2025 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal @ Berklee College of Music

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 NORTHEAST QUARTERFINAL

Berklee College of Music
Sunday, February 15th, 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

Founded in 1986, The Bostonians of Boston College is BC's original all-gender a cappella group! They aren’t defined by any one genre or performance style, but The Bostonians are always united in their passion for music and the Boston College community. This tradition-steeped a cappella group is dedicated to campus performances, adventurous tours, and studio recordings (streaming everywhere!). They’re excited to return to the competitive stage for their third-ever ICCA!

The Bottom Line is Bryant University’s premier co-ed a cappella group. They participate in performances on and off campus, and their repertoire includes pop, R&B, and alternative music. Founded in 2006, The Bottom Line has been competing in the ICCA since 2017. They have qualified for Northeast Semifinals three times (2018, 2019, 2023), won Outstanding Choreography three times (twice in 2019, and once in 2023), and Outstanding Vocal Percussion twice (2018 and 2019). This close-knit group includes 19 students, none of whom are music majors. The Bottom Line provides an artistic outlet for their talent and creativity to grow and flourish, merging passion and strategy to create harmony. They have multiple recordings available to stream, including their most recent release, Temptation! The Bottom Line hopes that you are moved by their emotional set!

In music, an enharmonic refers to two notes with different names that sound the same. Likewise, The Marist Enharmonics celebrate each member’s individual voice, while coming together to create one sound. Their performance outfits reflect the group’s embrace of diversity, encouraging personal style. Founded in 2017 at Marist University, The Enharmonics is a co-ed a cappella group, featuring 17 members. Marist does not offer a music major, so the group members represent a wide range of academic backgrounds. Their repertoire reflects this diversity, showcasing both upbeat songs and intense, dramatic pieces. This allows group members to deepen their musical experience while delivering dynamic performances that engage all kinds of audiences. The Enharmonics have a strong campus presence, performing and major events and building a dedicated following. They hope to reach beyond their familiar circles for new opportunities and they’re thrilled to compete in their first ICCA!

The Nor’easters is Northeastern University’s premier all-gender a cappella group. They received 1st place in the 2023 scholastic competition at Boston Sings (BOSS). They were also the 2019 Champions at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC), and the 2013 and 2017 ICCA Champions. Recently, The Nor’easters were privileged to perform in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the White House. Last year, they took 2nd place at ICCA Northeast Semifinals. You can find their full 2025 set on their YouTube channel. Check out their latest album, Supersonic, wherever you stream your music, and stay up to date by following them on all social media platforms @nunoreasters.

Off the Clock is an auditioned a cappella group that provides a positive environment for its members’ musical and social development. The group focuses on vocal production, ear training, and performance skills. Composed of Bentley University undergraduate students, Off the Clock brings passion for music and the arts to every performance. The group performs for various organizations and events, including the Bentley Benefactor Dinner, the First Falcons Pinning Ceremony, and their own concerts. Beyond music, Off the Clock members are involved in many other campus organizations, but still find time to support one another through all facets of college life.

Suffolk University’s The Ramifications is the school’s oldest all-gender a cappella group, celebrating its 25th anniversary this spring! The group members come from all different backgrounds and majors, but share a bond through their mutual love for music. They work throughout the year to learn complex arrangements and perform throughout the Greater Boston Area. The Ramifications are very excited to be back this year and looking forward to sharing the ICCA stage with friends from other universities.

Treble Threat is Berklee College of Music's only a cappella group centering women and nonbinary singers. They strive to create a supportive and empowering environment, both in and out of rehearsals. The heart of Treble Threat is focused on the beauty of community and lifelong bonds created through music.

Founded in 1996, The BU Treblemakers’ core ideals are fun, love, and music. Since then, generations of Trebs have spent three decades carrying on that legacy, evolving into one of Boston University’s most beloved and dynamic all-gender a cappella groups. Over the years, The Trebs have released nine studio albums and three EPs, most recently Afterglow, to all platforms, and produced numerous music videos, showcasing their creativity and signature sound. Known for their diverse repertoire, expressive arrangements, and vibrant performances, the group recently earned the title of Best Mixed Voices Collegiate Lead Vocal at the 2025 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). When they’re not performing onstage or recording new music, Trebs love gigging around Boston, meeting other a cappella groups, and sharing music that brings people together. More than just a group, Trebs is a family bound by friendship, laughter, and the joy of creating something special together. Follow @butreblemakers on instagram to stay up to date with their latest performances and content!

The Northeastern Unisons is an all-gender a cappella group filled with passionate singers who love nothing more than performing onstage together. They recently released an EP, titled In:complete, with several arrangements that earned them 1st place in their 2024 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal, along with awards for Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Soloist. You can find them on all platforms @The Unisons. The Unisons hope you enjoy their set and ask that you please don’t bite their singers (they don't practice what they preach).

