2025 ICCA South Quarterfinal @ University of Tennessee

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

University of Tennessee
Saturday, February 8th, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

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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

The Belles is an all-female, student-run, a cappella group from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. At last year’s 2024 South Quarterfinal in Knoxville, The Belles came in 1st place and took home an Outstanding Soloist award for their performance of “Burnin’ Up.” This led them to their first ICCA Semifinal. After their ICCA journey came to a close, they released their first EP and music video, titled Fire and Rain. Established in 2019, The Belles made their ICCA debut in 2023 and are grateful for every opportunity to take the stage and bring audiences their story. They pride themselves on the special bond they have together, both on and offstage. The Belles’ sound is a dynamic, contemporary culmination of musical influences, incorporating a wide range of pop, soul, R&B, and choral stylings. They seek to emulate the powerful female artists that inspire them.

The Beltones is a student-run, co-ed a cappella group based in Nashville, Tenn. at Belmont University. Founded in fall 2009, they were the first a cappella group on Belmont’s campus. The Beltones have grown to include local and national performances, including ICCA Finals in New York in 2013, 2014, and 2017. The Beltones are committed to principles of positivity and humility, and value the opportunity to make good music with people they love.

Noteworthy is UGA's student-led treble a cappella group. Established in 1988, they have worked to promote a cappella on campus since the group’s founding. They pride themselves on being a close-knit community centered around their mutual love of music. With members spanning various backgrounds and majors, Noteworthy is a group of individuals from completely different walks of life that get together to make beautiful music. Although their recent work has focused on conducting their own music video this past year, Noteworthy is excited to return to the competition stage!

Intonations is an all-female a cappella group from Belmont University in the heart of Nashville, Tenn., founded in 2019. More than just a performance ensemble, Intonations serves as a supportive and empowering community where young women from all majors can continue pursuing their passion for singing throughout their college years. The group has proudly represented Belmont in the ICCA for the past three years and won a 2023 special award for Outstanding Soloist. EMPIRE, Intonations' first EP, was released in August 2024. Beyond competitions and recording projects, the group regularly performs at local events in Nashville, including hosting an annual fall concert featuring Belmont’s a cappella groups. Whether performing onstage, recording in the studio, or simply singing together for fun, every moment spent with Intonations is about blending voices, building friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences.

The Pitchmen is an all-male a cappella group from Nashville, Tenn., composed of 18 students from Belmont University. Achievements include their debut album, Ultraviolet, becoming the 2023 ICCA Champions, and winning numerous ICCA awards for Outstanding Soloists, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion throughout the competition season. With every success, this student-run group sets itself apart through its members’ dedication to their craft and to one another. Encompassing the modern Nashville sound, they pride themselves on singing a broad range of music that offers something different for every audience member to enjoy.

Prismatics, founded through friendship in 2015, is an all-gender a cappella group from Belmont University, committed to making meaningful music. Prismatics is no stranger to the ICCA stage, competing for the first time in 2017 and every year since. Prismatics has been blessed enough to attend ICCA Finals in 2021 and 2022, as well as many ICCA Semifinals, including last year's 2024 season, winning several awards along the way. They have won multiple awards for Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Vocal Percussionist, and Outstanding Choreography, including two Outstanding Choreography awards during the 2024 season, at both Quarterfinals and Semifinals. Prismatics is ecstatic to return to the ICCA stage and compete with their peers, while sharing their passion for music.

Based in the aptly named Music City, Spectrum is Vanderbilt University’s premier competitive fusion a cappella team. They promote diverse backgrounds and genres by blending music from anywhere and everywhere. From Hindi to Mandarin Chinese to Spanish, Spectrum celebrates the joy and beauty of music as shared across multiple cultures. This year marks Spectrum’s fourth year competing in the ICCA. Two years ago, Spectrum finished in 1st place at the 2023 ICCA South Quarterfinals in Orlando, advancing to the South Semifinals in Durham. Just last year, Spectrum placed 3rd at the 2024 ICCA South Quarterfinals in Durham. Spectrum has also competed on the All-American Awaaz circuit, singing South Asian music and winning 2nd place at Finals in San Antonio in 2022. On Vanderbilt’s campus, Spectrum performs at various cultural festivals and events. Blending traditional cultural dance elements into their choreography, Spectrum always brings a unique energy and passion for performance to the stage. Their dedication to engaging audiencea in every performance truly sets Spectrum apart.

