2003 Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival

19th Annual

The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival is the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music. The annual national competition draws from hundreds of vocal groups from around the country with regional competitions in eight cities. The winning group from each festival is flown to perform in front of celebrity judges and a sold out house of enthusiastic a cappella fans at the National Finals.

Hosted by

Tone Rangers

This award-winning Washington D.C.-based vocal group is celebrating their 25th anniversary delighting audiences from coast to coast with its dynamic blend of tight harmonies, inventive arrangements and keen wit. In a few choreographed minutes, the Tone Rangers propel through 900 years of Western music--from Gregorian chant to classic rock to TV theme songs--in a fresh approach to contemporary a cappella music and comedy.

Nominated for seven Wammies by the Washington Area Music Association in the past four years, the Tone Rangers were voted the Best A Cappella Group four consecutive years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) and even won Best A Cappella Recording in 2007! They were also national finalists in the 2002 Harmony Sweepstakes (the Superbowl of a cappella), and three-time winners of Mid-Atlantic "Audience Favorite" and "Best Arrangement" awards. To listen, go our MySpace page.

2003 Mid-Atlantic Champions

The Idea of North

The Idea of North defies categorisation. As a quartet of musicians, their voices are their instruments: soprano, alto, tenor and bass, with a bit of vocal percussion thrown in. Their sound and style is distinct, yet they cross many musical genres: jazz, pop, folk, gospel, even comedy.

Their arrangements are extraordinary. They take songs you know and songs you don't and create songs you'll love. But it's not just about the music:

"A pitch-perfect ensemble negotiating complex modulations with ease, constant seamless transition between lead and accompaniment parts, and the whole thing strung together by low-key, humorous conversational patter..." The Courier-Mail

2003 Results
1st	The Idea of North
2nd (tie)	Regency
2nd (tie)	Route 1
Audience Favorite	The Idea of North
Best Original Arrangement	"Mas Que Nada" The Idea Of North

2003 Participating Groups

BlueLine
BlueLine is an award-winning, mixed quintet that performs jazz, gospel and pop a cappella music from the DC Area. Started in the fall of 1999 by friends whose day jobs weren't providing enough time on stage, the group has achieved a tight blend and performed at competitions, music festivals and private events. Washington City Paper called BlueLine "exciting" and "exhilarating." BlueLine gets its name from the subway line and is a tribute to the great Duke Ellington's "Take the 'A' Train" - the kind of bluesy jazz that the group loves to sing

Cartoon Johnny
Cartoon Johnny is an energetic vocal band that pushes the limits of traditional a cappella. Drawing on influences from classic soul to modern alternative, they've crafted an exciting sound that is often mistaken for an instrumental band - but it's all vocal.

Based in the Washington DC area, Cartoon Johnny performs a variety of sure-fire audience favorites and their own original music, bringing audiences to their feet show after show. They are two-time National Harmony Sweepstakes finalsists, winning the title for the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2005, and in New York in 2009.

Cartoon Johnny has shared the stage with some of the best in a cappella and beyond. Highlights include headlining ACappellaFest Detroit in 2010, and performing with Marvin Hamlisch in his Christmas special at the Kennedy Center in 2008. Hamlisch invited the group to join him for his July 4th concerts in San Diego in 2009.

Members: Kevin Dixon, Joseph Yoon, Mike Henrickson, Darcy Romano, Kieran Daly, Alan Tom, Kieran Daly

Cruisin’
Cruisin' is an a cappella quartet that features a unique blend of voices and a variety of styles, especially the close harmonies of the 50's and 60's. Their backgrounds include rock, R&B, folk, glee club, barbershop and classical. They are busy entertaining audiences at association events, business promotions , civic celebrations weddings and private parties. They have also recorded for radio and television commercials.

