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
Thursday, February 27th, 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

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 dual goals to make high-quality music with even higher-quality laughs. With their signature yellow ties and blue jeans, The Acafellas turn every performance into an energetic, enthralling, and entertaining a cappella experience. Initially inspired by the 80s rock scene, this group has expanded its musical boundaries to perform most genres, ranging all the way from Britney Spears to Ozzy Osbourne. Having been described by audience members as “a blend of pure talent and comic genius,” they are extremely grateful to bring their unique set to the 2025 ICHSA. 

Established in 2001, The B Sharps is the first-ever a cappella group to be formed at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. They are a tenor/bass group and like to think of themselves as another version of a 2000s boy band. They love to perform songs by artists like Bruno Mars, One Direction, and many others. During rehearsals, they like joking around, having fun, and sharing group  traditions. 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 share messages of empowerment through their music. Though their main genre is pop, they also like delving into rock and alternative music, embracing their traditionals, “Demons” by Guster and “It's My Life” by Bon Jovi. Chock has competed in the last two ICHSA seasons, advancing to the Semifinals and winning special awards, including Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Arrangement. Chock also had the opportunity to be featured on BOHSA 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 have participated in the ICHSA and are so excited to return for the 2025 ICHSA season! 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. A student-run group, Noteworthy was the school’s first soprano/alto group, among eight  student-run groups and one teacher-led group. They strive to embody the confidence and power of singers like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and more. Dressed in pink and black, Noteworthy is a group of devoted members who work hard to hone their craft into something truly special. They competed in the last two ICHSA seasons, with their very own vocal percussionist, Morgan Shishko, winning Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2023, and Pankti Gala, Morgan Shishko, and Jamie Radisch winning an Outstanding Arrangement award in 2024. Noteworthy also previously won an Outstanding Choreography award for their entire ICHSA competition set. Noteworthy is honored for the chance to return to the ICHSA. 

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, of course, their signature purple color! Ranging from grades nine through 12, they’ve built a tight-knit group where everyone feels included and valued. Beyond rehearsals and performances, they genuinely enjoy spending time together, planning group events and hangouts through the summertime, celebrating Halloween, Galentine’s Day, and even messaging in the group chat. Of course, music is never far away. Even in their downtime, they can’t help but break into harmonies. On A High Note’s passion for singing engergizes every performance. They work very 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 in which 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. What are they known for? Their classy business attire with their signature red ties! The Rolling Tones is a very energetic and fun group that loves working together to put their spin on the works of artists like 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 was recognized with an Outstanding Arrangement award for “Determinate,” originally performed by the cast of “Lemonade Mouth.” They are extremely proud of their accomplishments as a group and look forward to another amazing year. 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 last year at ICHSA Quarterfinals. They also participated in the 2021 ICHSA season, placing  2nd at Quarterfinals and 3rd at Semifinals. Vibe hopes to send some positive vibes! Follow @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 the ICHSA Quarterfinals for the second time and proudly shares their past performances on the POB A CAPPELLA YouTube Channel. Just in Time is composed of talented seventh and eighth grade students, all of whom are also part of the school's seventh and eighth grade chorus. They are eager for any opportunity to express their passion for music in 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. 

Christina Cinnamo is a music educator and freelance vocalist/pianist based in the greater New York City area. She holds degrees in music from Hofstra University, where she sang and competed in ICCA with Sigma'cappella, and Stony Brook University. Christina is currently a high school choral teacher and theatre director on Long Island. 

Leah Raquel Petraglia is a singer/songwriter and a cappella enthusiast based on Long Island. Leah studied music business at Hofstra University and was a member of The Hofbeats. She also was involved in the music business department as a MEISA board member and was Hofstra’s MEISA 2019 songwriting contest winner. Leah is a founding member and one-sixth of Black to Gold, an award-winning professional a cappella group based in New York. Highlights with Black to Gold include touring the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, headlining the New England Voices festival, GFS A Cappella Fest, Sing Strong 2025, and this year's upcoming Boston Sings (BOSS) A Cappella Festival, and receiving multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) wins and nominations across three seasons. In 2024, Black to Gold received an A Cappella Video Awards (AVA) for their most recent music video, “In The Morning,” and won Sing Strong’s 2024 Aca Idol competition. As a songwriter, Leah is a 2024 CARA nominee for Best Original Song, and continues to write and release her own music in the pop/R&B space. She has also judged for both CARAs and AVAs and has conducted multiple workshops on songwriting for original a cappella music. 

Jake Wild graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a degree in modern artistry development and entrepreneurship. Jake was a member of BisCaydence, the oldest a cappella group at the University of Miami, for all four years of his college experience. In Jake's senior year, he served as co-music director and helped lead BisCaydence to the ICCA Finals. He also served as music director of his high school a cappella group, Byram Beat. Jake currently lives in New York City and is pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter. 

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; Ethan Meixsell, our sound engineer for tonight, and Adam Paltrowitz, the choral director and point person for this event; The High Notes for their performance this evening; 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