2025 ICCA United Kingdom Quarterfinal @ University of Exeter

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 UNITED KINGDOM QUARTERFINAL

University of Exeter
Sunday, February 16th, 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

Aquapella is a multi-award-winning a cappella group based in Bath in the United Kingdom. In addition to releasing their own music, they have performed at a host of incredible places, achieved multiple awards, and put on successful shows at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year. In 2023, they competed in the Open A Cappella Competition (OAC), winning awards for Exceptional Choreography and Exceptional Vocal Percussion. That same year, they had an especially successful ICCA run, winning 1st place and Outstanding Arrangement at U.K. Quarterfinals and ultimately making it all the way to ICCA Finals as the Wildcard Champion. Aquapella was honored to be the first-ever U.K. group to win the Wildcard title and compete at Finals in New York for the group’s third time, following their appearances in 2017 and 2019. They sing everything, from pop bangers to heartfelt songs guaranteed to make you shed a tear. Aquapella’s aim as a group is to share what they love most with others.

The University of Bristol's Academy is an all-male and nonbinary a cappella group. Currently in their 10th generation of competing and performing, Academy rocks their signature denim look and brings the energy at every show. With a diverse repertoire that spans pop, R&B, dance and original music, the group brings fun and exciting a cappella experiences to every audience. From the ICCA to Edinburgh Fringe, Academy is well versed in captivating an audience and leaving a lasting impact with polished and entertaining performances. They are excited to compete on the prestigious ICCA stage.

Introducing Pitch Fight, the University of Bristol’s powerhouse female and nonbinary a cappella group. With their bold harmonies and captivating performances, this group specialises in high-energy pop and rock. They’re best known for their strong vocals, powerful stage presence, and unforgettable choreography. Pitch Fight has made a name for itself in the ICCA circuit, consistently delivering award-winning performances. In 2021, they achieved a major milestone by placing 3rd in the ICCA U.K. Semifinals and earning Outstanding Choreography, a recognition they have been proud to win multiple times over the years. Their ICCA experiences have been filled with thrilling performances, competitive success, and a true spirit of camaraderie. Beyond the ICCA, Pitch Fight lights up stages across Bristol and beyond, from charity shows to sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With their strong history in competitive a cappella and a fierce drive to keep pushing boundaries, Pitch Fight is ready to take the stage by storm again this season. Whether performing on campus or competing nationally, Pitch Fight always brings an unforgettable energy that solidifies them as one of the U.K.’s top a cappella groups.

The Bristol Suspensions is the University of Bristol’s 16-piece, mixed collegiate a cappella group, known for stunning vocals, slick choreography, and that signature shade of maroon. Having recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, The Suspensions’ accolades include winning the 2021 ICCA U.K. Semifinals, the Voice Festival in 2016, and becoming international champions in the 2019 IIAF. Among their highest achievements is their Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-winning album, Red Hot, which highlights the group’s eclectic genre range, including pop, jazz, rap, and soul. In the 2022 ICCA season, The Suspensions qualified for the Wildcard round and achieved two special awards for Outstanding Soloist. In addition to winning Solevoci A Cappella Festival in 2024, they achieved the Best Soloist award and were described as “the future of a cappella” by Deke Sharon. Beyond competitions, the group had two consecutive sell-out runs at The Edinburgh Fringe and performed at venues in Italy, London, Wales, and across the U.S. East Coast. In Bristol, they can be found busking, bringing their infectious high-energy and stunning sound to the city centre. With fresh choreography, vocalists, and arrangements, you don’t want to miss the newest generation of The Bristol Suspensions.

Aurum Voices was formed in January 2024 at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. They are so excited for their first competitive year together. The group experiments with a variety of genres, showcasing the diverse talents of their members, which include stage managers and designers along with classical musicians and actors. It has been challenging to balance their intensive studies with music rehearsals, but Aurum Voices has found it rewarding to have another goal to work toward, separate from their full-time degrees. While they are new to the a cappella scene, they can’t wait to immerse themselves in the community. They hope to learn from all the other groups, while bringing something new to the table. Inspired by the works of new found artist RAYE, old time earthy Hozier, and even the classical works of Eric Whitacre, Aurum Voices bring their own colour to each work and a sense of empowerment to everything they sing.

The Acappellads, Cardiff's male and nonbinary competitive group, continues to challenge conventional lad culture for its 12th year, one step-ball-change at a time! Having evolved greatly in musical style, performance attire, and choreography over the last decade, Acappellads 12.0 is a tight-knit group of singers with a shared love of performing. This year, they released ther debut single, “Cinema,” and are ready to take on the ICCA once again!

CU Vox is Cardiff University’s mixed-voice, any-gender competitive group! This year marks their 10th Anniversary as a group. They released an EP, Summit, in 2023, reached the ICCA U.K. Semifinals in 2022, and never get tired of telling people that they are the a cappella group featured on Netflix’s “Sex Education!” After placing 3rd in the 2024 ICCA U.K. Quarterfinals and winning the People’s Choice Award at the OAC, CU Vox is excited to be competing again with nine brand-new members! They look forward to a new year of a cappella opportunities!

