2026 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal @ University of Hartford

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

University of Hartford
Saturday, March 7th, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

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

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@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

A Minor is UConn’s premier co-ed a cappella group, established out of the university’s Asian American Cultural Center in 2024. No stranger to competition, this dynamic group has participated in four previous ICCA seasons, advancing to the Northeast Semifinals with every showing and winning several special awards at each performance. Most recently, A Minor placed 1st at their 2024 Northeast Quarterfinal, receiving awards for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Arrangement, and went on to place 2nd at Semifinals and earn another Outstanding Arrangement award. In addition to their passion for performing, A Minor’s love for one another is kindled by a legacy of alumni connection and support. At their core, this collective of students is dedicated to spreading peace and love through music and creating a loving environment for all members, past and present. A Minor hopes their 2026 set uplifts audiences and inspires future generations.

East Harmonies is the premier co-ed, student-run a cappella group at Eastern Connecticut State University. This group brings together passionate student vocalists who love creativity, harmony, and performance. Known for its infectious energy and tight-knit community, East Harmonies specializes in pop music, while also exploring rock, R&B, and alternative styles that showcase their versatility and unique sound. This year marks East Harmonies’ first-ever ICCA, and they’re excited to take their music to the competition stage. With bold arrangements, powerful vocals, and a spirit of collaboration, East Harmonies continues to make waves as one of Eastern’s most dynamic student organizations. Stay connected and follow their journey on Instagram and TikTok @eastharmoniesacapella.

The F Sharps is a mixed a cappella group, composed of 12 members from various musical backgrounds, from trained vocalists to talented instrumentalists. They are the only a cappella group on their Manhattan campus at Fordham Lincoln Center. They sing all types of music, performing eight new songs with original arrangements every semester. The group selects songs and soloists by vote, aligning with a “power to the people” ethos, while crediting their E-board and music directors for a strong foundation for success. Outside of rehearsal, The F Sharps take time to meaningfully connect as people, maintaining a respectful group dynamic built on teamwork and accountability. The group values each member’s unique talents and opinions and works together to work hard, push musical boundaries, and continually improve. The F Sharps believe that effort and collaboration lead to excellence and success naturally follows. They are excited to share their set and hope you enjoy their performance!

The Fordham Ramblers is Fordham University’s only all-male a cappella group, and the oldest a cappella group on campus. They trace their origins back to 1893 with the foundation of the Fordham University Glee Club and their alumni network spans back to the class of 1973, reflecting the brotherhood that permeates through every past and current Rambler. Though they have not participated in ICCA since 2016, they have performed all around New York City, including as an opening act for the Radio City Rockettes in November 2024. The Ramblers often perform with other a cappella groups in the city and even internationally, notably alongside Royal Holloway University of London in spring 2024. The Ramblers value sharing music as an act of service, performing twice a year for Ozanam Queens Nursing Home, singing for local middle schools to introduce them to a cappella, and opening for the View on the Hudson Children’s Cancer Fund Gala in spring 2025. They have also produced several albums in recent years, all of which are available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music.

HartAttack A Cappella is University of Hartford's most awkward, co-ed, all-voice a cappella group! They love making music together, performing on and off campus, and embracing their silly personalities! They pride themselves in performing music from all eras, with pop, R&B, and group-arranged tunes. This is HartAttack’s second consecutive ICCA, adding to performances throughout the year at UHart, invitationals, and music festivals throughout Connecticut and the New England area. They also have a penguin mascot named Dimitri (hope you get to meet him!).

Hawkappella is CUNY Hunter College's premier, co-ed a cappella group. This diverse group of passionate singers perform a variety of pop songs, some arranged by the group’s own former members. Hawkappella took 3rd place in ICCA Northeast Quarterfinals in both 2023 and 2024, and aims to place even higher this year!

Hawkward A Cappella is Roger Williams University’s audition-based co-ed a cappella group, founded in January 2011. Since then, Hawkward has grown into a musical staple, both on campus and in the Bristol, R.I. community. Throughout the year, they attend a cappella invitationals hosted by other colleges, to perform, collaborate, and connect with other groups across the region. One of their proudest moments was opening for Jay Leno at the Providence Performing Arts Center in both 2015 and 2018. In 2020, Hawkward competed in their very first ICCA season, earning 2nd place at Quarterfinals and advancing to Northeast Semifinals. Their 2025 ICCA set was especially close to their hearts, exploring the struggle to find light amid the darkness in life and finding the strength to shine through. The ICCA is the traditional highlight of the year for Hawkward and they’re thrilled to return for the 2026 season!

L’Shir A Cappella is the premier, all-voice a cappella group at The University of Hartford. Established in 2000 as an all-Jewish a cappella group, L’Shir has since evolved to include many denominations. However, they still call themselves “L’Shir,” which means “to song” in Hebrew, referring to raising a glass and cheering for making music! Members of L’Shir often refer to themselves as a “L’Family,” because of the close-knit relationships they have formed in the group. L'Shir has participated in the ICCA for several years, notably placing 3rd in the 2023 Northeast Semifinals and 3rd in their 2024 Quarterfinal.

