2026 ICHSA Midwest Semifinal @ Warren Central 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 MIDWEST SEMIFINAL

Warren Central High School
Friday, March 13th, 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

16th Street Soul is the premier contemporary a cappella ensemble of Warren Central High School. They ignite the stage with a bold, cinematic sound that is raw, urgent, and unmistakably their own. Forged in the heart of Indianapolis’s Eastside, these artists embody resilience, passion, and purpose. Under the direction of Mr. Brian Long, 16th Street Soul is known for its rich vocal blend, striking musicality, and performances that blur the line between concert and theatre, infusing music with movement, emotion, and narrative. Tonight, they present their 2026 competition production, “The Fire You Become,” a four-movement journey through shadow, resistance, confession, and rebirth. This show asks what rises within when the world begins to burn and who people choose to become on the other side. More than an ensemble, 16th Street Soul is a family of artists who train relentlessly, collaborate fearlessly, and represent what truly makes Warren Central the pride of the Eastside. This is their voice. This is their story. This is the fire they become.

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!

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.

ECHO, from Hilliard Bradley High School, is one of four groups that comprise the Jaguar A Cappella program. Currently in its ninth year of existence, ECHO is an extracurricular ensemble directed by Jeremy Witt. Last year, the group released their very first single, "SPEAK," on all streaming platforms. This is their fourth consecutive year competing in the ICHSA and they advanced to Midwest Semifinals in 2024. ECHO put many rehearsals’ worth of passion and hard work into their 2026 ICHSA set and they hope you enjoy it

Hamilton High School expanded their vocal music program in 2024 with the addition of a brand-new a cappella group called Enharmonix. This group is made up of 17 students who are top scholars, athletes, members of the drama club, and student leaders. Enharmonix loves the a cappella scene and especially enjoys performing alongside some of the nation’s best a cappella groups in the ICHSA. Check them out on Spotify or Youtube at Hamilton Enharmonix. Enharmonix is directed by Austin Teegarden, assisted by Christina Fox, and with choreography by Natalie DiPietro and student Clinton McKinney.

Northview High School’s From The Top is a group of musicians who spend LOTS of time, energy, and passion on their a cappella journey. Over the past several years, the group has earned multiple trips to ICHSA Semifinals and two recording projects (coming soon!). They owe their success to the supportive Northview community and the Olive Garden catering that keeps them going during their annual 48-hour bootcamp!

Founded in 2008, Skyline Blues, from Ann Arbor Skyline High School, is under the direction of Lindsay CieChanski and Roman Newhouse. The group meets after school twice a week and participates in many performances and competitions throughout the year. They are a consistent force at the ICHSA, often advancing to Semifinals and progressing all the way to Finals in 2019. Skyline Blues has won ICHSA awards for Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, Outstanding Soloist, and Outstanding Arrangement. Skyline Blues has been featured on BOHSA and Voices Only compilations, won several Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), and has released several EPs and a single, including their most recent EP, We're Golden. Skyline Blues has performed at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC), the One Voice Invitational, the MSVMA Summer Workshop, and numerous other guest appearances. In 2018, they represented vocal music at the State Capitol for Arts Advocacy Day, and were invited to sing at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids (2019 and 2024). Skyline Blues is excited to participate in another ICHSA season and is thankful for every opportunity to make music together!

SoundProof is part of KC A Cappella, a nonprofit organization bringing talented high school singers together from across Kansas City. They’ve hit plenty of high notes since their ICHSA debut in 2017, especially being crowned the 2022 ICHSA Champions! They’re excited to be back on stage and ready to make some serious noise, with nothing but their voices.

Contemporary A Cappella music has been a staple in the Parkway North music program since the early 2000s. Two separate groups, Men’s Room and Powder Room, evolved into today’s group, Valholla. In that time, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to experience this amazing art form and compete in the ICHSA. Valholla is a unique group of students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, who work together to bring their music to life on stage. After many hours of hard work, they are excited to share their set with and hope you enjoy the energy of Valholla.

