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 28th, 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

The AcoUstiKats is an all-male contemporary a cappella group from Lexington, Ky., and a subset of the University of Kentucky Men's Chorus. They give dozens of performances throughout the year for school and community functions, including featured concerts at the University. They have collaborated with Gladys Knight, Cantus (professional men's ensemble), The Kings Singers, and numerous other professional recording artists. In 2013, they were Finalists on NBC's “The Sing-Off.” They have recorded four albums and continue to produce viral content on Instagram and TikTok.

Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Buck That! A Cappella from The Ohio State University is excited to take the ICCA stage this year. More than just an a cappella group, Buck That is an inclusive family that supports members from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and believes that stages should amplify all voices. They placed 3rd at last year's ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal and won their Quarterfinal in 2024. Given the current political unrest and violence plaguing the nation and world, Buck That believes that the human voice, in all forms, is the most powerful tool of resistance, reform, and justice. Buck That has titled their 2026 ICCA set “Liberate,” to highlight the expression of music as liberation.

Cosmos A Cappella is ecstatic to perform in this year's ICCA! Hailing from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, this is their first time competing and their second year as a group after their "Big Bang" in 2024. Representing all areas of the BW universe, Cosmos includes conservatory students, student athletes, actors, business students, leaders, future educators, and more. Over the past year and a half, they have had so much fun getting to know one another, finding their sound, having late-night hangouts in random practice rooms, eating pizookies, and making fierce music together. Cosmos aims to foster friendships and cultivate positive ambition, while making pop and indie a cappella music together. They are grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such talented groups and for a stellar audience. Cosmos had so much fun preparing their first ICCA set and they hope you enjoy their performance!

Dhamakapella is Case Western Reserve University's premier, all-inclusive, award-winning, South Asian fusion a cappella group that derives its influences from Indian classical, contemporary South Asian film, and Western pop genres. Since the group was founded in 2005 and began competing in 2011, they have accrued over 25 national titles and over 40 individual awards at competitions across the United States. Over the past four years, they’ve also had the opportunity to compete in the ICCA Midwest Semifinals, placing 3rd last year. Through their captivating performances, Dhamakapella hopes to inspire, entertain, and educate audiences around the world about South Asian culture and music.

Dynamics A Cappella has been a competitive group on the Ohio University campus for four years. They specialize in alternative music and enjoy experimenting with various genres in the a cappella space. In their 2026 ICCA set, Dynamics A Cappella is so excited to bring a musical battle to life and they hope everyone appreciates the story they have built!

Majors & minors is a co-ed a cappella group on campus at The Ohio State University. They thoroughly enjoy singing and performing together, primarily focusing on pop songs with a bit of indie music in the mix. The group includes students from various majors and backgrounds, ranging from age 18 to 24. Despite their differences, this iteration of Majors & minors has genuinely enjoyed spending time together outside of rehearsals and blossomed into many new friendships. They have placed both 2nd and 3rd in previous ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals! They are grateful to be back and excited to see tonight’s other talented groups perform!

New Chords on the Block is Ohio University's premier, competitive, co-ed a cappella group, consisting of 18 students from a variety of majors. Formed in 2010, New Chords performs regularly around campus, collaborating with other a cappella and music groups. The group sings a range of musical genres, from pop to R&B. New Chords was ecstatic to be named the Runner-Up at their 2025 ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal, after placing 1st at Quarterfinals in 2022 and 2nd in 2020. In the 2025 ICCA, they also received an Outstanding Arrangement award for their cover of "Love in the Dark." Two months post-ICCA, New Chords professionally recorded and produced "Love in the Dark,” now available on all streaming platforms.

Rhythm and Roos A Cappella is the University of Akron's only co-ed a cappella group, composed of 19 members across a variety of majors. Founded in 2005, Rhythm and Roos has performed on campus, in the greater Akron area, and across the Midwest. They have competed at ICCA since 2015 and have progressed to two Midwest Semifinals. The group prides itself on creating a strong familial environment and sharing their passion for music with every audience. Each year, Roos holds a weekend retreat full of music and bonding exercises to strengthen their group dynamic. Rhythm and Roos aims to create great music and even greater friendships. They sing to save lives.

