2026 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ Oakton High School

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

Oakton High School
Saturday, February 28th, 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

Accolade is the high-octane voice of Southern Virginia University. With their music, they build a wall of sound, specializing in contemporary a cappella that pulses with energy and raw vocal talent. After performing on the national stage at National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in 2022, Accolade is ready for the next challenge. While this marks their ICCA debut, Accolade is here to prove their vocal legacy is just getting started.

Extreme Measures is a co-ed a cappella group from Christopher Newport University. Founded in 2013, they are known across campus and the a cappella community for their high-energy performances and tight-knit bond. The group has proudly represented CNU in numerous competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and are thrilled to make their sixth ICCA appearance this year. Beyond the ICCA stage, Extreme Measures has made its mark at Richmond Rhythm, earning accolades such as 2nd place, Fan Favorite, Best Arrangement, Best Soloist, and Best Choreography across the 2019 and 2020 seasons. They also serve as long-time hosts of the Blue Tie Affair (BTA) Invitational, an interstate competition where 10 groups from Virginia and neighboring states compete for a $200 cash prize. This past winter marked another milestone with the release of their debut full-length studio album, For Good Measure, an eight-song collection of nostalgic tracks, including “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse and “What a Time" by Julia Michaels and Niall Horan. Capturing Extreme Measures’ signature sound and passion for innovation, the album reflects over a decade of harmony, creativity, and community.

Founded in 1995, General Admission is Washington and Lee's only co-ed, competitive a cappella group. Their members come from around the country, including Texas, California, Florida, and more. The group performs regularly for both the university and the surrounding Rockbridge County community. Annual highlights include their Christmas Concert, alumni gatherings, Parents and Family Weekend performances, and the SOUPerbowl, a charity event supporting W&L's Campus Kitchen. GA is known for transforming familiar songs, from "Delta Dawn" to "Man in the Mirror," into fresh and unforgettable musical experiences. Each year, they continue to refine their sound and share it with Lexington and beyond, proudly representing Washington and Lee’s spirit of collaboration, creativity, and joy.

Founded in 2000, Low Key is the second co-ed a cappella group at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. What began as a group of close friends with a shared love for singing evolved into a long-standing JMU tradition built on connection, creativity, and community. Always true to their “Friends First” philosophy, Low Key continues to value the friendships that make their music possible and celebrate every chance to perform together. Over the years, Low Key has released six studio albums and one EP, earning national recognition for their artistry. Their covers of “Let Go” and “Hit ‘Em Up Style” were featured on BOCA 2006 and 2011, while “Sweet Disposition” appeared on Voices Only 2011 and BOCA 2012. Most recently, their rendition of “Diamonds” was featured on Voices Only 2023. Their newest release, NIGHT FALLS (2025), was met with strong acclaim from the Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB) and described as “a solid, sonic achievement that’s booming, fun, and full of energy.” Low Key is proud to keep growing, performing, and creating music that reflects their identity as friends first and artists always.

No Ceiling is William & Mary's only competitive a cappella group. Founded in the winter of 2015, this will be No Ceiling’s 10th year competing at the ICCA. No Ceiling is decorated in both the Mid-Atlantic and South ICCA regions, with multiple wins for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Soloist, and Outstanding Arrangement in the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds. They are thrilled to be back for another competition season and look forward to performing with new groups each year!

Founded in 2010, Noteworthy A Cappella is George Mason University's oldest a cappella group on campus. As the only treble-voiced a cappella group at GMU, they strive to build a community that empowers members from all backgrounds and identities! They work to share their love of music by performing music on and off campus throughout the year. Since 2022, Noteworthy has participated in three ICCA Quarterfinals and continues to seek opportunities to share music with other a cappella groups. Last spring, Noteworthy coordinated an acappellooza event with the other a cappella groups at GMU, where they led group exercises, shared recent repertoire, and exchanged tips and tricks to improve their musicianship. Noteworthy also aims to foster long-lasting friendships and meaningful connections through their shared passion and dedication to singing. Beyond the music, Noteworthy is focused on having fun and making noteworthy memories together.

Founded in 2025, Purple Reign is James Madison University’s first competitive a cappella ensemble. A newly established mixed group, they are dedicated to pushing creative and vocal boundaries through powerful storytelling, intricate arrangements, and a passion for excellence, both on and off the ICCA stage.