Vega is Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School’s co-ed a cappella group. Established in 2010, Vega has become a well-known ensemble throughout Dayton and surrounding areas, competing in ICHSA since 2013. The group remains deeply connected to its roots, proudly directed by alumni who once sang within its ranks. With a proud legacy and continued spirit of excellence, Vega remains dedicated to connection, teamwork and musical expression. True to their namesake, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, Vega shines with passion, unity and purpose.

GUEST PERFORMER

Unexpected Resolution is a tenor-bass a cappella group from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. Commonly known as the “Guys In Green Ties,” they sing a variety of genres, ranging from pop, rock, funk, and more! Currently in its 12th year, the group is so excited to be performing at the ICHSA again! UNR is working on its second studio album and their first Christmas EP, which is set to be released by the end of this year! In the meantime, you can listen to UNR's most recent project, An Unexpected EP Vol. 2, on all streaming platforms along, as well as their music video of "Levels" by Nick Jonas.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Aria Cadeau is a vocalist, music director, arranger, and choreographer from Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in music education with a focus in voice, Aria is currently the vocal music director at Columbus School for Girls. In 2022, during her tenure as music director, arranger, and choreographer of Ohio State of Mind, she led OSM to multiple Semifinals appearances and ultimately ICCA Finals, winning Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Arrangement awards during her competitive years. In the following year, Aria choreographed the 2023 winning ICHSA set for Shades of Blue. In the summer of 2023, she participated in the graduate student program at A Cappella Academy's summer vocal intensive program, deepening her knowledge of the elements that create successful a cappella groups. Her range of experiences and passions, from vocal teaching to arranging to choreographing, give her the ability to help groups connect their big picture vision with crucial details that allow a set to blossom.

Phil Kim has been involved in the a cappella community for eight years, with seven years of arranging and vocal percussion experience. He was formerly a member of Gold 'n Blues (Marquette University) and No Comment (University of Illinois), for whom he served as music director. In 2023, No Comment placed 2nd in the ICCA Great Lakes Semifinals and 2nd in the Wildcard round, featuring Phil's work as the set's lead arranger. He continues to arrange for groups and volunteers at Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) festivals around the country.

Michell Lazarow has over a decade of experience in a cappella music, including serving as music director for The Ohio State of Mind and No Comment. He reached the ICCA Finals with both groups, earning a 4th place finish in 2024. Along the way, he’s received accolades including four Outstanding Arrangement awards, an Outstanding Vocal Percussion award, and nominations for both the CARAs and A Cappella Video Awards (AVAs). Mitchell currently serves on the Production and Events and Education teams at Cut Off Studios, and helps groups across the country prepare for competitions.

Edric Mitchell has both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University, where he studied musical theatre and executive development for public services. During his time at Ball State, he got his start in a cappella with the all-male group, Charlie's Angels. He quickly became a founding member of the all-male a cappella group, Note to Self, with whom he spent four years as a member, coordinator, and music director. In addition, Edric was a founding member and music director of Sedoctave, and founder of the Association of Collegiate A Cappella (ACA) at Ball State. ACA is an umbrella organization that unites all collegiate a cappella groups on the BSU Campus. As an ICCA competitor, Edric received two Outstanding Arrangement awards and an Outstanding Soloist award. Since 2017, Edric has been a founding member of Impromptu, an Indianapolis-based professional a cappella group that competed in The Open (placing 2nd in Midwest Semifinals), took 2nd place in the Chicago Harmony Sweepstakes, and won the title of VoiceJam Champions in 2018. Impromptu has performed at a cappella festivals in Taiwan, Russia, Boston, Memphis, and, of course, the Midwest! As a member of Impromptu, Edric has received awards for Outstanding Soloist and Outstanding Arrangement. He is currently the theatre director at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, where he directs the a cappella group Titan Harmony.

Arterus Young is a vocal music educator and choir director currently teaching middle school choir at Stonybrook Middle School in Indianapolis. He has extensive experience in contemporary a cappella as a performer and music director for collegiate ensembles. In addition to his work in the classroom, Arterus teaches private voice lessons and is an active member of the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus. He also arranges vocal music and is passionate about developing young singers through both ensemble and solo performance.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Brian Long, Warren Central High School Staff, Jaykob Archer, and Christopher Andres; 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!

VIEW ALBUMS

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