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 WEST QUARTERFINAL

John Burroughs High School
Friday, January 23rd, 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

Downbeat is an award-winning ensemble from The Harker School in San Jose, Calif. Their favorite performing events include their annual holiday tour and, of course, participating in ICHSA. In addition to performing and bonding together, the students of Downbeat also enjoy engaging in friendly competition, like their high-stakes Fantasy Football league. In addition to being passionate performers, Downbeat members take on leadership roles at school and throughout the Silicon Valley community as volunteers, club organizers, stage directors, leaders in student council, researchers, and student activists. They dedicate their ICHSA performance to all the stressed high school students in the audience. 

The Bishop Amat Memorial High School Dynamics was founded in 2021 to connect in the early stages of the global pandemic and has been having fun together since. This year, Dynamics consists of three seniors, one junior, five sophomores, and one freshman. They meet before school from 7:15 to 8 a.m. almost daily (very early for high schoolers!). Their hard work and dedication allows them to shine at pep rallies, sporting events, concerts, and other community gatherings. The Dynamics has competed twice in the ICHSA West Quarterfinals and performed at the National A Cappella Convention (NACC) in Orlando, Fla. Under the direction of Jennifer Escovar, The Dynamics are excited to continue making their mark on the a cappella world. Follow them on instagram @bahs_dynamics. 

Encore, the electrifying a cappella powerhouse from American Leadership Academy, isn't just a high school group, but an entertainment phenomenon. Composed of 13 elite vocalists, they take the energy of a live concert and transform it into intricate harmony, setting them dramatically apart from typical school choirs. While other groups might sing in the background, they command the spotlight, delivering 40-50 high-octane performances annually that serve the school and wider community. They specialize in transforming hits, from current pop chart-toppers to retro rock anthems, into complex, "Pitch Perfect"-style a cappella arrangements. Their signature sound blends explosive vocal percussion and intricate harmonization with a dynamic stage presence, guaranteeing unforgettable shows. Encore’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the stage. Each year, they produce and film several high-quality music videos that reach audiences across the globe. With Encore, music fans experience the future of vocal music today.

In Tone Nation is a small mixed group from Yuma, Ariz. They sing a variety of different styles and genres, with influences from jazz, musical theatre, and pop music. In Tone Nation members have been recognized with Outstanding Choreogrpahy and Outstanding Soloist awards since 2017. They are excited to sing for the talented Varsity Vocals community. 

Neo Chromatics is a select group of singers from John Burroughs High School directed by Hannah Abrahim. They rehearse after school once a week and proudly represent their school at many performances throughout Southern California. The choral program at John Burroughs High School, under the direction of Brendan Jennings, is nationally recognized for its excellence. The students of Neo Chromatics are all members of Powerhouse, the school’s top choir. Follow them on Instragram @neochromatics. 

When students love music and one another, groups like OC Voices are born. Singing everything from pop to classic rock, this group of singers has represented their school in the community and abroad since 2011. OC Voices has competed in multiple ICHSA seasons, advancing to Semifinals in their competitive debut. In 2021, OC Voices was featured as one of three Finalists in the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival (LAAF). OC Voices is part of the Oaks Christian School Institute of Arts and Innovation and features many vocal performance track students as soloists in this group.   

Titanium is a co-ed contemporary a cappella ensemble from the Grammy-winning choral program at Tesoro High School in Las Flores, Calif. They frequently perform at sporting events, pep rallies, and other school and community events. Titanium has competed numerous times in ICHSA, most notably winning the title of 2023 ICHSA West Champion and going on to place 4th at Finals in New York City. In 2025, they were featured showcase performers at the NACC in Orlando, Fla. The group has released several music videos, an EP, and performed at the Grammy museum for director Quentin Tarantino. Titanium enjoys post-rehearsal boba and group pizookie nights. You can check out their music video releases on YouTube and find their music on all streaming platforms.

