2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal @ Case Western Reserve University

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

Case Western Reserve University
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

AcousChicks A Cappella is a treble-voice pop a cappella group from Bowling Green State University. They were founded in 2015 in response to the lack of a treble sound in the campus a cappella scene, not because of “Pitch Perfect” (though the timing is suspicious!). The AcousChicks love to spread the joy of music throughout their community and you can spot them singing all over town in their signature royal blue. The group prides itself on being accessible to people from a variety of musical backgrounds. This year’s group is composed of 19 members with majors ranging from biology to business to interior design to social work. The AcousChicks have competed at ICCA several times, most recently placing 2nd at their 2023 Midwest Quarterfinal and moving on to Semifinals. The following year, they placed 3rd at their 2024 Midwest Quarterfinal and received Outstanding Choreography for their performance of “What Happens When A Woman Takes Power?”

Case in Point, founded in 2001, is Case Western Reserve University's energetic, all-voices a cappella group. They are proud to have an entirely student-arranged repertoire, either by current or former members. Case in Point can be found performing at gigs all over campus and within the greater Cleveland community, such as opening for Jay Leno’s sold-out comedy set at Playhouse Square. Case in Point regularly competes in the ICCA circuit, notably earning 1st place in their 2023 Midwest Quarterfinal, along with Outstanding Soloist, Arrangement, and Choreography, and ultimately placing 2nd at Midwest Semifinals that season. They took home 3rd place at Quarterfinals the following year. Case in Point also records and releases music, and most recently released an EP called Breakthrough, which highlights their acclaimed 2023 ICCA set. Find them on Spotify and on campus wearing shades of black, white, and lavender!

Dhamakapella is Case Western Reserve University's premier all-inclusive, award-winning South Asian fusion a cappella group that derives its influences from Indian classical, contemporary South Asian film, and western pop genres. Founded in 2005, they began competing in 2011 and have accrued dozens of national titles and individual awards at competitions across the United States. Their mission is to enrich the world of music by blending South Asian and western musical influences, fusing diverse elements to create innovative a cappella arrangements. Through their captivating performances, Dhamakapella hopes to inspire, entertain, and educate audiences around the world about South Asian culture and music.

The Flying Solos is the University of Dayton's no-fella a cappella group founded in 2017 and has been competing for many years. The group has members from all different majors, ranging from future teachers to future physicians. They pride themselves on the relationships they build together while pushing themselves to become the best musicians they can be.

Just Duet is Miami University's only co-ed a cappella group! Their musical assemblage boasts brilliantly talented vocalists from various milieus, merging together to create a harmonious masterpiece. This is their fifth ICCA and they’re eager to return after making it to Midwest Semifinals in 2023. This phenomenal instrument-less ensemble was established in 2013 and many of the group’s founding alumni returned for their solo concert earlier this year! You can listen to their glorious EP and single releases on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as their full, live musical catalogue on YouTube. This company of vocalists cherishes any opportunity to perform, including their A Cappella All Stars concerts with the other Miami University groups, their solo concert, a plethora of social engagements, and, of course, the ICCA, which you have the pleasure of witnessing now. Just Duet hopes you enjoy their performance as much as they’ve enjoyed creating it.

Rhythm and Roos A Cappella is the University of Akron's only co-ed a cappella group composed of 19 members across a variety of majors. Rhythm and Roos was founded in 2005 and has performed on campus, in the greater Akron area, and across the Midwest for the past 20 years. Roos has competed at ICCA since 2015 and has appeared at Semifinals twice. Rhythm and Roos prides themselves on creating a strong familial environment and sharing their passion for music with one another and their audience. Each year, Roos has a weekend retreat full of music and bonding exercises to strengthen the Rhythm and Roos family. Roos' goal is to create great music, even greater friendships, and to make an impact with both. They sing to save lives.

Scots in Harmony first submitted a video for the ICCA in 2019, qualifying for Quarterfinals in their very first attempt. This group highly values diversity and inclusion and strives to convey a meaningful message in every performance. They love to perform for their local college community at the College of Wooster and the surrounding area in smaller venues. When they aren’t working hard at rehearsals, Scots in Harmony members love to hang out and have fun together with dinners, PowerPoint nights, and movie nights. Last year, the group’s current president, Brianna, won Outstanding Soloist at their ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal in Cleveland, Ohio.

Sol A Cappella is the only competitive a cappella group from Baldwin-Wallace University. They are so proud to share that they recently released their first-ever EP, The Traveler, on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Sol A Cappella is so excited to share all of the work they have done this year!

