2025 ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal @ University of Michigan

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 GREAT LAKES QUARTERFINAL

University of Michigan
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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@varsityvocals

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

Founded in 1993, 58 Greene is the University of Michigan’s premier multicultural, gender-inclusive a cappella group. With music from every genre, 58 Greene makes every song their own and has fun while doing it. While each of the group members (a.k.a. the Greenies) shine as individuals, 58 Greene is most proud of their strength as a group, both as musicians and friends. Greenies come from many different backgrounds and experiences, but share a strong passion for making music and creating community. When they’re not rehearsing in East Quad, you can find the Greenies having late night dance parties (a.k.a. LNDPs), hanging at the cat cafe, or making grilled cheese sandwiches. 58 Greene cannot wait to welcome new members into their Greenie family!

The MSU Accafellas is Michigan State University's premier tenor-bass a cappella group! Since 1996, they have been competing and have won numerous awards, most notably advancing to the Great Lakes Semifinals in 2008, 2013, and 2015.

Amazin’ Blue is the University of Michigan’s oldest all-gender a cappella ensemble. Since its inception in 1987, Amazin’ Blue (AB to its friends) has produced 14 studio albums, performed around the nation, and competed on national stages. The group's dedication and commitment to excellence and creative expression is only outshone by their tight-knit community. With over 30 years of existence, the group has undergone many transformations, but their core principles remain the same: caring for one another and taking creative risks. When they’re not singing, AB members can be found making fritas runs, holding Super Smash Bros tournaments, and making references only they understand. Beyond competing and performing, AB’s ultimate goal is to inspire a love for a cappella in their audiences.

Capital Green is the oldest co-ed a cappella group at Michigan State University! Founded in 1998, they are in their 27th year of singing together and making memories to last a lifetime. In 2024, they were lucky enough to place 1st at ICCA Great Lakes Semifinals and became the first group in MSU history to advance to ICCA Finals in New York City! In 2025, they were overjoyed to return to the Semifinals stage and take home 2nd place! Capital Green is best-known for their genuine connection as a group and how much fun they have performing together. More than anything, Capital Green is a chosen family and they are so grateful that their collective love of music brought them together! They are thrilled to be back at ICCA for another year and cannot wait to see what the 2026 season has in store. Be sure to follow Capital Green’s journey on Instagram @msucapitalgreen and check out their studio works on all streaming platforms! Go Green!

The DJs, from the University of Michigan, is a competitive all-gender a cappella group with a passion for great music. From funk to opera to R&B, they are known for experimenting with different musical genres and growing their musicianship in the process. You can typically find them in the bell tower, hosting game nights, or tailgating on Michigan football Saturdays. They have been competing annually in ICCA for as long as they can remember! Please welcome The DJs!

The Expressions is a long-established elite ensemble on the Macomb Community College campus. The group was originally founded to perform jazz music, either accompanied or a cappella, and transitioned to a contemporary a cappella music focus in 2017. Group members are selected through auditions and are students of the music program at the community college. The Expressions perform at the college Extravaganza Shows, as pre-show entertainment in the lobby of the college PAC, and throughout the community.

The G-Men, or Gentlemen for long, is an all-male a cappella group at the University of Michigan. Founded in 1995, The G-Men have performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, sang the national anthem for the Detroit Pistons and Tigers, competed in four ICCA Finals, and entertained audiences throughout the Ann Arbor community, the state of Michigan and around the country. They are all extraordinarily humble, work out a lot, and are super charismatic. When not performing, you can catch The G-Men having sauna nights, comparing triceps, or taking board games way too seriously.

Founded in 1979, The Harmonettes are proud to be the oldest all-treble a cappella group at the University of Michigan. They strive to create a community built on inclusivity, laughter, tight-knit friendships, and making amazing music. These dedicated vocalists compete in ICCA each year and perform at numerous events on and off campus! Outside of their rehearsals in the Bell Tower, they can be found doing trivia, sharing late-night study sessions, and snapping impossible paparazzi pictures of each other. Please welcome The Harmonettes!

