2024 ICHSA Northeast Quarterfinal @ John F. Kennedy 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

ICHSA NORTHEAST QUARTERFINAL

John F. Kennedy High School
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 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.

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.

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

Established in 2003, Chock Full of Notes is POB John F. Kennedy's student-led mixed a cappella group. The group is composed of dedicated and talented high schoolers who come together to create powerful performances. Last year, Chock Full of Notes won their 2023 ICHSA Northeast Quarterfinal and progressed to Semifinals. They are excited to return to the ICHSA in 2024!

Established in 2006, Drastic Measures is the second-oldest student-run treble a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. Their trademark vests and combat boots, along with song selectations that celebrate confidence and female empowerment, reflect the group’s values and work ethic. Many of their song selections come from artists like Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, and Madison Beer. Their motto is Drastic Girls For Life, or, as they like to say it, DG4L!

The Hummingnerds is the a cappella club at Stuyvesant High School in New York City! This is their first year participating in the ICHSA and they are excited to elevate themselves from a little ensemble that performs at events and concerts to a competition-level group. With an affinity for love songs old and new, they can't wait to sing their hearts out this year. The Hummingnerds perform at school concerts, city parks, singalongs, community events, retirement homes, and hospitals as part of their mission to spread music, love, and joy to people throughout New York. Hailing from the nerdiest high school in New York City, they couldn't be prouder (or louder) to have the chance to sing for you (don't worry, they won't be singing any math-related songs...or will they?). Their current favorite songs to sing are “My Girl,” “Can't Sleep Love,” and “Just the Way You Are,” but they also love a good pop song like “Some Nights,” or jazzy Christmas carols like “Jingle Bell Rock.” The Hummingnerds began with just four students and has grown into a large ensemble in just a few years. So, can you feel the love tonight? They sure can!

Established in 2002, Noteworthy is Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK High School's first student-led soprano-alto a cappella group. Dressed in a pink and black ensemble, this group stands together to create impactful and memorable performances. They generally specialize in the pop genre. Noteworthy is a group of devoted members who work hard to cultivate their craft into something truly special. Noteworthy previously competed in the 2023 ICHSA, winning Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Choreography for their entire competition set. Noteworthy is honored for the chance to return to the ICHSA stage.

Established in 2006, POB John F. Kennedy's student-led treble a cappella group, On a High Note, is a group of well-rounded and talented girls. They use their shared love of music to create enjoyable performances for every audience.

The Acafellas is a tenor-bass a cappella group based in POB JFK High School and established 2006. The Fellas focus on pop and rock songs over the decades and perform with a lighthearted spirit, showcased through their fast-paced singing, vibrant gestures, occasionally some comical lyric substitutions. All of their pieces are student-arranged and modified and the group leaders make sure to teach new recruits the necessary skills to lead. The Fellas also include a beatboxer, and the current group’s rhythm section is actually a freshman. This year, the group accepted nine new freshmen and one sophomore. These new additions have helped the group’s sound and environment, balancing the parts and boosting morale. The Fellas sport yellow ties anywhere they go, along with black button-down shirts, and blue jeans. They work diligently to stay on top of new material, practicing daily and doing part tapes for peer feedback and reflection. The Fellas also organize social events to make new members comfortable in the group and work on music in a non-pressurized manner. This is The Fellas’ first venture into the ICHSA.

The B Sharps is the first a cappella group at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F Kennedy High School, established in 2001. They are a tenor-bass group and completely student-run. The Sharps’ typical musical style can be summarized as Bruno Mars meets Jason Derulo, but they also sing music from other time periods, ranging from The Beatles to Destiny's Child. The Sharps are known for their T-shirt combination, fun energy, and impactful performances. They feed off their audiences’ energy, making their performances even better. This is The Sharps’ first time performing in the ICHSA and they are very excited for the opportunity.

Established in 2008, The Rolling Tones is a student-run mixed-voice a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. What are they known for? Their classy business attire with their signature red ties! The Rolling Tones is a very energetic and fun group that loves to work together to reflect the works of artists like Panic! At the Disco and The Jonas Brothers. Their motto? Play, Laugh, Tones!

Established in 2014, Under A Rest (UAR) is a mixed group from Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. Known for their denim bottoms, white tops, and stylish blue flannels, their outfits represent their laid back, tight-knit group environment. As a student-run group, UAR arranges and choreographs all of their own songs, and selects music with an upbeat 2000s vibe. Some of their favorites include “Valerie”(Amy Winehouse), “Counting Stars” (One Republic), and “Levels” (Nick Jonas). Their traditionals, “I Lived” (One Republic), and “Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bon Jovi), reflect the group's shared values of hard work and living life to the fullest. Under A Rest placed 3rd at their 2023 ICHSA Quarterfinal and was recognized with an Outstanding Arrangement award for “Determinate” originally performed by the cast of “Lemonade Mouth.” Under A Rest was the last student-run group established at their high school and has worked incredibly hard to be where they are now. They are extremely proud of all that the group has accomplished and look forward to another amazing year.

