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 SOUTH QUARTERFINAL

Carolina Theatre
Saturday, January 25th, 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

Aural Pleasure is Emory University’s oldest co-ed a cappella group. Founded in 1994, Aural Pleasure is not your mother’s glee club. The group tends to steer away from customary “doo-wop” arrangements and instead prides itself on passionate energy and modern style. Aural Pleasure strives to foster a musically innovative environment and encourages its members to toy with unconventional sounds and push the boundaries of traditional a cappella. Their dedication to performance and musical excellence has afforded Aural Pleasure opportunities to perform at venues across the southeastern United States. In addition to regular on-campus performances, the group has performed in North Carolina, Nashville, and even the Bahamas. Most recently, the group competed in the ICCA Quarterfinals in Athens, Ga., and performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Atlanta. 

Cockappella is the oldest co-ed a cappella group at the University of South Carolina, founded in 2008. This diverse group of students includes all different majors and shares a passion for music. They keep busy by performing at lots of different events around USC and Columbia. Last season included performances for the New Student Convocation, a Fireflies baseball game, South Carolina's governor's inauguration, and features on UofSC's Instagram and TikTok! They have been competing in the ICCA for eight years. They achieved 4th place at their 2024 ICCA South Quarterfinal and were awarded Outstanding Choreography for their entire set! In 2023 and 2022, they advanced to Semifinals in Durham, N.C. Cockappella has an incredible set prepared for this year's competition and they’re excited to perform again! 

Ear Candy A Cappella is an all-female/nonbinary a cappella group founded at Appalachian State University in 2007. This is Ear Candy's first time competing in the ICCA but they were voted Appalachian State's Best Overall group at Acappellageddon in fall 2023. Ear Candy is dedicated to forming strong and supportive bonds through their powerful music. They specialize in pop, singing songs by Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and more. Ear Candy is thrilled to be performing at the ICCA this year with some of their fellow Appalachian State groups.

UGA Kalakaar is the premier South Asian a cappella ensemble at the University of Georgia, uniting talented vocalists with a shared passion for music. Since its founding in 2013 by four ambitious singers, Kalakaar has grown into a nationally recognized, nonprofit organization that performs across the U.S. Their diverse repertoire blends Bollywood, Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western styles, pushing creative boundaries and showcasing their unique fusion of cultural traditions. Driven by a mission to inspire aspiring musicians, Kalakaar promotes the power of music as a universal bond that transcends boundaries. They are dedicated to musical excellence and the ability to unite people through the beauty of vocal harmony. 

Ladies in Red is NC State’s premier all-women student-led a cappella group sponsored by the Performing Arts and Technology Department. The group was founded in 1993 and includes singers from all different backgrounds, musical experiences, and fields of study. They perform various styles of music including pop, R&B, oldies, country, alternative, indie, and more. Ladies in Red aims to share their talents and represent NC State positively through musical performance. They are proud to perform at university events, competitions, invitationals, and other local bookings. Some notable Ladies in Red performances include opening for Tori Kelly, placing 3rd in their 2019 ICCA South Quarterfinal and performing for charity events supporting causes such as reproductive rights and sexual assault awareness. You can keep up with the Ladies by following them on social media @ncsuladiesinred. 

Tar Heel Voices, established in 1988, is UNC’s oldest mixed-voice a cappella group. Since its founding, THV has played a pivotal role in Carolina’s music scene. From performing at New Student Convocations to competing in the ICCA (where they mostly recently won Outstanding Arrangement and advanced to Semifinals), THV continues to leave its musical mark on audiences at UNC and the surrounding area. They are a close group of students and friends bonded by a passion for music, community, and a tradition of camaraderie, remaining 16 hearts, one voice. 

Treble Attraction is Appalachian State University's first femme-identifying a cappella group and they have accomplished so much in their 20 years on campus.. They have competed in the 2023 and 2024 ICCA seasons and have learned so much each time. Outside of a cappella, this group has formed close friendships that have supported them through their time in college, especially following the hurricane that hit Appalachian State in September. From retreats to singalong nights, they embody how music can bring people together. Treble Attraction is more than an a cappella group, but truly a family. Their set this evening is the product of countless hours and hard work from every member. Their songs amplify the importance of a strong voice, much like the original performers themselves. Treble Attraction is so excited to share their love for one another and their music with you tonight. 