Sound of Science is a co-ed a cappella group from The Ohio State University. Originally founded by all STEM majors, the group has since expanded to include members from all academic disciplines. The group also welcomes students from all experience levels, from those who have performed in a cappella groups to others whose closest experience is listening to Pentatonix. Sound of Sciences offers a creative outlet for busy (mostly) STEM students and nurtures group friendship and camaraderie. Despite their name, Sound of Science won't be singing about the periodic table! The group votes on songs to perform each year and especially enjoy pop and alternative hits and lesser known gems. The group has competed in previous ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals, including in 2023 and 2024. They are excited to share their iconic bond with all of you!

The Tempo Tantrums is Ohio University's only competitive, all-treble a cappella group. The group was founded in 2007 by three lovely ladies and has since grown to include 18 members. The Tempo Tantrums enjoy sharing their talents around campus and have built a group dynamic of sisterhood, love, and support. They began competing in 2024 and are thrilled to be back for their third consecutive appearance at ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals.

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, from Hilliard Bradley High School, is one of four groups that comprise the Jaguar A Cappella program. Currently in its ninth year of existence, ECHO is an extracurricular ensemble directed by Jeremy Witt. Last year, the group released their very first single, "SPEAK," on all streaming platforms. This is their fourth consecutive year competing in the ICHSA and they advanced to Midwest Semifinals in 2024. ECHO put many rehearsals’ worth of passion and hard work into their 2026 ICHSA set and they hope you enjoy it!

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.

Ariel Radinovic is a performer, director, and vocal coach active in contemporary a cappella. She was a member of Remedy A Cappella at the University of Dayton and served as music director from 2023 to 2025. During that time, Remedy advanced to ICCA Semifinals in consecutive seasons, received 1st place and Audience Favorite awards at the 2024 Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes, and earned a National Championship win at Harmony Sweepstakes Nationals in San Francisco. Ariel‘s musical background includes professional work in theatre and solo performance in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She has served as a judge for the 15 Minutes of Fame talent competition with Prime Stage Theatre and currently teaches voice privately as a freelance instructor.

Kat Smith is a graduate of the University of Dayton and an alum of the university's Remedy A Cappella. She has been working as an a cappella choreographer for five years, teaching at Camp A Cappella, Kettering National A Cappella Festival, NE Voices, and the National A Cappella Convention (NACC). Kat spent three years as director of Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School's award winning group, Vega, and now serves as voice director at the Miami Valley School in Dayton, Ohio. There, she currently directs the high school and middle school groups, Ars Nova and Elite Beats, and continues to freelance choreograph.

Austin Teegarden is a choral music educator, a cappella director, and music arranger in Hamilton, Ohio. Austin graduated from Miami University with a degree in choral music education. During his time at Miami, Austin became involved in the Miami Men's Glee Club, Collegiate Chorale, and, began his a cappella journey as a member of The Cheezies. After graduating, Austin helped to found a new group at Hamilton High School, Enharmonix. As director, the group has released music on Spotify, recorded music videos, and successfully competed in the ICHSA. Austin's greatest joy in teaching is seeing students grow to become better singers and, more importantly, better people.

Jeremy Witt is an educator, conductor, and performer from Hilliard, Ohio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in music education from Kent State University. At Cedarville, Jeremy founded the school's first contemporary a cappella group, The Inversions, and served as music director and president for four years. Jeremy currently serves as the Director of Choirs at Hilliard Bradley High School, conducting the symphonic choir and tenor-bass concert choir. In addition to his responsibilities at Bradley, Jeremy directs the seventh and eighth grade tenor-bass choir at Memorial Middle School. Jeremy introduced contemporary a cappella to the Bradley choral program in fall 2016 and has since developed the Jaguar A Cappella program. This program boasts four contemporary a cappella groups, including one middle school group, Blue Notes, and three high school groups, WAVE, ECHO, and the award-winning Shades of Blue. Shades of Blue won the 2023 ICHSA and was the Runner-Up in 2025. Shades of Blue's recordings have appeared on BOHSA, Voices Only, and earned many CARA nominations, winning Best High School Song in 2023.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Jeremy Witt, Anna Adams, Hilliard Brady High School Facilities, Hilliard Bradley Music Boosters, and Jaykob Archer; 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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