2025 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ The College of New Jersey

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 MID-ATLANTIC QUARTERFINAL

The College of New Jersey
Saturday, January 31st, 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

Casual Harmony is Rutgers University's premier tenor-bass a cappella group. Their electrifying performances have graced a wide array of stages, from campus events to local festivals and even national stages. Founded in 2003, Casual Harmony showcases their vocal prowess through complex arrangements, powerful soloists, and intricate vocal percussion. With a strong record of high placements and special awards at ICCA, Casual Harmony is proud to present their 2026 set, titled “Lay to Rest.”

Founded in 2010, DaCadence is an elite, all-gender a cappella team from the University of Maryland, College Park. DaCadence is known for bringing their vibrant colors, powerful sound, and energetic performances to the competitive stage. In 2023 and 2024, they were named Mid-Atlantic Champions and advanced to ICCA Finals. After a break from competition last year, they are excited to be back at ICCA to compete with all of the other amazing Mid-Atlantic groups. Fun fact: over half of DaFam are STEM majors! You can find them on Instagram @dacadence_umd and on Spotify for news about their upcoming album and other events.

The Deaftones is the premier co-ed a cappella group from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. The Deaftones originated at Westminster Choir College in 2008 and defined the college experience for many students. The Deaftones’ sound has major choral influences, credited to its institution’s rich history training classical musicians. In 2020, Westminster Choir College suddenly left its home in Princeton, N.J. and moved onto the campus of Rider University. Since then, The Deaftones became a cherished piece of Westminster tradition that the students were able to bring to their new home. Music helped The Deaftones preserve the unique Westminster spirit and learn to love their new community and home. The current group includes members from the greater Rider University community, representing majors in the performing arts and beyond. As The Deaftones adjusted to their new environment, they developed gratitude for the opportunity to forge bonds through music. The group is now stronger than ever and has become a home for students from all corners of the Rider University community.

The OrphanSporks is one of the premier co-ed a cappella groups from Rutgers University, bringing a fresh, modern sound to the stage with their signature mix of tight harmonies, rhythm, and heart. After over 15 years away from the competitive scene, The Sporks are beyond excited to return to ICCA with a renewed sense of focus and direction. This season has been about rediscovering who they are as a group, learning to balance power with softness, energy with vulnerability, and polish with emotion. Their set reflects that growth, showcasing not only their vocal precision, but the individuality and creativity that each member brings to the table. Their current repertoire highlights emotional nuance, dynamic variation, and inventive vocal textures. From chart-topping hits like “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga to lesser-known favorites like “Sunlight” by Hozier, The OrphanSporks strive to bring a new perspective and their hearts to every arrangement. Deeply committed to musical excellence and artistic growth, The OrphanSporks aim to engage audiences through performances that are touching, expressive, and distinctly their own.

The word "Prophecy" can be defined as "divinely inspired utterance or revelation." Profecy A Cappella seeks to create their own "prophecy" at Rowan to help them connect with audiences. As Rowan's all-inclusive tenor-bass group, Profecy performs contemporary a cappella music in their own style. They aim to entertain all audiences and inspire the Rowan community with their music.

RAAG is Rutgers University’s South Asian fusion a cappella group, blending Indian and Western music in unique arrangements, ranging from classical and Bollywood to pop and R&B. Each performance showcases the creativity and talent of RAAG’s members, all while celebrating the connection among different musical traditions. Over the years, RAAG has built a strong presence in the ICCA, placing 3rd in their 2025 Quarterfinal, 2nd in their 2024 Quarterfinal, and 1st place in 2023, ultimately reaching 2nd place at the 2023 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Semifinals. With each performance, RAAG continues to push boundaries, explore new sounds, and share the joy of music across cultures.

Rowan Vocals (RoVo) is Rowan University's premier mixed a cappella group. Founded in September 2016, RoVo sings a varied repertoire, ranging from pop to jazz to rock. Currently at 15 members, RoVo aims to represent Rowan University on and off campus as an exciting and fun group of talented singers. They host multiple events on campus, such as Alumni Night and their Spring Invitational, where they invite other a cappella groups to perform at their school. RoVo has been competing in the ICCA since 2017 and looks forward to it every year! They are so happy to be here and can't wait to perform!

ShockWave is Rutgers University's premier treble a cappella group. Founded in 2004, ShockWave strives to combine its members' passion for music with feminist activism and philanthropy. They love to compete and meet other musicians just as much as they love giving back and empowering women-led organizations on campus.

