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 MIDWEST QUARTERFINAL

Hilliard Bradley High School
Friday, February 20th, 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

Above the Noise, also known as ATN, is in its 16th year of existence at Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio.  ATN is one of six choirs from Orange High School and the only competitive pop a cappella pop ensemble. ATN has been competing in the ICHSA since 2018 and looks forward to every single competition season! They consider the ICHSA to be the best time of year and were thrilled to make it to Semifinals for the past two seasons. ATN’s dream came true last year when they earned their first Quarterfinal Champion title! Above the Noise is excited to perform for tonight’s audience and enjoy their fellow competitors’ awesome sets. Best of luck to everyone! 

Ars Nova is a gender-inclusive pop a cappella group from the Miami Valley School. Ars Nova strives to spread joy and connection through their performances. They are so grateful to share their set with you tonight. 

Blue Kids on the Block is one of six curricular choirs at Hilliard Davidson. In addition to performing with BKOTB, group members are also active participants in the school’s award-winning concert choirs. This ensemble maintains a demanding winter performance schedule, sharing their music throughout the community. Their annual appearances include performances at nursing homes, elementary schools, the Ohio Statehouse, the Franklin Park Conservatory, BalletMet’s The Nutcracker, the Hilliard Tree Lighting, and the Columbus Zoo, among others. Blue Kids on the Block is excited to return to competition this year and looks forward to celebrating the incredible talent of high school a cappella programs in the Midwest. 

Chromatics is one of Avon High School's premier vocal ensembles. Under the direction of Michael Moyseenko, this 18-member group is dynamic and versatile, bringing high energy to every performance! Meeting just once a week, this passionate ensemble of vocalists performs music across a variety of genres. Chromatics has attended the Kettering National A Cappella Festival, performed on the Friday Night Mainstage of the Nordonia National A Cappella Festival, and they're currently working on their yearly album (find them on Spotify). After placing 3rd at last year's ICHSA Midwest Quarterfinal, Chromatics is so excited to rock the house tonight. From today's hits to yesterday's favorites, Chromatics is always ready to make some noise! 

Harmonics is one of two a cappella groups at Buckeye High School in Medina, Ohio. They have attended a cappella festivals such as Nordonia’s AcaFest and Tiffin University’s FestiVox. Students from the group have performed in special programs around the U.S., from Disney World to Carnegie Hall. Harmonics students are active members and leaders within their school community, participating in other activities such as student council, huddle, hope squad, soccer, cheerleading, marching band, track, cross country, colorguard, and drama. 

Hilliard Davidson High School’s Out of the Blue is a dynamic new treble a cappella group made up of soprano and alto voices. Formed in 2025, this ensemble is dedicated to building a strong a cappella skillset, blending vocal technique with modern musicality and creativity. Though newly established, Out of the Blue has already made a name for itself in the greater Columbus area. They have performed at a variety of local events, including appearances at the Columbus Zoo and BalletMet’s Nutcracker ballet. Their growing presence and energetic performances reflect their commitment, passion, and readiness to take on any stage. Out of the Blue is thrilled to make their debut ICHSA performance. With fresh voices, bold arrangements, and unstoppable enthusiasm, Out of the Blue is just getting started and they're excited to share their journey with you. 

The Panther Tones is an auditioned a cappella group from Maysville High School in Zanesville, Ohio. The group is composed of talented singers who love creating music with nothing but their voices. Known for their tight harmonies, infectious energy, and heartfelt performances, The Panther Tones bring a fresh spark to every stage. This group represents the very best of Maysville’s musical spirit, dedication, creativity, and a whole lot of Panther Pride! Tonight, The Panther Tones are thrilled to share their sound with the ICHSA in their second year competing. 

Unaccompanied is one of Avon High School's premier vocal ensembles. Under the direction of Michael Moyseenko, this 12-member group was made to entertain and bring the sound! Meeting just once a week, this incredible ensemble of vocalists brings a passion for music across a variety of genres. Whether they’re attending the Kettering and Nordonia National A Cappella Festivals and working on their yearly album (find them on Spotify), Unaccompanied is always looking for their next performance opportunity. From classic hits to fresh contemporary tracks, Unaccompanied is always ready to make some noise! Unaccompanied is excited to return to the ICHSA stage, and grateful to share it with today’s other incredible groups!

Lawrence North Voices is the elite a cappella ensemble from Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. Voices performs at numerous events and concerts, both in the school and throughout the Indianapolis community. The group competed in their very first ICHSA two years ago, placing 3rd in their Quarterfinal and earning the award for Outstanding Choreography. Voices is thrilled to be back for another amazing year of a cappella!

