2025 ICHSA South Quarterfinal @ Trinity Prep 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 SOUTH QUARTERFINAL

Trinity Prep High School
Friday, January 30th 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

Acapocalypse hails from Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, Fla. They have been bringing their energy to the ICHSA stage for many years and pride themselves on excelling in all musical genres. Powered by caffeine and after-school snacks, Acapocalypse is ready to share their music with you!

The After School Specials is a co-ed a cappella group of auditioned students from the performing arts program at Palm Harbor University High School. Originally founded in 2010 by chorus teacher Mr. Justin Havard, this group continues to perform at concerts, community gigs, and competitions each year and is currently directed by Mr. Blake Hudson. The After School Specials are actively involved in their school’s chorus and thespian programs and enjoy any opportunity to perform together, from random karaoke singalongs to the ICHSA stage.

Astra, Trinity Prep’s all-female a cappella group, may only be in its second year, but has already earned a big reputation for their “small but mighty” sound. With shimmering harmonies and fearless artistry, Astra performances are powerful, heartfelt, and deeply human. Their mission is to move audiences through authentic musical storytelling and raw connection. Astra is excited to perform on their home turf at this year’s ICHSA and ready to wow tonight’s audience with their passion, precision, and presence.

ForteFy is Lake Brantley High School's a cappella group. They sing at concerts throughout the year and are happy to be back for their second ICHSA! This ensemble meets weekly for rehearsals and prioritizes community, musicianship, and outreach. They maintain a busy performance schedule for their school, local community, and surrounding schools and choir programs. ForteFy has performed at Music Performance Assessments as both a choir and solo-ensemble, demonstrating their versatility. Their favorite place to perform, however, is right here with all the fabulous groups in the ICHSA!

HyperOctave is the a cappella group from Heritage High School’s ambassador show choir. They have performed at NASCAR, Disney, and at various performances throughout their community. They consistently earn Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments and look forward to performing in the ICHSA!

Known for their signature red shoes, The Mello Divas is Berkeley Preparatory School's most iconic, student-run a cappella group. With a history of over 20 years, this group has inspired generations of singers in the Tampa Bay area through their school-wide performances, community outreach, and ability to bring singers of all different backgrounds together to create something beautiful. Their dedication to musical excellence shines through countless hours of rehearsals, vocal training, and choreography creation sessions, embracing each member’s unique perspective and contributions. As a 12-member group, the bonds among them are evident in each performance and their voices’ passion. The Divas’ unique, original arrangements cover a wide variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, alternative, jazz, R&B, and more. To be a Mello Diva is to experience something far deeper than performing. Joining this group is joining a sisterhood of friendship that lasts well past graduation. With this powerful legacy, The Divas are proud ambassadors of Berkeley's vibrant arts community.

Rhapsody is one the two show choirs at Heritage High School. Mostly composed of treble voices, this group has performed at NASCAR, Disney, and at six previous ICHSA competitions. They are excited to be here and share their 2026 ICHSA set!

The A Cappella Group, known as TAG, is very excited to be competing this evening. Now in its 23rd year, TAG has been an ICHSA Finalist three times. They have released 18 studio albums, including their latest, Pictures Saved, in October 2025. Every TAG album has been nominated for at least one Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA). TAG proudly holds the high school record for most CARA nominations at 69 and is tied for the most high school CARA wins at 16.

Now in its third year of competition, Titonix is proud to represent University High School with a sound that’s traveled the globe, from New York to London, and soon, Italy! This year’s set explores the universal experience of anxiety and the search for belonging. Through powerful vocal storytelling, they assure audiences that these feelings are temporary and that everyone will find their place, whether through friendship, sports, or music itself. Titonix is especially proud to honor its seniors and some founding members who are graduating this year: Alyssa, Aedan, Tommy, Shania, Araya, and Rain. Their voices helped build Titonix from the ground up and although they will be deeply missed, their legacy will continue to resonate. Good luck in all your future endeavors and keep singing!

Aquapella is the premier contemporary a cappella group from NSU University School in Davie, Fla. A completely student-driven group, all of their choreography and leadership come from the group’s own talented ranks. Their vocal percussionist has perfect pitch and three group members were accepted into A Cappella Academy this past summer. Aquapella was featured at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC) Showcase for three consecutive years and selected as a Guest Performer for the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Conference. As they prepare for their second ICHSA, Aquapella continues to embody the values of NSU University School’s Performing Arts Department: collaboration, creativity, and musical excellence. Whether they’re on the stage or in rehearsal, this group of passionate singers is a family that lives for the thrill of harmony and the joy of making music together.

