2025 ICCA West Quarterfinal @ Tacoma Armory

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 WEST QUARTERFINAL

Tacoma Armory
Saturday, January 24th, 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

UW Awaaz is a South Asian fusion a cappella group that takes songs from South Asian and Western cultures to create harmonious musical arrangements. Founded in 2009 by UW alumni Joyita Banerjee and Pratyusha Banik, Awaaz has honored the tradition of other South Asian a cappella groups, while continuing to innovate the genre by incorporating elements from diverse cultures and media. From classic Bollywood hits by A.R. Rahman to popular American songs across genres, they aim to cultivate fusions that evoke joy and nostalgia and resonate with audiences of all musical backgrounds. Since its founding, UW Awaaz has performed at competitions across the country, as well as at popular UW-sanctioned events, such as Desi Dhamaka, the ASC Talent Show, and FIUTS CultureFest. Most recently, UW Awaaz won the All-American Awaaz 2025 Championship, earning national recognition within the Desi a cappella circuit organized by the Association of South Asian A Cappella (ASA).

Big Bing Theory, or BBT, is Gonzaga University's premier pop a cappella ensemble. Founded by Zag students in 1998, the group performs a variety of songs, from the hottest hits on the radio to classic tunes. They perform at multiple events on GU’s campus and throughout the greater Spokane community. Most recently, BBT was asked to perform at a VIP dinner celebrating the inauguration of Gonzaga University’s first female President and a Spokane collaborative arts event honoring Bing Crosby, the group's namesake. They made their first ICCA appearance over 12 years ago and are so happy to be back representing Eastern Washington! In 2023, BBT won 3rd place and Outstanding Soloist at their ICCA West Quarterfinal in Tacoma, Wash. They have also attended the National A Cappella and Choral Convention (NACC) for the past two years and look forward to attending the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF) in early February. Go Zags!

Eh? Cappella, from the University of British Columbia, has been competing in the ICCA since 2016, and earned 1st place at Quarterfinals in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Seven-time Semifinalists, Eh? Cappella has also won special ICCA awards, such as Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. Directed by Giuliana Kim and Ryota Misaki, this year’s group aims to deliver an exciting and ambitious set, depicting the emotional ups and downs of a breakup story.

For Good Measure is Western Washington University's dedicated, treble-voice, auditioned a cappella group. A committed and talented ensemble, they focus on advanced vocal technique, precision, and artistry, and continually seek to challenge themselves. Composed of soprano and alto voices, For Good Measure has a reputation for innovative arrangements, beautiful harmonies, and energetic performances, often incorporating unique choreography and stage presence to create truly memorable shows.

Furmata A Cappella is the University of Washington's premier competitive a cappella group. In addition to placing 2nd at Quarterfinals during the past two ICCA seasons, they were awarded Outstanding Arrangement for "Breakdown" in 2024 and for their entire 2025 set. Outside of the ICCA, Furmata has had the opportunity to perform throughout the Seattle area for school events, gigs, and, most recently, at Bumbershoot Music Festival in summer 2025.

The Northwest Collective, also known as NWC, is a co-ed a cappella group from Vancouver, B.C. The group was founded in 2018 at the University of British Columbia, bringing students together with a shared passion for music and performance. NWC has performed at the ICCA for seven consecutive years, placing 3rd at Quarterfinals four times, including the past two seasons. They won Outstanding Choreography at the 2023 and 2025 ICCA West Quarterfinals and Outstanding Vocal Percussion in 2021 and 2024. NWC recently released their 2025 ICCA set, Forever, as an EP last August and it can be found on all streaming platforms! Through seven generations, the singers of NWC have forged tight-knit bonds as fellow musicians and friends. With all arrangements, song selections, and choreography made strictly within the group, NWC strives to develop a polished and dynamic sound that is uniquely their own. Directed by Michelle Emond and Kira Potter, The Northwest Collective continues to foster a strong team dynamic and aims for excellece as an ensemble and as individual singers.

Pacific Note West is Western Washington University’s competitive mixed-voice a cappella group. The group consists of talented vocalists spanning every major, from business to biochem and everything in between. PNW has competed in the ICCA since 2010 and won Outstanding Soloist in 2022.

