2025 ICHSA Northeast Quarterfinal @ Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School

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

Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School
Saturday, February 8th, 2025

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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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

The Acafellas is a New York-based high school a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F Kennedy High School on Long Island. This tenor/bass ensemble was founded in 2006 with the goal of making high-quality music with even higher-quality laughs. With their signature yellow ties and blue jeans, The Acafellas turn each performance into an energetic, enthralling, and entertaining a cappella experience. Initially inspired by the 80s rock scene, this group has expanded beyond its musical boundaries to perform various genres, ranging from Britney Spears to Ozzy Osbourne. Having been described by audience members as “a blend of pure talent and comic genius,” The Acafellas are extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring their unique and unparalleled set to the ICHSA.

Established in 2001, The B Sharps is the first-ever a cappella group formed at POBJFK High School. They are a tenor-bass group and like to think of themselves as another version of a 2000s boy band. They love performing songs by artists like Bruno Mars, One Direction, and more. During rehearsals, The B Sharps like joking around, having fun, and sharing traditions together. As always, #BSharpMoney.

Chock Full of Notes was established in 2003 as Plainview-Old Bethpage John. F Kennedy High Schools first student-led mixed a cappella group. Dressed in all black, Chock hopes to convey a strong presence onstage with larger than life songs and empowering messages expressed through their music. Their main genre is pop, but they also enjoy delving into rock and alternative music, such as “Demons” by Guster and “It's My Life” by Bon Jovi. For the past two years, Chock has competed in the ICHSA, advancing to Semifinals and earning special awards, including Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Arrangement. Chock was also featured on the BOHSA album with their arrangement of “Fix You: by Coldplay. Chock Full of Notes is excited to take the ICHSA stage once again.

Established in 2006, Drastic Measures is the second-oldest student-run treble a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. This group is known for their black vests and combat boots, along with their specific song selections that embody confidence and female empowerment. These song choices reflect the group's values and work ethic. Many of their song selections come from artists such as Katy Perry, Demi Levato, and Lauren Spencer Smith. They are so excited to return to the ICHSA in 2025! Their motto is “Drastic Girls For Life,” or as they like to say it, “DG4L!”

Noteworthy, from Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, was established in 2002. This student-run group was the first soprano-alto group established at their school, and strives to embody the confidence and power of singers like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and more. Dressed in pink and black, this group is known for their impactful performances. Noteworthy previously competed in the 2023 and 2024 ICHSA Quarterfinals, winning Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2023 (Morgan Shishko) and Outstanding Arrangement in 2024 (Pankti Gala, Morgan Shishko, and Jamie Radisch). They’ve also earned an Outstanding Choreography award for their entire competition set. Noteworthy is thrilled to return to the ICHSA stage.

On A High Note is a student-run treble-voice a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. Established in 2006, they are proud of their strong sense of sisterhood, commitment to empowering women, and their signature purple color! Ranging from grades nine through 12, this tight-knit group genuinely enjoys spending time together in and out of rehearsal, from planning group events to summertime hangouts. Whether it’s Halloween, Galentine’s Day, summer barbeque season, or even just a group chat, they’re always finding ways to connect. Even in their downtime, they can’t help but break into harmonies. On a High Note’s passion for singing energizes every performance . They work hard, but also know how to have fun and support one another. More than just a singing group, On A High Note is a sisterhood where everyone contributes to making their time together unforgettable.

Established in 2008, The Rolling Tones is a student-run mixed-voice a cappella group from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. They are best known for their classy business attire with their signature red ties! The Rolling Tones is an energetic and fun group that loves to perform music by artists such as Maroon 5 and Panic! At the Disco. Their motto? Play Laugh Tones!

Established in 2014, Under A Rest (UAR) is a student-run mixed group from Plainview Old-Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. Known for their denim bottoms, white tops, and stylish blue flannels, their outfits represent their laid back, tight-knit group environment. UAR arranges and choreographs all of their own songs, and selects music with an upbeat 2000s vibe. Their traditionals, “I Lived” (One Republic) and “Livin’ on a Prayer” (Bon Jovi), reflect the group's shared values of hard work and living life to the fullest. Under A Rest placed 3rd at their 2023 ICHSA Quarterfinal and earned an Outstanding Arrangement award for “Determinate,” originally performed by the cast of “Lemonade Mouth.” They are extremely proud of all their accomplishments and look forward to another amazing season. They hope you enjoy their set about what it’s like being driven by love

Vibe is the newest co-ed a cappella group at Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK High School! Vibe is the only teacher-led group within a program of eight other student-run groups. Vibe placed 1st at last year’s ICHSA Quarterfinal. Vibe also participated in ICHSA in 2021, placing 2nd at Quarterfinals and 3rd at Semifinals. Vibe hopes to send some positive vibes! @pobacappella, @vibe_pobacappella

