Members of the Harmelodics a cappella group rehearse for the ICCA quarterfinals.
Chances are nearly pitch perfect that some NIU students will advance to the Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) quarterfinals after Saturday’s competition. After all, 35 Huskie singers will perform.
NIU is home to three a cappella groups: The Huskie Hunks, NIU Northern Sound, and Harmelodics. All have been invited to compete in the ICCA, a global tournament showcasing the art of student a cappella.
Groups have been rehearsing for months, culminating in “hell week” leading up to Saturday’s tournament 7 p.m., Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago.
“In the beginning it sounds like a train wreck, but when you get it together, it’s cool to see the results of everyone working together,” says Mollie Wang, a junior rehabilitation services major and president of NIU Northern Sound.
Each group performs three songs they have arranged and choreographed as a team. Judges primarily will evaluate vocal performance focusing on arrangements, tone, and soloists, but also review appearance and choreography.
This will be a return trip to competition for the Huskie Hunks, and they are thinking big.
“We’re always aiming high. We were second at quarter finals–the dream is to make it to finals,” says Dustin King, a junior business major and member of Huskie Hunks.
It’ll be the first time competing in ICCA for the Harmelodics. They’ve selected a saving-the-world theme, with songs about heroes.
“We took a lot of time selecting it. It’s 110 percent positivity, love and music incorporated into everything we do. We’re really excited to compete,” says Harmelodic’s member Eileen Lennon, a sophomore marketing major.
NIU’s performers will face seven other groups from the University of Chicago, Loyola University, and Oakland University. The top two finishing groups will advance to the ICCA Great Lakes Semifinal
All three groups will be performing their ICCA sets at a special NIU ICCA Send-off Show 7 p.m. Friday at the Choir Room of the Music Building. All are welcome.
