2025 ICHSA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal @ St. Charles High School

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 MID-ATLANTIC QUARTERFINAL

St. Charles High School
Saturday, February 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 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 Wootton Acatonics is the award-winning all-gender a cappella group from Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Md. The Acatonics have been fortunate to attend and place at national competitions, including the ICHSA and at SingStrong New York. Last year, they also released an EP, titled Don’t You Understand, on all streaming platforms and were proud to win a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) for Best Debut Album, along with a featured track on BOHSA 2025. Most importantly, The Acatonics are thankful for the family this group has created and the community it provides them at school. They are directed by Wootton High School choral director, Keith Schwartz.

Under the vocal direction of Jay Karolenko, The C. Miltones is the premier a cappella group of C. Milton Wright High School in Bel Air, Md. Established in 2017, the group has steadily grown in size, skill, and spirit each year, building a proud tradition of musical excellence and community engagement. Performing regularly throughout Harford County, The C. Miltones are known for their dynamic arrangements, expressive storytelling, and energetic stage presence. This season marks an exciting milestone with their ICHSA debut! The group is thrilled to join the broader a cappella community, connect with fellow performers, and share their passion for music on a larger stage. Guided by their dedication and creativity, The C. Miltones are ready to make their first ICHSA experience one to remember!

Dynamic Pressure, from Forest Hills Junior-Senior High, was formed in 2018 by current director Philip Parlock II. Since then, they have performed in nine cities across Pennsylvania, including a featured performance at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Conference. Dynamic Pressure has also traveled to perform in Maryland, New Jersey, and Michigan, and competed in four previous ICHSA seasons. Four members of the group have performed in ACDA Eastern Region Honor Choirs.

Evolve hails from Chesapeake High School in Pasadena, Md. Founded in 2017, the group represents some of the top vocal musicians in the Chespeake choral program. Evolve has performed and placed in numerous ICHSA competitions since 2019, and was featured in various a cappella invitationals, concerts, and performances. The story of this year's set, "Candy Hearts," represents the different stages of a tried and tested relationship as it begins to crumble. Beginning with the initial infatuation of an overwhelming crush, followed by the creeping doubt and blow of backhanded compliments, the set culminates in the realization that change is necessary. Evolve is a musical family and they cannot wait to share their passion for a cappella with you today! They hope you enjoy their set!

Harmonix hails from Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Md. While the group has existed for many years as an extracurricular club at school, this is their first year back competing after a brief hiatus. Harmonix loves making music together, especially pop, R&B, and rock songs. They truly lock in when finding the groove of a song and can’t wait to share their new ICHSA set!

The Screechin’ Eagles is North Point’s premier a cappella ensemble. Founded in 2019, they have been captivating audiences with their unique arrangements and dynamic performances ever since. These students love creating powerful and lush harmonies along with a vibrant stage presence. Rooted in teamwork and musical excellence, the group entertains and inspires audiences with their infectious enthusiasm and love for a cappella music. Whether they’re performing at school events or throughout the region, The Screechin’ Eagles soar to new heights, leaving a lasting impression wherever they perform. The Screechin’ Eagles are excited to bring their signature energy and vocal artistry to the ICHSA stage once again. They are thrilled to share their love of a cappella with you tonight!

Sol, by definition, means “sun,” as well as a pitch on the solfege scale. To this group, however, it means so much more. Sol means joy, pride, acceptance, family, and a bright passion for music. They feel that their close-knit relationship and soulful connection as a group enables them to create their best art. They hope that their set showcases how a small bunch of choir kids can make a family. They are solmates!

The Spartones, from St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Md., has been competing in ICHSA since 2018. They have taken home many special awards over the years, including Outstanding Vocal Percussion, Outstanding Arrangement, and Outstanding Soloist. They have performed and workshopped with Matt Sallee of Pentatonix, Grammy-nominated a cappella group Ball in the House, and other local groups. The Spartones love sharing their high-energy performances throughout the DMV!