The Legends A Cappella is a co-ed, student-run a cappella group, composed entirely of non-music majors from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. The Legends have been competing in the ICCA for almost a decade, most recently placing 1st at their 2025 Northeast Quarterfinal and earning awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. In previous years, The Legends have placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at ICCA Quarterfinals and competed at Northeast Semifinals three times. In addition to performing on campus throughout the year, The Legends have had the honor of opening for The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall twice. A pop-heavy group, The Legends love to tell stories with their music. The members have become a family and foster meaningful relationships together, both in and out of rehearsal. The Legends work on their ICCA set all year and they are so excited to share it today!

Originally founded in 2005, The Vocaholics was established by students interested in exploring the world of a cappella. The current iteration includes between 14 and 18 members and performs an eclectic mix of music, from Beyoncé and Renée Rapp to Florence + The Machine! The Vocaholics pride themselves on cultivating a diverse group of singers who share a passion for performing. They have competed in the ICCA since 2017 and are proud to be three-time Northeast Semifinalists and recipients of numerous special awards, including Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Soloist. The Vocaholics cannot wait to show what they have been working on and hope you enjoy the show!

GUEST PERFORMER

Zac Burns is a singer/songwriter from Jericho, Vt. Surrounded by music from a young age, he quickly fell in love with sitting at a piano and writing songs. Finding the stage at 9, Zac continued to develop his craft as a musician, performing on stages at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. By age 17, he started professionally writing and producing music and went on to release music on streaming platforms. Zac currently has over 50 songs released under his own name, and has collaborated with numerous artists on their releases. In college, Zac fell in love with a cappella and competed in the ICCA for four years. Today, he loves arranging, coaching, and being the biggest a cappella fan possible. When he’s not writing music, he’s most likely golfing, hanging out with his cat, Manchego, or trying to figure out how to drive through every town in Connecticut in one trip with his friends, Marc and Dan. You can find Zac’s music content on social media platforms @zacburnsmusic!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Gyasi Barber, a New Jersey native, completed his Master of Music in vocal performance at the New England Conservatory. There, Gyasi played Figaro in "Le Nozze di Figaro," Don Pedro De Hinoyosa in Offenbach's "La Perichole," and Ben Benny in "Paul Bunyan." Prior to that, he earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Syracuse University, and played such roles as Pish Tush in "The Mikado," Frank in Strauss' "Die Fledermaus," and Sarastro in "Die Zauberflote." Gyasi has performed as a featured soloist with the Masterworks Chorale in Boston, as the bass soloist for their annual Messiah Sing, and played Collatinus in Opera Brittenica’s production of Britten's "Rape of Lucretia.” Currently based in New York City, Gyasi performs with the Oratorio Society of New York, in addition to other small groups.

Virginia DeMoss brings 15 years of professional involvement with Varsity Vocals as an ICCA and ICHSA event producer, BOCA/BOHSA album production coordinator, and ICCA judge, following an even longer history as an ICCA competitor with Florida State University groups, All Night Yahtzee and Acabelles. She has a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University and has never gone more than a month or two without participating in some musical venture. Most recently, Virginia sang with the Asheville Vocal Ensemble (AVE, formerly Pastyme) from 2016-2024. After moving back to New England in fall 2024, she was welcomed to the Hartford Chorale as one of their newest members. She is thrilled to continue working with Varsity Vocals, an organization which has enriched her life for so many years and brings the joy of music, education, and community to folks all over the world.

Grayson Kilgo is a director, choreographer, and performer whose work centers on authenticity, emotional impact, and purposeful storytelling in contemporary a cappella. A music major at the College of William & Mary, he founded the campus's first competitive a cappella ensemble, No Ceiling in 2015. Under his leadership as musical director and choreographer, the group became a standout in Virginia's competitive circuit, earning two ICCA Semifinalist placements and multiple awards, including two for Outstanding Choreography. Grayson’s performance background includes Vineyard Sound (2014) and the semi-professional ensemble, Hyannis Sound (2015–2017), where he served as baritone and marketing manager, contributed to CARA-nominated work, and was a featured soloist on two studio albums. His coaching style draws on his dance and performance training, helping ensembles develop clear artistic purpose, cohesive storytelling, and compelling stagecraft. Based in New York City, Grayson remains active through the Gaia Music Collective and contributes writing to Oberon’s Glade, a longstanding arts and music publication. He has also supported emerging artists through Sofar Sounds as an emcee and artist liaison. Known for building new creative spaces from the ground up, Grayson brings a visionary approach to elevating vocal performance and empowering groups to perform with intention and resonance.

Lora Riehl is a New York-based freelance designer and musician. While studying design and music at Northeastern University, she served as vocal percussionist and music director for the treble a cappella group, Pitch, Please! Under her leadership, the group released award-winning albums, won multiple competitions in and around Boston, and advanced to ICCA Finals for the first time, where Lora also earned her fourth Outstanding Vocal Percussion award. Since graduating, Lora has gone on to win awards for graphic design and animation as she helps international clients expand their visual identity and roll out rebrands. As a musician, she collaborates with independent artists to direct music videos and continues to workshop a cappella groups across the Northeast. Lora is always incredibly grateful to support Varsity Vocals as a judge. The groups really do get better every year!

Jake Wild graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a degree in modern artistry development and entrepreneurship. Jake was a member of BisCaydence, the oldest a cappella group at the University of Miami, for all four years of his college experience. In Jake's senior year, he served as co-music director and helped lead BisCaydence to the ICCA Finals. He also served as music director of his high school a cappella group, Byram Beat. Jake currently lives in New York City and is pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank 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

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