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

ICHSA GREAT LAKES SEMIFINAL

Pabst Theater
Saturday, March 21st, 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 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.

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.

 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

The Angelics, Plainfield North High School’s premier treble a cappella group, is an innovative and passionate group of musicians. They seek to push the boundaries of contemporary treble a cappella, using their angelic voices to connect, inspire, and empower others. In their two years of competing in the ICHSA, The Angelics have placed 3rd in the Wildcard round, advanced to two Great Lakes Semifinals, earned a Champion title at Quarterfinals, won three Outstanding Choreography awards, and took additional wins for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. The group centers collaboration in their process, creating leadership opportunities for different group members through choreography, arranging, song selection, and event planning. They are proud to foster a supportive space for music, celebrating each member’s authenticity and encouraging everyone to share ideas. This connection and sisterhood helps The Angelics’ music transcend the notes on the page. They are thrilled for their third ICHSA and excited to bring top-tier musicality, choreography, and heart. 

Lakeville South Encore is a high-energy a cappella group, known for its bold sound, tight harmonies, and creative performances. Encore has competed in the ICHSA for seven years, earning 3rd place finishes at their Great Lakes Quarterfinals in 2020 and 2024 and winning the 1st place title in 2025, advancing on to the 2025 Great Lakes Semifinal. They were also the SingStrong NYC Runner-Up in 2020 and Second Runner-Up Grand Champion in 2025, earning Judges’ Choice for Best Choreography. Their music video of “The Pretender” (opb. Foo Fighters) was nominated for 2025 Best Rock Video at the A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs). You can check out their latest single, “Bye Bye Bye” (opb. NSYNC), on Spotify and Apple Music. 

Graftonics is the competitive a cappella ensemble proudly representing Grafton High School. Fully inclusive of all genders and voice parts, this group unites a diverse set of voices to create music at the highest level. This ensemble is dedicated to developing high-caliber musicianship. Graftonics members seek out complex arrangements and rigorous performance opportunities, constantly challenging themselves to elevate their craft, both technically and creatively. Also a close-knit family, the singers of Graftonics share a passion for performance and genuinely enjoy being together, even when rehearsals start bright and early at 6:45 in the morning! 

Knight Club is Oak Creek High School's premier mixed-voice a cappella group. They have been heavily involved in the high school a cappella scene since 2014.  During that span of time, they have participated in ICHSA every year, including the year that it was a virtual competition.  They have been fortunate to advance to ICHSA Great Lakes Semifinals and ICHSA Finals on multiple occasions. Knight Club enjoys hosting a cappella workshops and concerts, like OCAP (Oak Creek A Cappella Party)  and AC in the OC (a cappella in Oak Creek).  They have been featured on BOHSA compilations, and have a growing catalog of songs available on various streaming services. Knight Club prides itself on creating powerful performances that tell their stories. You can follow Knight Club on Instagram @ochsknightclub 

Ladies Knight is Oak Creek High School's elite all-treble a cappella group. They have been active in the a cappella scene since 2014. In addition to competing in the ICHSA, they maintain a busy schedule hosting a cappella conferences (OCAP) and collaborative performances, recording their music, and participating in community outreach. Ladies Knight has qualified for ICHSA Semifinals on several occasions and earned placements on Varsity Vocals' BOHSA album. They also have several of their own albums and singles available on all streaming platforms. Ladies Knight loves entertaining audiences with a mix of heartfelt ballads and jaw-dropping jams. You can follow Ladies Knight on Instagram @ladiesknightoc. 

Limited Edition is an exceptional mixed group of young men and women from Port Washington, Wis. Founded by Dennis Gephart, this group is celebrating its 24th year as a group. Over the years, Limited Edition has had the privilege to represent the Midwest at ICHSA Finals and even won the 1st place Championship title in 2010. 

Noteworthy is Hinsdale South High School’s mixed competitive a cappella group from Darien, Ill. Known for their powerful vocals and energetic performances, Noteworthy brings a fresh, dynamic sound to the ICHSA stage. The group is proud to represent Hinsdale South and celebrate musical excellence, teamwork, and the art of contemporary a cappella. They were 2025 ICHSA Great Lakes Semifinalists and they're excited to share their 2026 ICHSA set!

