2025 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal @ The Rococo Theater

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 SOUTHWEST QUARTERFINAL

The Rococo Theater
Saturday, February 7th, 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

Founded in 2002 by two University of Nebraska students with a passion for music, The Bathtub Dogs began as a small group of talented friends singing together for fun. Over two decades later, that ensemble has grown into a premier a cappella group, known across campus and throughout the region for their energetic performances and signature humor. When they’re not in class at UNL, The Dogs can be found performing at events throughout Nebraska and beyond, or in the recording studio, showcasing their sound through albums, EPs, and singles available on all streaming platforms. The group has been a consistent ICCA competitor, making Semifinals in each of the past three competitive seasons and taking home special awards each year. Although they pride themselves on not taking things too seriously, the energy and excitement of a Bathtub Dogs performance is no joke!

Boots & Cats is the premier all-treble a cappella ensemble at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. An entirely student-led group, Boots & Cats members range from freshmen through seniors and come from all majors across campus. The group enjoys singing a wide range of genres and artists and loves performing throughout their school and local community. The Cats are motivated by a strong love for one another and by the unifying power of music.

Exit 205 A Cappella calls the University of Denver home. Founded in 2008, Exit 205 is DU’s premier co-ed competitive a cappella group. They’ve competed in the ICCA for the past three years and are excited to be back for the 2026 season. In addition to creating beautiful music, Exit 205 members spend their time skiing or hiking in the mountains and bonding over Just Dance. They are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to perform!

Founded in 1996, Extreme Measures is the University of Colorado Boulder’s oldest co-ed a cappella group. For nearly three decades, they have been bringing singers from all backgrounds together to create dynamic, expressive, and original music. Thriving on collaboration and creativity, the group arranges and performs their own music, blending pop, R&B, and a touch of jazz and rock into a uniquely Extreme sound. Over the past two years, Extreme Measures has proudly represented CU Boulder at the ICCA, bringing bold arrangements, storytelling, and Buff pride to the stage. This year's set explores the stages of grief, capturing the complexity of loss and the power of healing through music. With compelling vocals and heartfelt energy, Extreme Measures aims to connect with audiences on a deeply human level.

Colorado State University’s Mainstreet A Cappella is a dynamic vocal ensemble, renowned for its captivating a cappella performances. Composed of talented singers from diverse musical backgrounds, Mainstreet A Cappella blends powerful harmonies and innovative arrangements to create unique and engaging musical experiences. The group performs a wide range of genres, from pop and jazz to R&B and contemporary hits, bringing a fresh and modern twist to each song. Founded in 2012, Mainstreet continues to gain momentum in the a cappella world. The group placed 1st at their 2025 ICCA Southwest Quarterfinal, advancing to the 2025 Southwest Semifinals, following previous Semifinals appearances in 2024 and 2021. They also earned 1st place at Denver University’s 2024 Acappellooza. In addition to competing and performing, Mainstreet proudly hosts “NOCOpella,” an annual event that brings collegiate a cappella groups together from across Northern Colorado to celebrate collaboration, community, and the joy of vocal music.

Pitch Please is the premier all-gender a cappella group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Founded in 2012, they have built their presence in the Lincoln community and beyond through their love of performing. Just like the array of musical genres they perform, Pitch Please members come from a variety of majors, including business, engineering, architecture, music education, and more. They are incredibly grateful for the chance to make music and memories together and love sharing that passion with others onstage!

The Red Keys is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s newest all-gender a cappella group, founded in 2017. They’re dedicated to high-level musicianship and spreading their passion for the arts with their community. The group includes members from diverse majors, backgrounds, and experience levels, all united through a shared love of music. They sing a wide range of musical genres, with an emphasis on pop, jazz, and R&B. The Red Keys frequently perform at campus events, community gigs, and collaborative shows with other a cappella groups. Group members arrange most of The Red Keys’ music, often experimenting with new ideas that keep the group’s sound evolving. The Red Keys have competed in the ICCA since 2019, earning their highest score to date at Midwest Quarterfinals in 2021, with a 3rd-place finish and an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award for group member Joey Carabello. They have professionally recorded and released music since 2020. Their latest project, eclipse., is a collection of the group’s 2024 ICCA set, along with an additional song for their ICCA storyline. The Red Keys continue to grow each year in their sound and energy, fueled by the belief that everyone deserves access to music.

