By 1808Delaware
When the lights dimmed at Case Western Reserve University’s Maltz Performing Arts Center on February 28, the stage was set for a thrilling showcase of a cappella talent. By the end of the night, it was Above the Noise from Olentangy Orange High School who rose to the top, claiming first place at the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) Midwest Quarterfinal #5. Olentangy Local Schools proudly shared the news of this victory on social media Monday (see below), offering congratulations to the ensemble that put Lewis Center on the a cappella map.
A Triumphant Night in Cleveland
A cappella enthusiasts from across Ohio gathered in Cleveland for an evening brimming with powerhouse vocals, creative arrangements, and inventive choreography. Participating groups arrived with weeks—if not months—of preparation under their belts, all vying for a spot in the ICHSA Midwest Semifinal. The energy in the hall was electric as each ensemble showcased a unique blend of musical finesse and showmanship.
The Competitors
Ten groups competed in this Quarterfinal:
- Above the Noise – Olentangy Orange High School
- Alpha – West Clermont High School
- Blue Notes – Granville High School
- Chromatics – Avon High School
- Harmonics – Buckeye High School
- Soundsation – Vermilion High School
- Touch of Class – Port Clinton High School
- Unaccompanied – Avon High School
- UPBEAT – Buckeye High School
- Vocal Point – Marietta High School
From the first downbeat, each ensemble brought something special—whether it was a pop medley or a stripped-down ballad. The diverse selection of songs and styles kept the audience enthralled, proving that high school a cappella in the Midwest is alive and thriving.
Stealing the Spotlight: The Results
When the final points were tallied, Above the Noise from Olentangy Orange emerged victorious with a total of 337 points. Their dynamic stage presence, intricate harmonies, and standout solo performances propelled them to the top of the leaderboard.
They were followed by:
- Second Place: UPBEAT (Buckeye High School) – 270 points
- Third Place: Chromatics (Avon High School) – 238 points
Cheers erupted from the enthusiastic crowd the moment the winners were announced, after an unforgettable evening of vocal artistry.
Celebrating Individual Accolades
The night wasn’t just about overall scores. Several singers and groups earned special recognition for their exceptional contributions:
- Outstanding Soloist:
- Jessica Hodgkin of Above the Noise for “In the Kitchen”
- Clare Bohan of UPBEAT for “American Boy”
- Outstanding Vocal Percussion:
- Wolfgang Burgess of Unaccompanied for “Jolene”
- Outstanding Arrangement:
- Clare Bohan of UPBEAT for “Caller Unavailable Medley”
- Outstanding Choreography:
- Lydia Roberts and Emily Boykin of Touch of Class for the entire set
These awards highlighted the remarkable talent within each ensemble, from soulful lead vocals to jaw-dropping beatboxing and inventive staging.
Looking Ahead
For Above the Noise and UPBEAT, the journey continues to the ICHSA Midwest Semifinal. As these two groups advance, they’ll have the chance to refine their sets, incorporate judge feedback, and push the boundaries of what high school a cappella can achieve.
With the memory of this triumphant night in Cleveland still ringing through the halls, fans and performers alike are already counting down to the next stage of the competition. If the Quarterfinals are any indication, the Midwest Semifinal promises to be another unforgettable celebration of harmony, creativity, and heart.
