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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Missouri State University
Saturday, February 14th, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

varsityvocals

@varsityvocals

Follow us @varsityvocals on Facebook and Instagram, and join the conversation using #ICCA

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 2002, A Cub Bella is Missouri State University’s premier all-treble a cappella group, known for their powerhouse vocals, fierce choreography, and unbreakable sisterhood. This close-knit crew of women brings harmony, heart, and a little bit of high seas energy. In 2025, they made waves on the ICCA stage, earning 1st place at Midwest Quarterfinals, along with Outstanding Choreography (Kailynn Stiff) and Outstanding Soloist (Caroline Johnson). They went on to place 2nd at the 2025 Midwest Semifinals with their siren-themed set. Beyond competition, A Cub Bella performs across Springfield, Mo., and hosts two concerts each year. They also value musical education and tour local high schools to encourage students to keep music in their lives after graduation. A Cub Bella thrives on community, both within their own group and with fellow Missouri State a cappella groups. They recorded a new album, planned for release in spring 2026. Follow them on Instagram @acubbella_msu and stream on Spotify by searching for A Cub Bella. Let them be your siren song. 

Astha A Cappella is Saint Louis University’s premier South Asian fusion a cappella group. Their music blends the vibrant rhythms of Indian music with the dynamic sounds of Western pop, R&B, and contemporary genres. Astha, meaning “faith” in Hindi, reflects the group’s belief in the power of music to unite people across cultures, languages, and traditions. Founded on the Jesuit values of inclusivity and service, Astha fosters a creative space where students from all backgrounds come together to celebrate diversity and artistry through vocal harmony. For the past 10 years, Astha has proudly represented Saint Louis University at the ICCA, earning multiple special awards and placements throughout their journey. Beyond the stage, Astha serves as a community that champions collaboration, cultural awareness, and authenticity. Each member brings a unique perspective, but they share a mission to bridge the gap between East and West through sound. 

Based out of Springfield, Mo., The Beartones is Missouri State University's premier tenor-bass competitive a cappella group. Founded in 2000, The Beartones are focused on musical excellence and creating an environment that champions their members’ success, inside and outside of the group. A completely student-led group, The Beartones is composed of 17 members from various backgrounds and all over the country. For more than two decades, The Beartones have performed across the country, in cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, and, notably,  New York City for ICCA Finals in both 2009 and 2018. The Beartones have released award-winning albums and EPs and have been featured in many Voices Only compilation albums. Last year, The Beartones celebrated their 25th anniversary, bringing home awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and recording new songs for an album extension. This year, The Beartones look forward to recording new music, making new memories, and they hope to "rise up" to the challenge of ICCA 2026. 

Count Me In is a treble a cappella group with a long history at Iowa State University and reestablished in 2020. This entirely student-led group draws from other choirs on campus and is composed of students from various majors. They perform gigs at Iowa State, in downtown Ames, and throughout the surrounding communities. Count Me In enjoys performing a wide variety of music, from pop to jazz and everything in between! Even while juggling rehearsals and all their schoolwork, the members of Count Me In are close friends and enjoy spending their free time together as well! Whether carving pumpkins or playing their very own, custom-made card game, they know how to have fun. This is Count Me In’s third year participating in the ICCA and they’re excited to be back. Good luck to everyone else performing, and they hope you enjoy their show. 

Crimson and Blues is The University of Kansas’s premier a cappella group. Founded in September 2016, the group is proud to be fully-student run. The primary objective of this mixed ensemble is to perform arrangements from a multitude of genres at a very high level, and of course, to have fun! 

EQ Blu is from Murray State University in Western Kentucky. This 16-member mixed ensemble placed 3rd at Midwest Quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025, and was featured on the collegiate showcase at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in 2019 (Memphis) and 2022 (Orlando). They hope to create lifelong connections through the power of music and self-expression. 

