East Movement, and Imogen Heap.

The Canyon Crescendos is Grand Canyon University’s competitive a cappella team! The group is composed of 18 members who love singing together. They are so thankful to be back for another year of singing and cannot wait to see what new opportunities come their way this season. The Canyon Crescendos aspire to create a safe and welcoming environment, making a point to celebrate their differences and combine their passion for music to create a united team. They strive to captivate every audience member by singing a wide variety of music, from oldies to current pop hits. The Canyon Crescendos made their ICCA debut in 2023 and grew immensely through the experience. They perform on campus, at Desert Ridge Marketplace, Beatitudes Campus, GCU Club Sports Games, and GCU Basketball Games, making every effort to reach as many communities as possible. Whether they’re singing on GCU’s campus or at retirement homes, they enjoy spreading their passion for music. The Canyon Crescendos are so excited to share their love and enthusiasm for music with you and hope that you enjoy their performance!

Daughters of Triton is the premier female-identifying a cappella group at UC San Diego. Founded in 2000, The DOTs is a diverse group of individuals who work together to create music, as well as an environment where ideas can be shared and bonds can be made. They believe in the power of women through music. Constantly in search of new boundaries to push, they do not apologize for breaking the rules of all-female a cappella. They sing bass, they rap, they have a sense of humor. They may solo like Beyoncé, but they can break out of that diva stereotype in an instant. Every woman has a voice, every DOT amplifies it. Every group loves to sing, but for the DOTs, it’s a matter of identity.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

From 1998 to 2012, Amy Engelhardt was the sole female vocalist, writer, and arranger for Grammy-nominated, trailblazing "band without instruments" The Bobs. Equally at home writing and performing in theatre, Amy brought her solo show, “IMPACT,” to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 and is the composer and lyricist of “Bastard Jones” (Off-Broadway Alliance Best New Musical nominee, Richard Rodgers Award Finalist). She returned to the a cappella world in 2019 as Mother Superior of the Chattering Order of St. Beryl in Amazon Prime’s immersive promo campaign for "Good Omens" (arranged by Deke Sharon). Amy also produced the nuns’ EP, UNHOLY NIGHT, released on Amazon Music. A frequent adjudicator at the Harmony Sweeps, SingStrong, festivals and competitions across the country, Amy bounces back and forth between L.A. and N.Y.C. www.amyengelhardt.com

Felicia François (she/they) fell in love with a cappella when she became a member of The UNCG Sapphires. After serving as director of that group, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and choral music education. They worked as a chorus teacher and private voice teacher for four years and then went on to receive a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Boston University. Felicia is now working as a speech-language pathologist with a specialty in voice rehabilitation and gender-affirming voice at the USC Voice Center. She is thrilled to be an ICCA judge once again and wishes the best to all those competing!

San Diego native Jonathan Gonzales is a singer with a vocal appetite for all genres of music. He attended San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance and holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He sings with local choruses, SACRA/PROFANA, Folklore Guild, and San Diego Opera. He has collaborated with La Jolla Playhouse and Malashock Dance Company, and has had the pleasure of serving in local churches as cantor, instrumentalist, and director.

Soprano Natalie Moran, a native Southern Californian, is best known for her vocal quality, comedic character roles, and her musical and theatrical dedication. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and studied at Oxford University. As a student at USC, she co-founded The Los Angeles Muses, an all-female Andrews Sisters a cappella trio, with fellow Thornton music students and performed at the Staples Center, for NBA opening ceremonies, and at Disney for over 10 years. In 2018, she began the San Diego chapter of the ensemble and performs with them throughout San Diego County. A supporter of new works, Natalie performed in the world premiere of Disney Theatrical Productions’ “Hunchback of Notre Dame” at La Jolla Playhouse and originated roles in several contemporary opera productions. She has performed with numerous companies, including L.A. Opera, San Diego Opera, Riverside Lyric Opera, and more. She has also participated in the Tyrolean Opera Program in Maurach am Achensee (Austria), the International Lyric Academy in Viterbo (Italy), Riverside Opera Program, and the L.A. Vocal Lab in Los Angeles. Natalie has also been caroling professionally for the past 20 years and has worked as a cantor at numerous churches. She has also performed with San Diego's go-to choral ensemble, SACRA/PROFANA, and served as a chorister and mentor for Folklore Guild, a San Diego-based ensemble. Currently, Natalie also does studio work for TV and radio commercials.

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 two placing groups at this event will advance to the 2024 ICCA Southwest 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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