2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal @ Liberty 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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Liberty High School
Saturday, February 15th, 2025

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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

A Cub Bella is the premier all-treble competitive a cappella group at Missouri State University. Originating in 2002, A Cub Bella is notorious for their dedication and undeniable talent, which moved them up the ranks of collegiate a cappella. They even progressed to ICCA Finals, but unfortunately disbanded in 2021 due to complications from the Covid-19 pandemic. In spring 2023, the group’s current president and music director knew they had to bring back a musical outlet for treble voices to thrive and sought to restore A Cub Bella. Last year, ACB returned better than ever, earning Outstanding Choreography at the first Midwest Quarterfinal. Back in action, each group member brings a unique history and relationship with music, lending to the group’s diverse learning and working environment. ACB offers a safe and inspiring community that welcomes individual perspectives and reminds them how rewarding music can be. This year, A Cub Bella is even stronger and they can’t wait to perform together.

Based out of Springfield, Mo., The Beartones is Missouri State University's tenor/bass a cappella group. Founded in 2000, The Beartones have always been focused on musical excellence and creating an environment that champions the success of its members, in and out of the group! For more than two decades, The Beartones have consistently thrilled various audiences. The group is renowned for their “polished” and “memorable” sets, while racking up numerous performances across the country, in cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, and New York!

Beyond All Reason is Saint Louis University's first and only all-treble a cappella group. Founded in fall 2002 by SLU students Monica Reicks and Becky Phillips, Beyond All Reason (also known as BAR) started with 10 singers and has come a long way in the years since! The current group of 13 lovely singers performs around campus at various events. They host two concert extravaganzas a year and sing for other student organization-sponsored events, such as the four other fabulous SLU a cappella groups' concerts, Relay For Life, SLU basketball games, and more. This past year, BAR also hosted their annual Aca-Prom, in which members of the SLU community join them for an epic dance party, performances from SLU's five a cappella groups, and the Royal Aca-Court. You may also catch them off campus singing for regional events, including the ICCA. They sing a little bit of everything, mainly focusing on contemporary hits, and all of their pieces are arranged by current or previous members of BAR.

Crimson and Blues A Cappella hails from the University of Kansas! As the one and only a cappella group at KU, they take pride in their close-knit bond and fun performances. In 2022, they competed in ICCA in Aurora, Colo., winning Outstanding Arrangement for their rendition of "Blonde" by Glades. Though they’ve faced some challenges, Crimson and Blues is back on course and they’re excited to return to ICCA in 2025. This group of friends supports one another and loves to hang out and sing. Whether in rehearsal, onstage, or just jamming together, they have a dynamic energy which drives them to pursue their musical goals. This year, Crimson and Blues is singing a mix of contemporary pop and alternative and they’re so excited to compete!

The Hibernotes of Missouri State University is an all-inclusive a cappella group that strives for musical excellence and self-expression. Their mission is to create a unique community that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and vulnerability.

Minor Detail is Truman State’s premier all-treble a cappella group, founded in 2002. The group members come from various academic backgrounds, with most pursuing fields outside of music. Minor Detail is a creative outlet that allows the group members to unwind from their studies and focus on making music with friends. One of their favorite traditions is A Cappella Fest, an annual event hosted at Truman where other collegiate a cappella groups join them to sing. They have made incredible ICCA memories over the years. Group member Laney describes “the moment that everything settles into place, when the group knows that [they] have a complete set,” while Elaina reminisces about “the night in the hotel where [they] had a pizza party, and everyone got to meet [her] pet turtle Crash.” McKena shares one of the group’s ICCA traditions to “write notes of appreciation and good luck for one another,” recalling “the first time opening those letters together [as] a truly special moment.” Minor Detail will always be all treble, all a cappella, all the time!

Mizzou Forte is proud to be the premier co-ed a cappella group at the University of Missouri, specializing in the captivating world of pop music. For many years, they have been representing their school in the ICCA with enthusiasm and dedication. This dedicated group is passionate about music and has built a reputation for electrifying performances, thrilling audiences with their captivating harmonies and infectious energy. Their repertoire spans a wide range of pop hits, from the latest chart-toppers to timeless classics. They take pride in their ability to reinvent songs with a unique a cappella twist, ensuring unforgettable performances that resonate with their audiences. More than just a stage presence, Mizzou Forte is a close-knit family. The members share bonds of friendship, laughter, and a common love for music. Together, they’ve cultivated their musical talents, honing their craft and building connections that extend beyond the stage. Mizzou Forte is a pop phenomenon, a university tradition, and a powerhouse of talent. Let the enchantment of Mizzou Forte's a cappella magic wash over you and enjoy the show!

