2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal @ Hilliard Bradley 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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Hilliard Bradley High School
Saturday, February 21st, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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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

Case Western Reserve University’s premier all-voices pop a cappella ensemble, Case in Point, has been captivating audiences since 2001. This entirely student-run group performs music arranged exclusively by current or former members, showcasing their creativity and talent. Open to singers and beatboxers of all voice parts and musical backgrounds, Case in Point fosters a tight-knit community of performers. Known for their dynamic performances, the group regularly entertains audiences across the CWRU campus, opens for notable acts like Jay Leno, and competes in the ICCA, where they have earned accolades including 2nd place at Midwest Semifinals. Follow Case in Point on Instagram at @cipacappella, and stream their music, including their Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-winning Album of the Year, Breakthrough, on all major platforms.

The Flying Solos is the University of Dayton’s only no-fella a cappella group! Founded in 2017, this is their fifth year competing in ICCA. The group is made up of students from widely diverse fields, from future teachers to future physicians, all united by a shared passion for music and the group’s strong family dynamic. The Flying Solos want to thank everyone for coming out to support them and UD a cappella, and hope you enjoy their set!

Remedy A Cappella is the University of Dayton’s premier co-ed contemporary a cappella group, known for blending powerful vocals with infectious energy. Remedy has taken the stage across the country, earning top honors in prestigious competitions like ICCA and Harmony Sweepstakes. In 2025, Remedy was named ICCA Quarterfinal Runner-Up, with standout recognition for group member Evanson, who won Outstanding Vocal Percussionist. The group also claimed the title of the 2024 National Harmony Sweepstakes Champions. Beyond the stage, Remedy brings their music to streaming platforms. Their EP, The Compilation, dropped on Spotify in summer 2021, showcasing their dynamic sound and creative arrangements. From competitions to recordings, Remedy A Cappella strives to push musical boundaries, captivate audiences, and cultivate a family for its members.

Retrograde is a competitive mixed a cappella group of 20 members, founded in 2021. The group members are very excited for a busy year full of amazing music. This is Retrograde's second year competing and they're thrilled to share their music with tonight’s audience. Let's hear it for Retrograde A Cappella!

Founded in 2011, Scarlet and Grace Notes is The Ohio State University’s first and only all-treble a cappella group. They have been competing in the ICCA since 2015 and have earned top placements and special awards over the years, most recently winning Outstanding Soloist in their 2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal. Aside from competing, this group performs concerts every year for their campus community. In addition to music, Scarlet and Grace Notes members bond outside of rehearsals, meeting for picnics on the Oval and playing Family Feud at their annual fall retreat. Just like their special group, the members of SAGN are each unique in their own way and you won’t find a closer group of performers at Ohio State. The Scarlet and Grace Notes want to thank everyone who has supported them and are excited to see what’s next!

Founded in 2013 at Baldwin Wallace University, SŌL A Cappella is committed to connecting with audiences through authentic and passionate performances. SŌL is thrilled to announce the release of their first recorded album, Lionhearts, titled after their award-winning 2025 ICCA set. After a decade of participating in the competition, they were proud to earn 2nd place at the 2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals, along with special awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. If you like what you hear today, you can stream SŌL’s latest releases on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and Amazon Music. Follow them for updates on Instagram and TikTok @bwsol.

Ten40! Acappella is the premier tenor-bass a cappella group at Bowling Green State University. Celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, they have been performing as an independent group since 2010. They are primarily known for performing pop and rock music, but they experiment with a variety of musical styles, such as folk, barbershop, hip hop, country, and traditional choral music. The group prides itself in friendship, musicality, and entertainment. Ten40! regularly performs for service and charity events on campus and in the community. Each year, Ten40 competes in the ICCA, and has won several individual and group awards over the past 12 years, including Outstanding Soloist at last year’s Quarterfinal! Ten40! Acappella also goes on a spring tour each year, sharing the joy of music with schools and communities throughout Ohio and the Midwest.

Originally founded in 2010, The Ohio State of Mind is The Ohio State University's premier all-gender a cappella group. The group currently consists of 15 talented vocalists from a range of backgrounds and majors. The group has made it all the way to ICCA Finals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Aside from ICCA, OSM performs at events and invitationals throughout Columbus, Ohio, and the Midwest, and has released an EP, Coming Home, to all streaming platforms!

