2025 ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal @ University of Michigan

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 GREAT LAKES QUARTERFINAL

University of Michigan
Saturday, February 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

Central Harmony A Cappella is a co-ed a cappella group based out of Central Michigan University in Mt Pleasant, Mich. Their mission is to bring students together through music, showcasing the creativity and talent of their campus. They perform a wide range of songs, from classics to contemporary hits, and pride themselves on delivering dynamic performances. In addition to on-campus events, they perform at charity events, fundraisers, and compete in national a cappella competitions. Central Harmony A Cappella serves as a positive representation of their university, sharing their passion for music both locally and nationally.

The Compulsive Lyres is U of M’s premier ensemble when it comes to pathological dishonesty. They are a chaotic family of upbeat, sarcastic, motivated musicians known for their unique arrangements from a variety of different genres. The Lyres bond over their love of music, their losing IM sports record, and their inability to play the instrument that they’re named after. They compete in the ICCA every other year and recently released a new single on Spotify, featuring their 2023 ICCA set. This inseparable group loves making music, making memories, and making endless “Lyre” puns. Just don't believe anything they say! Lyre up!

The DJs is a fun-loving, goofy, diverse group of students from the University of Michigan! While their members may come from different sides of campus, they all share the same intense passion for making excellent music. Known for experimenting with different types of genres and sounds, this incredibly close musical family thrives on pushing boundaries and trying new things. While “DJ” doesn’t stand for anything in particular, the group itself stands for fostering a fun and inclusive environment for all members and audiences. In past years, they’ve snagged 1st place at the 2020 ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinals, 2nd place in 2022, and 3rd place in 2024. Outside of rehearsal, you can find them at one of their legendary game nights or stretching the boundaries of DJ-related puns! They hope everyone is just as D-Jazzed as they are to hear some amazing a cappella tonight!

Emerald Harmony is Eastern Michigan University's premier all-treble a cappella group! They have been on campus for the last seven years and have performed at ICCA for the past three! This group focuses on empowering its members as performers and as people by creating powerful sets full of music they all love. Emerald Harmony is a tight-knit group and are excited to share their love for a cappella while making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Itching for a fun, all-inclusive, slightly silly, SATB a cappella group? Evergreen A Cappella at Eastern Michigan University is the group for you! They strive to make a cappella music accessible to people from all walks of life, including music majors, non-music majors, singers, and non-singers, working together to create a welcoming environment for everyone. They go from dancin' the disco with ABBA to singin' soul ballads with Renee Rapp. Evergreen’s favorite non-musical activities are taking copious amounts of BuzzFeed quizzes, spending time at orchards, paper plate awards, showing-and-telling, and hosting amazing white elephant parties! You can find them singing at various on-campus events and banquets, as well as joint concerts with their brother and sister a cappella groups on campus. After making their competitive debut in 2022, this is Evergreen’s second ICCA and they are honored to have the opportunity to share their joy for music with everyone!

Founded in 1979, The Harmonettes are proud to be the oldest all-treble a cappella group at the University of Michigan! The Harmas strive to create a community of inclusivity, laughter, tight-knit friendships, and amazing music. These dedicated individuals compete in ICCA each year, perform at numerous on- and off campus events, and are ecstatic to have released their EP, Loose Threads, last semester! Outside of their rehearsals in the Bell Tower, they can be found doing trivia, studying late at the library, playing intramural flag football, and losing every single match in intramural flag football!

Gold Vibrations of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. is an a cappella group that specializes in groovy tunes and good vibes. They are excited to be celebrating their 15th anniversary! This group loves singing the likes of Sammy Rae and Friends, Harry Styles, Beyoncé, and anything for which they could add their own spin. When they’re not rehearsing, you can find them at their local Applebees enjoying some of their favorite half-off apps! Gold Vibrations includes 18 members and you can find them performing at gigs and events around campus, including their own concerts throughout the year!

