2025 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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 SOUTHWEST QUARTERFINAL

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, February 22nd, 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

Amplified is a mixed-voice, student-led a cappella group from the University of Arizona, donning the Ampli-colors, black and La Fonda turquoise (yes, it is that specific shade!). The group was founded in 2012 to create a fun, close-knit community of people who love to sing, create, and perform. Amplified aims to tell stories that reach beyond the meaning of the songs themselves and create a more impactful experience. Amplified was honored to be named 2023 ICCA Southwest Semifinal Champions and make Arizona history as the state’s first group to progress to Finals in New York! Amplified revolves around forging friendships and expanding their Ampli-family. Between balancing jobs, academics, and life beyond the university, they come together to share their talent, skill, and creativity. Together, they and their sound are Amplified.

The Northern Arizona University Axecidentals is an all-treble a cappella group that was established in 2013. Since its founding, they have sung music by artists ranging from Radiohead to Little Mix to Billie Eilish. A gender-inclusive group, they cater to all voices on the treble clef! As one of the premier groups on NAU’s campus, they represent the high standards of the NAU School of Music, as well as the school’s other majors and career paths. In past years, they have placed 1st in the ICCA at Quarterfinals, advanced to Semifinals, and won awards like Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Soloist. Group alums have gone on to develop their own groups, such as Red Letter Daze, Side Note, and Unaccompanied, who can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok! They regularly tour high schools in the Southwest area, including Arizona, Nevada, California, and Utah, for outreach to spread the love of the a cappella community! The Axecidentals have released music on both Spotify and Apple Music, including their most recent single “Snow Angel,” released in July 2024. They are proud to represent treble singers in Flagstaff and hope to keep their empowered musical community alive.

Devil Clefs A Cappella is a co-ed performance group in Arizona State University devoted to cultivating a strong sound and building a fun, inclusive, and caring musical community. Music students make up a small percentage of the group and most members represent other studies, ranging from STEM all the way to graphic design! Devil Clefs’ discography includes their 2022 EP, Always Forever, featuring the “idontwannabeyou when the party’s over” mashup of two Billie Eilish songs from their viral YouTube stairwell video, as well as “Good Thing” originally sung by Zedd and Kehlani, “The Other Side” by Bruno Mars featuring CeeLo Green and B.o.B, and “I Love You Always Forever,” originally sung by Betty Who. They also released a 2023 single, “Late Night Talking” by Harry Styles, their 2023 ICCA set, Gravitation” (showcasing “It Gets Dark” by Sigrid, “Space Song” by Beach House, and “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine), and a 2024 single, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. They may be devils, but their singing is angelic! Aca-hell yeah!!!

Elevation A Cappella is the mixed-gender a cappella group at Northern Arizona University! Founded in 2008, this ensemble is Northern Arizona University's first a cappella group and provides an inclusive space for people of any gender who love to sing and perform. For 16 years, they have exemplified the idea that students of any major should have opportunities for a musical outlet and, of course, a cappella! In 2017 and 2024, Elevation joined NAU’s Axecidentals and Highlanders to headline for Acapalooza in Las Vegas, a festival dedicated to teaching high school students about the wonders of a cappella. This marks their eighth ICCA and they are so excited to share their music with you!

Founded in 2013, Enharmonics A Cappella is the inclusive all-treble a cappella group at The University of Arizona. Musically, Enharmonics specializes in pop, indie, and jazz genres. Enharmonics has competed in ICCA for the last several years and placed 2nd at the 2022 USA Virtual Quarterfinal. Last year, they won Outstanding Choreography at their 2024 Southwest Quarterfinal. Outside the competition season, Enharmonics also performs throughout the Tucson community at showcases, gigs, and winter holiday events at the Tucson Mall and Oro Valley Festival of the Arts. They are currently in the process of releasing their first ICCA EP and music video, titled Oasis. As undergraduate students, their group focus is to create lasting connections through music. Above all else, they pride themselves on their inclusivity, teamwork, musicianship, and having fun. Enharmonics is excited to compete in the ICCA 2025!

Meow or Never A Cappella is the University of Arizona's premier a cappella group, founded in 2008. Meow or Never is active across campus and Arizona. They have performed at events like TEDxUArizona, Bash at the Rec, Destination Arizona, sororities, and UofA ceremonies. They are proud to have released music this year on Spotify and Apple Music and look forward to releasing more soon.

Noteriety is a group of 17 dedicated, unique individuals who all share a passion for singing and making music. Founded in 2009, Noteriety is University of Arizona’s original all-gender a cappella group, the 1st place winner of ICCA Quarterfinals 2023, and Runner-Up of ICCA Semifinals 2023. Noteriety also competed in BOSS 2024.

The Pitchforks at ASU is the oldest and only all-treble a cappella group on campus. They participate and perform in competitions, community fundraisers, gigs, and other large events across the Phoenix-metropolitan area. Consisting of young women from diverse backgrounds, majors, and musical knowledge, The Pitchforks at ASU are also the longest existing collegiate a cappella group in Arizona, established in 1992.