Off The Record is a passionate group of student musicians who strive to entertain audiences with technically sound and emotionally compelling performances. In its eight years of existence, OTR has been fortunate to qualify for six ICHSA Semifinal rounds, notably placing as Semifinal Runner-Up in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Last year, they ultimately reached 3rd place in the 2025 ICHSA Wildcard round. OTR actively performs throughout the Midwest and was invited to perform at the Illinois Music Educators Conference and as the opening act for Foreigner’s farewell tour. They also earned featured tracks on the 2024 and 2025 BOHSA compilations. They would like to thank their friends and family for all of their support and hope you enjoy their set this evening. 

Resolve is a mixed-voice contemporary a cappella group from Niles West High School in Skokie, Ill. Composed of 18 student musicians, the group performs a wide range of music spanning multiple genres, blending playful energy with rich harmonies. Founded 2023, Resolve has earned recognition on both regional and national stages,  including winning 1st place at the 2024 ICHSA Great Lakes Semifinal and representing the region at Finals in New York City as the Great Lakes Champion. They were featured on BOHSA 2025 and have released music on all major streaming platforms. Resolve is grateful for their community’s support and looks forward to sharing their music with tonight’s audience. 

Vocal Point is the premier treble a cappella group at Lockport Township High School! Over the past several years, Vocal Point has earned multiple awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Soloist, and most recently took 4th place at the 2025 ICHSA Finals in New York City. Their rendition of “Desire” was also featured on the 2024 BOHSA album. Vocal Point is beyond excited to share the world they’ve created through their 2026 ICHSA set! Their performance is a journey filled with power, mystery, and reflection. Listen closely as you hear their mesmerizing call from far away. 

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Laura Kruschke has been involved in a cappella since her college days at UW-Madison, where she sang with Tangled Up in Blue and earned her degree in music education. In 2007, she participated in launching the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL) and founded greenTONE A Cappella in fall 2007. gT is 10 members strong today and sings for a variety of local events, including weddings, holiday parties, fundraisers, and flash mobs. In addition to gT, Laura continues to offer her expertise to local high school choirs through workshops and group coaching. In addition to Laura’s aca-involvement, she arranges music for local high school show choir and a cappella groups, sings and plays saxophone in a local band, teaches yoga, and wears many other hats as a mom to three busy school-aged kids.

Benjamin Lebovitz is a musician and educator based in Madison, Wis. They're thrilled to be returning for this year's competition season, having served as a Varsity Vocals judge since 2018. A current Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they are a national board-certified teacher (NBCT) in music and previously directed collegiate and high school ensembles in southern Arizona. While teaching, Ben served on the board of the Arizona Choral Directors Association, chairing contemporary a cappella repertoire and activities across the state. Ben previously served as a nominator and judge for the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) and is looking forward to a great show!

Aubrey Malito-Waters is delighted to be judging these talented groups! Aubrey attended Illinois State University for musical theatre and music business and served as music director for the women’s a cappella group, Secondary Dominance. After graduation, Aubrey performed in musicals and cabarets in New York and worked in house management for six Broadway shows. She continued to arrange a cappella music and was even commissioned by the cast of “Jersey Boys” to arrange a piece for their Hall & Oates concert to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Since returning to Chicago, Aubrey has been an active performer and teacher. She is the director of choirs at Conrady Junior High in Hickory Hills, coaches the speech team, and vocal directs the spring musical at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. Aubrey holds a Master of Music Education from Eastern Illinois University.

Molly Pufall-Brown is happy to be judging for Varsity Vocals again this year. She was a member of the Millikin University OneVoice group that won the ICCA Champion title in 2004. She holds an M.M. from Northern Illinois University and taught full-time at the collegiate level for eight years in Milwaukee, Wis. She currently works at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and directs a church choir in Brookfield, Wis. Molly is also a founding member of The Marion Consort, a professional Chicago-based early music ensemble. She thrives on educating people about the art and aesthetics of singing with others, particularly in small ensembles.

Kimberly Sailor is the editor-in-chief of the Recorded A Cappella Review Board (RARB), where she has authored nearly 500 published reviews for scholastic, collegiate, and professional groups worldwide. Kimberly has judged for Varsity Vocals since 2005 after graduating from her collegiate group, USC's Reverse Osmosis. She works as a writer, teacher, and firefighter.

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 placing group at this event will advance to the 2026 ICHSA 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!

#ICHSA