The University of Missouri's all-treble a cappella group, The Naturelles, was founded in 2007. Since then, they have built a reputation throughout the state of Missouri for their vibrant harmonies and captivating performances. The group’s 18 members bring diverse ideas, creativity, and voices that make this group truly unique. With their dynamic stage presence, original arrangements, and passion for making music together, The Naturelles provide an experience like no other.

Sweet Nothings is an all-gender a cappella group from Truman State University founded in 2005.

True Men is the premier all-male a cappella group at Truman State University. Founded in 1997, the current group is composed of 18 student members. In addition to gigs on campus and around town, they sing at A Cappella Fest each year, an event at Truman where other a cappella groups from across the Midwest are invited to sing together in a friendly and noncompetitive way! They also put on annual Christmas concerts, featuring original skits and arrangements of beloved Christmas carols, and wrap up the year’s work in their spring concert. They have participated in ICCA for many years, notably placing 1st at their 2017 Midwest Quarterfinal and 3rd at 2024 Quarterfinals. Biannually, they release professional-grade albums featuring original arrangements. With only a few exceptions, each True Men piece has been arranged by a current or former member of the group. Their goals are to provide entertaining a cappella performances and build a fraternal spirit centered around a shared love for making music. ICCA provides a perfect opportunity for both!

GUEST PERFORMER

JayBlues is a mixed-voice a cappella group at Liberty High School in Liberty, Mo. The founding members of this ensemble began singing together before and after school and soon realized they wanted to take their music to the next level. Together, they collaborate on the group’s programming and technical aspects, all contributing to their inspired performances. JayBlues is composed of talented, dedicated students, all of whom share a deep love of making music.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Parker Crist is a Kansas City native and was a member of the Washington University Mosaic Whispers from 2011-2015, serving as the group’s music director for two years. He is an experienced arranger, having created over a dozen a cappella arrangements for Mosaic Whispers and several Kansas City area high schools. After college, Parker was a member of the semi-professional a cappella group Collective Measures in Boston, Mass., and is an active member of the Heartland Men's Chorus in Kansas City.

Emily Flanders has been with Varsity Vocals since 2008 and has served as Director of Adjudication, ICCA Midwest Producer, ICCA Northeast Producer, ICCA Central Producer, ICCA Great Lakes Producer, and as an Associate Producer for ICHSA. Emily has served as the Artistic Director and Competition Producer of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America's (CASA) BOSS festival since its inception, inventing the festival’s unique competition format and expanding it over the last 10+ years. An alumna of The Washington University Amateurs, Emily served as both concert coordinator and group coordinator while in the group. She is also the voice of the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) and she is happy to record your outgoing voicemail, even if it’s in Finnish. Emily is a proud resident of the city of Chicago, where she raises chickens, enjoys trips to the beach, and virtually never gets asked if that really was her on "Sing It On."

Danaya Roller is the Director of Choirs in Liberty, Mo. She was previously the choir director at Warrensburg High School, where she conducted two competitive show choirs, and Blue Springs High School. She holds a bachelor's degree in vocal music education from Missouri State University, a master's degree in choral conducting from the University of Central Missouri, and an Education Specialist degree from University of Arkansas. Danaya is a sought-after clinician for choral events held throughout the state and was recently awarded MCDA Kansas City Choral Director of the year.

Lindsay Ryan has been an accomplished performer, director, arranger, choreographer, and vocal percussionist for most of her life. Born in St. Louis, she began her career performing in musical theatre productions at the St. Louis MUNY Opera. From there, her talents took her across the country with credits including the 30th Anniversary national tour of “Annie,” performing for the NBA L.A. Lakers, NBA L.A. Clippers, and the WNBA L.A. Sparks, and appearing on shows like “X-Factor” and “Oprah.” Eventually, she found her way to a cappella music, beginning with arranging and beatboxing at age 13 and going on to win multiple awards for arranging and performance at vocal and choral competitions all over the U.S. At the age of 16, she graduated high school and began her own childrens’ music education program/performance group called RockNacappella. Soon after the group was formed, they went on to perform at venues like the STAPLES Center, GRAMMY Museum, Pantages Theatre, and the LA Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival (winning Best Arrangement and 1st Runner Up in 2015), and released music on platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Since then, Lindsay has returned to St. Louis and continues to arrange, choreograph, and consult for various a cappella and vocal groups across the country.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Danaya Roller, Liberty High School, Ellie Alrutz, Bronson and Chance Roller, and all of the parent volunteers; 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 Midwest 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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