The Trentones is The College of New Jersey’s only competitive a cappella group, founded in 2002. The original founding group’s passion mirrors the current iteration’s drive for performing, arranging, and competing. Hailing from Ewing, N.J., The Trentones perform at all sorts of events on and off campus. They most recently performed at Trenton Thunder Ballpark and at the Philadelphia Flyers stadium. The Trentones have competed in several ICCA competitions over the years, advancing to Semifinals and winning awards for Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Choreography in 2019, 2024, and 2024, respectively. They most recently placed 3rd at last year’s Mid-Atlantic Semifinal and won Outstanding Vocal Percussion along the way. The Trentones are eager to share the ICCA experience with the group’s newest members and can’t wait to see what the future holds! This year's set encapsulates the feeling of anxiety, questioning self-worth, and rampant internal monologues as the group endeavors to conquer their weaknesses. “Did I make the right decision? Am I supposed to be here? When faced with adversity, can I overcome it? Am I capable?”

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Jenna Camacho is a passionate music educator in the School District of Philadelphia, with a specialization in a cappella and choir. Jenna graduated from Temple in the spring of 2022 with a B.M. in music education and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in music education. She continues to share her love of a cappella and vocal music with her students. She currently sings with VICE, a women’s a cappella group based in New York. Most notably, she served as the music director of Cape Harmony, Cape Cod’s professional female a cappella group from 2020-2022. She has competed in the ICCA and The Open with various groups and loves to experience how a cappella music evolves over time. Jenna is excited to give back to Varsity Vocals, since this organization helped inspire her passion for a cappella.

Noah Manno is a passionate educator, musician, actor, and vocalist. In his college years, he was the music director, producer and arranger of Millersville's Chromatic. Under his leadership, Chromatic took home two ICCA Quarterfinal wins and a Semifinal 3rd place title. He also produced their track, "Stay," which was featured on BOCA. Noah currently teaches private music lessons and continues to perform in musical theatre productions throughout New Jersey. Noah loves the art of a cappella music and he is dedicated to empowering others and sharing a cappella with his community.

Ruth Kowalski Manno (she/her) is a music teacher and the former president, choreographer, and social media coordinator for Chromatic at Millersville University. She has a Bachelor of Science in music education and a Bachelor of Arts in voice performance. During Ruth's time with Chromatic, the group earned 1st place at Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinals in both 2021 and 2022. Under Ruth's direction, Chromatic went viral on TikTok, and released an EP, Technicolor, full album, Metamorphosis, and a music video on YouTube for their single, "Golden Hour." Ruth is currently working as a marketing coordinator for Cut Off Studios, a professional a cappella company. Ruth couldn't be more excited to be on the other side of the ICCA and watch some amazing groups perform!

Alex McKay is a vocalist, arranger, and music director based in the New York City metropolitan area. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe with vocal ensembles, including the Richmond Symphony Chorus, the University of Michigan Chamber Choir, and, currently, the New York Vocal Collective under the direction of Ben Bram. Alex earned his Bachelor of Music Arts in vocal performance from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where he studied under world-renowned operatic tenor, George Shirley. At Michigan, Alex served as music director of Amazin’ Blue A Cappella for three years, arranging and producing multiple award-winning ICCA sets. During his senior year, Alex was elected to the executive board of the University of Michigan A Cappella Council, which oversees the nation’s largest collegiate a cappella community. In addition to performing, arranging and judging, Alex also enjoys leading workshops with scholastic a cappella groups. Competing in ICCA was a highlight of Alex’s undergraduate experience and he is thrilled to continue his journey with Varsity Vocals.

Marwan Ramen (he/they) is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist singer, composer, arranger, producer, teacher, and director. He graduated from NYU in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition. He music-directed NYU Vocollision for four years and was mentored by Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer) and Lauren Kinhan (New York Voices) while in Village Voices, recognized by Downbeat Magazine as the best small student vocal jazz group in their 44th annual awards. He currently directs, arranges, and produces for Moon Sessions, a Gen Z vocal collective bridging old and new in the jazz a cappella canon. Marwan earned individual awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Videography with Vocollision and Best Soloist with Moon Sessions. In its first year, Moon Sessions was nominated for multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) and A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs), including for Best Jazz Song/Album, and Best Jazz/Indie Video. Marwan was also a bass in Flex Pitch, a competitor in the last iteration of The Open Finals. Marwan maintains a partial residency at Red Pavilion, a neo-noir Asian jazz club. He’s played for The Backfires, Akari Village, Morphland, and more.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank 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 Mid-Atlantic 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

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