2026 ICCA Midwest Semifinal @ Warren Central 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 SEMIFINAL

Warren Central High School
Saturday, March 14th, 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

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

The Bloomingtones was created in 2023 to offer greater vocal performance opportunities for treble-voiced Indiana University students. These women come from different backgrounds and interests, but come together for a shared love of music. They maintain a rigorous rehearsal schedule and seek to perform music from a wide range of genres for audiences of all ages. The Bloomingtones are proud to be a new treble a cappella group on campus and strive to share their passion with a wider audience.

Hailing from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, Buck That! A Cappella 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.

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.

Mizzou Forte proudly stands as the premier co-ed a cappella group at the University of Missouri, specializing in the captivating world of pop music. They have represented their school in the ICCA with enthusiasm and dedication for many years. This group of dedicated musicians has built a reputation for electrifying performances that thrill audiences with captivating harmonies and infectious energy. Their repertoire spans a wide range of pop hits, from the latest chart-toppers to timeless classics. They are proud of their ability to reinvent every song with a unique a cappella twist, creating unforgettable musical journeys that resonate with audiences. Mizzou Forte is a close-knit family, sharing friendship and laughter, in addition to their common love for music. As they work together to cultivate their musical talents, they are also building connections that extend beyond the stage. More than just an a cappella group, Mizzou Forte is a pop phenomenon, a university tradition, and a powerhouse of talent. Join them and let the enchantment of Mizzou Forte's a cappella magic wash over you.

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.

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!

The UC Vocaholics is a high-energy a cappella group, established in 2014 at the University of Cincinnati. Uniting students from all fields, the group has won many ICCA special awards over the years, including Outstanding Arrangement, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Choreography. Most recently, they placed 1st at their ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal and went on to earn 4th place at Midwest Semifinals! They hope you enjoy their performance!

Vocal Intensity A Cappella is Kent State University's only a cappella group. Composed of students from all majors and musical backgrounds, Vocal Intensity strives to create a safe space for all its members and share their love of performing with every audience they can. In 2024, Vocal Intensity placed 2nd at the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinals and received the Outstanding Performer award at Midwest Semifinals, which had only been given out three times before. They most recently placed 3rd at Midwest Quarterfinals in 2025. You can follow Vocal Intensity on Instagram and TikTok @ksuvocalintensity. RUSH KAPPA VI!

GUEST PERFORMER

16th Street Soul is the premier contemporary a cappella ensemble of Warren Central High School. They ignite the stage with a bold, cinematic sound that is raw, urgent, and unmistakably their own. Forged in the heart of Indianapolis’s Eastside, these artists embody resilience, passion, and purpose. Under the direction of Mr. Brian Long, 16th Street Soul is known for its rich vocal blend, striking musicality, and performances that blur the line between concert and theatre, infusing music with movement, emotion, and narrative. Tonight, they present their 2026 competition production, “The Fire You Become,” a four-movement journey through shadow, resistance, confession, and rebirth. This show asks what rises within when the world begins to burn and who people choose to become on the other side. More than an ensemble, 16th Street Soul is a family of artists who train relentlessly, collaborate fearlessly, and represent what truly makes Warren Central the pride of the Eastside. This is their voice. This is their story. This is the fire they become.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Phil Kim has been involved in the a cappella community for eight years, with seven years of arranging and vocal percussion experience. He was formerly a member of Gold 'n Blues (Marquette University) and No Comment (University of Illinois), for whom he served as music director. In 2023, No Comment placed 2nd in the ICCA Great Lakes Semifinals and 2nd in the Wildcard round, featuring Phil's work as the set's lead arranger. He continues to arrange for groups and volunteers at Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) festivals around the country.

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 Cutoff Studios.

Edric Mitchell has both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University, where he studied musical theatre and executive development for public services. During his time at Ball State, he got his start in a cappella with the all-male group, Charlie's Angels. He quickly became a founding member of the all-male a cappella group, Note to Self, with whom he spent four years as a member, coordinator, and music director. In addition, Edric was a founding member and music director of Sedoctave, and founder of the Association of Collegiate A Cappella (ACA) at Ball State. ACA is an umbrella organization that unites all collegiate a cappella groups on the BSU Campus. As an ICCA competitor, Edric received two Outstanding Arrangement awards and an Outstanding Soloist award. Since 2017, Edric has been a founding member of Impromptu, an Indianapolis-based professional a cappella group that competed in The Open (placing 2nd in Midwest Semifinals), took 2nd place in the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes, and won the title of VoiceJam Champions in 2018. Impromptu has performed at a cappella festivals in Taiwan, Russia, Boston, Memphis, and, of course, the Midwest! As a member of Impromptu, Edric has received awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Arrangement. He is currently the theatre director at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, where he directs the a cappella group Titan Harmony.

Arterus Young is a vocal music educator and choir director currently teaching middle school choir at Stonybrook Middle School in Indianapolis. He has extensive experience in contemporary a cappella as a performer and music director for collegiate ensembles. In addition to his work in the classroom, Arterus teaches private voice lessons and is an active member of the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus. He also arranges vocal music and is passionate about developing young singers through both ensemble and solo performance.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Brian Long, Warren Central High School Staff, Jaykob Archer, and Christopher Andres; 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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2026 ICCA Finals .

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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