2025 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal @ UC San Diego

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

UC San Diego
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

Acamazing is an all-gender a cappella group whose focus is bringing live entertainment to the community of UC San Diego. Each of their performances features a unique skit, illustraining the stories told in their songs. Founded in 2010, Acamazing has sung a range of genres, from pop to jazz and R&B.

The Beat at UCSD is a talented ensemble of vocalists who share a passion for creating captivating music. For over 20 years, The Beat has produced dynamic performances, blending their unique voices to create one sound. With their harmonies, precision, and vibrant energy, they offer a diverse repertoire that spans genres from soulful ballads to R&B to pop hits. The Beat is beyond excited to return to the ICCA stage this year. They are eager to challenge themselves and have fond memories from their competitive debut last year. Known for their close-knit friendships and infectious energy, there is never a dull moment during rehearsals or performances. More than just an a cappella group, The Beat is a family, joining singers from different backgrounds to express their love for singing.

The Canyon Crescendos is Grand Canyon University’s competing a cappella team! Composed of 16 passionate members, they’re dedicated to sharing their love for music with diverse audiences. Since 2021, GCU A Cappella has grown tremendously, doubling in size and rebuilding after setbacks from the pandemic onset. Together, they celebrate the joy of performing and foster a community where each voice matters and all backgrounds are embraced. This year, The Canyon Crescendos are thrilled to push their boundaries with exciting new music, exploring genres from timeless oldies to popular hits. Last year marked their third ICCA appearance, inspiring their efforts to improve and collaborate as a team. In addition to competing, The Crescendos are committed to performing locally, from GCU events and games to community venues like Desert Ridge Marketplace and Beatitudes Campus. Their mission is to provide a safe, uplifting environment that encourages creativity and unity, supporting every member in their musical journey. The Canyon Crescendos strive to create meaningful performances and memorable experiences, leaving an impact through their powerful harmonies and heartfelt expression. They’re excited to share their journey with you!

The ChapTones is an award-winning all-gender a cappella group from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. that emphasizes inclusivity and found family. Since 2016, the ChapTones have annually participated in the ICCA, advancing to Semifinals six times, most recently in 2023 and 2024. Last year, their set, “Please Take Me Home,” won 1st at Quarterfinals, 2nd in Semifinals, and 3rd in the Wildcard round. They have also won multiple Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Soloist awards. Apart from their competitive endeavors, The ChapTones hold strong to their original mission of being a family for every group member.

Duly Noted, one of UC San Diego's wonderful co-ed a cappella groups, has captivated audiences since its founding in 2012. Known for their diverse repertoire that spans pop, R&B, rock, and a hint of jazz, Duly Noted brings energy and creativity to every performance. This year, the group is excited to return to the ICCA, building on their memorable experiences in 2019 and 2024. Beyond the competitive stage, Duly Noted is a vibrant presence at various campus events, from college awards ceremonies to lively night markets and fairs around San Diego. The group fosters a welcoming community that celebrates a range of musical backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Each member contributes their unique talents, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences. As they embark on this new season, Duly Noted is thrilled to welcome fresh voices into their fold. With a packed schedule of performances, exciting collaborations, and plenty of laughter, this year promises to be a remarkable journey for both the group and their supporters. Join them as they harmonize their way through another thrilling year of a cappella!

Simply Vocale is Chapman University’s only all-treble a cappella group. They are a family of loving and inclusive people who share a passion for music! They draw their musical repertoire from a variety of genres, including pop and indie. Simply Vocale was founded as a way to bring a community of women and nonbinary treble singers together. They incorporate a lot of pink in their group, and although they are not limited to women, they like to think that they are reclaiming what it is to be feminine. They like to choose powerful female anthems and meaningful ballads. Simply Vocale prides itself on providing a welcoming space for non-music majors, which brings together many different types of people and music levels to encourage their passions!

Sitaare is UCSD’s premier award-winning South Asian fusion a cappella team. Since its inception in 2006, the group has taken pride in their diverse vocal talent and worked to bring creativity, variety, and culture into their repertoire. They enjoy performing various genres of both South Asian and Western music, ranging from Indian classical and Bollywood to R&B and pop. Sitaare has traveled across the country to compete in the ICCA and South Asian A Cappella circuits. They advanced to the 2022 ICCA Southwest Semifinals and Nationals in the South Asian circuit in 2018. Sitaare always looks to push the boundaries of South Asian fusion music and reach for the stars!

SoundCheck is Chapman University's premier a cappella group, founded in 2007. Known for their jazzy undertones and love for classic rock artists, SoundCheck has proudly competed in the ICCA for nearly a decade. Previous accolades include competing in the ICCA Finals in 2016, winning Outstanding Arrangement in 2022 and 2024, and competing in Southwest Semifinals in 2024. Although they’re a musical group at heart, SoundCheck proudly consists of students from all majors at Chapman University who are dedicated to fostering a collaborative artistic environment. They are well-known on campus and often invited to perform at events like Convocation, Homecoming, and Winterfest. Their relationship with other groups on campus is just as pure, spearheading the organization of events like All-Cappella, a concert between all four major a cappella groups on campus, where they participate in an annual riff-off. SoundCheck members pride themselves for their dedication to their craft, their ferocious ambition, and their love for a cappella.