Maize Mirchi is the University of Michigan’s premier fusion a cappella group. Performing on and off campus and competing all across the nation, this group operates by the motto "South Asian-inspired, but never required." They incorporate elements of South Asian and Western music to create a unique a capella sound. Maize Mirchi has released four full studio albums, as well as EPs and singles. They became the first South Asian a cappella group to make it to ICCA Finals and the first South Asian a cappella group to place 1st in ICCA Quarterfinals three times in a row. They have also competed in prestigious South Asian a cappella competitions. They aspire to build a beautiful, musically inclined family full of love and mutual respect.

On The Rox A Cappella is Central Michigan University's only all-treble a cappella group.This group of 15 young women loves to make music together for themselves and their community. On The Rox recently celebrated 20 years of musical memories and they are thoroughly excited to continue making new connections and singing their hearts out.

The Sopranos is a fun-loving, tight-knit treble a cappella group at the University of Michigan, united by their commitment to musical excellence and long-lasting friendships. The group members study subjects ranging from biochemistry to political science, but share a deep love for music. Outside of rehearsal, you can find them doing Broadway karaoke, eating s'mores in parking lots, and debating about the best Sabrina Carpenter song. Besides competing in the ICCA, The Sopranos hold concerts every semester, perform at various events throughout Ann Arbor and Detroit, and even recorded an album last year, titled Matters of the Heart, that you can find on all streaming platforms! Keep an eye on their social media @sopranos.acappella for more content and updates!

GUEST PERFORMER

The G-Men, or Gentlemen for long, is a group of friends who love making music together. Though they were “officially” founded in 1995 at the University of Michigan, the group’s origins are much older. Legend says that the Greek Titan Prometheus was but a swaddling babe when the first plans for G-Men’s “Mr. Brightside” arrangement began to materialize. That’s a true fact. Outside of rehearsal, you can find them playing with hot wheels, slowly invading the southern border of Canada, and following squirrels after dark to see where they are REALLY going. They also sing sometimes.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Conductor and bass-baritone Dusty Francis enjoys an active career as a performer, clinician, and educator across both the United States and the United Kingdom. He currently serves as Director of Music Ministries at First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor. Past roles have included musical leadership of the New York City Master Chorale, London's The Fourth Choir, and the Brooklyn-based Park Slope Singers, as well as classroom teaching positions with the American School in London and Collegiate School in New York City. Dusty has directed and arranged for high school, university, and adult ensembles. Dusty holds a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Josh Huls is an arranger, composer, and music director originally from Grand Island, Neb. While studying music education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he sang with and directed The UNL Bathtub Dogs. Since graduation, he has been working full-time as an arranger/composer for a variety of musical groups in California, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and New York. Best of luck to all the competitors today. May the aca-Gods be with you.

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 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (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 Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) festivals.

Jack Phillipson is currently in his first year of teaching high school choir after a busy college career in a cappella. He found his passion for a cappella halfway through college, and spent his time arranging and directing for Euphoria A Cappella. With successful ICCA ventures and nationwide travel for competitions, Jack helped Euphoria become a group of artists and, in turn, fierce competitors. Thanks to some inspiring people in the a cappella community, Jack's passion has turned into a career. Whether arranging, rehearsing, or gigging with his professional group, Inverse, Jack is just getting started.

Benjamin Saunders is pursuing a doctorate degree in music at Michigan State University. As a graduate assistant, he serves as assistant conductor of the MSU Singing Spartans, Choral Union, and assists in teaching undergraduate conducting. Benjamin taught choir and music at Lockport Township High School and directed six different ensembles. Under his direction, the LTHS a cappella group, Vocal Point, placed at ICHSA Great Lakes Semifinals as the highest rated group from Illinois and competed in the Wildcard round. Vocal Point was also selected to be featured on the 2024 BOHSA Album. Benjamin graduated with distinction from Northern Arizona University with a Masters of Music and was awarded the NAU Outstanding Graduate in Master of Music. He sang professionally with Cor Cantiamo, and has performed on stage with notable artists including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Sarah Brightman, The Real Group, and New York Voices.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank University of Michigan, Jake Wesolek, Frank Mendes, Joseph Aquino, Andrea Poole, and Andrew Poole; 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 two placing groups at this event will advance to the 2025 ICCA Great Lakes 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

#ICCA