Upper Structure was founded in 2015, making them the youngest a cappella group at Berklee College of Music. These humble beginnings started something that none of the founding members could have imagined. Upper Structure placed 2nd at ICCA Finals in 2018 and 2021 and 3rd in 2024, taking home special awards for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Arrangement. In 2020, Upper Structure was named Champion of the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF) and defended their title at the festival’s in-person return in 2023. In addition to another 1st place win, they took home special awards for Outstanding Arrangement, Movement, and Best Rhythm Section for their entire set. The group has also garnered five CARAs for their recorded music since 2022. Their holiday single, “Favorite Time of the Year,” and their EP, Full Disclosure, featuring their acclaimed 2023 LAAF set, are available on all streaming platforms. With each iteration, Upper Structure members continue to bring an emotional, empowering, and innovative perspective to their music. Upper Structure’s purpose is to make meaningful music and to create something bigger than themselves. Make sure to follow their journey at @upperstructureacappella on all platforms.

GUEST PERFORMER

Louis Shriber is a singer, conductor, and composer from Arlington, Mass. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he was president of The Rhody Rhapsodies, and is currently pursuing his master's degree at the New England Conservatory of Music. He performs around New England, with bands like Unmuted, The Tara Sunne Band, JBTS Big Band, and The Louis Shriber Trio, playing all types of music, including classical, choral, jazz, folk, and pop. He is excited to be back for his third consecutive year hosting for Varsity Vocals!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Alex Grover is the choral director at Danvers High School, where the a cappella ensembles have represented the Northeast at ICHSA Finals and the NACC. Alex's groups have made numerous appearances on the BOHSA compilations and been nominated for CARAs. He holds a B.A. in music from Wheaton College, a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, and a certificate in teacher leadership from Brandeis University. www.grovervocals.com

Amy Malkoff is one of the producers of the Haunted Harmonies festival in Salem, Mass. She has served as the marketing director for the A Cappella Education Association, the media director of the Women's A Cappella Association (WACA), and on the board and as web content director for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA). In addition to being a longtime ICHSA/ICCA judge, Amy is a certified judge for other vocal events, workshop teacher, master clinician, writer, designer, social media manager (www.amymalkoff.com), singer/songwriter, and studio musician. She currently works with professional a cappella group Ball In The House, as well as other artists. Since its inception, Amy ran and managed the New Hampshire-based performance venue Club Sandwich (Sandwich, N.H.), where celebrity John Davidson performs on weekends, along with a lineup of prominent artists. She was a founding member of the groups All About Buford and Deadline Poet, and has appeared onstage and in the studio with acts like Wayne Brady, Jonathan Brooke, The Persuasions, Ellis Paul, Vance Gilbert, GrooveLily, Patty Griffin, and Dar Williams. She has a degree in music from Kenyon College, with music studies at Youngstown State University and master’s-level coursework at the New England Conservatory of Music. Amy's music has appeared on the Rounder Records and Hear Music/Starbucks labels. Follow @amalkoff on all platforms.

Dr. Kevin McDonald is a four-time Grammy Music Educator Semifinalist, 2026 Grammy Music Educator Finalist, and 2026 Country Music Association Music Teacher of Excellence Semifinalist. Kevin serves as the Director of Choral Music at Wellesley High School, conductor of the Chorus of Tenors and Basses at the Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses, and Director of Music at Wellesley Village Church. Kevin is a longtime a cappella enthusiast, beginning his a cappella career at the University of New Hampshire with The New Hampshire Gentlemen, followed by decades of directing and advising a cappella ensembles. At Wellesley High School, he leads a thriving student-directed a cappella program, featuring four groups: WHS Renegade A Cappella, Ladies First A Cappella, A Cappella Anonymous, and Inchordination. A frequent guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, Kevin's 30 years of service include adjudication for Varsity Vocals' ICHSA and ICCA, The Great East Music Festival, the Heritage Choral Festival, Trills and Thrills Festival, and various district and all-state music festival auditions. He presents workshops and clinics at professional conferences, collegiate NAfME chapters, and professional development sessions for school systems. Kevin received his B.M. in music education from the University of New Hampshire, his M.M. in low brass performance from the University of Idaho, and his D.M.A. in music education with a choral conducting emphasis from The Hartt School, University of Hartford.

Jake McVey began his a cappella journey as a member, assistant music director, and business manager of Hawkward (@rwuhawkward) at Roger Williams University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music. After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (@bgmc1982), contributing as a singer and Music Section Representative while earning his M.B.A. in music business from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2019, he has been a part of Sound Off (@soundoffacappella), an award-winning Boston-based a cappella group. Jake has been an active member of the Varsity Vocals community since 2019, serving as a production assistant before taking over as ICHSA Northeast Producer from 2021-2023.

Sarah Thomson is a seasoned ICCA competitor and lover of all things a cappella. She attended the College of William and Mary where she double majored in vocal music, directed the mixed-voice group, The Cleftomaniacs, and helped found the College's sole competitive a cappella group, No Ceiling, in 2015. She is now a current member and co-director of the award-winning post-collegiate a cappella group, Sound Off, in Boston. She is also active in the choral community and has performed with numerous organizations, including the Back Bay Chorale, Harmonium Choral Society, and Botetourt Chamber Singers. When she isn't making music, you can find her managing international infectious disease research at Boston Medical Center and curating her food Instagram in her tiny Boston apartment kitchen.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank the Berklee Performance Center team & Berklee College of Music; 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 Northeast 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