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

ICHSA MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Case Western Reserve University
Friday, February 28th 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 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.

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.

 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

Above the Noise is just that: Above the Noise! They make music that you HAVE to hear! An elite all a cappella group, ATN is run like a "tour band," with students in charge of every aspect of operations, from sound to social media. Under the direction of Mrs. Cherie Brooks, ATN has sung in front of governors, made it to ICHSA Semifinals, recorded and released music on multiple platforms, and continues to perform for various community events. 

Based in the Cincinnati area, West Clermont Alpha is the competitive vocal a cappella group for West Clermont High School. Through community outreach and performance, their mission is to uplift, support, and entertain everyone they meet! Alpha lives out the ideal that every person should be able to #FindYourVoice and make a difference where you are! 

The Granville High School Blue Notes is a mixed a cappella group that has been around for 13 years and is directed by Kristen Snyder and Jessica Zmith, All group members participate in their traditional school choirs as well, earning consistent Superior ratings at OMEA festivals. The Blue Notes have recently performed at the Nordonia A Cappella Festival and the Kettering A Cappella Festival, as well as at the Midland Theatre with the Newark Granville Symphony. They are excited for their first ICHSA! 

Chromatics is one of two amazing a cappella groups from Avon High School. Under the direction of Michael Moyseenko, this 13-member group loves to perform today's hits and yesterday's favorites! Chromatics have been featured at the Kettering A Cappella Festival and the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, and they’re so excited to make their ICHSA debut! They released their second album, Ellipses, last fall alongside their partner group, Unaccompanied. Thanks for all of your support. 

Harmonics is one of two a cappella groups at Buckeye High School in Medina, Ohio. They have attended a cappella festivals, such as Nordonia’s AcaFest and Tiffin University’s FestiVox. Students from the group have performed in special programs around the U.S., ranging from Disney World to Carnegie Hall. Harmonics students are active members and leaders within their school community, participating in activities including student council, huddle, hope squad, soccer, cheerleading, marching band, track, cross country, color guard and drama. Last year, Harmonics qualified for ICHSA Midwest Quarterfinals and they are excited to be back this year! 

Soundsation is Vermilion High School's sensational a cappella group! Consisting of students from grades nine through 12, Soundsation performs a variety of genres, such as indie, acoustic, electronic, and more. This is the group's third year participating in ICHSA and they are excited to meet and hear the other groups! 

Touch of Class A Cappella is Port Clinton High School's select pop a cappella group. They rehearse twice a week, making time in the evenings to sing together after long days of school, drama rehearsals, work, and athletics. Though the late nights can be tiring, the students in this ensemble are dedicated to working together, refining their music, and having lots of fun while doing it! Competing in ICHSA is a group tradition that the current members are proud to continue, with past accomplishments including a 1st place title at Quarterfinals in 2019, two advancements to Semifinals, and a trip to Finals in 2016. Touch of Class is so excited to perform their set this evening and hope you enjoy! 

Unaccompanied is one of two amazing a cappella groups from Avon High School. Under the direction of Michael Moyseenko, this 13-member group only meets once a week, but eats and breathes music 24/7. They have been featured at both the Kettering National A Cappella Festival and the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, and they’re thrilled to join the ICHSA scene for 2025! Unaccompanied, alongside their partner group Chromatics, released their second album, Ellipses, last fall. Check it out! 

Upbeat, under the direction of Pam Haberkorn, is one of Buckeye High School’s two a cappella groups. In 2024, Upbeat was awarded 3rd place in the ICHSA Midwest Quarterfinals and student arranger Clare Bohan was awarded Outstanding Arrangement for the entire set.They have also been awarded Student Group of the Year by the Northeast Ohio State Board of Education. Upbeat has had the privilege of being one of the opening acts at Tiffin University's FestiVox and an opening act at the Nordonia National A Cappella Festival. This year, there are five seniors, three juniors, and two sophomores. Their songs were choreographed by Jocelyn, Clare and Livi, and their entire set was arranged by Clare. They look forward to their second competition season! 

Vocal Point is Marietta High School’s premier contemporary a cappella ensemble. Founded over a decade ago, this ensemble has since become a fixture of the Marietta community. They perform at several major events throughout the year, including the Marietta Sternwheel Festival, Harmar Days Festival, and the Labor Day Parade. This year’s ensemble is made up of nine student musicians, freshmen through seniors. Vocal Point has attended Kettering National A Cappella Festival, appearing on the main stage for two consecutive years. This is the group’s first time participating in ICHSA! They want to thank Varsity Vocals for this opportunity and wish every performing group the best of luck!

GUEST PERFORMERS

Case CobRAAS is Case Western Reserve University’s premier competitive Raas-Garba dance team. They strive to provide both CWRU and the greater Cleveland community with an opportunity to engage with and learn about the cultural significance of Raas and Garba, two vibrant styles of folk dance originating from Gujarat, India. Currently in their sixth year of performing in the collegiate Raas-Garba circuit, Case CobRAAS has had the opportunity to proudly represent Case Western Reserve University on stages nationwide. They are thrilled to show what the team has been working on for the upcoming competition season, so be sure to check out their Instagram and website to stay updated on their future performances!

Dhamakapella is Case Western Reserve University's premier all-inclusive, award-winning South Asian fusion a cappella group that derives its influences from Indian classical, contemporary South Asian film, and western pop genres. Founded in 2005, they began competing in 2011 and have accrued dozens of national titles and individual awards at competitions across the United States. Their mission is to enrich the world of music by blending South Asian and western musical influences, fusing diverse elements to create innovative a cappella arrangements. Through their captivating performances, Dhamakapella hopes to inspire, entertain, and educate audiences around the world about South Asian culture and music.

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. 

Tim Bates is no stranger to the ICCA and ICHSA stages, after competing for five years with SŌL A Cappella at Baldwin Wallace University and serving as music director for three of those years. He has a B.A. in arts management with a minor in music and currently works in the marketing department at the Cleveland Institute of Music and runs a photography business alongside his wife, Sara. When he's not behind the camera or the marketing desk, Tim can be found performing in Cleveland’s vibrant theatre scene. He wishes the best of luck to all competing groups and looks forward to an incredible night of music! 

With a Master of Music in choral conducting (Kent State University) and a Bachelor of Arts in music theory and voice performance (Ashland University), BK Riha is a music educator, producer, vocalist, live looper, and arranger with a special interest in building pop a cappella repertoire for treble ensembles and young scholastic groups. Surpassing 25 thousand copies sold worldwide, BK's 200+ innovative yet accessible arrangements have been performed and recorded by ensembles all of levels and ages in over 30 countries, with notable appearances at 2018 World Choir Games in South Africa, the 2021 World Choir Games in Belgium, and the 2023 National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in Orlando, Fla. BK also adjudicates for the ICHSA, the ICCA, and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). BK regularly coaches ensembles and leads workshops at festivals like SoJam and the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, as well as various Ohio high schools. BK currently teaches Commercial Voice, Music Fundamentals and Second Year Project at Tiffin University, one of the only schools in the country to offer scholarships for a cappella, beatboxing, live looping and hip hop music. BK also directs TU's vocal harmony group, Higher Ground, and assists with arts recruitment. BK is the founder, director, and producer of ZERO TO SIXTY, Ohio's summer a cappella group. In their free time, BK tries new recipes and studies the link between psychology and music.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Nivedita Posharody, Dhamakapella, and the staff at Maltz; 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 Midwest 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!

#ICHSA