2025 ICCA West Quarterfinal @ Elsinore Theatre

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

Elsinore Theatre
Saturday, January 31st, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

We're talking about this event, and all of our events around the world!

varsityvocals

@varsityvocals

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

Divine A Cappella hails from Oregon State University (go Beavs!). Formed in 2003, they love singing in their local community as often as possible! They are so excited to bring their set to the ICCA and hope you enjoy their slay-tastic performance. Always remember to do it for Divine!

Dulcet A Cappella is a student-run vocal group focused on promoting community and excellence through the use of the human voice. They strive to create a productive and therapeutic environment for group members and to put on joyous and touching shows for the community at and around Southern Oregon University. Dulcet mainly performs pop music selected by group members, including some self-arranged pieces.

The Green Note is Portland State University's premier a cappella group. This mixed-voice, all-inclusive group performs a wide range of genres including pop, R&B, alternative, and classic rock! They placed 2nd at their 2024 ICCA West Quarterfinal, advancing to Semifinals, and followed that up with 3rd place in 2025. The Green Note’s close-knit friendship drives their music and they love being involved with their campus community and the greater Portland music scene!

Headband hails from Willamette University, in the faraway land of Salem, Ore. Described as "vivacious" and "face-meltingly delicious," they are frequently cited as the least sweaty foreheads in the a cappella scene. Headband is lucky to share campus with three other incredible groups (Up Top, Tandem, and The Millstream Sailors) and can usually be found performing with them and the other magnificent a cappella groups around the state. Headband has been cooking up succulent tenor/bass jellies, preserves and jams since 2003 and have competed in the ICCA most of those years. This season’s 15 voices have worked hard to bring the group’s signature energy into every performance and they couldn't be more proud. Headband is excited to get back onstage, provide your ears with 10 minutes of bombastic mouth sounds, and cheer on their incredibly dope siblings in a cappella! They hope you enjoy the ridiculous, beautiful spectacle that is Headband.

Mind The Gap is the mixed-voice a cappella group on campus at the University of Oregon. Formed in 2007, Mind The Gap members have worked hard to make a name for the group ever since. They love to travel and share their music with everyone they can. In 2024, Mind the Gap won 1st place, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Choreography at ICCA West Quarterfinals. They’re excited to show you what they’ve got!

Power Chord is an all-inclusive, all-voice a cappella group from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. They strive to create connections through music and share their passion with the campus community and beyond. During the year, they enjoy spending time together outside of rehearsals at game nights, group outings, and a yearly retreat at the beach cementing their tight bond as a group. Power Chord is so excited to be back here to sing with all of their favorite groups! Thanks for all the support!

Rhapsody A Cappella is Montana State University's only a cappella group. They have been competing in ICCA for over three years and sing all types of music!

Salt Flats is the only student-led a cappella group at the University of Utah! They are dedicated to creating a fun and inclusive environment for students who love to sing and harmonize at the U, all while developing their competitive edge. In addition to competing in the last four ICCA seasons, they keep busy throughout the year performing for their community and local charities. A diverse group, The Salt Flats integrate their different skills to create their group’s unique musical style. They’re grateful for any opportunity to sing, and before you ask, they promise they aren't flat!

Tandem is Willamette University’s premier all-voice a cappella group. They heard your call and rushed over on a bright blue, cosmically-powered tandem bike. Originally founded by a tight-knit choral group, Tandem has always prioritized community and musicianship as its core values. Although the original group disbanded due to COVID, a small group of singers took up the mantle, and recruited even more members into the Tandem community. According to a Tandem member, reviving the group was hard, but it’s harder to add another wheel to the tandem bike whenever someone joins. Tandem is now larger than ever at 18 wheels long and they’re eager to bring you dance pop and alternative rock. This is Tandem’s second consecutive year competing for the ICCA! Give it up for Ta-Ta-Tandem!

Up Top A Cappella is Willamette University's premier treble a cappella group. With over six years of ICCA experience, this group includes upper-voiced singers from all gender identities and performance backgrounds. They believe in creating a space where every voice is valued and a love of making music is shared. Up Top’s student-arranged repertoire reflects the group’s emphasis on fun and occasionally touches on current issues, covering artists like Hozier, King Princess, ABBA, and Aurora. They perform at events throughout the year on campus, hosting the annual Halloween A Cappella Concert and co-hosting ACA-PROM alongside the other WU a cappella groups in the spring. Up Top is so excited to perform, listen, and enjoy the community at this year’s ICCA!