GUEST PERFORMER

Just In Time, an a cappella group from Mattlin Middle School in Plainview, was formed in 2023 under the guidance of Mr. Adam Paltrowitz. The ensemble is excited to return to ICHSA Quarterfinals for the second time. Their past performances are available to enjoy on the POB A CAPPELLA YouTube Channel. Made up of talented seventh and eighth grade students, all Just In Time members are also part of the school's seventh and eighth grade chorus, bringing their passion for music to both a cappella and choral performances.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Steven Alexander is a graduate of the University of Miami's Frost School of Music with a degree in music education. While there, he led the award-winning a cappella group BisCaydence to a 2nd place finish at the 2019 ICCA Finals. He served as an associate conductor with the Miami Children's Chorus and at the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts. His passion for a cappella and vocal continues to this day, and he actively serves as a clinician for groups around the country. Steven recently completed a dual M.A./M.B.A. at the Eastman School of Music/Simon Business School at the University of Rochester.

Warren Bloom has been a regular ICCA and ICHSA judge since 2002 (including both 2006 Finals). He’s been a musical director, bass, and vocal percussionist for numerous vocal groups, including professional summer group The Hyannis Sound, New York rock/R&B septet Invisible Men (numerous New York City and Boston Harmony Sweepstakes awards), New York pop/jazz quintet Doo*Wa*Zoo (1998 Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) and 2000 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominees), University of Miami’s Jazz Vocal 2 (1997 DownBeat Award winner), and Brandeis University’s Spur of the Moment. Warren was music director, co-arranger, and sound tech for Minimum Wage's "Blue Code Ringo" at the New York Fringe Festival (Best Musical Comedy Act, 2002 Time Out New York Awards) and subsequent off-Broadway productions. He has also run live sound for numerous vocal groups including Naturally 7, Ball in the House, Six13, and Unsung Heroes. He was a composer/lyricist in the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, before getting his music education degree from Hunter College and spending three years as band and orchestra director at Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan. He has been teaching general music and band at P.S. 8 (Brooklyn) since 2011 and has been a musical director in the theatre department at the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts since 1998. Warren was one of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America's (CASA) official bloggers for NBC’s "The Sing-Off.” http://www.5thjudge.com/

Kevin DeLisa is a charismatic, well-rounded vocal educator with a bachelor's degree in music education from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in music and music education from Columbia University. He has taught in a wide variety of musical spaces throughout his young career, allowing for a sense of diversity in educational thought. Kevin’s pedagogy for music education through an instrumental, vocal, and theoretical basis all prove to give high-level musicianship, community, and performance opportunities for his students. Kevin has also been nationally recognized for his vocal and a cappella arrangements, including a 2018 ICCA award for Outstanding Arrangement and a 2021 CARA for Best Male Collegiate Arrangement. He has written over 90 vocal arrangements for collegiate, professional, and high school ensembles, all of which return with high praise of engraving, voice leading, and enjoyment. His writing style focuses on cohesion of line for the performers, without sacrificing intrigue and emotional development for the audience. His scoring is succinct, advanced, and comprehensive for any level of performance.

Andrew Richardson is a recent graduate from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where he received a bachelor's degree in music education, specializing in choral and general music. During his time at Potsdam, Andrew was a member of The Potsdam Pitches and served as music director for two years, leading The Pitches to one of their most successful seasons since their inception. Besides directing, Andrew is also a skilled arranger who has been recognized by Varsity Vocals, CASA, and the Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB) for his exemplary creative works. Andrew arranges for a variety of groups outside of the collegiate scene as well, including middle school, high school, and semi-professional groups. Currently, Andrew is a master’s student at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where he studies music education and works with the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program to enrich the education of underserved communities within Miami-Dade County.

Alyssa Sposato, a native of Long Island, N.Y., earned her B.M. in music education with a minor in music business from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. With a diverse background in a cappella, Alyssa served as president and music director of her collegiate group, The Potsdam Pitches, leading them to numerous ICCA Central Semifinal placements. Additionally, she spent three years as a member of the professional treble a cappella group, Cape Harmony. Alyssa currently works as a music educator for the Middle Country Central School District, specializing in elementary general music. She extends her passion for performing through music directing at Theatrics Performing Arts, guiding students of all ages to realize their potential onstage. Alyssa extends her best wishes to all competing groups this season.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank the entire Plainview-Old Bethpage School District for their unwavering support of bringing the ICHSA Quarterfinals to POBJFK High School; superintendent of schools Dr. O’Meara and District Director of Music Mr. Michael Rodgers for their support; The High Notes; Ethan Meixsell, our sound engineer for tonight, and Adam Paltrowitz, the choral director and point person for this event; 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!

VIEW ALBUMS

#ICHSA