DEAR FRIENDS,
Welcome to Varsity Vocals’ 30th season! After more than a quarter century of presenting the best student groups on the stage and in the studio, our enthusiasm for the art of a cappella is greater than ever.
Our tournaments have grown from a handful of events to the massive showcase they are today, currently featuring more than 730 groups and around 12,000 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 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 from other groups.
We have seen a cappella make great strides from where it began on our stage 30 years ago and can’t wait to see how our 2026 competitors continue to 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
ICCA CENTRAL QUARTERFINAL
New Hazlett Theater
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
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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 college tournament, now in it's 30th year, 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 25th.
The high school tournament is now in its 21st 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 24th.
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 10 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
C Flat Run, from the University of Pittsburgh, is a group of people who like to sing and have fun while doing it. With a repertoire of mainly pop and R&B music, they have been making music for 16 years, and are proud to be one of Pitt's longest running a cappella groups. C Flat Run has earned many ICCA accolades over the years, including 1st place at their 2018 ICCA Central Quarterfinal, and most recently, 2nd place at their 2025 ICCA Central Quarterfinal, along with an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award for beatboxer Erik Rodriguez. They are excited to be back and look forward to singing their hearts out and meeting other a cappella groups!
Founded over a decade ago, The C Sharp Singers is a competitive, co-ed a cappella group composed of some of CMU’s finest musicians. With a focus on musical growth, the group fosters an environment for members to sharpen their skills through rigorous rehearsals and electrifying performances, all while having lots of fun. The C Sharp Singers’ passion and energy always shine through and they are thrilled to showcase that in tonight’s set!
In 2000, Counterpoint was founded by Carolyn Weger as Carnegie Mellon University’s first all-female and nonbinary a cappella group. Since then, the group has worked to redefine the limits of what an all-treble ensemble can achieve, combining musical excellence with a strong sense of community and inclusivity. In 2008, they launched the AcaPittsburgh Benefit Concert, an annual tradition that raises funds for local causes and nonprofits across the Pittsburgh area. They also compete annually in the ICCA, notably placing 2nd at Central Quarterfinals in both 2020 and 2024. Counterpoint performs regularly at concerts on campus, such as No Instruments Aloud, Carnival A Cappella Concert, Spark the Movement, and Almost Midnight A Cappella, sharing their passion for music with the CMU community and beyond.
The Originals has been a defining part of Carnegie Mellon University’s a cappella community since 1996, known for its rich harmonies, expressive performances, and group camaraderie. Originally founded as an all-male group, The Originals quickly rose to prominence, reaching the 2016 ICCA Finals and even performing at the White House. After a brief hiatus, the group made its long-awaited return in 2024 as an all-gender ensemble, embracing a new chapter while honoring nearly 30 years of tradition. With a repertoire that moves between pop, R&B, and a variety of other musical influences, The Originals continue to explore the emotional and creative range of a cappella performance. Beyond their sound, The Originals are known for their ability to adapt, reinvent, and perform with heart. Their legacy is one of collaboration, resilience, and the shared joy of music!
The Pendulums is the University of Pittsburgh’s oldest a cappella group and they bring the energy wherever they go! For years, they’ve been proud to represent Pitt at the ICCA, bringing their signature blend of alternative, indie, pop, and R&B music to the stage. Known for their tight harmonies, creative arrangements, and genuine chemistry, The Pendulums are as much a family as they are a performance group. When they’re not rehearsing late into the night or performing on Pitt's campus, you can probably find them hanging out together, cracking jokes, or breaking into impromptu barbershop chords. Competing in the ICCA is one of their favorite traditions, providing an opportunity to share their hard work, personality, and love for music with new audiences each year. Whether they’re performing an emotional ballad or an upbeat crowd favorite, The Pendulums bring their full hearts and plenty of laughter to every note they sing.
Formed in 2024, Sargam is the University of Pittsburgh's competitive South Asian a cappella group. Sargam fuses soulful melodies from Bollywood with the vibrant energy of Western pop, R&B, and contemporary hits. The group’s name, meaning “musical notes” in Hindi, reflects its mission to unite diverse voices and cultures through the universal language of music. Beyond the stage, Sargam strives to foster community and representation, celebrating the intersection of tradition and innovation in every performance. After an exciting first competitive season, Sargam has already begun making its mark in the South Asian a cappella circuit and is now thrilled to make its debut in the ICCA circuit!
