2026 ICCA Northeast Semifinal @ 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 SEMIFINAL

Berklee College of Music
Saturday, March 28th, 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

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.

The Allegrettos is a student-run, all-gender a cappella group from Boston University. Founded in 1994, the group performs throughout the Northeast, records music, and performs in competitions such as the ICCA. In 2016, The Allegrettos performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House! The Allegrettos bring a unique blend of alternative-pop, R&B, and gospel influence to their repertoire. Passionate about recording and sharing their artistry, the group has released a growing catalog of EPs, albums, and singles, available on all major streaming platforms. Frequent competitors in the ICCA, The Allegrettos have a long awards history, most recently earning 2nd place in the 2024 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinals, along with awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Choreography.

Distilled Harmony is one of many collegiate a cappella groups in Boston, and one of four all-gender groups at Northeastern University. Founded in 2003, this energetic, creative, and dedicated group performs music from artists ranging from Phoebe Bridgers to FLO. While they love to sing at Northeastern, they also perform throughout the Greater Boston Area and were proud to take 3rd place in their 2025 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal! Last year, DH released an EP of their 2025 ICCA set, titled Untethered, featuring “Soft” by Lucky Daye, “Live For M” by Omar Apollo, and “The Blade” by AURORA. They also released their single, “A Little More Time” by Victoria Monet and Lucky Daye, along with a fun office-themed music video. To check out those projects and stay up to date on DH, follow them on all social media platforms @distilledharmonyNU.

Frequency is Pace University’s premier a cappella group. In fall 2017, Frequency was founded to provide a creative outlet for Pace students to nurture their musical gifts. The group offers a welcoming space for students from all different cultures and backgrounds to express their love for music. Frequency earned the Champion title at their 2025 ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal Champion and went on to place 4th overall in the 2025 ICCA Northeast Semifinals. Their latest EP, Christmas album, and single are available now on all streaming platforms.

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!

The N’Harmonics is a distinguished and versatile all-gender a cappella group at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Their eclectic repertoire spans everything, from current hits to legacy arrangements dating back to the group’s founding in 1997. Coming from various New York creative scenes, The Harmz utilize multidisciplinary storytelling in their performances. Countless Harmz alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the performing arts, including multiple Tony winners and Grammy nominees. Former Harmz have performed in Broadway and touring productions of “Hamilton,” “Cabaret,” “Suffs,” “Wicked,” “Spring Awakening,” “The Great Comet,” “Beetlejuice,” “Sister Act,” and more. Alumni can also be spotted in TV shows, including “Glee,” “The Other Two,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Many alums are also active recording artists, songwriters, and producers. The N’Harmz have an impressive ICCA legacy, including 3rd place in the 2024 Northeast Semifinals, 1st place and Outstanding Soloist at the 2024 New York Quarterfinals, and the title of 2019 ICCA Champion. The group has performed at prestigious venues, including Radio City Music Hall, Yankee Stadium, Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Lincoln Center, The Playstation Theatre, The Beacon Theatre, Joe's Pub, 54 Below, and many colleges in the Northeast.

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.

The Potsdam Pointercounts is SUNY Potsdam's premier all-basso a cappella group, with voice types ranging from tenor to bass! They dedicate themselves to educating students of all ages about a cappella music and bringing love for the arts into schools. The Pointercounts perform a variety of musical styles to creatively engage students and adults through educational workshops and performances. A cappella music holds historical and cultural significance and The Pointercounts strive to share one of the oldest forms of choral singing with students. The Potsdam Pointercounts aim to create an atmosphere that facilitates students’ ability to create and enjoy music.

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 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (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.

Established in 2017, Viridescent is University of Vermont’s newest and first-ever competitive a cappella group! They are excited to represent UVM in their fourth consecutive ICCA showing. They aim to create excellent musical projects while spending time with the people they love. The official music video of their 2025 ICCA set can be found on YouTube and their sixth studio release, DIVINITY, is available on all streaming platforms! They are proud to share that all arrangements on that record, as well as the recording and production, were completed in-group. For easy access to these projects and to stay up to date with all things Viridescent, follow them on Instagram @uvmviridescent. They are beyond thrilled to be here today and want to thank their supporters and Varsity Vocals for making this possible!

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

Alexander Koutzoukis is co-owner (among other titles) of Plaid Productions, a full-service a cappella production studio based in Boston. While attending Tufts University for computer science, he spent five years in The Beelzebubs, two of them as music director. He got his start in a cappella production with Ed Boyer and Bill Hare on two award-winning Bubs albums (Pandaemonium and Play the Game) and went on to help record and edit BATTLE and Helix, as well as about half of The Warblers’ tracks from season 2 of “Glee.” He won a 2010 Best Male Collegiate Arrangement CARA for “All the Love In the World,” was runner-up in 2012 for “Kings and Queens,” and was also runner-up for Favorite Vocal Percussionist in the 2010 A Cappella Awards (ACAs). He currently executive produces BOSS and graphic designs for BOSS and SoJam.

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.

Anthony Pulido is an arranger and director for Uproar, a Boston-based, professional a cappella group. He attended Northeastern University, where he directed and arranged for The Unisons. He also records and workshops groups and artists in the greater Northeast region, notably at festivals such as BOSS, NE Voices, and Haunted Harmonies. You can also find him as the third member of the “Head/Voice” podcast team. Check out the podcast to hear Anthony discuss a cappella with other members of the community.

Amanda Roeder is a high school choral and a cappella director in Chelmsford, Mass., where she directs The Thursdays and The Crescendos. She previously led an award-winning a cappella program in Marblehead, Mass. In 22 years of teaching, her groups have earned multiple CARAs, ICHSA titles, and spots on BOHSA compilations. Amanda is a co-founder and board member of the NE Voices high school a cappella festival. She performs as a freelance vocalist, flutist, and pianist, and teaches private lessons and masterclasses in the greater Boston area.

An enthusiast of all forms of vocal music, Lee Stovall teaches high school choir and music technology at Rufus King High School. He is also the rehearsal accompanist for Our Voice Gay Men’s Chorus and sings professionally with the early music ensemble, Aperi Animam, and the Florentine Opera Company. Lee is a prolific contemporary a cappella arranger, judge, and coach, with experience working with scholastic and professional groups from around the world. Previous work and accolades include arranging for “Broadway Goes A Cappella 3,” which played at Feinstein’s 54 Below in New York to rave reviews, and earning recognition from ICCA, ICHSA, and the CARAs for his work with groups ranging from the high school to professional levels. Lee is a proud member of the team that increased student participation in music education in Milwaukee Public Schools from 19% in 2018-2019 to 92% in 2023-2024. This growth exemplifies Lee's passion for using vocal music to break down societal barriers in race and gender.

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 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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