2025 ICCA South Quarterfinal @ Pearl River Community College

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

Pearl River Community College
Saturday, February 8th, 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

Accent A Cappella (formerly known as No Southern Accent) is the University of Florida's premier all-gender a cappella group, established in 2001. They are excited for this opportunity to compete at the ICCA and are proud to share this set they all created together. Last year, Accent released their EP, Before the Dawn, which earned two Contemporaray A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), for Best Pop EP and Best Mixed Collegiate EP. One of their singles was also featured on BOCA 2024. In last year’s competition season, they advanced to ICCA Semifinals in Durham, attended the National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in Orlando, and placed 2nd at Boston Sings (BOSS). As a fully student-run group, Accent offers its members numerous opportunities to grow musically, creatively, and personally through collaboration, leadership roles, and performance experiences. Their mission statement is to foster inclusivity and support for people of all majors, backgrounds, and identities by maintaining a safe, welcoming space. Above all, Accent is a family of students who share a passion for music but cherish their connections to one another even more.

All-Night Yahtzee is an award-winning, all-gender a cappella group, known for its dynamic performances and rich harmonies. Founded in 1998 at Florida State University, the group has been captivating audiences for over two decades with its innovative arrangements and diverse musical selections. Their repertoire spans pop, R&B, and even EDM, showcasing the vocal talents of passionate singers from all walks of life. The group has consistently excelled in national competitions, including the ICCA, placing 2nd at South Semifinals last year, while also maintaining a strong campus and community presence. All-Night Yahtzee recently released their newest album, XXV, which showcases a fresh and captivating collection of a cappella performances. More than just performers, All-Night Yahtzee is a tight-knit family that celebrates the power of music to connect and inspire. They continue to push the boundaries of a cappella music while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for their members and audiences alike.

Currents is the newest a cappella group at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss. Though they have been singing choral music together at campus events for the past two years, they are excited to be making their competitive debut! Mississippi has a growing number of competitive ensembles and Currents is proud to be part of this vibrant community.

Dooley Noted is a gender-inclusive a cappella group on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Established in 2006, they are Emory's only service-oriented group that arranges and performs a wide variety of songs, spanning several decades and genres. They foster a creative environment where members are encouraged to arrange songs and bond through their love of music. Dooley Noted also has a tight-knit alumni community which continues to give back to the group. They perform monthly at Emory's First Friday, a showcase of a cappella talent on campus. You can also catch them at Barenaked Voices, an annual charity performance event to raise money for the Emory Helpline, at their semesterly concerts, competing at ICCA, and Christmas caroling around Atlanta neighborhoods. Dooley Noted continuously strives to strengthen its presence in the Atlanta community, performing on campus and in local hospitals and event centers. Most recently, you may have seen them perform in the pilot episode of “Tell Me Lies” on Hulu!

Blending dynamic vocal harmonies and infectious energy, EC Listening is a pop a cappella group redefining the limits of vocal performance. Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of a cappella music, EC Listening delivers performances that are as visually engaging as they are sonically impressive. Whether in an intimate venue or on a big stage, this group’s contagious energy and intricate vocal work make every performance unforgettable.

Harmonic Notion is Vanderbilt University’s premier ICCA-competing, co-ed a cappella group. Harmonic Notion, also known as HN or Harmonics, was formed in January 2013. In 2021, they placed 2nd in their ICCA South Quarterfinal and won Outstanding Choreography at Semifinals. They were also recognized on the 2020 and 2021 BOCA albums and release music on all streaming platforms. In addition to competing and recording, Harmonic Notion showcases their music at various concerts and campus events each semester. Singing primarily pop and R&B music, they strive to perform a cappella music at a high level and have fun while doing it!

Since 2004, Infinite Harmony has been rocking Georgia Tech and Atlanta with their sweet sounds and smooth moves. With a portfolio as diverse and creative as its members, Infinite Harmony bringsa love of music, a taste of fun, and a hint of insanity to every performance. All of their music is arranged by past and current members. The group returned to ICCA last year for the first time since 2019 and they plan to keep the momentum going with a unique and experimental repertoire consisting of mashups, folk songs, oldies, and whatever else their members can think up! When they're not holding their semesterly concerts for the entire Georgia Tech campus, they can be found performing at other events, such as commencement ceremonies, alumni receptions, and local holiday house parties. Years back, they even performed for the Obamas at the White House!

The Sedoctaves is a feminine-inclusive a cappella group from the University of Florida, as well as a family of hard-working and empowered performers. Coming from a variety of majors, they are united by a shared love for music and seek to inspire others with their originally crafted pieces, captivating performances, and positive attitude.

Spirit of Southern is the premier a cappella ensemble at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. The group performs at various university and community events in and around Hattiesburg, and serves as one of the primary recruitment arms of choral activities. The students in this group range from all undergraduate levels of study and from various academic fields. They have been honored with invitations to perform at Mississippi ACDA, Mississippi Music Educators Association state conferences, as well as the Southern Region Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. SOS is excited to be making their first appearance at ICCA this year!

