2025 ICCA Northeast Semifinal @ Berklee Performance Center

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 NORTHEAST SEMIFINAL

Berklee Performance Center
Sunday, March 30th, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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@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

The Quinnipiac Legends, founded in 2012, is the university’s only a cappella group and is entering its sixth year of competing in the ICCA! Made up entirely of non-music majors, the group is fueled by a shared passion for making music. The Legends have advanced to the ICCA Northeast Semifinals twice in the past three years and are constantly working to improve their sound and performance. Rehearsing late at night three times a week, The Legends consider themselves a family with a shared love for music and performing. Beyond competitions, they’ve had the honor of opening for the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall for the past two years, gracing one of the most iconic stages in the world. The Quinnipiac Legends hope to continue pushing the boundaries of what their group can achieve, all while having fun.

Established in 2010, Makin’ Treble is Hofstra University’s only all-treble-voiced a cappella group. Makin’ Treble is a group of 22 talented, kind, and supportive people who love to sing, have fun, and share in the community that making music brings. This group has competed in the ICCA since 2016 and placed 3rd at the 2021 ICCA Quarterfinals. Their repertoire includes a variety of music, ranging from Miley Cyrus to Stevie Nicks to "Phineas and Ferb," all arranged by current members or alumni. They release their music on all streaming platforms. Last September, they released Begin Again, an EP featuring their 2024 ICCA set. They perform at various Hofstra events, including concerts, invitationals, and open houses, giving them an abundance of experience in live performance and ingratiating them into the tight-knit a cappella community at Hofstra. Makin’ Treble is incredibly excited to continue the ICCA tradition and to showcase their talent and passion for singing!

Established in 2017, Viridescent is University of Vermont’s first-ever competitive a cappella group! They are so excited to represent UVM in their third consecutive ICCA season. Viridescent’s style is generally R&B-inspired pop, but they sing a mixture of all genres! The group’s main goals are to create music that they are proud to share while spending time with the people they love. Recent projects include the official music video of their 2024 ICCA set, which can be found on Youtube, as well as their fourth studio release, MoVement, available on all streaming platforms! They are also proud to share that all arrangements, recording, and production for that album were done in-group. For easy access to these projects and to stay up to date with all things Viridescent, follow them on Instagram @uvmviridescent. They are beyond thrilled to be here today and want to thank all of their supporters and everyone at Varsity Vocals who made this possible!

The Potsdam Pointercounts is SUNY Potsdam's premier all-basso a cappella group, with voices ranging from tenor to bass! They dedicate themselves to educating students of all ages about a cappella music and spreading their love for the arts into schools. The Pointercounts perform various styles of music in educational workshops and performances, engaging people of all ages with their creative spirit. A cappella music holds historic and cultural significance and The Pointercounts strive to share one of the oldest forms of choral singing with other students. The Potsdam Pointercounts’ mission is to create an atmosphere where they can create and enjoy music.

Pitch, Please! is a women-centered treble a cappella group from Northeastern University. Since they were founded in 2012, they have pushed boundaries and challenged standards of traditional collegiate a cappella. Last spring, they earned 3rd place overall at ICCA Finals, after placing 1st in the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds, winning numerous awards for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Soloist along the journey. Last year, they also won the Audience Favorite Award at SingStrong AcaIdol Competition, placed 3rd at the Boston Sings (BOSS) Scholastic competition, and earned awards for Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Most Captivating Solo. They have won 11 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), including Best Upper Voices Album for both their album, Obsidian, in 2020 and their most recent EP, Indigo, in 2023. Performance highlights include the Boston Red Sox’s first international women’s celebration game, City of Boston events featuring Mayor Michelle Wu, and “The Today Show” in New York for International Women’s Day in 2020. Follow them @NUPitchPlease on all social media platforms for more exciting music and projects coming soon!

In 1949, four Brown University students broke away from the traditional men’s glee club to form their own independent singing group, The Jabberwocks, making them the oldest a cappella group at Brown. With innovative, reimagined musical performances, The Jabberwocks are committed to pushing the envelope of a cappella excellence. The “Wocks" have had multiple tracks featured on the BOCA albums, won multiple CARAs, and toured all over the world, including to South Korea last summer. In 2019, The Jabberwocks transitioned from all-male TTBB group to all-gender. Over the past two years, they have placed 3rd and won Outstanding Choreography in their ICCA Quarterfinals.

The Opportunes is Harvard College's oldest all-gender a cappella group, founded in 1980. In addition to regular performances in the Boston area, The Opportunes embark on yearly international tours and produce professional studio albums biannually. In 2022, The Opportunes placed 2nd at ICCA Finals, winning the titles of Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion.

The Nor’easters is Northeastern University’s premier all-gender a cappella group. They received 1st place in the 2023 scholastic competition at BOSS. They were also the 2019 Champions at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC), and the 2013 and 2017 Champions at the ICCA. The Nor’easters have had the privilege of performing in various cities and prestigious venues, including London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the White House in Washington, D.C. Check out The Nor'easters wherever you stream your music and stay up to date on performances and releases by following them on all social media platforms @nunoreasters.