The Songburghs is one of the University of Pittsburgh's premier all-gender a cappella groups. Established in 2015, they pride themselves on an expansive and authentic repertoire that covers a wide variety of musical styles. An entirely student-run group, they work together to create performances for various events throughout Pittsburgh. The Songburghs have also competed at the ICCA, earning 1st place at Central Quarterfinals in 2019, 2020, 2024, and 2025, 2nd place at Quarterfinals in 2023, and 3rd place in 2022. Previously, The Songburghs have released four EPs on Spotify and continue to release sets via social media! With their love for music, performance, and one another, The Songburghs strive to create versatile arrangements, entertaining performances, and a positive bond with their community.
Sounds Like Treble is the University of Pittsburgh’s only all-treble a cappella group, recognized for their dynamic vocals, creative arrangements, and captivating stage presence. Founded on friendship and a shared passion for music, the group performs an eclectic mix of current and nostalgic favorites, featuring artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Queen, Harry Styles, and Billy Joel. After performing in the 2023 ICCA, Sounds Like Treble continued to perform across campus and the greater Pittsburgh area, appearing at university events, local showcases, and semester concerts. Their performances balance emotional storytelling and musical precision, showcasing the power and versatility of treble voices. This year, Sounds Like Treble is excited to return to the ICCA stage with renewed energy, fresh arrangements, and a dedication to musical growth and collaboration.
The Treblemakers, from Carnegie Mellon University, is a competitive, co-ed a cappella group, founded in 2010. They love competing in the ICCA each year and are excited to be back! The Treblemakers have a broad musical palate and sing songs from many different genres. This year, they are recording their second full album! Recent highlights from ICCA Central Quarterfinals include winning 2nd place in 2022, 1st place in 2023, and 3rd place in both 2024 and 2025. They were also awarded Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2022 and Outstanding Soloist in 2023.
TONIGHT'S JUDGES
Allison Cranmer is a graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam with degrees in music education and mathematics. While at Potsdam, Allison music directed and arranged for A Sharp Arrangement, the only all-treble group on campus. As the music director, she led the Sharps to their first-ever ICCA Semifinal, toured around New York State, and recorded several different projects. Currently, Allison is the vocal and general music teacher at Palmyra-Macedon Middle School. She shares her love of a cappella with her students by listening, arranging, and performing a cappella music with them daily.
Brendan Duffy is a Pittsburgh-based musician and educator with a passion for blending contemporary and traditional musical styles. He studied vocal performance and music education at Ithaca College before earning a music education degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A tenor with over a decade of experience in contemporary a cappella, Brendan has performed, directed, and arranged across a variety of vocal ensembles. Highlights include founding his high school a cappella group, music-directing Voicestream at Ithaca College, and serving as president of Crimson Chords at IUP. He is committed to fostering community and providing meaningful learning experiences through music.
Parker Neal is a tenured music teacher in the Warren County School District. He holds a B.M.E. from Mansfield University and an M.M.E. from George Mason University. Parker has expansive experience teaching choral, instrumental and general music, as well as directing musicals for performers of all ages.
Nick Quintana is a vocalist, arranger, and choreographer based in Pittsburgh. He graduated with honors from the University of Delaware, earning a B.S. in marketing, advertising, and applied music. There, he also served as president of the award-winning a cappella group, Vocal Point. Under his leadership, the group placed 2nd in the 2022 and 2023 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals, earned two Outstanding Choreography awards (2023 Semifinals 2024 Quarterfinals), and won 1st place at their 2024 Quarterfinal. Also in 2024, Nick was recognized with the Outstanding Arrangement award at VoiceJam, presented by Deke Sharon and Grammy winner Claude McKnight III. He currently works as a content creator for Cut Off Studios and remains active in the contemporary a cappella community.
SPECIAL THANKS
Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Bryce McCracken, Chelsea Perticone, Raahi from Liquid 5th, our guest perfomer, The 'Loo Wops, and the team at The New Hazlett Theater; 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 Witham
Producer, ICCA United Kingdom
Rebecca Williamson
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
Angelina Corbin
Associate Producer
ICCA & ICHSA South
Sara Yood
Senior Producer, ICCA & ICHSA Finals
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
McKinley Thoreson
Associate Producer
ICHSA Great Lakes
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 2026 ICCA Central 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!
#ICCA