GUEST PERFORMER

Verdant (Pronounced VER-dent) is a professional a cappella group based right here in Central Oregon. True to their name, they’re an organic, free-range, grassroots ensemble. Everything you see and hear from them is homegrown and handmade by the group itself. From arrangements and choreography all the way to graphic design and video production, they keep it all in-house. When they’re not harmonizing in the woods or digging through thrift store bins, you can find them curled up with their pets on a rainy day. So, y’know… most days. They believe that more ensemble singing in the world leads to more empathy, more connection, and stronger communities. Accordingly, Verdant devotes time to mentor local high school and college students, encouraging young creatives to find their voice and share it with others. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this spring, give it up for Verdant!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Emma Christensen (she/her) is a graduate of the School of Music at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., where she co-founded and directed the campus' first co-ed a cappella group, Gold Rush A Cappella. She currently teaches choir and musical theatre at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Ore. There, Emma also directs and arranges for the student a cappella group, Strawberry Serenade, who just competed in their second ICHSA.

Nikolas Johnson has been active in the contemporary a cappella community since 2011. A five-year member of the University of Washington's Furmata A Cappella, he served as the group’s primary arranger and musical director. Along with these roles, Nikolas recorded and produced several studio releases for the group. After graduating, he continues to assist different groups with arranging, recording, and production. Based in Portland, Ore., Nikolas is a semi-professional vocalist and musician. During the holiday season, he performs with the Dickens and Grotto carolers in a quartet, performing harmonically rich arrangements of classic holiday tunes. In addition to his vocal work, Nikolas occasionally takes audio engineering projects, applying his skills to support and improve live and recorded performances.

Justin Miller is a sought-after composer, arranger, choral conductor, clinician, consultant, and coach, with a growing focus on choral consulting and private voice instruction. His work as a composer and arranger is performed by top ensembles around the world, with a catalog spanning barbershop, contemporary a cappella, traditional choral, and more. Justin curates a Choral Series with National Music Publishers, which features many of his original compositions and arrangements alongside works from other celebrated composers and arrangers. From 2008 until 2022, Justin served as Musical Director of the Westminster Chorus, guiding the ensemble to international acclaim. Under his direction, Westminster earned the title of “Choir of the World” at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales (2009) and won the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Chorus Championship in 2010, 2015, and 2019. He has directed other award-winning barbershop ensembles, including The Masters of Harmony and the Big Apple Chorus, and now leads Vocal Summit, a dynamic new ensemble based in Portland, Ore., while consulting choirs on artistic growth, healthier vocal production, and stronger ensemble culture. A former high-school choral director for 15 years, Justin’s ensembles were consistently recognized for excellence at festivals and contests. He holds a Master of Music in conducting from Portland State University and remains an active member of ACDA, NAfME, and the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), frequently leading honor choirs, masterclasses, clinics, and giving private vocal lessons focused on sustainable technique, musical expression, and stylistic flexibility. His writing on choral artistry and arranging appears in several publications, including “The Choral Conductor’s Companion” (ed. Brian J. Winnie) and “Arranging Barbershop: Visions of Excellence” (BHS). Justin lives in Oregon with his wife, Andrea, and their two children, Tenley and Mason. For more, visit www.JustinPMillerMusic.com

Katherine Shuckerow is a graduate of George Fox University with a master’s degree in teaching. She has been teaching choral music at Sherwood High school for 15 years. Kathy started the school’s a cappella group, The Mixolydians, in 2012 and has brought her group to compete in the ICHSA for the past 10 years. Most recently, The Mixolydians placed 1st in their 2020 ICHSA Quarterfinal, also earning Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Soloist. In 2022, her a cappella ensemble placed 3rd and advanced to Semifinals. In addition to ICHSA, The Mixolydians regularly participate in the Bend Acappella Festival each year and a highlight has been working with Deke Sharon. In 2022, The Mixolyidnas placed 1st in the Rose City Sing-Off. Kathy enjoys teaching all of her ensembles at SHS and competes with her large ensemble at the OSAA state championships.

Spencer Williams was the lead bass vocalist for InterVals A Cappella at UC Santa Barbara from 2015-2019, and fell in love with the a cappella community. He became the recording engineer and co-producer of the group's first-ever album, Yearbook, released in 2019. He co-created the Super Mario Super Medley on YouTube with his friend David Fowler, which has amassed over 2.5 million views. You can find him onstage in New York City this November in "Broadway Goes A Cappella!”

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; our volunteers, Lexy Hasbrouck, Izabelle Barnett, and Ethan Albro, and all the staff we've partnered with from the Elsinore Theatre; 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

#ICCA