TONIGHT'S JUDGES

Aaron Bayne is an alumnus of Towson University and Berklee College of Music and holds a master’s degree in music business. He is the award-winning beatboxer of two-time ICCA Finalists turned professional group, The Trills (@thetrills). Over the last few years, The Trills accumulated over 4 million followers across social media platforms, with 45 million views on YouTube and over 350 million views on TikTok. The group’s social media presence has led to partnerships with several global brands, a feature on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” an opening performance for SZA, Straight No Chaser, and Voiceplay, halftime performances for The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, headlining shows at Vidcon 2022 and 2023, and collaborations with acts like Drew Scott, Quinn XCII, and Tim McGraw. Since relocating to the Los Angeles area in 2024, Aaron is excited to return as a Varsity Vocals judge this season and wishes luck to all the competing groups.

Kate Crellin (she/her) is a vocalist, arranger, composer, and educator. She is a choir director for adult and youth choirs in Manhattan Beach and has published compositions with Heritage and Alfred Press. Kate is a proud alumnus of A Cappella Academy, where she now works as a co-director. Kate earned a double B.A. from the University of Southern California (Choral Music and Law, History and Culture) and a Master of Music from Cambridge University in England.

A resident of Glendale, Calif., Trist Curless grew up in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he became addicted to vocal harmonies! He attended Northwest College and the University of Northern Colorado, majoring in music education. In 1995, he co-founded the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact. Trist is also known for his work on the other side of the microphone as an audio engineer for many vocal groups and bands, including Pentatonix, Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, Accent, and Take 6. When he's not performing and mixing, Trist also finds time to participate as a clinician and adjudicator in clinics and festivals worldwide, helping him share his love of music with others. Trist is having the time of his life making music and feels fortunate to have performed with m-pact, Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, The Swingle Singers, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and for 10 years as a member of The Manhattan Transfer.

With over 100 television and film credits, LC Powell’s work as a producer, voice director, music contractor, music casting director, and performer has garnered numerous Grammy and Emmy wins and nominations. LC is most recognized from their five-season catalogue of work on “Phineas and Ferb” as a voice actor, voice director, and music arranger. Other notable work includes over a decade of voice acting for Riot Games, including "League of Legends: Wild Rift," and the "Pitch Perfect" film franchise. They have principal soloist credits with the Pasadena Symphony and Pops, the Latin American Jazz Orchestra in Mexico City, Operafest Tulchyn in Ukraine, Owensboro Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, The Pullman Pops in Atlanta, the New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks, San Bernardino Symphony, the United Nations Ambassador Ricky Kej (international tour), and the Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra. They also have an 18-year relationship with Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters as vocal director and contractor. LC has recorded with Paul McCartney, opened for Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett, Bob Newhart, Howie Mandel, and vocal arranged, directed, and contracted for Michael Bublé since 2015. LC is Chorus Council Vice President of the Long Beach Camerata Singers and serves as a staff singer (alto II) in the large ensemble and soprano I in their small group, Catalyst Chamber Ensemble. They also serve on the board of directors of ASMAC.org and the SAG-AFTRA singers committee. While maintaining a full-time career as an artist, LC is also a full-time student on the path to a Doctor of Musical Arts, having recently joined the educator staff at UCLA. Learn more at https://lcpowell.me @MxLCPowell

Selame Scarlett hails from Okemos, Mich. and is extremely thankful for this California weather. As an undergraduate at Michigan State University, she was the music director, arranger, and vocal percussionist for the mixed group, Capital Green A Cappella. Post-college, she served as a percussionist and vocalist for the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA)-winning, all-female sextet, Lady Jaye, and the all-female gospel powerhouse group, Traces, which was featured on Season 5 of NBC's “The Sing-Off.” She is a sought-after clinician for high school and collegiate groups in the Great Lakes region and beyond. In the summertime, Selame is an instructor and counselor at A Cappella Academy, a Los Angeles-based vocal camp for young adults (ages 13 to 17). Selame has been fortunate enough to record alongside groups such as Naturally 7, The Boxettes, Pentatonix, Duwende, and Traces of Blue (formerly Afro-Blue)! She has led percussion workshops and masterclasses, individually and with her beatboxing colleagues. She is excited to see and hear some great music tonight!

SPECIAL THANKS

Varsity Vocals would like to recognize and thank tonight's host, Brendan Jennings and John Burroughs High School; sound engineer, Sid Sosa; guest performers, Muses and Reverse Osmosis; our volunteers, Rachel Berns, Cole Potas, Michael Kolinsky, Cora Synnes, and all of the staff and parents from John Burroughs High School; 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 West 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