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 NORTHEAST QUARTERFINAL
Galvin Middle School
Saturday, February 1st, 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
In the heart of Belmont High School's vibrant musical landscape lies a hidden gem, tucked away by the toxic pond. For the last three years, The Clay Pit Crooners have explored and fully embraced the power of a cappella music. With a special affinity for angsty pop songs, they love making music and dancing in semicircles! Since the group was formed in 2021, The Crooners have started a tradition of hosting an Annual A Cappella Night! Groups from other schools, including their dear friends, Tufts University’s Beelzebubs, attend to share what they have worked on throughout the year! They have also performed at local events, such as PorchFest, Staff Recognition Day, and their POPs concert at the high school. The Clay Pit Crooners are so excited to be involved in their second ICHSA to showcase what they’ve learned!
Counterpoint is Needham High School's youngest a cappella group, formed in 2017! They like to think that they’re the most spirited, focusing on interesting and engaging sets, as well as technically accurate performances. They’re the only all-voice group at Needham and use this to their advantage, highlighting that depth in their arrangements. When they aren't singing, Counterpoint loves to relax with their two favorite traditions, Counter-night Movie-point (when the group comes together to watch a movie during rehearsal) and Counter-cheese Mac'n-point (when they start off rehearsal with a mac'n'cheese potluck)! Counterpoint is so excited for their competitive debut at the ICHSA and hope to show off their very best.
Luminescence, an all-treble a cappella group from Marblehead High School, was founded in 2005 and has been dazzling audiences ever since. From a competitive standpoint, the group has received awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Soloist at both ICHSA and Northeast Voices (NE Voices) and won the NE Voices competition in 2014. Luminescence earned 3rd place in the 2016 ICHSA Northeast Semifinal. Since 2017, Luminescence has released four albums with The Jewel Tones: C105, Six Feet Apart, No Time for Trouble, and Glitz & Glimmer. All of their albums can be found on Apple Music and Spotify. Be sure to follow Luminescence on Instagram @mhsluminescence. Lumi love, Lumi slay!!
The Ridgefield Nightingales represent Ridgefield High School through every note. As a longstanding all-girl a cappella group in Ridgefield, they work hard to spread music throughout the community. From performances at school events to visiting care homes, tree lightings to town strolls, they love meeting all different kinds of people and making beautiful connections while sharing their love for music. The Ridgefield Nightingales strive to empower women and shine a light on their voices. They learn music together along with life lessons. The Nightingales’ goal is to help support young girls in everything they are passionate about. Through their pop medleys,and whimsical choreography, they work hard to boost self-confidence and open doors to new talents for all young girls in their community. The Nightengales are ready to take the next step in spreading the joy of music by taking the competitive stage.
Founded in 2009, NOTEorious is the competitive all-voiced a cappella group at North Reading High School. Each year, NOTEorious challenges themselves to arrange their own music (often through trial and error and a lot of improv), move and dance in unexpected ways, flash mob, and, of course, eat copious amounts of ice-cream. For the last two summers, NOTEorious has performed at the Xfinity Center with Foreigner. Last winter, NOTEorious placed in the top three groups at NE Voices, placed 2nd in the 2024 ICHSA Northeast Semifinals, and performed at Boston Sings (BOSS), where they were honored to be recognized for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Choreography. They love a cappella’s ability to cultivate togetherness, as well as meeting and celebrating other groups.
Pitches and Dos has been one of the four a cappella groups at Cambridge Rindge and Latin for 15 years. More than just an a cappella group, Pitches and Dos has become a space for different kinds of people to come together as friends because of their shared passion for singing. The group includes many people who are passionate about theatre and other arts, which comes across in all performances. They strive to tell stories and engage with their audiences through their music. Pitches and Dos is all about joy and they have fun in everything they do. Whether in performance or a rehearsal, Pitches and Dos always bring the energy and give it their all.
Soundscape hails from Wilmington High School in Massachusetts! This is their first year in competition and they are thrilled to join the ICHSA community. Although they are a brand-new group, Soundscape has already hit the ground running. Past iterations of this group have typically sung at local festivals and nearby a cappella showcases, and they are excited to bring their efforts to the next level. After watching so many clips from ICHSA tournaments, Soundscape is humbled and thrilled to perform alongside tonight’s excellent groups. No matter what happens, they plan to have a great time and leave everything on the stage.