Now in its 12th year, The DeciBelles is Cardiff Uni’s all-female and nonbinary competitive a cappella group. They have been competing in the ICCA for years, notably progressing to the U.K. Semifinals in both 2021 and 2023, and they’re eager to keep up the momentum and push even further! From their debut EP, Watch Your Back, to performances at OAC, The DeciBelles have been all over the U.K. showcasing their love for bold, emotional, and genre-blending music. They perform songs by a diverse range of artists, including Orla Gartland, Lizzy McAlpine, Clean Bandit, and King's Elliot, mixing indie, alternative, and soul-tinged arrangements. This year, The DeciBelles are as fiery as ever and ready to blow people away with their set. Whether they’re laughing through rehearsals or pushing musical boundaries, The DeciBelles always bring something exciting to the stage. Get ready for more from The Belles this year!

Illuminations is The University of Exeter’s premier mixed a cappella group. Currently in its 14th generation, Illuminations delivers powerful, energetic, and polished performances. Last ICCA season, they placed 1st at ICCA U.K. Quarterfinals in Exeter, took 3rd at Semifinals in London, and won Outstanding Vocal Percussion in both rounds, courtesy of the group’s nationally acclaimed beatboxer, Elliot Mainwaring. In addition to ICCA, the group’s recent accomplishments include selling out an Edinburgh Fringe show and recording an album (release imminent). With their clean blend, engaging performances, and balance of fun and professionalism, Illuminations Gen 14 is set up for another great year. This year’s cohort of powerhouse vocalists is undoubtedly impressive, especially considering that none of them formally study music at university. They can’t wait to show the ICCA what Generation 14 of Illuminations can do!

Sweet Nothings is the University of Exeter’s female and gender non-conforming contemporary a cappella group. In the last five years alone, they have won ICCA Quarterfinals and placed 4th in the UK Semifinals, released an EP, and successfully sold out a run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! The songs in their repertoire range from artists such as Taylor Swift to Chappell Roan, and even include original songs by the group’s own members. Their 2019 EP, Amplify, features the songs “Woman Like Me,” a mashup of “Human/La La La,” and the beautiful “Landslide.” Now in their 20th year as a group, Sweet Nothings’ upcoming professional goals include singing around Exeter and returning for their 12th year at Edinburgh Fringe!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Will Geraint Drake is currently the musical director of Elision, a professional a cappella group based in London. He competed in the ICCA Finals in New York with Northern Lights, and received four awards for Outstanding Arrangement throughout his years with the group. Will was a member and arranger for the group when they won the OAC is a four-time CARA nominee, and can most recently be heard with Northern Lights on the latest editions of the BOCA and Voices Only compilation albums. Graduating from Durham University with an M.A. in music composition, Will is an award-winning composer for musical theatre and has had his work performed at sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and in venues across the U.K. He is so excited to see tonight’s show and cannot wait to see what each competitor brings to the stage!

Alicia Gayle's love of voices-only music began when she joined The Florida State University Acabelles. She served the group as an arranger, choreographer, and vocal percussionist, picking up skills on the way to be an inspiring and supportive musical director. After moving back to the U.K., Alicia directed The Oxford Belles through an incredible run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and participation in the Voice Festival U.K. competition. She then moved on to pursue her postgraduate studies at Imperial College London, where she sang and arranged for The Imperielles. The biggest highlight of her a cappella career remains competing in the ICCA and making it to ICCA Finals in New York! She is excited to be getting involved once again and looks forward to enjoying the great performances tonight.

David Green has been performing a cappella for over 16 years, with over 200 performances under his belt. He began first as a singer and arranger for Naked Voices, touring all over the U.K. for eight years. Naked Voices was an early arrival on the U.K. a cappella scene, establishing a cappella music at the Edinburgh Fringe in the 2000s, winning the festival's Sell Out Show award for three visits in a row, and featuring on the BBC's "Best of the Fringe" show. In 2009, David formed Original Sing from former Naked Voices members, who went on to win the 2013 Voice Festival Community Championship and the open category of the Bristol Choir of the Year contest.

Rebecca Hobbis is an award-winning musical director based in London. Originally hailing from King’s College London’s The Rolling Tones, Rebecca has multiple credits as an arranger, producer, and vocalist. After graduating, Rebecca joined professional a cappella group, AXIOM, as a co-musical director. Recent accomplishments with the group include competing at Austria’s vokal.total and achieving 1st and 2nd place in Augmented and Pure categories, respectively.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank emcees Faith Blackden and Harry Mason, sound engineer Tom Fairbairn, Exeter Northcott, and production assistant Rachel Xuereb; 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 United Kingdom 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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