2025 ICCA Central Semifinal @ University at Buffalo

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to Varsity Vocals’ 29th 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 700 groups and over 11,000 singers at over 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 29 years ago and we can’t wait to see how our 2025 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 CENTRAL SEMIFINAL

University at Buffalo
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

varsityvocals

@varsityvocals

ABOUT VARSITY VOCALS

Since 1996, we have encouraged students worldwide to sing a cappella throughout their lives. Our programs include both the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), and the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). 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 four or 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 26th.

The high school tournament is now in its 20th year. The winners of each of seven Semifinal rounds will advance to the ICHSA Finals at The Town Hall in New York City on Friday, April 25th.

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

On That Note is a premier competitive women and queer-centered a cappella group from Toronto Metropolitan University. Founded in 2020, On That Note boasts a unique sound, an outside-the-box artistic vision, and a repertoire of songs originally performed by women and queer artists. Over the years, On That Note has gained widespread acclaim for their stage presence and all-original arrangements and choreography. This vibrant group connects through a shared love for singing and one another, as well as a passion to create unique sets that deliver a powerful message. Since their in-person ICCA debut in 2023, On That Note has become a two-time consecutive ICCA Finalist, taking home the Central Champion title with their powerful, narrative-driven sets. The group has also received multiple special awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Soloist, and Choreography. They released their Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-winning debut EP in 2024 and plan to release a full album in the near future! They hope that their love for one another and the music they perform will shine through onstage. With this same heart and dedication, On That Note is eager to carry on their legacy in the 2025 ICCA!

Equivox is Western University's one and only all-gender a cappella team! Derived from the adjective, “equivocal,” which means “open to more than one interpretation,” Equivox strives to give performances that offer unique meanings to each individual who encounters them. While they tend to specialize in pop with a hint of rock, Equivox enjoys experimenting with their sound and challenges themselves to do so as often as possible. Last season, they placed 3rd at their 2024 ICCA Central Quarterfinal for the very first time and were proud to represent as the only Canadian university in the top four! This is Equivox’s seventh year competing in ICCA and they are beyond excited to show what they’ve been working on!

As the oldest co-ed a cappella group at Binghamton University, The Binghamtonics have been making love to your ears since 1987. From pop and alternative rock to blues and hip hop, they’re passionate about sharing their vibrant sound across campus and with everyone here tonight! This marks their third time competing in the ICCA, and after reaching the Semifinals in both of their previous attempts, The Binghamtonics are thrilled to be back!

Premium Blend is Ithaca College’s only all-female a cappella group. Founded in 1998, the group is composed of 18 female-aligned individuals dedicated to learning, performing, and sharing the beauty and fun of a cappella music with all audiences. Premium Blend performs in events across the Ithaca College campus and in the larger Ithaca area. They also go on two tours to their members’ homes every academic year, performing for their friends, families, and communities. Most recently, they placed as Semifinalists in the 2024 ICCA and released their newest EP, Out Til Dawn, on all streaming platforms.

Established in 2012, Dynamic Intonation is an all-voice jazz/pop a cappella group from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Their goal is to combine the stylings of jazz, pop, and a cappella to enhance the musical experience of the Fredonia community. DI is mostly composed of music and theatre majors, but is proud to include members from non-performance majors as well. DI is thrilled to be back for a third competition season. They were honored to place as Runner-Ups in their 2023 Central Quarterfinal and earn a slot at Semifinals, receiving the Outstanding Vocal Percussion award along the way. In 2024, they returned to place 3rd at Central Quarterfinals and took home awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Choreography. DI is happy to return to the ICCA stage and hope you enjoy their set! Follow them on Instagram @di_fredonia

The Coda Conduct is the all-gender, race, and sexual orientation a cappella group at Penn State. This group holds auditions at the beginning of every fall semester, hoping to add some of the most talented singers Penn State has to offer. They rehearse for at least six hours every week and perform music from all kinds of genres, with a focus on modern pop. The Coda Conduct competes in collegiate competitions, performs at THON, and holds concerts every winter and spring. The group is composed of people who put their mental health first, schoolwork second, and Coda third. Singing together allows them to form friendships that will last past Penn State and provides an outlet for them to express who they truly are.

The Songburghs is one of the University of Pittsburgh's premier all-gender a cappella groups. Established in 2015, they pride themselves on an expansive and authentic repertoire that covers a wide variety of styles. They are entirely student-run and work together to put on performances for various events throughout the city of Pittsburgh. The Songburghs compete at the ICCA, notably earning 1st place in the 2019, 2020, and 2024 Quarterfinals, 2nd place in the 2023 Quarterfinals, and 3rd place in the 2022 Quarterfinals. They have released four EPs on Spotify and continue to release sets via social media! With love for music, performance, and one another, The Songburghs strive to create versatile arrangements, provide entertaining performances, and connect with their community.

To call C Flat Run just a competitive a cappella group would be a grave understatement. As one of the University of Pittsburgh’s longest running all-gender a cappella ensembles (founded in 2009), they have nurtured a personal connection with the greater Pittsburgh area through passion, community, and, most importantly, music! Over the last 15 years, C Flat Run has performed with groups from its own and neighboring universities, recorded their very own single, fundraised for local charities, and placed 1st in their 2018 ICCA Quarterfinal. Along with this winning title, they also received special awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Soloist. As an annual competitor in the ICCA, C Flat Run relishes every opportunity to share their talents with everyone and views this tradition as a collaborative and uplifting experience for all vocalists. C Flat Run is thankful for the opportunity to showcase their voices with you and look forward to a wonderful ICCA season. To “C” all of the great things they’ve done in the past 15 years, check out their social media @cflatrun!

