2025 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ Oakton High School

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 MID-ATLANTIC QUARTERFINAL

Oakton High School
Saturday, March 1st, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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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

Established in 2013, Extreme Measures (EM) is Christopher Newport University's competitive co-ed a cappella group. EM has traveled all over Virginia, participating in the ICCA, Richmond Rhythm, hosted by The Virginia Commonwealth University Ramifications, and L.E.N.S., hosted by Cut Off Studios. On campus, EM is active in the welcoming CNU a cappella community, performing in the annual Glow in the Darcappella and hosting their Blue Tie Affair invitational. EM is full of dedicated and talented musicians and doubles as a second family to its members. With a mission to spread their passion for singing, EM works diligently in and out of the rehearsal hall to provide the world with music curated from all of their hearts.

General Admission was founded in 1995 as Washington & Lee University's first co-ed a cappella group and remains W&L’s only co-ed and competitive group. The group’s 17 members hail from across the country, including Florida, Texas, California, and more. United by a shared passion for music, the group delivers energetic performances that span a variety of musical genres, from pop and rock to indie and R&B. Each year, General Admission competes in the ICCA and entertains their community at concerts and charity events. General Admission’s strong sense of group camaraderie is key to their success, forming lasting bonds through silly vocal warmups, witty icebreakers, and regular social events, all of which energize their musical collaboration. These traditions, passed down through generations of singers, create a deep connection among General Admission members, fueling both musical excellence and their collective spirit. Whether competing onstage or gathering for rehearsal, General Admission’s love for music and dedication to one another shine through in every performance. They strive to leave a lasting impression on every audience through their love for singing together.

The GW Pitches is George Washington University's first all-treble a cappella group, established in 1996. They have notably performed at the Supreme Court and perform annually at the GW Dance Marathon. The GW Pitches are thrilled to be back competing in the ICCA for the second year in a row. You can stream their newest EP, The Haters Anthem, on Spotify and Apple Music.

No Ceiling is an independent, competitive, and passionate a cappella group whose purpose is to showcase the musical talents of William & Mary on a national stage. These dedicated musicians push themselves to perform their best while upholding the tenets of inclusivity, modesty, and respect. In the 2024 ICCA season, they won 1st place at their Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal, as well as Outstanding Arrangement, Soloist, and Choreography, and went on to win Outstanding Choreography again at Semifinals. This success has propelled them into a new, exciting year of creative and competitive inspiration. No Ceiling is excited to compete again with the Varsity Vocals family for the 10th year! After all, what is more exciting about making music with just their voices? Almost nothing! And they LIVE by that.

The Notochords is VCU's oldest award-winning gender-inclusive a cappella ensemble, embodying family, harmony, and originality. Established in 1992 on the MCV campus, the group is now based on the Monroe Park campus and stays busy participating in competitions and delivering captivating performances throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. The Notochords have consistently demonstrated their presence at VCU, ICCA, and within the Mid-Atlantic region at various competitions. In the upcoming years, The Notochords is eager to embrace new opportunities, share their music with wider audiences, and continue to cultivate a warm and vibrant atmosphere within the VCU Community.

Ramifications is a premier, award-winning a cappella group from Virginia Commonwealth University. Founded in 2009, the group started out as The Compass Singers, but officially changed their name to The Ramifications by summer 2010. Specializing in contemporary a cappella, the group covers a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to R&B and indie hits. In the 14 years since, The Ramifications has grown in talent and notoriety, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. The Ramifications host Richmond Rhythm, Virginia's very own annual collegiate a cappella invitational, and have competed and performed all around Virginia. In 2018, they were the first group from VCU to advance to the international stage of the ICCA as 2021 ICCA Finalists. In addition to releasing their first studio album in 2019, titled Genesis, The Ramifications were featured on the 2020 BOCA for their song, "Bellyache," and the 2021 BOCA for their song, "Freedom." They will soon release their next single, “Mania,” on all streaming platforms. You can find The Ramifications on Instagram @ramificationsvcu!