SoundWave is the first and only co-ed a cappella ensemble at San Diego State University. This ensemble was founded in 2013 with goals to support individual talents, encourage creativity, foster teamwork, embrace diversity, and express dedication to the performing arts. They are passionate about engaging with the SDSU and greater San Diego communities through compelling vocal arrangements and dynamic sound. In 2020, they were named Southwest Quarterfinal Champions and won Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Choreography. In 2022, they reclaimed the title of Southwest Quarterfinal Champions and won Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Choreography. They went on to place 3rd in the 2022 ICCA Southwest Semifinal, also winning Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Arrangement.

The Trebles is a soprano-alto a cappella group at UC San Diego. They sing all kinds of songs, from Disney mashups to jazz, R&B to pop. They love to perform, whether in concerts or competitions. While they love singing together, The Trebles spend most of their time hanging out outside of rehearsals. They’ve had fun socials like painting and karaoke, but they also love getting together for BJ’s pizookie nights, late-night study jams, and day trips around San Diego. More than just a student organization at UCSD, The Trebles is a close-knit group of best friends who share a passion for music. They have competed three times before and are excited to perform in their fourth ICCA!

GUEST PERFORMERS

Midnight Laundry is a local barbershop quartet representing the La Jolla chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. This award-winning quartet has been singing together for just over a year and has competed at two barbershop conventions. You might even recognize a couple of people from UC San Diego’s a cappella community who appear with high FREQUENCY.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Felicia François (she/they) fell in love with a cappella when she became a member of The UNCG Sapphires. After serving as director of that group, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and choral music education. They worked as a chorus teacher and private voice teacher for four years and then went on to receive a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Boston University. Felicia is now working as a speech-language pathologist with a specialty in voice rehabilitation and gender-affirming voice at the USC Voice Center. She is thrilled to be an ICCA judge once again and wishes the best to all those competing!

Deepak Kumar is a professor of Computer Science and Engineering at UC San Diego and a playwright, lyricist, and composer. His plays and musicals tackle the questions that keep him up at night, whether about Asianness, technology, youth, board games, or soul-eating demons. His shows have been developed and produced all over, with highlights including The Old Globe in San Diego and The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut. Back in college at the University of Michigan, Deepak was a member, arranger, and music director of Maize Mirchi, now the first South Asian a cappella group to reach ICCA Finals (in 2023). He is a MacDowell Colony Fellow and is currently on commission from Audible and Arena Stage.

Soprano Natalie Moran, a native Southern Californian, is best known for her vocal quality, comedic character roles, and her musical and theatrical dedication. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and studied at Oxford University. As a student at USC, she co-founded The Los Angeles Muses, an all-female Andrews Sisters a cappella trio, with fellow Thornton music students and performed at the Staples Center, for N.B.A. opening ceremonies, and at Disney for over 10 years. In 2018, she began the San Diego chapter of the ensemble and performs with them throughout San Diego County. A supporter of new works, Natalie performed in the world premiere of Disney Theatrical Productions’ “Hunchback of Notre Dame” at La Jolla Playhouse and originated roles in several contemporary opera productions. She has performed with numerous companies, including L.A. Opera, San Diego Opera, Riverside Lyric Opera, and more. She has also participated in the Tyrolean Opera Program in Maurach am Achensee (Austria), the International Lyric Academy in Viterbo (Italy), Riverside Opera Program, and the L.A. Vocal Lab in Los Angeles. Natalie has also been caroling professionally for the past 20 years and has worked as a cantor at numerous churches. She has also performed with San Diego's go-to choral ensemble, SACRA/PROFANA, and served as a chorister and mentor for Folklore Guild, a San Diego-based ensemble. Currently, Natalie also does studio work for TV and radio commercials.

Isabella Stewart has been passionate about music and a cappella since high school. During her three years in show choir, she became well-versed in sets, choreography, singing, and performance, understanding how to best showcase their hard work throughout the year. After her first year in high school a cappella, she quickly stepped into the role of music director, where she honed her arranging and directing skills. In 2020, she led her group to their first ICHSA competition, where she won Outstanding Arrangement for "River" by Bishop Briggs and Outstanding Choreography. Isabella continued to pursue this passion in college as the music director and arranger for her collegiate a cappella group, Uniting Voices at UC Irvine. Under her direction, the group successfully progressed to ICCA Semifinals for two consecutive years. Isabella currently works at Hart High School, providing musical direction for their a cappella groups. She hopes to become a high school choir and music teacher, sharing her love for music with the next generation of students.

Kelsey Young graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2009 where she earned a B.A. in music with a focus in voice and a minor in theater. At PLNU, Kelsey sang with the upper-division chamber choir Point Loma Singers for four years and the Point Loma Jazz Ensemble for three years, serving as the soprano section leader for both. She also taught private lessons for several young people from the community. After graduating, Kelsey lived in Vienna, Austria with her husband for a year, studying German and absorbing the rich musical culture of Austria, Germany, and eastern Europe. Shortly after her return to the U.S., Kelsey started her teaching career with the San Diego Children’s Choir. She was one of the first teachers for the Early Years program and taught multiple locations of the Neighborhood Choir, the free community choir for the first through third grades. Kelsey founded the musical theatre performance troupe, The Prosecco Players, which performs one to three shows a year, including a three-show run at the Coronado Playhouse. Kelsey has beeen a paid soprano section leader at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Torrey Pines Christian Church, Mission Valley United Methodist Church, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. In 2023, Kelsey was hired as the soprano section leader at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. In 2024, Kelsey received her Smart Start Music teaching certification from The Royal Conservatory and was hired as part of the teaching staff for Villa Musica, a local nonprofit for whom she teaches five classes per week. She also music directs for the musical theatre program at Longfellow K-8.

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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