Tonal Eclipse is Bowling Green State University's premier competitive mixed a cappella group, founded in fall 2011. They perform their repertoire of songs at events at BGSU, the surrounding community, and at ICCA. In recent years, Tonal won two Outstanding Arrangement awards and an Outstanding Choreography award at ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals. Tonal plans to take tonight’s audience back to the 1980s. They’re snapping in the cassette, powering up the walkman, and turning the volume all the way up. They’re bringing one pair of headphones, three tapes, and a sound so electric, that it has the power to transform. Watch what happens when the magic of a walkman pulls you into the world of the 80s and reveals the power that’s been there all along. Without further ado, Tonal Eclipse welcomes you to the 80s!

Founded in 2018, Underscore A Cappella is one of the University of Dayton’s co-ed a cappella groups. Underscore believes in the power of collaboration and creativity, blending their individual strengths to create a breathtaking sound. Over the years, their original arrangements have earned competitive placements and award nominations. Underscore prides itself on providing a home for students of all different backgrounds. The group is composed of many different majors, but they all share a love for performing music. Underscore strongly believes that no matter what path you may pursue, music should always be a part of life. Underscore is a family and they want everyone to feel welcome.

GUEST PERFORMERS

Shades of Blue A Cappella is the premier contemporary a cappella ensemble of the Jaguar A Cappella Program at Hilliard Bradley High School in Hilliard, Ohio. Over the last nine years, they have evolved into one of the most successful high school a cappella groups in the country. In 2023, Shades of Blue earned the ICHSA Champion title at Finals in New York, taking home The Gooding Cup, In 2025, they returned to ICHSA Finals and were named Runner-Up. They were featured performers at the Kettering National A Cappella Festival, SoJam, National A Cappella Convention, and the American Choral Directors Association national conference. Shades of Blue has also found success in the studio, earning a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nomination in the category of Best High School EP for their very first EP, Courage, in 2022. Their single, “Gold,” won the CARA for Best High School Song in 2023, and their debut album, Brighter Days, was the Runner-Up for Best High School Album in 2024. Last March, they released their second album, titled First Light. You can stream their music on all streaming platforms!

ECHO is one of four groups making up Jaguar A Cappella. Currently in its eighth year of existence, ECHO is an extracurricular ensemble directed by Jeremy Witt. Last year, ECHO released their very first single, "SPEAK," on all streaming platforms. This is ECHO's fourth consecutive year competing in the ICHSA.

WAVE is an all-treble contemporary a cappella group, directed by Anna Adams. This year, WAVE will be competing in the ICHSA Quarterfinals. This will be their fourth year competing and they are so excited!

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.

Raised in Solon, Ohio, Kelsey D. Burkett is a 2006 graduate of Capital University, where she majored in music education and served as the alto section leader in the renowned Chapel Choir. She completed her Master of Music in music education and Kodaly Certification from Capital University in 2019. Currently in her 20th year of teaching, she has a passion for the developing voice and middle school singers. She serves as the Director of Choirs at Hilliard Memorial Middle School, where she directs the seventh grade treble choir, eighth grade treble choir, and Blue Notes A Cappella. Alongside Jeremy Witt and Alyssa Schott, she co-directs Hilliard Bradley High School’s premier contemporary a cappella group, Shades of Blue A Cappella, who were crowned the 2023 ICHSA Champions. Together, her team runs the Jaguar A Cappella Program, consisting of four contemporary a cappella groups.

Sophie Liese is a singer, educator, and arranger based out of Indianapolis. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in technical theatre from Ball State University, minoring in vocal performance and music theory. At BSU, she founded The Parallels A Cappella as a freshman and served as music director for four consecutive years. Since then, she has taught at the National A Cappella and Choral Convention (NACC), the Indianapolis A Cappella Festival, N.E Voices, and A Cappella University. She has also facilitated several One Day Choir events in the Midwest, encouraging singers of all ages and experience levels to come together to create music. Sophie is currently the Social Media Manager for NACC and the Director of Outreach for Cut Off Studios.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Jeremy Witt and Hilliard Bradley High School staff and parents; 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!

VIEW ALBUMS

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