UT Singers is the oldest vocal ensemble on the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus. Its roots date back to the 1950s and, like any great artist, has evolved its image with the changing times. UT Singers is a mixed-voice a cappella ensemble that performs music spanning from traditional choral music to jazz to contemporary a cappella. This group serves as music ambassadors by representing their College of Music and University at on and off campus events. Its talented members are in degree paths ranging from music to neuroscience to psychology to pre-law and many more. Though their degree paths may be vastly different, they all share a love of music and a desire to share it with others. The UT Singers are thrilled to perform for you tonight.

VOLT is a dynamic co-ed a cappella group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, dedicated to performing alternative pop music. The group was founded with a vision to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all majors, allowing individuals from any academic background to pursue their love for singing. VOLT believes that passion for music transcends formal training and they welcome anyone eager to explore their vocal talents and creativity. They focus on honing their craft and developing a unique sound that reflects their collective vision. Each member contributes a unique set of skills and they embrace the energy that comes from working together, making every practice an opportunity for artistic exploration. With each performance, VOLT aims to connect with its audience and share the hard work and dedication that they put into their music. VOLT is all about passion for music and the creativity that unfolds when they collaborate as a team.

Harmonium is an SSAA pop a cappella ensemble from East Tennessee State University. Founded in 2016, the group emphasizes making music and having fun! Harmonium last competed in the 2021 ICCA and they are excited to return to the ICCA stage.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Brad Maffett is the conductor of the Athens Symphony. He previously performed with the Athens Symphony Chorus and continues to serve as a rehearsal assistant. Brad conducts band and choir at Franklin County Middle School and has previously conducted for “Musica Fraterna” of the Atlanta Children’s Choir, Local Vocals, and B Natural. He has written arrangements for over 80 a cappella groups. Brad has been involved in all aspects of music, from serving as a singing waiter to playing tuba in a polka band. When he isn’t making music, he can be found cooking barbecue in competitions throughout the Southeast.

Caleb Moore is a singer/songwriter from Dallas. He graduated from University of Texas-Arlington with a B.A. in music industry studies with an emphasis on music media. Caleb has successfully led two groups to ICCA Finals, as well as the Open Finals at Carnegie Hall. In addition to receiving numerous Outstanding Arrangement awards, his groups have recorded on Patti Labelle’s Christmas album, sang on a national Cheerios commercial, and his music has been nominated for a Contemporary A Cappella Award (CARA) for Best Original Song. He currently arranges for high school and collegiate a cappella programs across the country, serves as a clinician at festivals, and continues to write and perform original music.

Caitlin Nelson is a New York City-based actress, vocalist, events professional, and cheese aficionado. Originally from Tallahassee, Fla., she attended Florida State University, where she majored in music and sang with All Night Yahtzee. Since graduating, she has served as music director for Boston's The 508s, founder and music director for Seattle’s Shot in the Dark, and music director of Empire A Cappella. She currently directs, arranges for, and performs with the six-person vocal band, Concrete, and is a member of the Founder's Board for the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL). Caitlin has earned awards for her choreography and arranging and is featured on Voices Only 2009 as the soloist for All Night Yahtzee's “Missing the War” by Ben Folds.

Amy Whitcomb has been in love with music since she began piano lessons at the young age of 3. After graduating with a degree in commercial music studies, Amy released two EPs with her rock band, The Whits. She appeared on NBC’s “The Sing-Off" with the a cappella groups Noteworthy and Delilah, with whom she has toured internationally in Asia and Europe. In 2013, Amy was on NBC’s “The Voice,” released her first solo single, and toured with other artists from the show’s top 32. After touring with Deke Sharon’s Vocalosity from 2015-2017, Amy found herself back in Utah from 2018-2021, where she served as artistic director of BYU Noteworthy. She continues to contribute to high school and collegiate a cappella groups, directs and produces projects for Rise Up Children’s Choir, and art directs the advanced girls’ choir, Lumina. Amy is the music director for Lagoon Entertainment and is involved in various studio and stage projects. She currently teaches private voice lessons and produces and releases several accessible, affordable tools for vocalists to solidify vocal technique, better understand vocal health, and train more efficiently!

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!

VIEW ALBUMS

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