Takin' Charge is proud to represent Lackey High School in their sixth ICHSA competition! Takin' Charge is a group of dedicated students who share a love for all forms of music, especially a cappella! Many group members represent the school’s choir, band, orchestra, and theatre programs, while others exclusively specialize in a cappella. The students choose their own song, and even dabble in arranging. in fact you might hear one or two student arrangements tonight. Last season, Takin’ Charge took home the award for Outstanding Arrangement at their ICHSA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal and they are excited to give their all in 2026! Enjoy the show!

GUEST PERFORMER

Off Track is an all-gender a cappella group, founded in 2021. What began as a group of friends looking for a musical outlet has grown into a highly dedicated, award-winning group, performing in high schools as far south as Charles County, up to professional venues in New York City. The group continues to value fun and friendship, fostering a supportive and diverse environment where members, regardless of background, can work together and have fun while doing it. This past year, Off Track had the honor of representing the Mid-Atlantic at the 2025 ICCA Finals in New York City! They can’t wait for another fun-filled year!

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Eric Neuenschwander is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Music Education with vocal emphasis. At Ohio State, Eric co-founded Majors & minors A cappella, along with an umbrella organization that helped other Ohio State groups form and become mainstays at ICCA competitions. He has been judging ICCA and ICHSA events since 2014 and still goes back to Ohio State to help their groups prepare. After a decade working as a choral director in Ohio, Eric moved out to D.C., where he currently teaches voice and piano for Forbes Music Company and works as a piano technician. If you need a piano tuned or serviced, check out www.NeuenNotes.com.

Nathan Rusli (he/him/his) is a DMV-based baritone vocalist and arranger. His musicianship blossomed at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, as a member of renowned group Juxtaposition. During his time with the group, he served as president, business manager, marketing director, and an arranger. In 2020, he founded Inside Voices, a fully virtual a cappella ensemble, leading the group to place at The Open Semifinals in 2021. Since graduation, he continues to work with groups as an arranger andmentor at Virginia Tech and for outside groups, including Cape Harmony in Cape Cod. He is also a nominator and judge for the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs). Nathan is excited about the talented groups competing tonight and wishes them the best of luck! Nathan’s participation on the panel tonight is in honor of his late friend, Alex Buchanan.

Logan Sandefur is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator born and raised in Winchester, Va. Logan graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he studied songwriting, music business, and music production. There, he was the arranger and music director for BisCaydence, earning an Outstanding Arrangement award at ICCA Semifinals and a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nomination for Best Mixed Collegiate Arrangement. Several of his arrangements have been released by BisCaydence over the course of two EPs, and his time with the group culminated in their second-ever trip to ICCA Finals in New York City. In addition to his passion for voice, Logan is an avid songwriter and self-ascribed “music nerd.” Growing up in a music-forward household, he began songwriting at the age of 15 and refined his skills in college, studying under Craig Carothers. Logan released his debut album, Projections, in April 2024, where he served as songwriter, lead vocalist, and executive producer. Logan is grateful to Varsity Vocals for all of their amazing work year and he is so excited to be judging this evening!

Nadia Sosnoski is a Berklee College of Music graduate and accomplished vocalist. She was a member of Pitch Slapped, the 2011 ICCA Finals Champions. Over the years, she has had the privilege of performing alongside respected artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, and Patti LaBelle. Her talent was further acknowledged as a Quarterfinalist at the 2021 American Traditions Competition. Currently, Nadia serves as the lead singer for Max Impact, the United States Air Force rock band, where she travels internationally to entertain troops, civilians, and dignitaries. In 2020, Nadia founded Sit Stay Productions, a voiceover company providing services to companies and brands around the world. Through Sit Stay Productions, she has provided voice talent for various esteemed clients, including Google, Solo Stove, Palmers lotion, and Wrangler.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Mrs. Tammika Little, school principal; Mr. Andrew Blumhardt, CCPS instructional supervisor; Mr. Timothy LaBelle, SCHS Theatre manager; Ms. Tessa Silvestro, Front of House manager; SCHS Parents and volunteers; SCHS building service; Montario Hill & Becky Kuhn, emcees
Off Track, Towson University; 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 finishing groups at this event will advance to the 2026 ICHSA Mid-Atlantic 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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