Author: Leroy Hyson II

Applications Open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships

Written by Leroy Hyson II on January 20, 2026. Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Applications Open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships

Calling all a cappella groups! Applications are now open for the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, one of Canada’s premier showcases for unaccompanied vocal music.

Open to all a cappella groups and styles, the SING! Championships welcome ensembles from across the a cappella spectrum. The 2026 competition will feature four categories: High School, University/Collegiate, Barbershop (new this year!), and Open (including post-collegiate, semi-professional, professional, and other non-scholastic groups).

A panel of respected a cappella luminaries will review video submissions and select the groups invited to compete live in Toronto. Chosen ensembles will take the stage at the iconic Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on May 23, 2026, as part of the SING! Toronto Vocal Arts Festival.

Competitors will vie for exciting prizes, including cash awards and professional recording sessions, while performing on one of Canada’s most prestigious concert stages.

The application process includes a one-time fee of $50 + tax per group, payable through the online application form. High school groups are exempt from the application fee, making it easier than ever for young ensembles to participate.

To learn more and submit your application, visit singtoronto.com/singchampionships. If you sing a cappella, this is your chance to be heard—don’t miss it.

CASA Announces the 2026 A Cappella Video Award Nominees

Written by Leroy Hyson II on January 20, 2026. Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on CASA Announces the 2026 A Cappella Video Award Nominees

The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) has officially revealed the nominees for the 2026 A Cappella Video Awards, celebrating another standout year of artistry behind—and in front of—the camera in the global a cappella community.

This year’s nominees highlight not only exceptional performances, but the producers, engineers, editors, and creative teams whose fingerprints appear across multiple categories. Familiar names like Ed Boyer, Bill Hare, Eric Scholz, Carson Trautman, Connor Martin, Angela Ugolini, and Marwan Ayman are recognized repeatedly for their work in audio production, mixing, mastering, and video direction; underscoring the collaborative backbone of today’s most successful a cappella videos.

In the Outstanding Choreography / Staging category, visually bold entries such as “Wicked Medley” by Vocal Point (Brigham Young University) ft. Savannah Stevenson and “Flesh & Bone” by Pitch, Please! (Northeastern University) push movement and storytelling to the forefront. Meanwhile, Outstanding Collaborative Video celebrates ambitious efforts, including The Bass Gang’s “Ghostbusters” featuring Peter Hollens and the international partnership of “Heroes” by Rebel Bit featuring MAZE Voices.

Across multiple categories, productions like “Mind Gag” by hachajah and “山 In the Clouds” by Voco Novo earned repeated nominations, a testament to their creative reach and the teams behind them. From independent studios to long-standing production houses, the 2026 nominees reflect a thriving ecosystem where innovation is driven by collaboration and craft.

To check out the rest of the nominations visit CASA.org. Winners will be announced in the first quarter of 2026, with awards ceremony details coming soon.

Varsity Vocals Announces the Start of the 2026 ICCA and ICHSA Seasons

Written by Leroy Hyson II on January 10, 2026. Posted in Blog/News. No Comments on Varsity Vocals Announces the Start of the 2026 ICCA and ICHSA Seasons

Varsity Vocals is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) seasons, marking the return of two of the largest and most prestigious a cappella competitions in the world.

Each year, the ICCA and ICHSA bring together the most talented collegiate and high school a cappella groups to compete in regional rounds, culminating in championship finals that celebrate excellence in contemporary vocal performance. From innovative arrangements to show-stopping choreography, audiences can expect an unforgettable live music experience at every event.

Tickets are now on sale for select 2026 ICCA and ICHSA regional competitions. Fans can purchase tickets at varsityvocals.com, including access to the prestigious ICCA and ICHSA Finals, both taking place in New York City. With tickets historically selling out quickly, early purchase is strongly encouraged.

Please note that some ticket links may not yet be live. If you do not see your event’s ticket link available, be sure to check back soon as additional ticketing options will be released.

The 2026 ICCA and ICHSA seasons promise months of thrilling performances and the chance to see the future of a cappella take the stage live in communities worldwide.