Wave, from Hilliard Bradley High School, is very excited to be competing in the ICHSA again this year! Wave is an all-treble a cappella group and one of four a cappella groups that comprise the Jaguar A Cappella program at Hilliard Bradley High School. Wave is composed of vocalists who love to sing, perform, and create music together. They are so excited to share their music with you today!

GUEST PERFORMERS

 
Shades of Blue A Cappella is the premier contemporary a cappella ensemble of the Jaguar A Cappella Program at Hilliard Bradley High School in Hilliard, Ohio. Over the last nine years, they have evolved into one of the most successful high school a cappella groups in the country. In 2023, Shades of Blue earned the ICHSA Champion title at Finals in New York, taking home The Gooding Cup, In 2025, they returned to ICHSA Finals and were named Runner-Up. They were featured performers at the Kettering National A Cappella Festival, SoJam, National A Cappella Convention, and the American Choral Directors Association national conference. Shades of Blue has also found success in the studio, earning a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nomination in the category of Best High School EP for their very first EP, Courage, in 2022. Their single, “Gold,” won the CARA for Best High School Song in 2023, and their debut album, Brighter Days, was the Runner-Up for Best High School Album in 2024. Last March, they released their second album, titled First Light. You can stream their music on all streaming platforms! 

ECHO is one of four groups making up Jaguar A Cappella. Currently in its eighth year of existence, ECHO is an extracurricular ensemble directed by Jeremy Witt. Last year, ECHO released their very first single, "SPEAK" on all streaming platforms. This is ECHO's fourth consecutive year competing in the ICHSA.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Christopher Andres is a passionate and dedicated music professional with a diverse background in both vocal and instrumental music. He attended The Ohio State University and Sinclair Community College, where he actively participated in The University Chorus and Men's Glee. A proud graduate of Greenville High School, Christopher was deeply involved in the school’s Vocal Music Department, singing in the men’s choir, concert choir, Choraliers, and The Wavaires. He was also a key member of the Instrumental Band Department, performing in symphonic band, concert band, and marching band. His instrumental talents include the flute, saxophone, and baritone. Christopher has performed on numerous stages across the world as an instrumentalist and vocalist. Currently, he is the Assistant Vocal Music Director and accompanist at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio, going into his eighth year. In addition to his church leadership, Christopher is in his seventh year as assistant vocal music director and accompanist at Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, Ohio. Christopher's musical journey began at age five when he first played the piano at his local church, a connection that ignited his lifelong passion for music and education. He also serves as a board member for the Darke County Civic Theatre since 2025. Through his work, Christopher continues to inspire and enrich the musical community.

Tim Bates is a stage performer and photographer based in Cleveland, Ohio. Performance credits include William Barfée in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Prince Eric in "The Little Mermaid," Drake in "Annie," and Ralph Sheldrake in "White Christmas." He was also the assistant director for "Willy Wonka." Tim holds a B.A. in arts management with a minor in vocal music from Baldwin Wallace University, where he directed SŌL A Cappella from 2019–2021 and loved being an active member of the a cappella community. As a photographer, Tim specializes in headshots, portraits, and production photography, working closely with performers to help them tell their stories both onstage and through the lens. He is passionate about collaboration, performance, and supporting young artists.

Sophie Liese is a singer, educator, and arranger based out of Indianapolis. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in technical theatre from Ball State University, minoring in vocal performance and music theory. At BSU, she founded The Parallels A Cappella as a freshman and served as music director for four consecutive years. Since then, she has taught at the National A Cappella and Choral Convention (NACC), the Indianapolis A Cappella Festival, N.E Voices, and A Cappella University. She has also facilitated several One Day Choir events in the Midwest, encouraging singers of all ages and experience levels to come together to create music. Sophie is currently the Social Media Manager for NACC and the Director of Outreach for Cutoff Studios.

Izzy Pinilla is a recent graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in choral music education and a specialized studies certificate in voice performance. Izzy now teaches choir at Grizzell Middle School in Dublin, Ohio. As a member of The Florida State AcaBelles, she served as assistant music director from 2023-2024, and performance director in 2024. She arranged numerous songs and sets for The ‘Belles, including “God is a Woman” for which she received a nomination for Best Upper Voices Collegiate Arrangement in the 2024 CARAs. Since her time at Florida State, Izzy has remained active in the a cappella scene by creating accessible pop a cappella arrangements for middle and high school groups, music-directing The Miami Voice at Miami Senior High as a student teacher, and teaching her current middle school students how to groove and beatbox at Grizzell Middle School!

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Jeremy Witt and the Hilliard Bradley High School staff and parents; 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 Midwest 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!

#ICHSA