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 SOUTH SEMIFINAL

The Carolina Theatre
Saturday, March 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

BisCaydence is an award-winning a cappella group from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Established in 2011, the group features some of UM's top vocal talent and embodies school pride and harmony. In 2019, they advanced all the way to ICCA Finals and ultimately took 2nd place. They went on to record that competition set as their first EP, Blue Horizon, which earned a featured spot on the 2019 BOCA compilation album and three Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations. BisCaydence won the ICCA South Champion title again in 2024, with another coveted appearance at ICCA Finals. They turned that set into another CARA-nominated studio EP, Frostbite, which was featured on BOCA 2025. 

Carolina Sound is new to the ICCA family and super excited to be part of it! Representing the University of Mouth Olive, the group has been singing and touring since 2019. Founded by vocal duo Lester and Holly Rector, the group loves performing and being together, and especially the opportunity to impact other people’s lives the way music has impacted theirs! 

Founded in 2020, Chordination is NC State's newest mixed-voice a cappella group! Chordination strives to create a supportive and fun environment that emphasizes community, diversity, and inclusion through their shared love of music. With three previous Quarterfinals victories and one 2nd place ranking, they are so excited for their sixth year of competition! They cannot wait to perform tonight and hope you enjoy the show!

Formed in 2007, Ear Candy is an all-female and nonbinary a cappella group of 14 App State students. They cover songs from a variety of genres and popular artists, including Billie Eilish, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and many more! In addition to performing at and around App State, this is Ear Candy's second year competing at the ICCA, after placing 3rd at their 2025 South Quarterfinal. Known for their harmonies and energy, Ear Candy values being a close-knit group of friends who share a love of music and a joy for creating it together.

Intonations, a treble a cappella group from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., is all about warmth, vibrancy, and powerful musical choices! Since 2019, they have sought to support every group member’s journey so that they graduate more confident than they arrived. Intonations is committed to an all-hands-on-deck approach, in which every single member contributes meaningfully to their sound. This is Intonations' fifth time competing in the ICCA and they are so grateful to be returning this year! Their 2026 set, "Oblivion," has been almost a year in the making and they are excited to present their most refined set yet. The group's passion, dedication, and deep love for one another have yielded amazing growth. Tonight, you'll witness Intonations’ focused sound and bold presence, made possible from true collaboration and their unshakable bond. 

Mixed Mode is an all-gender a cappella group at UCF, established in 2015. They value artistic expression, storytelling, and individuality. They are experienced competitors, with recent showings at SoJam, Boston Sings (BOSS), and ICCA, most recently taking 3rd place at their 2025 ICCA South Quarterfinal. Other recent ICCA achievements include 3rd place and Outstanding Choreography at 2024 Quarterfinals, and 2nd place, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2023. Coming off of their 10th anniversary celebration with their founders and alumni, Mixed Mode hopes you enjoy their set as much as they’ve enjoyed creating it together. You can listen to their singles and albums on Spotify and keep up with them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Prismatics, founded through friendship in 2015, is an all-gender a cappella group from Belmont University, committed to making meaningful music. No stranger to the ICCA stage, Prismatics has competed every year since their debut in 2017. They were blessed to attend ICCA Finals in 2021 and 2022, as well as multiple ICCA Semifinals, including the 2025 season. Over the years, they have also won many awards for Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Choreography, most recently taking Outstanding Soloist at their 2025 ICCA South Quarterfinal. This year, Prismatics is thrilled to return to the ICCA stage and compete alongside their peers, sharing their love and passion for music. 

Spirit of Southern is the premier a cappella ensemble at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. The group performs at various university and community events in the Hattiesburg area, and serves as one of the primary recruitment arms of Choral Activities. The students in this group span all undergraduate levels of study and various academic fields. They have been honored with invitations to perform at Mississippi ACDA/Mississippi Music Educators Association state conferences, as well as the Southern Region Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. SOS is super excited to be back for their second ICCA season! 

