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 UNITED KINGDOM SEMIFINAL

New Wimbledon Theatre
Saturday, March 7th, 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

Aca-Pocalypse is a mixed group from the University of Nottingham. Last year, they celebrated their 10th year with a spectacular showcase, “Back and Better Than Ever,” and they’re thrilled to follow that up with their 10th ICCA. They have progressed to ICCA U.K. Semifinals for an impressive three years running and have also performed several highly-acclaimed and sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, including “Double Treble” in collaboration with RadioOctave. They pride themselves in preserving a cappella skills by passing them down to new generations, from arranging music to vocal percussion. This philosophy helps Aca-Pocalypse maintain powerful sets, with tight harmonies, stunning choreography, and high-level vibes. Get ready for the group in green to bring you their signature blend of upbeat hits and gorgeous ballads that might make your mum cry! 

Aquapella is a multi-award-winning a cappella group, founded in 2011 and based in Bath. Over the past 14 years, they have been lucky to perform at a whole host of incredible places, from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year to competitions such as the ICCA, Solevoci, and the Open A Cappella Competition (OAC)! They sing everything, from pop bangers to meaningful, heartfelt songs, guaranteed to make you shed a tear. As a group, Aquapella aims to emotionally connect with audiences by doing what they love most. 

The Houghtones (pronounced How-Tones) is The London School of Economics' one and only a cappella group. They are making their ICCA debut this year after a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025! They have carved out a space in the LSE community, creating a home away from home for this diverse and talented group of students. Connected by their shared passion, The Houghtones stand for the arts in an institution where they are often forgotten. This group has transformed remarkably over the years, incorporating choreography and vocal percussion, and they are finally ready for their competitive debut! The Houghtones present a journey of home and belonging, reflecting their personal experiences as international students, and exploring themes of inadequacy, resilience, and found family. Through a range of pop and R&B ballads, combined with soulful jazz, they hope to showcase the unique voices of the group in their set this year. 

Illuminations is the University of Exeter’s premier mixed a cappella group. Currently in its 15th generation, the group is composed of Exeter University's finest singers and performers. Whether they’re putting on a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe show, advancing to ICCA United Kingdom Semifinals, or releasing a single to BBC Radio, Illuminations is proud to deliver their signature powerful, energetic, and polished performances. The group takes pride in their clean vocal blend, slick and engaging performances, and professional, yet fun, approach to a cappella. They are excited for their 10th consecutive ICCA, following a successful 2025 run, in which they took 2nd place at ICCA U.K. Quarterfinals and won multiple Outstanding Vocal Percussion awards, courtesy of internationally acclaimed U.K. beatboxing vice-champion, Elliot Mainwaring. This year's cohort of powerhouse vocalists are undoubtedly impressive, especially considering that none of them study music at university. They can’t wait to show the ICCA what Generation 15 of Illuminations can do! 

The Killer Quines is Aberdeen University’s award-winning female and nonbinary a cappella group! They had so much fun competing last year and have since upped the energy, increased their numbers, and now have two sets of sisters in the group! The 12th generation of Quines has had the best time getting to know one another, discovering their new sound, and just having fun in rehearsals together. Although they come together as a group to sing, The Quines are lucky to also be close friends and enjoy spending time together outside of rehearsals. They’ve enjoyed plenty of movie nights, post-rehearsal pub trips, and, of course, the return of the (in)famous Quines sleepover! This year’s set explores the theme of healing. Tonight, The KIller Quines want to take you on a journey through the healing process and hopefully show that there’s light at the end of the tunnel when the right support network is there. They hope you enjoy their performance as much as they have enjoyed preparing it! 

The Leamingtones is Warwick's premier a cappella group and part of the No. 1 society on campus (alphabetically). Their recent highlights include placing 2nd in the Open A Cappella Competition (OAC) in 2024, winning three ICCA Quarterfinals in a row, and going on to place 2nd in the 2025 ICCA U.K. Semifinal. The Leamingtones love performing a wide range of music, from dance hits to pop classics, and were fortunate enough to tour the CROappella Festival in Croatia and meet the creator of “Pitch Perfect” himself! If you like what you hear, check them out on Spotify and join the million subscribers who follow The Leamingtones (collectively, including alumni) on YouTube. They hope you enjoy their set! 

Northern Lights is Durham University’s mixed, competitive a cappella group, consisting of 16 talented and passionate performers. An ICCA competitor since 2015, Northern Lights is back in its 13th iteration. With four incredible new members, this group is stronger than ever and continues to embody their ethos of “One Entity, One Voice.” Find them on all socials @nlacappella to hear more about their latest music, projects, and exciting new ventures! 

Nth Harmonic is Imperial College London’s mixed-voice variety a cappella group. Made up of scientists, medics, and engineers with a wide range of musical backgrounds, they bring their different worlds together to create a sound that’s uniquely theirs. No rehearsal is ever a dull one with Nth! A close-knit bunch, some of them have been singing together for five years. When they’re not in competition mode, you’ll probably find them harmonising in a random stairwell on a Sunday or rehearsing new busking rep to share with unsuspecting strangers in Covent Garden. Working to create a set brings the group members together like nothing else and they look forward to competing every year. Nth Harmonic loves to craft a narrative through their music, and this year is no different. Settle in for the next 10 minutes, because time is about to fly. 

Hailing from the University of Manchester, The Skylarks is a new a cappella group on the scene! They competed in their first ICCA last season and have doubled down on their commitment to being the poster kids for diversity at UoM. They’re back with members from nine different countries, all brought together by a shared love of music and performing! The Skylarks were also featured singing in the latest Netflix series, “Runaway,” so be sure to check them out! The Skylarks hope you enjoy their 2026 ICCA set as much as they have loved creating it! 

