The audience, which largely consisted of Washington University students, roared with excitement as not one, but two WashU a cappella groups placed in the International Championship. While students’ performances ranged from heartbreaking to contemplative to joyful, the overwhelming feeling in the auditorium following the Quarterfinals was pure bliss as both WashU competitors placed in the competition.

The Midwest International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Quarterfinals took place on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the 560 Music Center. Ten a cappella groups representing five different universities, including Washington University’s After Dark and Mosaic Whispers, competed for the chance to move on to the ICCA semifinals. They also had the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding arrangements, vocal percussion, soloists, and/or choreography in separate awards.

WashU’s own After Dark was the third group of the night, beginning their set with 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Red Desert,” which was performing in harmony with just three of their singers. Following that introduction, the rest of the group joined in, with sophomore Sydney Demchak as soloist. 

Junior Brittany Rogus stepped out of the group’s formation for their second song, “Streetcar” by Daniel Caesar. Rogus’ hauntingly beautiful vocals and strong, precise riffs showed off the versatility of her voice. On a few occasions, the entirety of After Dark faced forward and sang the song’s lyrics all together, showcasing the importance of each member beyond those soloing.

Their set ended with Muse’s 2012 hit “Madness,” in which senior Neha George soloed. Junior Trevor Winders beatboxed throughout the set and earned the award for Outstanding Vocal Percussion. 

After Dark placed third overall, their first time placing in the ICCAs since 2018.

“We’re so excited. Tonight went really well, and all the groups are amazing, so we had so much fun,” Demchak said.

Following intermission, the Mosaic Whispers took the stage. The group sought to tell a story of “conflict, longing, and joy,” as noted in their pre-show announcement. They moved through Sara Bareilles’ “Kaleidoscope Heart” with stunning vocal blend into a fresh take on RAYE’s “Oscar Winning Tears” with first-year Bralin Duckett. 

Their third song, “You’re Not Here” by Cynthia Erivo, featured junior Kidist Taye as the soloist. Taye’s effortless riffs and beautiful blend evoked strong emotions in the audience and earned her the award for Outstanding Soloist. 

The Mosaic Whispers closed their set with “Only 1” by Ariana Grande, which displayed senior Henry Goddard’s clear tone and high riffs. The visible fun and excitement of the group in this final song left the audience on a high note.

The Mosaic Whispers placed first, a back-to-back Quarterfinal champion.

“I’m just so happy to have that weight off our shoulders and know that performance… we gave it our best and that was what it was at the moment, and it was good to be recognized,” said Goddard, one of the group’s music directors.

The Beartones from Missouri State University placed second. Notably, the group formed themselves into a blinking eye, with their soloist as the pupil, during The Weeknd’s “In Your Eyes.” The group’s striking choreography and smooth vocals made them a shoo-in to move on to the Semifinals with the Mosaic Whispers in Harrison, Ohio on March 16.

Awards for Outstanding Choreography and Arrangement were given to Missouri State University’s A Club Bella and Saint Louis University’s Astha A Cappella, respectively.

The Stereotypes and The Amateurs, who also call WashU home, will be performing in their Quarterfinal in Kansas City this Saturday, Feb. 17. They will compete against groups from Saint Louis University and Truman State, among others. The top two groups will join the Mosaic Whispers at the upcoming Semifinals.

Until then, the Mosaic Whispers will continue to celebrate (and prepare to compete again).

“I’m…so proud of everyone and the work they put in and really, the group is so much about the people, and seeing each and everyone grow throughout the whole year to create this set was such a special experience,” Goddard said.