On February 7th, our school’s A Cappella Group, Symphonix, secured first place at the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) Midwest Quarterfinals! ICHSA has competitions across the US, UK, and Canada, hosted by Varsity Vocals. At each quarterfinal, the top two or three placing groups, depending on the number of quarterfinals for the region (for Midwest it’s top two), get to move on to their regional semifinal. From there, the top placing group at each semifinal gets to compete at finals in New York City. Furthermore, groups that place in second or third at semifinals have the choice of submitting a wildcard for the chance to compete for finals.
This is Symphonix’s first year as an a cappella group. Previously, Harrison had two separate groups competing in ICHSA: Dynamix and Take Note. Symphonix is a mixed voice a cappella group, singing popular songs such as Lose Control and Dance the Night, as well as other contemporary pop songs featured in their set. The group consists of eighteen members grades ten through twelve with six different vocal sections.
In addition to taking home first place, members were also given special awards for their efforts to the group. Matthew Rudolph took home Outstanding Vocal Percussion, as well as Natalie Brown and Parker Lawhorn winning Outstanding Choreography. The group is so excited to continue on their 2025 competition journey in the ICHSA Midwest Semifinal this March.
So, what’s next for the group? Semifinals is March 21st at Hilliard Bradley High School. If Symphonix places first, they will automatically move onto finals in New York City on April 25th. As previously mentioned, if they place in 2nd or 3rd, they can submit a wildcard video for the chance to move on as well. If you can’t make it to the competition but want to see the group perform, you have a great option! Come see the group at one of our choir concerts. The group will perform on March 6th and on May 14th with the other Harrison Choirs, and on May 23rd at Mic’d, the A Cappella only concert. After such a great first year, the group is excited for the future!
