2026 ICHSA South Quarterfinal @ Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

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

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Friday, March 6th, 2026

WE'RE SOCIAL

We're talking about this event, and all of our events around the world!

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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 AggaBellas is composed of students from Forrest County Agricultural High School's award-winning select chorus. This group has been a featured choir for three state-level ACDA conferences in Mississippi and Louisiana, and received top honors across the region, including consistent Superior ratings, Best in Class recognitions, and a Grand Championship. As an a cappella group, they have performed across the state of Mississippi and appeared as a featured performer at Mississippi ACDA's AcaFest. The AggaBellas are directed by Dr. Andrew T. Smigielski and choreographed by Katie Stanford.

Equal parts harmony and mayhem, AudioVox proves that a cappella can, in fact, be dangerously fun. Based in Boone, N.C., this 13-member vocal squad from Watauga High School blends talent, teamwork, and a healthy dose of humor to create something unforgettable. With zero instruments but plenty of personality, they bring every song to life, one perfectly chaotic note at a time. Whether they’re joking around at rehearsal or performing in the spotlight, AudioVox knows how to make harmony feel electric. More than just singing, this group is a full experience. AudioVox: 13 voices, one sound, endless vibes.

Shades of Gold is an energetic and vibrant group of fun-loving students in grades nine through 12 from Poplarville High School in Poplarville, Miss.! These talented young singers share their passion for music by performing at school and community events, where they create unforgettable moments for every audience. With a commitment to excellence, Shades of Gold also competes in local competitions, showcasing their incredible talent and enthusiasm. This year marks a thrilling milestone for the group as they make their ICHSA debut, and they couldn’t be more excited! Their simple mission is to bring joy to everyone who hears them sing. Watch out for Shades of Gold as they light up the stage and spread happiness through their music!

Sounds of PRC is the premier competitive a cappella ensemble from Pearl River Central High School in Carriere, Miss. Representing grades nine through 12, this elite group of 16 vocalists is known for their precision, musicality, and powerful sound. Founded in 2019, Sounds has quickly built a reputation for artistic excellence, emotional storytelling, and a bold, modern performance style. Each year, Sounds represents Pearl River Central across Mississippi through competitions and community performances, and they are proud to compete in their second consecutive ICHSA. Tonight, they invite you to experience their sound, their passion, and their story. Please welcome Sounds of PRC to the stage!

Spectra is a 15-member a cappella ensemble representing Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Miss. Under the direction of Hilary Strum, they are known for their high-energy performances and tight harmonies. They made their ICHSA debut last season and advanced to the 2025 ICHSA South Semifinals in their first year competing. This fall, Spectra will release their debut album, Wings, on streaming platforms everywhere.

Traces of Blue is the advanced women’s choir and pop a cappella ensemble from Sumrall High School in Sumrall, Miss. Traces of Blue has performed extensively throughout the United States and is thrilled to enter its fourth ICHSA season. The ensemble proudly represented Mississippi and the South region at the 2024 ICHSA Finals in New York City, performing among the nation’s top high school groups. Beyond competition, Traces of Blue consistently earns Superior ratings at festivals, evaluations, and events, showcasing their commitment to musical excellence and artistic growth. More than performers, Traces of Blue members see themselves as servant leaders. They aim to be a light to others by sharing their musical talents, inspiring confidence in younger singers, and enriching life in their community.

The Voices is Columbia High School’s premier pop a cappella ensemble. This auditioned group ranges from grades nine through 12 and shares their exceptional talents in vibrant performances on and off campus throughout the school year. The Voices also participate in other extracurricular activities, including band, football, cheer, soccer, track, volleyball, archery, tennis, theater, and paw print productions. They excel academically, consistently ranking in the top percentage of their classes and engaging in dual enrollment opportunities. In spring 2024, The Voices were crowned the Dollywood Music in the Parks High School 1A Mixed Choir Champions, a testament to their hard work and talent. In November 2025, they performed for the 2025 MSACDA/MMEA State Conference. Under the expert direction of Kimberly Walley and Mitchell Crawford, The Voices thrive in a creative and collaborative environment. The ensemble enjoys strong support from Columbia School District's superintendent, Dr. Jason Harris, and Columbia High School's principal, Mr. L.V. McNeal, along with assistant principal, Mrs. Melissa Jordan. The Voices are proud to share their passion for music and performance with the community, and hope to inspire others through their harmonies and dedication.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Paige Betts is the orchestra director at Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. She is an experienced music educator, having taught string orchestra, chorus, and musical theatre, and has twice been runner-up for Teacher of the Year. She has given clinics with various orchestras, chorus, and a cappella ensembles across the Southeast, and has taught private voice and viola lessons. Paige is a graduate of the University of Georgia and is currently working towards becoming a Double Dawg. Paige lives in Winterville, Ga. with her husband, Andrew, and their dogs, Jake and Barbara.

Gregory Hilliard Jr. serves as the artistic director of Austin Harmony Chorus, a barbershop chorus based in the Live Music Capital of the World and affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. A recent transplant to the Lone Star State, he previously served as the frontline music director of The Capital Chordsmen, the chorus of the Tallahassee, Fla. chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Under his leadership, The Chordsmen achieved the highest scores in the ensemble's 60+ year history at district competition, including a 2nd place finish. He served on the music team with The Marcsmen, six-time BHS International Chorus Finalists based in San Antonio, and has won awards singing with men's and mixed barbershop quartets, notably Headline (Sunshine District 2nd Place Quartet) and Capital Edition (inaugural Florida Mixed Barbershop Quartet Champions). Gregory is a certified music educator and currently teaches choir at a middle school in the Austin area. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from The Florida State University, where he served as the co-creator/co-music director for The FSU Acafellas, the university's first registered all-male a cappella group (the pre-cursor to the pre-cursor to Reverb, 2013 ICCA Finalists), and his Master of Music in choral conducting from Texas State University. He maintains an active schedule as a baritone solo/choral vocalist, guest conductor/clinician, and adjudicator.

Raised in Houston, Texas, Adonijah Mpinga is an aspiring educator with a strong background in a cappella. He has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mississippi State, where he was the baritone section leader and a student conductor for State Singers, as well as the music director for TrebullDawgs A Cappella for three years. He arranged multiple songs for TrebullDawgs, including two ICCA sets, one of which led the group to the 2025 ICCA South Semifinals. He has also collaborated with Pitchmen alumni, Wilson Smith and Sean Murphy, on demos, arrangements, clinics, and more.

A beatboxer of over 15 years, Ian Simmons stumbled into the world of a cappella in 2014, when he first attended A Cappella Academy. He attended for the subsequent three summers and carried his passion to and through his college years at Chapman University. A recipient of numerous vocal percussion awards, he competed in the ICCA with his collegiate group, SoundCheck, and was a Finalist in the 2019 Open competition with his group, Aperture. When he isn't working on independent a cappella projects, Ian enjoys taking in Nashville's amazing food and live music, supporting event and concert production, and working remotely for an a cappella production company.

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank Dev J; 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

#ICHSA