Priority Male is the premier all-male a cappella group at Arizona State University. The group has been competing in ICCA for over 10 years and has won awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Vocal Percussion in recent years at Quarterfinals.

The TEMPEtations is Arizona State University's premier all-gender a cappella group. Established in 2010, they are dedicated to building community and friendship through a shared passion for performance and music. They love to perform a wide variety of music, from today’s top hits to beloved classics, all arranged by the group’s own talented members. The TEMPEtations were proud to win the 2024 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinals and earn Outstanding Vocal Percussion for their set. They look forward to competing at ICCA every year and can’t wait to perform!

GUEST PERFORMERS

Melanie Moreno is a local Tuscon Arizona performer. She is a recent alum from the University of Arizona where she recieved a bachelor’s degree for theatre arts and creative writing. During college, Melanie was a member and music director for the a cappella group, Enharmonics. She is currently a Tucson film actress and stage performer. @melnotsogr8

Celine Mireille Durney has recorded four albums and performed alongside prestigious artists such as Pentatonix, The Real Group, Sarah Brightman, and Josh Groban. She has composed and arranged various a cappella and orchestral works for ensembles around the world and is a frequent workshop leader for a cappella arrangements at international choral and a cappella festivals. A proud Berklee College of Music alumna, Celine obtained a master's degree in contemporary performance and production in Valencia, Spain, and is globally recognized as an outstanding singer, arranger, producer and educator. She currently enjoys bringing her passion and skillset of songwriting, arranging, and collaboration to Chandler-Gilbert Community College and continues to work as a freelance musician back in her home state of Arizona.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Dr. Sammy Brauer is a conductor, private voice teacher, professional soprano, and director of choirs at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Sammy is the music director for Chaparral’s large musical theatre shows and teaches classes of choirs, piano, and musical theatre. Sammy served on the board of the Arizona Choral Directors Association. There, she published many choral reviews in the ACDA journal and promoted ACDA’s summer conference workshops at Mesa Community College. She is a member of the American Music Educator’s Association and an on-call adjudicator for festivals and workshops. Her current work at Chaparral includes being the sponsor and director of Chaparral High School’s vocal group, Gold Dust Avenue. This touring group was featured by SUSD’s governing board for two consecutive years for their achievements in competitions. GDA singers learn advanced vocal harmony and choreography and compete across the country, from Texas to New York. Sammy is the Chaparral Honors choir director and enjoys working with the auditioned talented singers. Prior to her work in public school education, she was an associate professor at the community college level. She was director of the Scottsdale Master Chorale, a touring group that performed large works in France, Austria, and Italy.

Courtney Evans (she/her) is a singer, pianist, music educator, and choreographer based in Phoenix, Ariz. She is thrilled to be returning for this year’s competition season, having served as a Varsity Vocals judge since 2019. Courtney is a member of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale, an accompanist and music literacy instructor with the Phoenix Children’s Chorus, and the assistant music director at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria. She previously served as the choir director and piano teacher at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe before moving into higher education as an academic advisor at Arizona State University. In addition to her strong classical choral roots, Courtney is a founding member of the a cappella group, Unaccompanied, an award-winning semi-professional group. Unaccompanied was formerly a competitive collegiate group from Northern Arizona University and has since recorded professionally and performed for festivals across the country, including Las Vegas Acapalooza, Ad Astra Music Festival in Kansas, and the Western Region American Choral Directors Association conference. She has also performed alongside New York Voices and M-Pact, and sung back-up for Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli on their recent U.S. tours. Courtney graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in choral music education from Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Eric Sackett is grateful for music and the arts and feels blessed to have been surrounded by them his entire life. Some highlights of Eric’s performing career include founding an a cappella group at his high school and singing in BYU’s Vocal Point and Young Ambassadors, along with different groups across Utah Valley. He has taught voice for over 10 years and currently helps run INSPIRE Entertainment, a local performing arts studio based in Gilbert. Eric has worked in the music industry for over 15 years as a director, musician, performer, and vocal/piano coach. Eric and his wife have four delightful children. In his spare time, Eric enjoys playing with his kids, exploring new cultures around the world, watching movies, and creating.

Nason Werth has been known to travel the country for a good a cappella show, and currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz. Originally from the great state of Michigan, Nason studied vocal performance at Michigan State University, where he served as music director and bass with MSU’s first co-ed a cappella group and ICCA fixture, Capital Green. He gained broad ensemble experience as a student with the university chorale, chamber choir, jazz octet, and section leader in the Okemos Presbyterian Church. Nason relocated to the Mid-Atlantic after college and has performed with the Handel Choir of Baltimore and the Bach in Baltimore ensembles. He currently serves as a nominator and judge for the A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs) and Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) and is looking forward to a great show!

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 Southwest 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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