VoiceMale is Appalachian State University’s only all-male a cappella group, dedicated to redefining the competitive music landscape through the power of brotherhood and innovation. With a diverse repertoire that spans genres and styles, VoiceMale aims to bring a fresh perspective and challenge the norms of traditional a cappella music. Beyond their musical pursuits, VoiceMale places a strong emphasis on fostering deep connections among its members. This commitment to brotherhood cultivates friendships that extend well beyond rehearsals and performances. This not only enhances their musical journey, but resonates deeply with their audience, making every performance not just a display of talent, but a celebration of unity. VoiceMale is focused on delivering uplifting, memorable experiences that highlight the joy of music and the strength of camaraderie. Whether performing onstage or engaging with the community, VoiceMale strives to inspire and connect with others through their shared passion for singing, leaving a lasting impact wherever they go. 

The Walk-Ons is a co-ed a cappella group at UNC Chapel Hill known for eclectic characters and dynamic music choices. A family of talented, hilarious, and undeniably beautiful singers, their single mission is to spread their love of singing and have fun. The Walk-Ons perform all across UNC-Chapel Hill's beautiful campus for events like Sunset Serenade, GiveUNC, FallFest, and the group's trademark, "The Walk-Ons at Wilson" performances. They have competed in the ICCA Quarterfinals in 2016, 2017, 2024 and moved on to Semifinals in 2015. The Walk-Ons recently released an EP with Liquid 5th Studios called Tell Me Anything, I'll Listen, which can be found on Spotify or Apple Music! 

Wolfgang A Cappella (est. 1997) is an all-gender a cappella group at NC State University founded on a passion for performance and a commitment to musical innovation. Through a common love for music, this diverse ensemble of voices embodies originality, camaraderie, and fearless self-expression. From soulful ballads to energetic pop hits, their eclectic repertoire showcases the group’s commitment to creating music that moves, uplifts, and inspires. More than just a collection of voices, Wolfgang is a family! Through their rehearsals, performances, and unforgettable memories, they forge bonds that extend beyond the stage. Wolfgang doesn’t just sing, but creates an experience, and they can’t wait to share it with you.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Rachel Chalhoub has been an a cappella performer since 2002. Whether with Florida State's Acabelles and All-Night Yahtzee, or as a professional performer with Florida's Third Row Center, New York's Element, Long Island's original electro-vocal band, The Executive Board, or North Carolina’s Jaded, she has been beatboxing and singing in harmony for almost 15 years. You may recognize her face from 2013’s "Inside A Cappella," a weekly YouTube channel dedicated to news, trends, and tips for contemporary a cappella, or from Season 4 of "The Sing-Off.” Today, Rachel lives and works in Durham, N.C. as a training developer and spends her free time editing a cappella videos for groups around the world and educating at a cappella festivals. She also works summers at Camp A Cappella as its resident videographer. Rachel wishes “break a leg” to all of the contestants and hopes they enjoy every moment on stage. 

Jessica Efird was a member of Duke University's Sapphire for five years and missed the collaborative nature of a cappella after graduation. After a year in a community a cappella group called The Raleigh Jaychords, she co-founded Second Shift A Cappella in 2007. Second Shift has now been performing in the triangle region of North Carolina for 16 years, during which time Jessica has served multiple terms as the group’s business director and musical co-director. 

Brooks Jordan began singing a cappella in college with The North Carolina State Grains of Time. Each year he competed with them, The Grains made it to Semifinals and earned 1st place in Quarterfinals for his last two years. In Brooks’ senior year, he led the group to Japan to collaborate with the Japan A Cappella Association in an effort to understand different cultures through music. Workshopping with Japanese collegiate groups and performing for the United States ambassador are just a few accolades from this trip. Brooks serves on the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) board, and works with the production teams of festivals, such as SoJam and Boston Sings (BOSS). Brooks lives in Durham, N.C., where he works full time as a bio-pharmaceutical researcher. 

According to legend (i.e. her parents), Amy Pruitt was singing before she could talk. She fell in love with a cappella at age 9, when spontaneous harmonizing broke out at a cast party (she was playing a Cratchit child in a high school musical production of “Scrooge”). The summer before freshman year of high school, Amy began an unbroken streak of continuously singing in a cappella groups that would go on for the next 20 years. Highlights include busking with her high school group on the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, during the Fringe Festival, and performing for a crowd of more than 20,000 at UNC’s Keenan Stadium for their 4th of July celebration. While in college at the University of Michigan, she arranged, performed, and competed in ICCA tournaments with Amazin’ Blue. Since then, Amy has sung with several professional a cappella groups, including Transit Vocal Band, Avante Vocal Jazz, and her current group, THEORY: the Vocal Experiment. Amy is honored to participate tonight in memory of her dear friend, Jim Diego. 

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 South 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!

#ICCA