2025 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ Towson University

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

Towson University
Saturday, February 21st, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

varsityvocals

@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

Known for their dashing good looks, neatly pressed vests, and perennial status as JHU’s best-smelling student group, The AllNighters has been crooning across the Mid-Atlantic since its inception in 1992. For the past 30 years, they have performed at gigs on and off campus for a variety of audiences, including JHU alumni, governors and world leaders, and even the White House. They love making music and having fun while doing it! The AllNighters have made five appearances in the ICCA Mid-Atlantic Semifinals, and one appearance at ICCA Finals in New York City. In December 2015, the AllNighters released their first EP, Night Shift, with Liquid 5th Productions. Their single, "Miracle," was rated 5/5 by the Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB), and their track, "Break Free," received a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nomination in the Best Male Collegiate Arrangement category. In 2021, their track, “The Only Thing” from their recent album, Spacewalk, was chosen to be featured on BOCA. Beyond competitions and awards, The AllNighters are most proud of the energy and excitement they bring to every stage.

Incredible vocalists, classic songs, and a whole lot of personality! The Cleftomaniacs is UMBC's premier all-gender a cappella group. Founded in 2006, the group took a semester to organize and settle on the perfect a cappella-worthy pun and then became The Cleftomaniacs. The group’s current repertoire includes pop hits, old favorites, and lesser-known gems. These talented vocalists are passionate about performing, making quality a cappella music, writing cool arrangements, and of course, having a great time doing it!

Three-time ICCA Semifinalists, The Vibes is one of GW’s premier a cappella groups. They love performing for the GW community and beyond! Be sure to ~vibe~ with them on Instagram @gwvibes and TikTok @thegwvibes, and check out their EPs, available now on all streaming platforms! A true family, The Vibes aim to entertain audiences and have a great time doing it. Let’s give it up for The GW Vibes!

The Notes of Ranvier is Johns Hopkins' premier community service and competitive a cappella group! Named after the unmyelinated sheaths in the nervous system that allow people to feel and sing, The Notes of Ranvier perform a variety of musical styles, ranging from pop to indie to R&B.

Off Track is an all-gender a cappella group from Towson University, founded in fall 2021. What began as a group of friends looking for a musical outlet evolved into a highly dedicated, award-winning group that has advanced to every round of the ICCA. The group continues to value fun and friendship and fosters a supportive and diverse environment for all of its members, regardless of their background Off Track was honored to represent the Mid-Atlantic at the 2025 ICCA Finals in New York City! They can’t wait for another fun-filled year!

Squawkappella is Salisbury University's premier collegiate a cappella team full of passionate musicians with a love for performing! Founded in 2004, they have been sharing the beauty of vocal performance around campus for over 20 years. In addition to being an ICCA veteran group, Squawkappella has also performed for many on-campus and off-campus events. such as Admitted Students Day, Fruitland Tree Lightings, Out of the Darkness walks, and even on the WBOC radio show! Squawkappella is an all-inclusive group, with members from all different backgrounds, identities, and majors. The group is primarily student-led and many Squawkappella members also hold other leadership roles on campus. They work together to uplift others by participating in community work, assisting other on-campus performances, and using their voices to help others. Squawkappella is very excited to perform and compete at ICCA and wishes all their competitors the best of luck!

The UMBC Stilettos is UMBC's only all-treble a cappella group! The Stilettos have been enchanting audiences for 18 years, specializing in a blend of pop and R&B. In their 2024 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal, they placed 4th overall and received the award for Outstanding Arrangement! This group champions creativity and musical excellence, along with female empowerment and sisterhood! The Stilettos can’t wait for you to hear their set!

UNITLED A Cappella is Towson University's premier competitive a cappella group. Founded in 2018, they aim to deliver their innovative, bold sound everywhere they go. UNTITLED is a dynamic group known for pushing musical boundaries and performs all kinds of music, from unexpected throwbacks to top-charting pop hits. With lots of new voices, UNTITLED has taken on new life this year, along with renewed enthusiasm and commitment from the group. Their combination of new and seasoned performers offers opportunities to experiment with their new sound. UNTITLED has participated in ICCA since its inception and took home an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award from their 2025 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal. UNTITLED is prepared to take this year’s audience on a journey of love, resiliency, and strengthr in a set that explores the complexities of human expression. UNTITLED is louder, bolder, and more present than ever before, and they can’t wait to share their voice in the ICCA!