Vocality is Boone High School’s pop a cappella group, turning heads with every note. With slick harmonies, infectious energy, and a love for all things pop, this crew turns every performance into a party. More than just talented, Vocality snagged the title of 2025 ICHSA South Quarterfinal Champions and advanced to ICHSA South Semifinals in both 2025 and 2023. Their onstage magic extends to the studio and two of their songs are currently available to stream on Spotify and other music platforms. Vocality is proud to bring their signature sound to earbuds around the world and excited to share their gifts in person with you!

VoSo is the OG mixed a cappella group of Trinity Preparatory School. They are veterans of the ICHSA stage and proud to be back again! Since hitting the ground running in August, this crew has been all heart, all harmony, and all in on creating something special together. Known for their infectious energy, high standards, and impeccable vibes, VoSo brings a fresh, unified sound that shines across various musical genres, including pop, rock, folk, and jazz. Whether performing on campus or throughout the Central Florida community, VoSo loves sharing music that uplifts and connects with others.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Hailing from Kissimmee, Fla., Jabari Lewis is a young artist working on the opera stage. Jabari was most recently seen at The Glimmerglass Festival, where he originated the role of Tito in "The House on Mango Street" by Derek Bermel and Sandra Cisneros and covered Sellem in Stravinsky’s "The Rake’s Pogress." Jabari also performed at the Des Moines Metro Opera in "Il barbiere di Siviglia," "Salome," and the world premiere of Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s "American Apollo." Jabari holds a Bachelor of Music from Florida State University and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, Jabari performed the roles of Die Knusperhexe in Humperdinck’s "Hänsel und Gretel," Little Victor Farrell in Kevin Puts’ "Elizabeth Cree" and Gherardo in "Gianni Schicchi." He was also a tenor soloist in Beethoven’s "Mass in C" and various oratorio works throughout Ann Arbor, including Mozart’s "Coronation Mass" and Adolphus Hailstork’s "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes." As an undergrad at FSU, Jabari balanced his opera studies and performance schedule with the collegiate a cappella scene. He competed with All-Night Yahtzee in the SoJam A Cappella Festival and ICCA, earning a 1st place title with the group at ICCA South Quarterfinals and sailing through to Semifinals. Jabari is excited to support young musicians as a judge with Varsity Vocals!

Holly McWilliams is a proud University of Tennessee alumna and a founding member of the women’s a cappella group, reVOLution. They advanced to ICCA Semifinals during their inaugural season, igniting her love for the organization. From 2014 to 2022, Holly worked as a performer and music educator, dedicating her career to vocal excellence, musical storytelling, and the development of young artists. With a deep love for choir, a cappella, and the performing arts as a whole, she maintains a lasting connection to the Varsity Vocals community and is honored to serve as a judge. She is eager to celebrate the artistry, commitment, and magic each group brings to the stage. Never stop creating!

Simya Phillip has been involved in the a cappella scene since 2012, when she performed in her middle school’s a cappella group. In high school, she competed in ICHSA with Winter Park High School’s Take 7, and continued her competitive journey with her collegiate groups, qualifying for and advancing through ICCA, SoJam, NACC, and Boston Sings (BOSS). Simya has a music education degree from Florida State University, where she was the music director of All-Night Yahtzee and a vocalist and percussionist for The Acabelles.

Sami Sorce is a singer, musician, and performer based in Orlando, Fla. She attended the University of Central Florida, where she helped form the a cappella group, Voicebox, and served as their performance director for two years. During her time with the group, Sami earned three Outstanding Choreography awards for their full competition sets at one ICCA Quarterfinal and two Semifinals. In 2016, Voicebox placed 4th at ICCA Finals and Sami contributed to the group’s first album release. In 2019–2020 and again in 2021–2022, Sami performed with the a cappella group, SingIt, at Universal Studios. In 2020, she co-founded the band, Red Mint, and serves as lead singer. The band has grown significantly in the years since and continues to perform throughout Florida. Sami also performs in a cappella shows and choir groups at Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld. She owns her own Entertainment LLC, spent two years performing at "Howl at the Moon," and is currently on the roster for multiple entertainment companies across Central Florida. In addition to performing with Red Mint, Sami is a featured performer and singer at Universal Studios Epic Universe, notably appearing in the Celestial Trio show.

Sahar Sultany has been involved in music and performance since elementary school, performing in multiple choral groups prior to matriculating to the University of South Florida. There, she wrote, arranged, and taught music for her a cappella group, Rocky’s Angels, all while serving as the group's vice president and music director. Sahar remembers her time at ICCA fondly and is excited to share her knowledge and experience with new a cappella generations!

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Charlie Carroll; 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 three finishing groups at this event will advance to the 2026 ICHSA South 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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