Tone Up is the University of Edinburgh's mixed-voice competitive a cappella group. This tight-knit group of 15 singers regularly performs at gigs, competitions, and showcases in Edinburgh and beyond. Tone Up are two-time Scottish A Cappella Championship (SACC) winners and took home 2nd place, as well as the awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Choreography, at SACC 2025. You can listen to their music on all major music streaming platforms. They've welcomed seven new members this year and can't wait to perform on the ICCA stage once again. 

GUEST PERFORMER

Since forming in May 2022, Elision has quickly established itself as one of the U.K.’s most entertaining contemporary a cappella groups. The group has appeared at festivals and events across the U.K. and Europe, performing in a range of venues, from West End theatres to rural German forests! Last summer, they competed at the Vokal Total international a cappella competition in Austria, featuring acts from Germany, Taiwan, Georgia, Italy and many other countries. Elision placed 2nd and won the Audience Favourite Award. They can’t wait to return to Europe in July and August as part of their summer tour. In addition to their live performances, Elision's digital projects have garnered multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations, including a fan-favourite original Christmas song. Although aware of the ICCA bio cliché, Elision has to use this opportunity to plug their social media! If you like what you hear tonight, please follow them on Instagram or TikTok @elision.acappella, for news of upcoming performances here in the U.K. They are honoured to be here and wish the best of luck to all the competitors this evening!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Caitlyn Calfas is a multidisciplinary theatre artist originally from Los Angeles. She studied at UCLA and was part of the award-winning co-ed a cappella group, The ScatterTones. During her time in the group, The ScatterTones won 1st Runner-Up titles in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 ICCA Finals. Her work as head choreographer won her multiple awards, including Outstanding Choreography at Finals. Her theatre career has taken her from L.A. to New York and finally to London, where she is currently based. Since earning her master’s degree from LAMDA, she played Emma Hamilton in the world premiere musical, “Irrepressible,” at Edinburgh Fringe, Hector in LAMDA’s “Troilus and Cressida,” and Jocasta in “Oedipus Rex” at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus as part of the National Theatre of Greece's International Ancient Drama Workshop. Her company, CKC Productions, is focused on developing new theatre centring women’s voices. Caitlyn remains thankful for her collegiate a cappella experience, which deepened her appreciation for music and its power to bring people together.

Originally from Canada, Kevin Fox is known internationally as a performer, choral director, workshop leader, and arranger. He sang with the Grammy-winning group, The Swingles, for 12 years, and records with London Voices on various film soundtracks. Kevin served as artistic director of SING! Toronto and musical director of "Sing: Ultimate A Cappella" (Sky One). He has taught at international institutions and festivals, including the Guildhall (London), Europa Cantat (Estonia), and Vocal Asia (Japan) and is an adjudicator with Interkultur. These days, he directs three lovely London-based community choirs, runs improvisation and rhythm workshops, and occasionally writes original choral music. Kevin loves to help singers gain confidence in their own creativity.

Alicia Gayle's love of voices-only music began when she joined The Florida State University Acabelles. She served the group as an arranger, choreographer, and vocal percussionist, picking up skills on the way to be an inspiring and supportive musical director. After moving back to the U.K., Alicia directed The Oxford Belles through an incredible run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and participation in the Voice Festival U.K. competition. She then moved on to pursue her postgraduate studies at Imperial College London, where she sang and arranged for The Imperielles. The biggest highlight of her a cappella career remains competing in the ICCA and making it to ICCA Finals in New York! She is excited to be getting involved once again and looks forward to enjoying the great performances tonight.

Jonny Stewart is a bass singer, an engineer for studio and live sound, an arranger, and director. To borrow a basketball analogy, the former intern for the Vocal Company is one of a growing band of a cappella triple-threats. However, other people chose to describe Jonny in the following terms: "Nicely bearded boy in lovely jumper" (The Guardian), "Best hugs (multiple sources), "Big ginger lamppost" (school rugby coach). Jonny’s arrangements and mixes have been streamed over 20 million times on Spotify, although it bears mentioning that 14 million of these were for TikTok sea shanty "Wellerman" by The Wellermen. Having competed twice at the ICCA Finals with All the King’s Men and once at the Open Final with NoVI, he is honoured to be in
 the Varsity Vocals judging seat.

Hailed “the coolest thing to happen to vocal music” British musician Rachel Walker Mason is a highly regarded a cappella coach and judge. Rachel has judged for NTA-nominated "Sing: Ultimate A Cappella" on Sky One television, the CARAs, The ICCA, the A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs), The Voice Festival, the World Choir Games, and many others. Recipient of a prestigious British Citizen Award for contribution to the arts, named “a songwriting expert” by BBC Radio Four’s Today Programme ,and a Recording Academy voting member, Rachel Walker Mason is a multi-award-winning musician currently writing songs with Grammy, Emmy and Ivor Novello award winners, The Voice U.K. and American Idol alumni, Oscar nominees, MOBO and BRIT Award nominees, AMA U.K. and Independent Country Music Association Awards winners. Rachel is also a mentor for The Grammys, Help Musicians, and the Ivor Novello Academy. She is also a featured artist for Columbia University’s Songcraft Anthology and an executive member of The Songwriters Hall of Fame.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Dan Mailer (MC), Rachel Xuereb & Casey Lim (Production Assistants), Elision (Guest Act), Tom Fairbairn (Sound Engineer), Yang Liu (Photographer), and Tom Fairbairn (Sound Engineer); 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