The Vocal Chords is Johns Hopkins’ cranberry-clad, all-gender, “friendly neighborhood a cappella group.” Founded in 1995, the group has grown into a vibrant ensemble of 16 musicians, performing a wide variety of music styles. From Capitol One Arena to Carnegie Library to quiet corners of campus, they embrace every opportunity to perform and collaborate with organizations of all sizes. Whether they’re performing contemporary hits, timeless classics, or intricate arrangements crafted by group members, The Vocal Chords are dedicated to fostering community and sharing their love of music. Over the years, the group has built a reputation for musical excellence at JHU and the ICCA, earning awards such as Outstanding Soloist and advancing to multiple ICCA Semifinals. This year, The Vocal Chords aim to take their performances one step further.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Evan Belcher is an award-winning arranger, music director, masterclass instructor, and vocal percussionist. He joined Mason Some Noise (now MSN) at George Mason University in 2016. Evan led the group from their debut ICCA performance in 2018 to consistent competitive success including their first Semifinals appearance, and earned multiple Outstanding Awards for arrangement as well as vocal percussion. Since his graduation in 2020, Evan has stayed involved in the a cappella community, co-founding All Ears Arranging, an a cappella arranging and masterclassing company.

Tania Ghandour was introduced to a cappella in high school. When she matriculated to University of Maryland, she joined DaCadence, eventually serving as music director for two years. During her time in the group, DaCadence earned the ICCA Mid-Atlantic Champion title for two consecutive years, advancing all the way to Finals in New York City. Her musical training at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory and her vocal performance minor at the University of Maryland prepared her to be a leader and guide DaCadence through the competition seasons and releasing an album. She is excited to serve as a judge this evening!

Eric Neuenschwander is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Music Education with vocal emphasis. At Ohio State, Eric co-founded Majors & minors A cappella, along with an umbrella organization that helped other Ohio State groups form and become mainstays at ICCA competitions. He has been judging ICCA and ICHSA events since 2014 and still goes back to Ohio State to help their groups prepare. After a decade working as a choral director in Ohio, Eric moved out to D.C., where he currently teaches voice and piano for Forbes Music Company and works as a piano technician. If you need a piano tuned or serviced, check out www.NeuenNotes.com.

Logan Sandefur is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator born and raised in Winchester, Va. Logan graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he studied songwriting, music business, and music production. There, he was the arranger and music director for BisCaydence, earning an Outstanding Arrangement award at ICCA Semifinals and a CARA nomination for Best Mixed Collegiate Arrangement. Several of his arrangements have been released by BisCaydence over the course of two EPs, and his time with the group culminated in their second-ever trip to ICCA Finals in New York City. In addition to his passion for voice, Logan is an avid songwriter and self-ascribed “music nerd.” Growing up in a music-forward household, he began songwriting at the age of 15 and refined his skills in college, studying under Craig Carothers. Logan released his debut album, Projections, in April 2024, where he served as songwriter, lead vocalist, and executive producer. Logan is grateful to Varsity Vocals for all of their amazing work year and he is so excited to be judging this evening!

Ashlyn Thomas is an award-winning music director and arranger. In her collegiate a cappella career with George Mason University's MSN A Cappella, she attended the Mid-Atlantic Semifinals and won Outstanding Arrangement before taking leadership of the group in 2020. As the president and music director of MSN, she led the group in their most successful ICCA season in 2023, earning their first-ever spot in the Wildcard round. Ashlyn was also a founding member of the award-winning professional group, NOVEM, who competed in The Open Northeast Semifinals in 2021. She is also a co-founder of All Ears Arranging, an a cappella arranging and master-classing company which has produced multiple award-winning sets for groups in the D.C. area.

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

#ICCA