Hailing from Missouri State University, The Hibernotes is an all-inclusive a cappella group that strives for musical excellence and self-expression. Their mission is to create a unique community that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and vulnerability. Currently in their 13th year as Missouri State's only all-gender competitive a cappella group, The Hibernotes are more excited than ever to perform. Their 2026 ICCA set theme is “Broken,” touching on society’s broken views on neurodivergence, families broken by war and greed, and the breaking effect of too much pressure on a single person. In 2022, The Hibernotes earned 2nd place and Outstanding Arrangement at their ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal, moving on to the Semifinal round. They followed that up in 2023 with a 3rd place finish at Quarterfinals, and they have their sights set higher than ever this year! To support their journey, follow @hibernotesmsu on Instagram! 

Established in 2024 at Iowa State University, Mezzo Forte A Cappella is happy to be back for their second ICCA season! Mezzo Forte is a co-ed a cappella group of talented singers, arrangers, and choreographers. They are especially proud to have a repertoire entirely arranged by current group members! After a fantastic 2025 season, Mezzo Forte is excited for ICCA 2026 and another great year of performances around Iowa State's campus. 

Minor Detail is the only all-treble a cappella group from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. Even though they are from a small town (and an even smaller campus), they pack a huge sound. As a completely student-run group, the women and nonbinary musicians of Minor Detail are proud to create all of their own arrangements and performances. Although Minor Detail includes music majors, the group is primarily composed of non-music majors, such as nursing, English, biology, accounting, classics, exercise science, and more. Still, they all dedicate up to six hours each week to rehearsing and performing at Truman State and around Kirksville. Although they come from all different walks of life, the members of Minor Detail are united through a passion for music. As an all-treble group, they work extra hard to pack a punch in their arrangements, tone, blend, and overall sound, and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Their name may be MINOR Detail, but they have MAJOR talent! 

Reverb is the premier all-gender community service a cappella group at Washington University in St. Louis. Since its conception in 2017, Reverb has focused on making singing accessible by performing across campus and throughout the St. Louis area. A multi-genre group, Reverb arranges and performs music by various artists, such as Nina Simone, Ariana Grande, and The Beatles. Their mission is to share their love of music with the St. Louis community, on and off of WashU's campus. They serve the community by performing for schools, nursing homes, charity groups, and establishing long-term relationships with local organizations. Reverb is excited to continue performing all over, drinking lots of tea, and making amazing memories in the process!

GUEST PERFORMER

Nixapella is the contemporary a cappella group from Nixa High School in Nixa, Mo. Formed in 2022, this year marks their fourth season competing in the ICHSA. In 2024, Nixapella took 1st place at their ICHSA Midwest Quarterfinal and followed it up with a 3rd-place finish in 2025. That same year, they made school and state history as the first contemporary a cappella group ever to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. Nixapella students also participate in another varsity choral ensemble at Nixa, blending their traditional choir training with the creative energy of a cappella performance. Under the direction of Danny Gutierrez, the group performs across the region, sharing music that challenges and inspires both singers and audiences. In their next chapter, Nixapella plans to continue growing their sound, taking risks onstage, and representing the Nixa choir program with pride.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

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. 

Anna Brummell is a music lover and St. Louis native. She is currently the choir director for grades six through 12 at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy in St. Louis. Anna is also the choral assistant for Crescendo Youth Choirs, a nonprofit educational organization offering select choral ensembles for  first through 12th grade students. Anna earned her bachelor’s degree in K-12 vocal music education from Missouri State University, where she sang in the Missouri State Chorale, women’s chorus, choral union, and the Soundbearier a cappella club. She performed at the 2021 International Tolosa Choral Contest, 2023 National ACDA Conference, and 2023 MMEA Conference. She also contributed to four commercially recorded albums and toured Spain, South Africa, Canada, and France. Anna currently sings with the Queen City Chorale (Springfield) and the No-Name Chorale (Belleville).

Katie Solomon is a 20-year music educator in St. Louis. She attended Truman State University and is honored to be here tonight. She enjoys creating music in community, musical moments that evoke laughter, and writing about herself in the third person. 

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Cora Solomon, A Cub Bella, PSU Theatre, Missouri State University, Cadence Arnold, and Alex Smith; 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 Midwest 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