Ladies First is the only all-treble a cappella group at MSU, founded in 1985. This award-winning group celebrated its 40th anniversary this past fall and is proud to represent the legacy of Ladies before. Ladies is 17 members strong, the largest the group has been in over five years, and looks forward to another year of embodying their motto of “honest, grounded, powerful.” The group celebrates each member’s individuality, musicality, and passion, and together, they share a strong bond and love for making music together. If you would like to see more, follow all of their socials @Ladiesfirstmsu.

Radio Treble is Western Michigan University's only treble-voice a cappella group, founded in 2024. They made their performance debut in November 2024 and they’re excited to enter the competitive scene! Radio Treble members study a diverse range of subjects, including English, biology, psychology, criminal justice, music technology, and more. They’re thrilled to showcase their hard work from this past year. As an ensemble, Radio Treble values community, inclusivity, and, above all, singing. They hope you enjoy their set!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Christopher Andres is a passionate and dedicated music professional with a diverse background in both vocal and instrumental music. He attended The Ohio State University and Sinclair Community College, where he actively participated in The University Chorus and Men's Glee. A proud graduate of Greenville High School, Christopher was deeply involved in the school’s Vocal Music Department, singing in the men’s choir, concert choir, Choraliers, and The Wavaires. He was also a key member of the Instrumental Band Department, performing in symphonic band, concert band, and marching band. His instrumental talents include the flute, saxophone, and baritone. Christopher has performed on numerous stages across the world as an instrumentalist and vocalist. Currently, he is the Assistant Vocal Music Director and accompanist at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio, going into his eighth year. In addition to his church leadership, Christopher is in his seventh year as assistant vocal music director and accompanist at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio. Christopher's musical journey began at age five when he first played the piano at his local church, a connection that ignited his lifelong passion for music and education. He also serves as a board member for the Darke County Civic Theatre since 2025. Through his work, Christopher continues to inspire and enrich the musical community.

Jaykob Archer is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor's degree in K-12 choral music education. He is currently continuing his studies at the same institution, pursuing a Master of Science in management. His diverse musical background spans musical theatre, a cappella, and contemporary music, exemplified by his leadership as president of The Xtension Chords, U of I's all-bass a cappella group. Jaykob also holds experience as a Varsity Vocals production assistant.

Jordan Rashaun Bilbrew began his music career in his early childhood, studying classical music since age nine. After seven years of attending performing arts schools, he brought his talents to Florida State University as a leader, arranger, and focal soloist for the award-winning group, All-Night Yahtzee. There, he competed in many ICCA and Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) competitions, including an appearance in the 2016 ICCA Finals. Upon graduation, Jordan began as the lead tenor for New York City’s award-winning professional a cappella group, Backtrack Vocals. He has toured, competed, filmed numerous YouTube videos, and was even invited to headline Sing Strong A Cappella Festival. He is presently on a break from performing professionally to pursue a career in medicine, but is still very passionate about a cappella education!

Grant Hendrickson majored in music education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, he sang with and directed the University of Wisconsin men's a cappella group, The MadHatters, from 2001-2005. After graduating in 2005, Grant moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter. After playing the Los Angeles club circuit for a couple years, he joined The Cat's Pajamas vocal band and traveled the world singing on cruise ships and national tours for four years. Grant helped launch The Cat's Pajamas at the Dutton Theater in Branson, Mo. in 2010, where they performed 230 shows a year. Grant became a music director for Second City and toured with them on cruise ships in 2011-2012. Grant sang with the legendary Alley Cats for three years and performed in multiple national tours from 2012-2015. He has taught private voice and piano lessons for 15 years. Grant has owned and operated Entertain You Productions (EYP) since 2010, a live entertainment company now based in East Lansing, Mich. EYP focuses on wedding entertainment and corporate events.

Michell Lazarow has over a decade of experience in a cappella music, including serving as music director for The Ohio State of Mind and No Comment. He reached the ICCA Finals with both groups, earning a 4th place finish in 2024. Along the way, he’s received accolades including four Outstanding Arrangement awards, an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award, and nominations for both the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) and A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs). Mitchell currently serves on the Production and Events and Education teams at Cut Off Studios, and helps groups across the country prepare for competitions.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank the University of Michigan, Lisa Burm, Jaykob Archer, Frank Mendes, The Michigan G-Men, The Michigan Friars, and Joseph Aquino; 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 Great Lakes 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

#ICCA