2025 ICCA Southwest Semifinal @ 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 SEMIFINAL

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, March 8th, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

We're talking about this event, and all of our events around the world!

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@varsityvocals

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

Boots & Cats, the premier treble a cappella group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was founded in 2011 and features 18 undergraduate students. Entirely student-led and directed, the members of Boots & Cats are involved in a variety of majors and activities across campus. B&C enjoys performing in the Lincoln community and recording music. They have released two albums, four singles, and two EPs, including their 2023 ICCA set, entitled Where Do I Go? Boots & Cats is grateful for every opportunity to share their friendship and love of music!

In 2002, two University of Nebraska students gathered a group of their most talented friends to sing together. Since then, their small group of singers has evolved into a thriving a cappella ensemble known as The Bathtub Dogs. Today, Bathtub Dogs is the premier tenor-baritone-bass a cappella ensemble at UNL. When they’re not in class, The Dogs perform on campus and all across the state and region. Notably, the group has made it to ICCA Semifinals the past two years, taking home 3rd place and Outstanding Choreography in Phoenix last year. Their goals as a performing ensemble are simply to entertain and have fun!

Hardchord Dynamix is a dynamic and passionate a cappella group known for its electrifying performances and close-knit community. As the 2024 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal Champions, 2023 Semifinalists, and 2019 Finalists, they have consistently demonstrated musical excellence and dedication to the craft of a cappella. Beyond competitions, they are deeply committed to engaging with their local community, bringing harmony and joy through their performances at events and gatherings. More than just a group, Hardchord Dynamix is a family built on friendship, camaraderie, and a shared love for music.

Trillium is a mixed vocal group based in the DFW, Texas area. Established in 2022, Trillium is a group of college singers who come from various high school a cappella backgrounds. Trillium has competed in the 2023 and 2024 VoiceJam competitions, placing 2nd and winning Best Choreography both years. Trillium released their first single and music video in December 2023 and plan to release more music in the near future.

Colorado State University’s Mainstreet A Cappella is a dynamic vocal ensemble renowned for its captivating a cappella performances. Composed of talented singers from diverse musical backgrounds, Mainstreet A Cappella blends powerful harmonies and innovative arrangements to create unique and engaging musical experiences. The group performs a wide range of genres, from pop and jazz to R&B and contemporary hits, bringing a fresh and modern twist to each song. Mainstreet was founded in 2012 and continues to gain momentum in the a cappella world. Recent accomplishments include progressing to ICCA Semifinals in 2021 and 2024, as well as placing 1st in Denver University's 2024 Acappellooza.

Tonal Eclipse is Oklahoma City University's premier mixed a cappella group. Tonal Eclipse made its ICCA debut in 2024 and was fortunate enough to be selected as the ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal Champion! They also won Outstanding Arrangement for their entire set at Quarterfinals and Outstanding Soloist for Anna Catherine Morgan at both Quarterfinals and Semifinals. Tonal Eclipse is predominantly made up of acting and musical theatre majors, but represents every kind of major within their small university! Tonal Eclipse is incredibly excited to return to the ICCA competition and looks forward to another year of a cappella magic!

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.

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 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.

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.

GUEST PERFORMER

Red Letter Daze is a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-winning female vocal quartet known for their intricate harmonies, dynamic vocal styles, and fresh approach to a cappella. Founded in 2020, the group (featuring MaryAnne Muglia, Celine Durney, Darby Lestin, and Emily Drum) came together through friendships in the a cappella community. Since then, they have amassed over 300,000 followers and millions of views across social media, captivating audiences with their unique and refreshing pop sound. Beyond their work as a group, the members of Red Letter Daze are accomplished arrangers, singers, educators, composers, and producers, each bringing a wealth of experience to their music. Their contributions have been recognized on both national and international stages, earning accolades from organizations like Varsity Vocals, the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA), Spotify, JW Pepper, and the Recording Academy.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Christopher Andres attended The Ohio State University and studied music education and music performance. He also was a member of The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club and University Chorus. Chris has been singing and playing the piano since he was 5 years old and also plays flute, tenor saxophone, baritone, and trombone. Chris has performed on numerous stages around the world as both an instrumentalist and vocalist. He currently serves as the music coordinator and music director at Oakland Church of the Brethren where he directs the bell choir, adult choir, women's choir, and the contemporary praise band. He is currently in his sixth year at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio as the assistant vocal music director and accompanist.

Alex Ochs is excited to be judging his eighth season for Varsity Vocals, having served on judging panels in the Mid-Atlantic, Central, and Southwest regions. He is a 2014 graduate of Elizabethtown College where he studied music performance and social work, with concentrations in piano and vocal performance. At E-town, he served as music director for the all-male a cappella group, Phalanx, and was also a member of the co-ed group, Vocalign. Under his direction, Phalanx advanced to ICCA Semifinals for the first time in its 20-year history. He is an experienced accompanist for choirs, instrumentalists, and vocalists and has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra as a member of the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Denver.

Catherine Ricafort is an eight-time Broadway actor, singer, and dancer. Catherine appeared on Broadway in "SpongeBob Squarepants" (as villainess Karen The Computer), "Mamma Mia!," "Cinderella," "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Allegiance," "Disaster!," "Holiday Inn," and "Miss Saigon." She has performed on "The Ellen Degeneres Show," The Tony Awards, "The Today Show," and The Macy’s Day Parade (once as an a cappella singer, once as a tap dancer). An award-winning a cappella vocalist, she performed on NBC's "The Sing-Off" (featured soloist of The Backbeats, Season 2), was part of The USC SoCal VoCals (the first group to win the ICCA Champion title five times), and has performed for service members across the world with The USO Show Troupe. Catherine is also a software engineer and co-founder of Artists Who Code, an organization featured in the LA Times and Forbes for helping 300+ artists learn to code and land jobs in the tech industry. Originally from Arizona, Catherine is excited to be back in Phoenix and bring her stage experience full-circle to the local community as a performer, director, and coach. @cattricafort

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 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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2025 ICCA Finals.

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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