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 SOUTH SEMIFINAL

Carolina Theatre
Friday, March 7th, 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

Reverb is the new pop a cappella ensemble at Petal High School and is made up of 12 members. In their debut year, they will be competing at the Mississippi Show Choir Contest, the Magnolia Invitational, and the Spirit of Southern Invitational, in addition to performing at other events in the community. Reverb’s love for vocal music comes across in every performance, entertaining every audience from their exciting first season and beyond. 

Spectra is the dynamic 15-member a cappella ensemble from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Miss. This auditioned group brings together passionate singers who share a love for blending genres and infusing each performance with energy and enthusiasm. They are proud to make their first ICHSA appearance this year, and note this debut as a significant milestone. Spectra also released their debut single, "Aretha," on all streaming platforms this past November. 

Traces of Blue is the advanced women's choir and pop a cappella ensemble from Sumrall High School. Traces of Blue has performed extensively throughout the United States and made their ICHSA debut in 2023, placing 1st at South Quarterfinals and 2nd at Semifinals. In 2024, Traces of Blue placed 2nd at Quarterfinals, 1st at Semifinals, and went on to compete in ICHSA Finals in New York. Traces of Blue members aim to serve as positive role models by sharing their musical talents, inspiring confidence and individuality in younger singers, and enriching their community. 

Sonic Edge is the award-winning contemporary a cappella group from the Cobb County Center of Excellence In The Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School. This 17-member group sings a variety of music, from pop to musical theatre. They are proud to hold the title of 2024 ICHSA Champions. 

Crescenloe is an entirely student-run a cappella group from Enloe High School in Raleigh, N.C. Originally founded in 2015 by Nyla Smith, Crescenloe works hard to follow the five pillars of “CRESC”: Collaboration, Respect, Enthusiasm, Slayocity, and Communication. Crescenloe is a two-time ICHSA Quarterfinal Champion and three-time ICHSA Semifinalist. Their focus is on making music they love with people they love! 

Devils Chord is one of three contemporary a cappella groups from Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Tenn. Their name combines music with their school mascot, the Blue Devils. Founded in 2018 by director Brenna Provence, this group rehearses once a week after school. Membership in the group lasts for one year and everyone re-auditions each fall. Devils Chord keeps busy with community performances and events, MTVA, and other performance festivals. This year, the group has a student music director assisting in repertoire selection, as well as student choreographers. This year marks their ICHSA debut!

Vocality is the premier a cappella ensemble at Boone High School. Formed in 2018, the group has developed their reputation and talent in the years since. Vocality had an impressive competitive debut when they were crowned Runner-Up in their very first ICHSA appearance. In 2022, they released their first song, “Traitor,” available on Apple Music and Spotify. In 2023, they took 1st place in the ICHSA South Semifinals and traveled to New York for ICHSA Finals! Vocality believes in having fun onstage and singing with their hearts. They are active performers in the Orlando community and have several recording projects in the works. 

Currently in their 22nd year of existence, The A Cappella Group is very excited to be competing in this year’s ICHSA. TAG, as the group is known, has represented the South in ICHSA Finals three times. The group just released its 17th studio album, There's A Light, in October 2024 and it is available to stream on all platforms. TAG holds the record for most Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations by a high school group with 62 nominations and is tied for the most CARA wins with 14, including the Best High School Album category for their 2023 release, Look At Me Now. 

Acapocalypse is a fun-loving, student-led a cappella group that is all about good vibes, great music, and having a blast together. This group is not just about hitting the right notes; they love diving into what makes music and dance so meaningful. Whether they are putting their own spin on your favorite songs or just goofing around at rehearsal, Acapocalypse knows how to keep things fun while delivering meaningful performances. With a mix of talent, creativity, and a strong sense of community, this group is all about sharing their love for music and making every performance a memorable one.

Overtone is a 16-member group from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tenn. Overtone has been blessed to make several appearances at Varsity Vocals competitions since starting up in fall 2021. They competed at ICHSA Quarterfinals and Semifinals in 2022 and performed as the guest act for deliberations at ICCA South Quarterfinals in 2022, 2023, and 2024! In November 2023, they were chosen to sing backup vocals for Foreigner when they were on tour in East Tennessee. Overtone members love hanging out together, whether they’re going on Goodwill runs, having pool parties, or grabbing an after-concert meal somewhere! Most of all, they love singing together and hope you enjoy hearing them tonight! 

GUEST PERFORMER

The Tarpeggios, affectionately known as "The Tarps," is a mixed-voice a cappella group and a distinct part of UNC-Chapel Hill’s music community. Known for their inclusivity and supportive atmosphere, The Tarps bring people together to create music and foster familial connections. Their dedication and unique artistic style have led to major competitive success in their recent ICCA showings. They won 1st place at ICCA South Quarterfinals in both 2022 and 2024, and earned Runner-Up at ICCA South Semifinals in 2020 and 2021. They have also earned special awards in every category: Outstanding Choreography, Arrangement, Soloist, and Vocal Percussion.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Alexander Alberti (Alex, he/him) is a music educator and arts administrator, living in Raleigh, N.C. Alex formerly held the positions of Director of Instrumental Music at Longleaf School of the Arts (LSA) in Raleigh, N.C., and Director of Music at Southern Lee High School. Alex has taught various courses, including concert band, wind ensemble, orchestra, contemporary a cappella, AP Music Theory, music history, AP Psychology, and The Psychology and Philosophy of Music. He currently serves as the Showcase Manager for the National A Cappella and Choral Convention (NACC) and is a researcher in educational technology. Alex earned his master’s degree in music education with a post-baccalaureate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2020. He is also an alumnus of Appalachian State University, where he holds a Bachelor of Music in music education and a minor in psychology. In his spare time, Alex composes both choral and instrumental works, judges for Varsity Vocals, serves as the Artistic Director of the Triangle Pride Band, and participates in the semi-professional a cappella group, Triadic Vocals. 

Jessica Efird was a member of Duke University's Sapphire for five years and missed the collaborative nature of a cappella after graduation. After a year in a community a cappella group called The Raleigh Jaychords, she co-founded Second Shift A Cappella in 2007. Second Shift has now been performing in the triangle region of North Carolina for 16 years, during which time Jessica has served multiple terms as the group’s business director and musical co-director.

Kristin LoBiondo is no stranger to the a cappella community. She has worked as the assistant director of events for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA), and performed with professional groups, Snowday, Vox Pop, and Jaded. She earned her B.A. in vocal music at Elon University, and has judged the ICCA in North Carolina and Maryland. Kristin is super excited to be judging again, and can't wait to see how the aca-bop has transformed over the years. 

Dr. DeMar Austin Neal, IV currently serves as an Associate Professor of Music at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, N.C. He also maintains positions at Meredith College and NC State University, where he teaches a wide variety of classes and voice lessons in diverse styles. He holds a doctorate in voice performance from Florida State University, a master's degree in voice from the Boston Conservatory, and a bachelor's degree in voice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also possesses post-doctoral certifications in Vocology and Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy. DeMar has been involved in a cappella since his undergraduate days and his arrangements can be found on compilation albums including Varsity Vocals’ BOCA and CASA's Sing. Follow DeMar on Instagram @demarnealbaritone and visit www.demarneal.com 

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank The Tarpeggios; 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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2025 ICHSA Finals

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