VoiceMale is Appalachian State University’s only all-male a cappella group, celebrating 15 years of music, brotherhood, and resilience. Rooted in tradition and driven by passion, the group has navigated both triumph and challenge, including a recent season of loss and instability that tested its foundation. In response, VoiceMale reconnected with its core values, returning to the heart of its sound and the strength of its community. Blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, VoiceMale brings energy and emotion to every performance, creating a sound that bridges power and soul. Over the years, the group has become a staple of App State’s music scene, performing across campus and beyond, while continuing to foster its members’ artistic and personal growth. Last season, VoiceMale earned Outstanding Vocal Percussion at their ICCA South Quarterfinal, marking a new milestone in the group’s ongoing story of creativity and collaboration with its first ICCA award. Today, VoiceMale continues to honor its past while embracing a new era of sound that reflects growth, healing, and unity. 

The Voices is Pearl River Communty College’s premier vocal ensemble! Last year, they released their album, Absence of Time, won a CARA for Best Country Song, and traveled to Puerto Rico for an unforgettable summer performance. They have competed in previous ICCA seasons, notably winning 1st place and Outstanding Choreography in their 2023 ICCA South Quarterfinal. This year, The Voices are honored to sing for the ACDA Southern Region Conference in Memphis, while continuing to compete, record, and share their signature sound. With a host of new members joining the mix, get ready for a fresh take on The Voices’ sound you know and love!




GUEST PERFORMER

Forecast Quartet is an award-winning men's a cappella quartet from North Carolina that has been entertaining audiences around the country since 2014. They have performed at notable venues, including the Carolina Theatre and the Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham N.C., the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro, N.C., the historic Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, the AXIS Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, and the Marin Veterans’ Auditorium in San Rafael, Calif. They have opened for Steve Martin, performed with The Jive Aces swing band from the U.K., and entertained thousands of fans with music that spans from traditional early American vocal standards in the barbershop style all the way to four-part harmony versions of contemporary hits by Michael Bublé, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, Zac Brown Band, and The Jive Aces.  You can find their recordings on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Mike, Bryan, Travis, and Kevin hope to meet you after tonight’s show in the lobby! 

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. 

Dr. Kevin Badanes has a D.M.A. and M.M. in conducting from Stony Brook University, with a B.M. in music education from SUNY Fredonia. He is founder and artistic director of the professional vocal jazz octet, Avante. He has been leading a cappella and jazz groups in a three-decade career at the collegiate and professional levels. An active composer and clinician in small-ensemble singing, he is the co-creator of the nationally touring production, “STEM: the Musical.”

Parker Burrows is a former member and music director of Amazin’ Blue at the University of Michigan. While in the group, he competed in ICCA events at all levels, including Quarterfinals, Semifinals, a Wildcard win, and a Finals appearance. He also led the group in recording and assisted with editing, mixing, and mastering their studio album, Retrofit, and competed with them in BOSS. Parker has written multiple arrangements during his time in the group and post-graduation. His time with Amazin’ Blue was an integral part of his college experience and he is excited to give back and support a new generation of amazing talent.

Kristin LoBiondo, an aca-millennial, has been judging ICCA and ICHSA events for over a decade in North Carolina, Maryland, and Georgia. Her a cappella journey has included planning festivals, such as SoJam, the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF), BOSS, and others, working with various production studios, and performing with Snowday, Vox Pop, and Jaded. She earned her B.A. in vocal music at Elon University, and her current singing outlet (outide of the car and shower) is performing the national anthem at Duke basketball games. Kristin's favorite part of judging is observing how the aca-bop has evolved over the years. 

Dr. DeMar Austin Neal, IV currently serves as an Associate Professor of Music at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, N.C. He also maintains positions at Meredith College and NC State University, where he teaches a wide variety of classes and voice lessons in diverse styles. He holds a doctorate in voice performance from Florida State University, a master's degree in voice from the Boston Conservatory, and a bachelor's degree in voice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also possesses post-doctoral certifications in Vocology and Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy. DeMar has been involved in a cappella since his undergraduate days and his arrangements can be found on compilation albums including Varsity Vocals’ BOCA and the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America’s (CASA) Sing. Follow on Instagram @demarnealbaritone and visit www.demarneal.com

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Forecast and the Carolina Theatre Staff for an amazing season; 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!

#ICCA