The Miami University TrebleMakers is an a cappella group currently composed of 16 talented Miami women. Founded in 2010, The TrebleMakers quickly became one of the most prestigious groups on campus, performing in concerts throughout the school year and often collaborating with other groups from Miami's talented a cappella community. They are so excited to be back on the ICCA stage alongside tonight’s incredible groups! Today, The TrebleMakers hope to share a set that encompasses the journey of chasing a dream, with each song representing the excitement, hardships, and perseverance experienced along the way.

Vocal Intensity is Kent State University’s only a cappella group, formed in 2015. They are known for their energetic and entertaining performances. Composed of students from all different backgrounds and musical experiences, Vocal Intensity emphasizes the values of community, musicianship, and collaboration.

GUEST PERFORMERS

Case CobRAAS is Case Western Reserve University’s premier competitive Raas-Garba dance team. They strive to provide both CWRU and the greater Cleveland community with an opportunity to engage with and learn about the cultural significance of Raas and Garba, two vibrant styles of folk dance originating from Gujarat, India. Currently in their sixth year of performing in the collegiate Raas-Garba circuit, Case CobRAAS has had the opportunity to proudly represent Case Western Reserve University on stages nationwide. They are thrilled to show what the team has been working on for the upcoming competition season, so be sure to check out their Instagram and website to stay updated on their future performances!

Say hello to Spartan Bhangra! As one of the biggest student organizations at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), they promote diversity, inclusion, and equity as their core values. Not only do they enjoy learning about Punjabi culture and doing Bhangra, but they also love giving back to the community and standing up for what is right. From performing at gigs and weddings to raising money for nonprofit organizations, Spartan Bhangra takes great care in everything they do. Although they are a competitive dance team, Spartan Bhangra is a family too. The memories, challenges, and joyous moments they have shared turned into everlasting friendships! If you are ever in Cleveland, don't be afraid to stop by and say hey to the family. You may find them doing Bhangra, and who knows? You may also pick up a few cool dance moves while you're there!

CWRU Nritya is CWRU's premier competitive classical dance team. They use classical Indian dance fused with modern music to tell important stories.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Christopher Andres attended The Ohio State University and studied music education and music performance. He also was a member of The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club and University Chorus. Chris has been singing and playing the piano since he was 5 years old and also plays flute, tenor saxophone, baritone, and trombone. Chris has performed on numerous stages around the world as both an instrumentalist and vocalist. He currently serves as the music coordinator and music director at Oakland Church of the Brethren where he directs the bell choir, adult choir, women's choir, and the contemporary praise band. He is currently in his sixth year at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio as the assistant vocal music director and accompanist.

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.

With a Master of Music in choral conducting (Kent State University) and a Bachelor of Arts in music theory and voice performance (Ashland University), BK Riha is a music educator, producer, vocalist, live looper, and arranger with a special interest in building pop a cappella repertoire for treble ensembles and young scholastic groups. Surpassing 25 thousand copies sold worldwide, BK's 200+ innovative yet accessible arrangements have been performed and recorded by ensembles all of levels and ages in over 30 countries, with notable appearances at 2018 World Choir Games in South Africa, the 2021 World Choir Games in Belgium, and the 2023 National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in Orlando, Fla. BK also adjudicates for the ICHSA, the ICCA, and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). BK regularly coaches ensembles and leads workshops at festivals like SoJam and the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, as well as various Ohio high schools. BK currently teaches Commercial Voice, Music Fundamentals and Second Year Project at Tiffin University, one of the only schools in the country to offer scholarships for a cappella, beatboxing, live looping and hip hop music. BK also directs TU's vocal harmony group, Higher Ground, and assists with arts recruitment. BK is the founder, director, and producer of ZERO TO SIXTY, Ohio's summer a cappella group. In their free time, BK tries new recipes and studies the link between psychology and music.

Kat Smith is a graduate of the University of Dayton and an alum of the university's Remedy A Cappella. She has been working as an a cappella choreographer for five years, teaching at Camp A Cappella, Kettering National A Cappella Festival, NE Voices, and the National A Cappella Convention (NACC). Kat spent three years as director of Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School's award winning group, Vega, and now serves as voice director at the Miami Valley School in Dayton, Ohio. There, she currently directs the high school and middle school groups, Ars Nova and Elite Beats, and continues to freelance choreograph.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Nivedita Posharody, and the staff at Maltz; 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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