TrebullDawgs A Cappella is the premier a cappella group from Mississippi State University in Starkville, also known as Starkvegas. Founded in 2016, this harmonious and passionate group of singers is dedicated to spreading the joy of a cappella music across their campus and beyond. Nine years in, they have definitely accomplished that feat. More than just an a cappella group, they feel like one big family singing together onstage, which is a rare gift to find. This will be TrebullDawgs’ second time competing in the ICCA. In their ICCA debut last year, they placed 4th at Quarterfinals and won an Outstanding Soloist award for “Chains” by Nick Jonas. They are extremely excited to participate in their second season and hope to represent Mississippi to the absolute fullest! Hail State!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Christina Carter holds an M.M.E. from the University of Central Florida and a B.M. from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. She is the Director of Choral Music at the Ensworth School in Nashville, Tenn., where she directs the Chamber Singers and the contemporary a cappella group, Encore. Christina also teaches Music 1 and AP Music Theory and is the director and conductor for the musical productions. She has been conducting choirs and small orchestras since 1995 and has been an ICHSA and ICCA adjudicator for several years. Her a cappella groups can be heard on Spotify and Acaville Radio. Her current group, Encore, was recently selected for the 2025 BOHSA album. In her spare time, Christina loves spending time with her husband and frequenting Universal Studios to watch her daughter perform.

Jeffery Coulter is currently in his 19th year of education, having spent his entire career at Sumrall High School. At Sumrall High School, Jeffery teaches choral music to students in all grade levels and directs the concert choir, Legacy Show Choir, and the female advanced women's choir and pop a cappella ensemble, Traces of Blue. Under Jeffery’s direction, his choirs consistently achieve Superior ratings in both stage performance and sightreading at festivals and competitions. In 2024, Traces of Blue advanced to the ICHSA Finals. During Jeffery’s tenure, the choirs at Sumrall High School have performed in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, New York, and Utah. In addition to his work at Sumrall High School, Jeffery serves on the Mississippi American Choral Directors Association board as Contemporary and Commercial Arts Chair. His primary task is hosting the event, AcaFest. Through this event, a cappella groups from throughout the Southeast join together to learn techniques from renowned clinicians to sharpen their vocal and stage performance skills. Currently, Jeffery serves as the music director at Sumrall Methodist Church.

Jacob F. Morris is a performer, director, and dog dad based on the Gulf Coast. He founded Upper Room A Cappella at Spring Hill College. Now he is a fulltime theatrical performer and director for Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and youth theatre productions. He has performed across the country. Off-Broadway credits include “The Do Not Sing List” (54 Below) and “Broadway Goes A Cappella” (Green Room 42). Regional credits include “Jersey Boys” (FestivalSouth), the regional premiere of "The Play that Goes Wrong" (Festival South), "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (EverBlue Arts), as well as “The Making of Scrooge” and "Tinsel Tones" (OWA Parks and Resort). Jacob carries a Master of Arts in musical theatre from the University of Mobile. He is the executive director of JF Morris Performance LLC, a professional theatrical production and casting company based on the Gulf Coast. Regional directing credits include “Mega Musicals,” “A Very Broadway Holiday,” “Broadway Night,” "The Addams Family," "Disney's The Little Mermaid," "CLUE," "The Wizard of Oz," and “Shrek the Musical.” Jacob is the artistic director at Bay Area Performing Arts, a pre-professional youth theatre academy in Daphne, Ala. @_jacob_morris_

Kate Sawyer is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans and the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins, where she honed her talents for operatic and concert repertoire. Kate has sung in various ensembles professionally, including Magnolia Sound, a new Mississippi-based choral group. In her storied career, Kate has performed all across the U.S. and overseas in Austria and Ireland. As a vocal teacher, she has gained a reputation for bolstering young voices and helping singers of all ages understand healthy technique for all singing styles. She has directed One A-Chord, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s a cappella ensemble, for nine years. The group performs locally in schools for outreach and as an ambassador for the college’s Jackson County campus.

Dylan Trần is an artist based in New Orleans, La. He views music as a form of world-building, poignantly evoking nuanced atmospheres in a way that is both intimately expressive and boldly energetic. His compositional practice strikes a balance between welcoming and challenging, having curated a unique musical language that is equally rewarding for performers and audiences. Born in a rural parish hospital as one of 11 children, and raised in a double-wide trailer in central Louisiana, Dylan’s first dream was to be a rockstar/actor/tennis pro/Pokémon-trainer. At 14 years old, he put those dreams on hold and joined his high school choir. Since then, he has been commissioned by Hulu, the Oxford American Journal, TAAF, and more. He has conducted and coached ensembles throughout the U.S. and Europe and has volunteered for music programs across the country and in Vietnam. His music has been performed all over the U.S. and his choral arrangements have been performed in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, India, and the U.K. Prioritizing ethical, equitable community engagement and well-being, Dylan insists on leaving a positive, tangible impact wherever he works. He has developed and is constantly refining an artistic practice that involves the ongoing redistribution of funds, resources, and recognition.

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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