Take Note is an all-treble a cappella group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Formed in 2018, the group strives to create an environment of positivity and acceptance. Take Note members represent all different backgrounds and disciplines, from music education to advertising and public relations. They are also involved in other campus activities and recognized student organizations, including The University Singers, Alpha Omicron Pi, the honors program, Dance Marathon, and more. Take Note is a Lincoln community presence, with performances in the historic Haymarket district, around UNL's campus, and the annual Huskerthon fundraiser. Take Note has released a single, an EP of a previous ICCA set, and plans to release more recordings in the future. The group’s innovative marketing strategies and unique recruitment opportunities have helped Take Note build a loyal audience and dedicated membership. With many ICCA seasons’ worth of experience, Take Note is ready to share their fresh musical perspective with listeners everywhere.

Tonal Eclipse is Oklahoma City University’s premier varsity a cappella group. They are also the first and only competing group from Oklahoma! They entered the competitive a cappella scene in 2024 and took home 1st place in their 2024 ICCA Quarterfinal. Since then, Tonal has continued to compete and perform all over the the state of Oklahoma and the U.S.

GUEST PERFORMER

Founded in October 2024, One Note Stands is the University of Nebraska Omaha’s first official student a cappella group. The group includes 20 members, representing a variety of majors and other campus activities. They’ve performed at Omaha businesses and venues, including the Orpheum Theater as a curtain warmer, and continue to perform across Omaha. Follow @onenotestandsuno on Instagram and TikTok!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Dr. Matthew Brooks is Associate Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities in Music & Medicine at University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) where he leads the University Orchestra, the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Youth Symphony, and teaches graduate conducting. As part of a collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Matthew was critical in creating the Nebraska Medical Orchestra in 2018, and remains their founding music director and conductor. Highlights from his academic conducting include leading annual youth concerts as part of Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program and collaborations with Broadway legend Patti Lupone, New York Philharmonic Concertmaster Frank Huang, celebrated opera singer Samuel Ramey, and the late composer Peter Schickele (P.D.Q. Bach). Matthew maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. He regularly guest conducts the Omaha Symphony Music Mentors program and high school honor festivals. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and his peer-reviewed research has been published in the American Medical Association (AMA) Journal of Ethics and the Journal of Wellness. He holds a Bachelor of Music in music education, a Master of Music in orchestral conducting, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting, pedagogy, and literature. Matthew is currently completing the requirements for a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, as he remains interested in pursuing greater intersectionality between music and wellness, as well as encouraging positive mental health within the academic and professional music communities.

Jacob Ritter is the director of vocal music at Columbus High School in Columbus, Neb. Since 2015, Jacob has worked tirelessly to reach the highest levels of excellence in a cappella at the high school level and is a passionate advocate for the genre across the state. Columbus High School is home to three competitive a cappella ensembles and regularly features a cappella music at most academic high school concerts. Their professional affiliations have included multiple feature performances on News Channel Nebraska, Total Vocal with Deke Sharon, and two performances for the Barbershop Harmony Society's international conventions. In addition to his efforts at CHS, Jacob has directed two barbershop choruses and regularly supports local community choir opportunities. He has a bachelor's degree in music education from Doane University in Crete, Neb. and a master's degree in choral conducting from the University of Central Missouri. Jacob is also a member of the five-part vocal band called VoiceHouse, which has been singing a cappella since 2016. They regularly perform for community concert series, educator conventions, public events, and private parties. All of the members of the ensemble are vocal music educators from Nebraska.

Meesh Wilson is a mezzo-soprano with over a decade of performing experience in a cappella and choral music. Classically trained in piano and music theory, her a cappella journey started with The Aristocats, a renowned Disney a cappella group at Washington University in St. Louis. Post-college, Meesh continued to contribute to the a cappella scene, becoming a valued member of various amateur groups. She lent her vocal talents to Internote and The Love Notes, both based in the Bay Area, showcasing her versatility and passion for harmonizing. Meesh is also a founding member of the A Cappella Collective, a group that primarily focuses on project-based live recording.

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 Southwest 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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