The Trebled Acaholics is a competitive a cappella group. Their main goal is to foster a love for this niche art form, while helping group members improve their singing. They’ve competed in the ICCA every year since 2018, when they took 3rd place at Quarterfinals and won Outstanding Choreography. In 2021, they reached 2nd place, earning a spot in ICCA West Semifinals. They are proud to represent The University of British Columbia Okanagan, which is one of the smallest universities in the West region and doesn’t have a formal music program. They spend between five and nine hours each week rehearsing new music for both the ICCA and their end-of-semester shows. The Trebled Acaholics are super excited to be back for the 2026 ICCA season. Cheers!

The Trill Seekers is the most recent addition to The Beats, the premier a cappella club on the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus in Kelowna, B.C. They have competed at ICCA West Quarterfinals for the past seven years and made it to the Virtual Semifinals in 2021. Although this tight-knit group is entirely composed of non-music students, they spend up to 10 hours each week honing their musical abilities and relish the opportunity to compete with like-minded musicians. Their competitive setlists showcase an eclectic range of musical genres. Along with the ICCA, The Trill Seekers perform at semester-end shows, community events, and in collaboration with other clubs on campus. They are so excited to show everyone what they have in store for the 2026 ICCA season. Keep it Trill!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

The daughter of a choir teacher and accompanist, Cate Caffarella received a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Music Education from Boston University. This is her 14th year at West Albany High School, where she directs three choirs and heads the drama program. WAHS choirs have won numerous awards, including top-five finishes at OSAA State Choir competitions, district championships, judges’ choice awards, and ICHSA Semifinals. Cate and her husband, Jason (also a musician), are former directors of the Oregon Children’s Choir Young Men’s Ensemble and The Classics. They and their children, Tobin, Taran, and Teah, enjoy singing and spending time together.

Jason Caffarella taught music at Linn Benton Community College for 13 years, and is the founder of the award-winning a cappella group, Rezonate. He earned a B.S. in voice from State University of New York at Fredonia and a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Oregon. Jason has also been performing lead roles in various Willamette Valley musicals, including Harold Hill ("Music Man"), Professor Henry Higgins ("My Fair Lady"), Joseph Pulitzer ("Newsies"), and Sam Carmichael ("Mamma Mia"). From 2001 to 2007, he directed choirs and small ensembles, including a cappella groups, in the Oregon Children’s Choir organization. He enjoys adjudicating vocal festivals of all kinds, including solo/ensemble, a cappella, and choral, for age groups ranging from middle school through college.

Lauren Kastanas is a Seattle-based nonprofit leader, music director, singer, and arranger. She is Executive Director of Seattle Girls Choir, and directs their 10-member contemporary ensemble, Sorella. Lauren founded the contemporary women’s a cappella group, GIRL BAND, in 2014, producing dozens of performances and two studio albums over the group’s career. As a professional singer, Lauren has performed with Radiance, the Byrd Ensemble, Tudor Choir, and whatever&everamen.

Noah Maguigad is a seasoned musician and arranger with a deep love for the world of a cappella. His musical journey began in church choir and grew to include skills in voice, piano, music theory, bass, and saxophone. In high school, his ever-growing passion for choral music earned him a spot in the ILMEA Honors Chorus and equipped him to serve as the Proprefect at St. Procopius Abbey, delivering sacred Gregorian chants for mass. As the director and primary arranger for his collegiate a cappella group, Mosaic Whispers, he led them to remarkable success in the 2023 Midwest ICCA season, earning a 1st place victory at Quarterfinals, in addition to an individual honor for Outstanding Arrangement for the whole set, and a 3rd place finish in the Semifinals. Additionally, Noah directed the "Masked Singers," a volunteer service a cappella group that (safely) provided uplifting performances to healthcare workers and patients during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Noah is now a professional a cappella arranger and aspiring producer, continuing to contribute his musical expertise to create captivating and meaningful arrangements.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank tonight's emcee and day-of producer, Jake Yoakum; photographer, Jake Young (jakeyoungphotography.com); sound engineers, Pete and Trina from Yoakum Sound and Light; volunteers, Shailah Aggarson, Jodi Ferrer, Bryna McGarrigle, and Jaya Hong; all the staff we've partnered with from Tacoma Arts Live and the Tacoma Armory; 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 West 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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