The Richmond Octāves was founded in 1990 as part of a senior project. The name “Octāves” came from the musical term “octave," and served as a clever reference to the University of Richmond's eight-legged mascot, The Richmond Spiders. Over the past 32 years, The Taves have been a consistent part of campus life at the University of Richmond. The group has spread its talents all over the East Coast, performing and competing in various events, ranging from nonprofit community concerts to the ICCA! The Octāves also won a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) in 2015 for their rendition of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball." Every spring, The Octāves host Spring Fever, the biggest a cappella event of the semester at The University of Richmond. Spring Fever brings some of the best a cappella groups from around the country to perform alongside The Taves and the event promises to bring many more in the future.

Sons of Pitch is the George Washington University's premier a cappella group for tenor and bass voice parts. Founded in 2003, SOP has spent the past 21 years making music for the GW community, D.C., and beyond. They've performed at Nationals Park, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and at various universities around the DMV. Check out their music on Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen! #SOPWhat?!

USounds is a co-ed group called University Sounds from Christopher Newport University! Since 2008, USounds has worked diligently to create a distinctive and unique sound and solidify its position within the CNU a cappella community and the collegiate a cappella world. This group participates in various events on and off campus and in multiple competitions throughout the year. USounds has previously competed in ICCA, but this is the debut for all of the group’s current members. Their diverse music selection includes the many subgenres of pop, R&B, rock, indie, and alternative. USounds is incredibly open to any genre of music and loves being able to bring various styles to life.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Evan Belcher is an award-winning arranger, music director, masterclass instructor, and vocal percussionist. He joined Mason Some Noise (now MSN) at George Mason University in 2016. Evan led the group from their debut ICCA performance in 2018 to consistent competitive success including their first Semifinals appearance, and earned multiple Outstanding Awards for arrangement as well as vocal percussion. Since his graduation in 2020, Evan has stayed involved in the a cappella community, co-founding All Ears Arranging, an a cappella arranging and masterclassing company.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Penn., Amanda Cornaglia started her a cappella career as musical director of Special K at Hamilton College. After graduation, she moved to rural Japan for four years, where she founded, trained, and performed with the award-winning international a cappella group, The Amigos. Upon moving to the D.C. area in 2005, Amanda founded and continues to perform with the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL) group, Euphonism, and Snowday, a group that provides a cappella educational programs all over the world. She is the managing partner of Clear Harmonies Productions, president of CAL, and she served on the CASA Board of Directors from 2010-2015.

Charnice Frazier has a long-lasting relationship with music and has been singing since she could speak. In addition to singing in choirs from middle school through college, Charnice was part of a chamber a cappella ensemble in high school called Infinity. Through this ensemble, she realized that she wanted a cappella to always be a part of her life. In the fall of 2012, Charnice joined James Madison University's premier female a cappella group, Note-oriety, and served as business manager and president during her years with them. Along with leading the group, she arranged songs and helped record their award-winning album, Note-oriety. Charnice currently resides in Southern Maryland and is the choral director at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, Md. Outside of teaching, Charnice sings in D.C.'s newest all-female vocal group, The District, and is one of the group’s assistant music directors.

Nadia Sosnoski is a Berklee College of Music graduate and accomplished vocalist. She was a member of Pitch Slapped, the 2011 ICCA Finals Champions. Over the years, she has had the privilege of performing alongside respected artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, and Patti LaBelle. Her talent was further acknowledged as a Quarterfinalist at the 2021 American Traditions Competition. Currently, Nadia serves as the lead singer for Max Impact, the United States Air Force rock band, where she travels internationally to entertain troops, civilians, and dignitaries. In 2020, Nadia founded Sit Stay Productions, a voiceover company providing services to companies and brands around the world. Through Sit Stay Productions, she has provided voice talent for various esteemed clients, including Google, Solo Stove, Palmers lotion, and Wrangler.

Ashlyn Thomas is an award-winning music director and arranger. In her collegiate a cappella career with George Mason University's MSN A Cappella, she attended the Mid-Atlantic Semifinals and won Outstanding Arrangement before taking leadership of the group in 2020. As the president and music director of MSN, she led the group in their most successful ICCA season in 2023, earning their first-ever spot in the Wildcard round. Ashlyn was also a founding member of the award-winning professional group NOVEM who competed in The Open Northeast Semifinals in 2021. She is also a co-founder of All Ears Arranging, an a cappella arranging and master-classing company which has produced multiple award-winning sets for groups in the D.C. area.

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
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 Mid-Atlantic 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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