Frequency is Pace University’s premier a cappella group. In fall 2017, Frequency was founded by a few Pace students to offer a creative outlet for students to grow their musical gifts. Their mission is to be a place for students from all different cultures and backgrounds to express their love for music. Frequency was the 2023 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal Champion, placed 2nd overall in the 2023 ICCA Northeast Semifinals, and received the award for Outstanding Choreography. Their latest EP, Thaw, is out now on all streaming platforms.

Vocollision is a competitive mixed-gender a cappella group at NYU that specializes in outside-the-box performances and exploring diverse genres. Founded in 2008, this all-inclusive group has performed nationwide, released singles, an EP, and music videos, and competed across the Northeast. Recently, they were named ICCA Quarterfinal Champions in 2024 and 2021, and won awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Choreography, Vocal Percussion, and Videography at ICCA Quarterfinals and Semifinals. Above all, Voco is a family that loves to chill and have fun but they’re ready to kick ass when the time comes!

GUEST PERFORMER

Skyler Clark-Hamel (musically known simply as "Skyler") has been making music for over 20 years, starting in his Maine hometown before attending Berklee College of Music. As a solo artist and bandleader, he toured extensively, releasing two albums and three EPs between 2010 and 2016. Along the way, he collaborated with an array of talented musicians, including fellow Berklee alumni John Mullett (fiddle/guitar/keys) and Charles Berthoud (bass), both of whom played key roles in different eras of his band. Together, they’ve shared the stage with artists like The Goo Goo Dolls, Plain White T’s, Colbie Caillat, and Matt Nathanson, leaving their mark on audiences across the country. Yet, despite their intertwined musical histories, this marks the first time Skyler, John, and Charles will perform together as a trio. Currently spread across the country (Skyler in Charlottesville, John in Vermont, and Charles in Boston), each of them has followed their own distinct path. Skyler and John continue to perform locally, while Charles has risen to global acclaim as one of the world’s premier bassists, amassing millions of YouTube subscribers and recently touring Europe. This long-overdue reunion at their alma mater is a celebration of their shared musical past, their evolving journeys, and the joy of making music together once again. For more, check out Skyler's music on Spotify!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Jessica Chen is the Senior Director of Development and External Relations at the Community Music Center of Boston. Prior to her current role, she received her M.A. in child study and human development from Tufts University and worked in various roles at Tufts, ZUMIX, and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. In the contemporary a cappella community, Jessica serves as the Executive Producer for the NE Voices Festival and as the Director of Awards for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA). Other interests include video games, Boston sports, and all dogs ever.

David Ko holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in music therapy from Florida State University. In his undergraduate years, he was an active member of FSU's Reverb, serving as the group's music director from 2011 to 2013. During his two years as music director, Reverb went on to win multiple Outstanding Arrangement awards, two ICCA South Quarterfinals, and one South Semifinal, plus 4th place overall at ICCA Finals. David currently works in eastern Connecticut, where he is the assistant director of Progressions Music Therapy services. He works on commissions for choral and a cappella arrangements for high school, collegiate, and professional groups in his spare time. You can hear one of his recent arrangements on BOHSA 2025!

Amy Malkoff is one of the producers of the Haunted Harmonies festival in Salem, Mass. She has served as the marketing director for the A Cappella Education Association, as well as the media director of the Women's A Cappella Association (WACA), and on the board and as web content director for CASA. She is a longtime ICHSA/ICCA judge, as well as a certified judge for other vocal events. She is a workshop teacher, master clinician, writer, designer, social media manager (www.amymalkoff.com), and a singer/songwriter and studio musician (www.amymalkoffmusic.com). She currently runs and manages the New Hampshire-based performance venue Club Sandwich (Sandwich, N.H.), where celebrity John Davidson performs on weekends, along with a lineup of nationally known artists on Thursdays. She was a founding member of the groups All About Buford and Deadline Poet and has appeared onstage and in the studio with acts such as Wayne Brady, Jonathan Brooke, The Persuasions, Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert, GrooveLily, Patty Griffin, and Dar Williams. She has a degree in music from Kenyon College, with music studies at Youngstown State University and master’s-level coursework at the New England Conservatory of Music. Amy's music has appeared on both the Rounder Records and Hear Music/Starbucks labels. @amalkoff

Jake McVey began his a cappella journey as a member, assistant music director, and business manager of Hawkward (@rwuhawkward) at Roger Williams University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music. After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (@bgmc1982), contributing as a singer and Music Section Representative while earning his M.B.A. in music business from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2019, he has been a part of Sound Off (@soundoffacappella), an award-winning Boston-based a cappella group. Jake has been an active member of the Varsity Vocals community since 2019, serving as a production assistant before taking over as ICHSA Northeast Producer from 2021-2023.

Amanda Roeder is a high school choral and a cappella director in Chelmsford, Mass., where she directs The Thursdays and The Crescendos. She previously led an award-winning a cappella program in Marblehead, Mass. In 22 years of teaching, her groups have earned multiple CARAs, ICHSA titles, and spots on BOHSA compilations. Amanda is a co-founder and board member of the NE Voices high school a cappella festival. She performs as a freelance vocalist, flutist, and pianist, and teaches private lessons and masterclasses in the greater Boston area.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Andrew Wallace, Amelia Green, Craig Martek, and the staff at Berklee Performance Center; 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