Off the Record (OTR) is an all-voice a cappella from Lehigh University. The members of Off the Record come from all different backgrounds and majors and share a common love for music. OTR not only enjoys singing together, but also deeply loves spending time together as a group. At their 2024 ICCA Quarterfinal, Off the Record placed 3rd overall and received a special award for an Outstanding Arrangement. OTR has been competing in ICCA for the past 10 years! Competing is many group members’ favorite time of year. Off the Record’s mascot is an otter and their colors are green and lavender. They are so excited to perform in ICCA this year and cannot wait to show everyone that they have what it takes!

Founded in 1991, None of the Above is Penn State's oldest co-ed a cappella group! An entirely student-run group, NOTA members arrange all the music, manage rehearsals, plan and organize performances and social events, record and edit music videos, and more! NOTA is proud of the family they have created at Penn State. In addition to competing, the group is currently working on releasing their first EP! Follow them on Instagram @noneoftheabovepsu to keep up with everything the group has going on.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Brandon Burgess, a native of western New York, received his B.M. in music education, and M.M. in music performance (clarinet), at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. While there, Brandon spent several semesters in the co-ed cappella group, The Potsdam Pitches. He held several board positions while in the group. Most notably, Brandon was president of The Pitches when they were named ICCA Central Champions and advanced to the 2018 ICCA Finals. An active teacher and performer, Brandon teaches elementary band in the North Tonawanda City School District and maintains a dynamic private studio. He currently serves as the Niagara County Music Educators Association vice president, and performs regularly with the Erie County Wind Ensemble (E-flat and B-flat clarinet) and as a woodwind specialist in many Buffalo area pit orchestras. Brandon wishes luck to all groups competing in ICCA and ICHSA competitions this season! Go Bills!

James Harrington has worn many hats in almost 25 years in the collegiate and professional a cappella worlds. A former ICCA producer in the now defunct New England and Northeast/Central Canada regions, he has also competed (The Berklee Method) and has been a judge for over 20 years in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and Central regions. James was a four-year member of Hyannis Sound, and a member of 2002 Harmony Sweeps Finalist Groove, and “The Sing-Off” Season 1 alternate Mutual X, in addition to subbing for professional outfits Ball in the House and Home Free. As an operatic bass, he has performed with the major companies in Santa Fe, Portland, Nashville, and Boston, among others. He is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music, Florida State University, and the University of Wisconsin, and is the director of Buffalo Rock Voices, a community choir focused on rock and pop repertoire.

Philip Jarosz has appeared on various stages throughout Western New York, including Studio Arena, Artpark, and Lancaster Opera House. He has also performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and in Opera Sacra productions. Philip is a founding member of the The Lake Effect all-male a cappella ensemble, Vocalis, and the Harmonia Chamber Singers. Philip teaches in the Kenmore-Tonawanda school district where he has directed productions of "The Laramie Project," "Six Degrees of Separation," "Sweeney Todd," "Les Miserables," and "The Drowsy Chaperone," to name a few. In 2018, Philip was named Buffalo Theatre Person of the Year.

Shannon Connor is a board-certified music therapist working at the Holy Childhood, Hochstein School of Music and Dance, and Roberts University. She has served as a clinician and Director of Arranging for Cut Off Studios in Rochester, N.Y. Within this studio, she served as an educational speaker for their LENS (Learn. Envision. Network. Sing) a cappella events. She has studied piano for 17 years, and has accompanied musicals, soloists, and choirs. Her musical background ranges from bands, jazz bands, pit bands, choirs, and a cappella groups. She has a passion for a cappella and directed Melica, the all-female a cappella group at Elizabethtown College for three years, leading them to Semifinals. She is excited to judge this year's competitors.

Melissa Rashford is a proud alumna of The Mandarins, Syracuse University’s oldest all-female a cappella group. Under her direction, The Mandarins competed and performed throughout the eastern United States, earning multiple awards and national recognition by advancing to the ICCA Finals. Melissa is in her 11th season working with Varsity Vocals. Melissa teaches musical theatre at Rome Free Academy in Rome, N.Y., performs with the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, and is a former adjudicator for the Syracuse High School Theatre Awards. She holds degrees in music industry and business administration from SU and works in the university's Division of Marketing.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Bryce McCracken, Chelsea Perticone, Mike Jankowski, Joey Cassata, Acaproducers, and staff from the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts; 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
Senior Producer, ICCA & ICHSA West

Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
Senior Producer, ICCA South

Arvin Zabalerio
Senior Producer, ICCA Central

Gemma Davies
Producer, ICCA United Kingdom

Emily Benjamin
Producer, ICCA Northeast

Adam McNeil
Producer, ICHSA Great Lakes

Valentyna Simon
Producer, ICHSA West

Ben Garza
Producer, ICHSA Southwest

Bryce McCracken
Associate Producer, ICCA Central

Bri Decerio
Associate Producer

Angelina Corbin
Associate Producer
ICCA & ICHSA South

Sara Yood
Senior Producer

Emily Flanders
Director of Adjudication
Senior Producer, ICCA Great Lakes

Andrew Poole
Director of Digital Media

Charlotte Taylor
Marketing & Social Strategy

Holli Kitching
Senior Producer, ICCA Mid-Atlantic

Leah Alrutz
Senior Producer, ICCA Midwest

Alaina Wegner
Producer, ICCA Southwest

Christopher Witham
Producer, ICCA United Kingdom

Jillian Kimberlin
Senior Producer, ICHSA Mid-Atlantic

Christopher Hoffman
Producer, ICHSA Northeast

Jake Yoakum
Producer, ICHSA West

Nicole Palmetto
Associate Producer, ICCA Northeast

Tyandria Jaaber
Associate Producer, ICCA Mid-Atlantic

Rebecca Williamson
Associate Producer, ICCA South

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 2025 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

#ICCA