Ramifications is a premier, award-winning a cappella group from Virginia Commonwealth University. They were proud to win their 2025 ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal and are thrilled to be back for 2026! Founded in 2009 as The Compass Singers and renamed the Ramifications in 2010, the group has spent the past 14 years growing together and exploring contemporary a cappella across genres, from pop and rock to R&B and indie. Ramifications released their single, “Mania,” and album, Revelations, to all streaming platforms.

Take Note is a competitive all-treble a cappella group at Christopher Newport University. Founded in 2010, Take Note unites students from every corner of campus with their passion for music and emphasis on women’s empowerment. Take Note prides itself on its versatility and willingness to learn, particularly as they dive deeper into the competitive a cappella scene. Driven by their desire to evolve as musicians and connect with audiences, Take Note participates in events throughout the year, including CNU’s Glow-in-the-Darcapella event with their fellow on-campus a cappella groups. They believe that creating music is an incredible way to build confidence and enrich the collegiate experience. In addition to sharing female musical excellence, Take Note is a fierce group of friends and they’re to make their mark in the 2026 ICCA.

University Sounds was founded in fall 2008 at Christopher Newport University by Becca Morton. Since then, USounds has worked diligently to create a unique sound to establish themselves within the CNU a cappella community and throughout the collegiate a cappella world. USounds performs a variety of music genres, such as pop, rap, R&B, rock, indie, alternative, and more! This co-ed a cappella group participates in various events and competitions on and off campus throughout the year. Last year, University Sounds competed in the 2025 ICCA and used that experience to improve their skills and build their repertoire!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Danielle Drew has called D.C. home for the past 15 years, but originally hails from Missouri. She was a member of Missouri State University’s premier female a cappella group, A Cub Bella, for four years, winning three ICCA Quarterfinals and reaching 2nd place at ICCA Midwest Semifinals. With extensive vocal training and a background in percussion and dance, Danielle enjoys all aspects of a cappella, including the versatility in vocal parts, dropping a beat with vocal percussion, and that dramatic a cappella reach in the choreo. Danielle has also studied classical voice and toured Italy and the U.S. with Missouri State’s concert chorale. These days, Danielle enjoys playing piano and singing when she’s not working her job in finance.

James Gammon has enjoyed a widely varied music career. He attended the University of Virginia and sang with the Academical Village People, studying classical composition and graduating with a B.A. in music and philosophy. A recording engineer and producer since 2004, James has established himself as one of the most prolific and awarded voices in contemporary a cappella production, with clients earning dozens of BOCA appearances and hundreds of Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). He has worked with Pentatonix, appeared on the soundtrack for "Pitch Perfect," and collaborated on Chinese pop star Momo Wu’s hit, “Live For Now,” whose music video has over 200 million views. As a composer, James's original song, “Toxie the Toxic Asset,” was featured on NPR’s "Planet Money," and he collaborated with Indian composer M. Ghibran for the 2013 Bollywood film, "Vishwaroopam." His concert piece, "Overture For Orchestra," was performed in fall 2024 by the Old Dominion University Orchestra. As a performer, James has played keyboards with southern rock band, Adam’s Plastic Pond, and folk singer-songwriter, Carl Anderson, and he sings baritone with the Virginia Consort. As a conductor and pianist, James has led and played in the pit orchestra for local productions of "Les Miserables," "Threepenny Opera," "Crazy for You," and "Seussical," among many others. He lives in Crozet, Va. with his wife, son, and two dogs.

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.

Ben Rivenburgh is a singer, vocal percussionist, and instrumentalist from Germantown, Md.! Ben graduated from Towson University, where he was a vocalist and trumpet player in the University Marching Band, and a member of the a cappella group, Untitled. After competing in ICCA for the first time with Untitled, Ben discovered his love for the competitive scene and began studying beatboxing under 2019 Grand Beatbox Champion, D-Low, to hone his craft, expand his versatility, and strengthen his technique. Ben went on to become one of the founding members of the award-winning group and ICCA Finalist, Off Track. Ben competed with Off Track from 2021-2024 and won the ICCA award for Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2024. Ben currently produces music under his stage name, "Ben Sykes," works for RDX Productions as a live mixer and engineers, and offers workshops for a cappella groups competing in the ICHSA and ICCA. Throughout his a cappella journey, Ben found a community of family and friends who share his passion for a cappella and he couldn't be more excited to see tonight’s groups perform.

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