Vibe is the newest co-ed a cappella group at Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK High School! Vibe is the only teacher-led group within a program of eight other student-run groups. Vibe participated in the ICHSA in 2021, placing 2nd at Quarterfinals and 3rd at Semifinals.

South Glens Falls High School’s Vocal Point is a curricular group based in upstate New York. Their a cappella accomplishments include multiple recording studio projects and serving as the opening act for The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, Foreigner at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and William Shatner and Ben Folds at the Kennedy Center. You can find their recordings on all major streaming platforms. Be sure to follow them on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook @sgfvocalpoint.

GUEST PERFORMERS

Founded by a bunch of music nerds as a casual singing group back in 1998, Sigma'cappella comes from humble beginnings at Hofstra University. Flash forward 26 years to today, the group has evolved and grown, but largely stayed true to their roots as a tight-knit group of nerds who live, breathe, and thrive on music. Together, the members of Sigma'cappella belt, riff, and harmonize through a wide variety of music. Performing everything from Delta Rae to Bonnie Raitt to Avicii (and everything in between), Sigma'cappella has covered a lot of ground in the Northeast region, performing at venues such as Boston Symphony Hall. They look forward to the opportunity to sing for you and show what they bring to the table!

Just In Time is a brand-new a cappella group of seventh and eighth graders at Mattlin Middle School, here in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District. Directed by Adam Paltrowitz, who is also co-advisor to all nine groups at the high school, Just In Time made its performance debut this past December! All the members of Just In Time sing also in the seventh and eighth grade chorus. This is their very first performance outside of their school!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Steven Alexander is a graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music with a degree in music education. While there, he led the multiple award-winning a cappella group BisCaydence to a 2nd place finish at the 2019 ICCA Finals. He also served as an associate conductor with the Miami Children’s Chorus and at the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts. His passion for a cappella led to him founding an a cappella program in his last teaching position. Currently based in upstate New York, Steven is pursuing a dual M.A./M.B.A. from the Eastman School of Music and the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester.

Jason Fitzpatrick is a music educator with a deep connection to a cappella. He started singing with groups at Connetquot High School, where he competed in the ICHSA, and continued through college with Ammerman A Cappella and SUNY-Potsdam’s Pointercounts. Jason is also a vocal percussionist and arranger. A certified K-12 music educator, he currently teaches general music and chorus in the Middle Country Central School District and enjoys exploring music technology in his personal arranging and a cappella projects.

Bonnie La Gatta is a high school chorus teacher at Riverhead High School. She conducts a mixed chorus and a competitive chamber choir that recently placed silver at the WorldStrides competition in Washington, D.C. She is also a vocal and piano instructor at the prestigious School of Rock in Port Jefferson, N.Y., abiding by a performance-based curriculum. Before teaching, she ran the a cappella group Fa Sol Ladies at Suffolk County Community College. She then matriculated to study music education at The Crane School of Music, where she joined A Sharp Arrangement, SUNY Potsdam's all-treble a cappella group. She served as music director, arranger, and competed in ICCA three times. She is very excited to join this panel as an adjudicator.

Dr. Marc Silverberg is an a cappella educator, content creator, and vocal improviser. He has served as the Head of Vocal Music for Five Towns College and presented workshops on vocal improvisation at over 30 national and state festivals. In 2020, Marc pioneered two new breakthroughs in a cappella education: A cappella Masterclass (acappellamasterclass.com) and VocaVersity, the world’s first, online school for contemporary a cappella. In spring 2020, Marc released his first published book with GIA Publications, co-written with Deke Sharon and Dr. J.D. Frizzell, titled “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella.” He currently manages audio and video content for Acaville (acaville.com) and records a cappella parodies under his pseudonym, Docacappella. He holds degrees from University of Delaware (B.M.), Westminster Choir College (M.M.), and Five Towns College (D.M.A.). Marcesilverberg.com

Alyssa Sposato, a native of Long Island, N.Y., earned her B.M. in music education with a minor in music business from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. With a diverse background in a cappella, Alyssa served as president and music director of her collegiate group, The Potsdam Pitches, leading them to numerous ICCA Central Semifinal placements. Additionally, she spent three years as a member of the professional treble a cappella group, Cape Harmony. Alyssa currently works as a music educator for the Middle Country Central School District, specializing in elementary general music. She extends her passion for performing through music directing at Theatrics Performing Arts, guiding students of all ages to realize their potential onstage. Alyssa extends her best wishes to all competing groups this season.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank the entire Plainview-Old Bethpage School District for their unwavering support; Dr. O’Meara, superintendent of schools and Mr. Michael Rodgers, District Director of Music; Ethan Meixsell, tonight's sound engineer; 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 ICHSA Northeast 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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