The Subway Dwarves is Needham High School's most selective a cappella group, known for its blend of talent, humor, and fun energy. Composed of 10 guys, they pride themselves in being not just a singing group, but a close group of friends who always bring excitement and creativity to their performances. They specialize in a mix of contemporary pop hits and nostalgic classic rock renditions. The Subway Dwarves’ playful spirit sets them apart. They infuse every show with lighthearted jokes and entertaining bits that keep their audiences laughing and engaged. Not only do they bring the jokes, they always wear fun and flashy outfits that fit the theme of their songs, from suit jackets to Hawaiian shirts! You can always count on a Subway Dwarves performance to be funny and interactive, with songs that audiences love. The Dwarves play shows throughout Needham High School's various performance events, as well as throughout the community for volunteer performances! This group is a staple for any exciting show or competition.
Voices of Steel is the advanced mixed-voice group at Wakefield Memorial High School, directed by Ana Morel. Formed in 2009, they have collaborated with groups such as The Exchange and The Nor'easters, and have worked with Shams Ahmed, Deke Sharon, and Caleb Whelden. They love to make music almost as much as they love their red Converse. In 2023, they performed at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in Orlando, Fla. They performed at the ICHSA Northeast Semifinals in 2022 (Quarterfinals Wildcard Winner) and 2018 (Quarterfinals Runner-Up). They performed at NE Voices at 2022, in addition to 2014, 2015, and 2016, placing in the top three. In 2015, they won The Salem Pitch Trials. Voices of Steel members have won awards for Student Arranging, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Soloist.
TONIGHT'S JUDGES
Destiny Cooper is an active musician and music educator. She loves helping students embrace their best selves and works to support voiceless communities through music, expression, and leadership. As a musical leader, Destiny collaborates with local musicians to cross-connect choral music with diverse audiences, through concerts, podcasts, and roundtable discussions. She is currently a middle school choral Director in the Greater Boston Area and serves on the board of Massachusetts ACDA. She continues to nurture her passion for a cappella through opportunities with organizations such as A Cappella Academy and the AEA Association.
Amy Malkoff is one of the producers of the Haunted Harmonies festival in Salem, Mass. She has served as the marketing director for the A Cappella Education Association, as well as the media director of the Women's A Cappella Association (WACA), and on the board and as web content director for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA). She is a longtime ICHSA/ICCA judge, as well as a certified judge for other vocal events. She is a workshop teacher, master clinician, writer, designer, social media manager (www.amymalkoff.com), and a singer/songwriter and studio musician (www.amymalkoffmusic.com). She currently runs and manages the New Hampshire-based performance venue Club Sandwich (Sandwich, N.H.), where celebrity John Davidson performs on weekends, along with a lineup of nationally known artists on Thursdays. She was a founding member of the groups All About Buford and Deadline Poet and has appeared onstage and in the studio with acts such as Wayne Brady, Jonathan Brooke, The Persuasions, Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert, GrooveLily, Patty Griffin, and Dar Williams. She has a degree in music from Kenyon College, with music studies at Youngstown State University and master’s-level coursework at the New England Conservatory of Music. Amy's music has appeared on both the Rounder Records and Hear Music/Starbucks labels. @amalkoff
Jake McVey began his a cappella journey as a member, assistant music director, and business manager of Hawkward (@rwuhawkward) at Roger Williams University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music. After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (@bgmc1982), contributing as a singer and Music Section Representative while earning his M.B.A. in music business from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2019, he has been a part of Sound Off (@soundoffacappella), an award-winning Boston-based a cappella group. Jake has been an active member of the Varsity Vocals community since 2019, serving as a production assistant before taking over as ICHSA Northeast Producer from 2021-2023.
Jarell Green has been involved with a cappella since middle school where he was able to perform with then-winners of NBC's “The Sing-Off,” Pentatonix. A recent graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology where he studied packaging science and music, he was the music director of Eight Beat Measure. With Eight Beat, Jarell worked on multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-nominated tracks, competed in ICCA, and was fortunate enough to win three ICCA Outstanding Soloist awards and an Outstanding Choreography award. Jarell has also been involved with The Hyannis Sound, a professional, male-identifying a cappella group that performs all along Cape Cod and the surrounding New England area all summer long, where he has performed at hundreds of concerts for thousands of people and varying audiences.
Cay Outerbridge is a vocal music jack-of-all-trades: voice teacher, conductor, coach, arranger, learning track producer, and singer. He serves as the musical director for two highly regarded Boston-based choruses, Vocal Revolution and VocaMotion, and sings bass in Daily Special, an internationally competing barbershop quartet. He coaches singers and groups across the globe using a science-informed, compassionate, and personalized approach.
SPECIAL THANKS
Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Clarus/Jill Clark Productions (sound), J&A Audio & Lighting (lights), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Wakefield Music Boosters, Ana Morel, Galvin Middle School Music Teachers and Custodial Staff, and the Wakefield High School Jazz Band; 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 ICHSA Northeast 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