Members: Larry Duggan, Chip Brosseau, Allan Engler, Gene Woolwine, Gene Woolwine

High Five
High Five is an award winning, mixed voice, 5-part, a cappella jazz quintet from the Baltimore-Washington area creating music and fun wherever music lovers can be found. With more than a century of combined musical experience, this full-chord sound and tight harmonies are indicative of their unique style. This, combined with an undisputable jazz influence & champion arranger, makes Janet, Christy, Lori, Joe and Mike the ensemble that is unmistakably High Five.

Members: Christy Brannock, Lori Dreyer, Joe Mannherz, Mike Kelly, Janet Montrie, Janet Montrie

The Idea of North
The Idea of North defies categorisation. As a quartet of musicians, their voices are their instruments: soprano, alto, tenor and bass, with a bit of vocal percussion thrown in. Their sound and style is distinct, yet they cross many musical genres: jazz, pop, folk, gospel, even comedy.

Their arrangements are extraordinary. They take songs you know and songs you don't and create songs you'll love. But it's not just about the music:

"A pitch-perfect ensemble negotiating complex modulations with ease, constant seamless transition between lead and accompaniment parts, and the whole thing strung together by low-key, humorous conversational patter..." The Courier-Mail

Listen to: When She Loved Me | Listen to: Mas Que Nada

Members: Naomi Crellin, Nick Begbie, Andrew Piper, Trish Delaney-Brown, Trish Delaney-Brown

Key of She
Key Of She started in 2001 and a year later won the coveted "Audience Favorite" title and runner-up at the 11th Annual New York Harmony Sweepstakes. Since then, they've been on quite a ride. In May 2002, they opened for Ray Charles at the 1400-seat Union County Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. In December 2004, they appeared on the nationally-syndicated Jane Pauley Show. In between, Key of She has performed at Philadelphia's Annual Paradigm Award Luncheon, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Women's Initiative, Philadelphia's Heart Ball Patrons Party, Phoenixville PA's A Cappella Jam, New Hope, PA's Bastille Day Celebration, Philadelphia's Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner, Montgomery Township's Cultural Arts Center. and annual fundraisers for Princeton Friends School and The Princeton Girlchoir. On New Year's Eves 2002, 2003 and 2004, Key of She took center stage at Newtown, PA's annual First Night.

Regency
Regency is a five man a cappella vocal group from Baltimore Maryland. They are often called the Temptation of the twenty first century. Their musical magic has fascinated fans throughout the United States. They sing everything from 40's Swing, Elvis, Motown and Classics and Pop Tunes in their own special a cappella style that is not quite doo wop, not quite R&B, but altogether wonderful. They have won Entertainer of The Year on the college market many times, have done national commercials and have opened for many of today's leading musicians. They have NEVER performed without receiving a standing ovation. Their biggest fans are musicians who marvel at their vocal ability. Regency won the New York Regionals several years back and have not competed in several years.

Members: Milton Ames, Aubrey Brown Jr., Charles Ballou, Dewayne McNeill, Dewayne McNeill

Route 1
Route 1 is a brand new all-male a cappella group from the Washington, DC area. A little bit doo-wop, a little bit rock-and-roll, this 6-man group has recently performed at such DC venues as the historic Decatur House and Felix in Adams Morgan. Route 1 was the featured entertainment at the Washington, DC Heartsongs Gala Fundraiser, which benefited the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America. For great a cappella in the nation's capital, just follow to signs the Route 1!

Members: Scott Welch, Anthony Simpson, Evan Reitmeye, Paul Bachmann, Jordan Hirsch, Chuck Apperson, Jordan Hirsch

Sound Celebration
Sound Celebration consists of two members of Sweet Adelines International and two members of SPEBSQSA, the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. Formed in March of 2000, Sound Celebration has been entertaining the Southern Tier of New York at barbershop performances and shows, fundraisers, community concerts, corporate events, banquets, and private parties. Their repertoire includes country, blues, folk, spiritual, doo-wop and novelty selections. The quartet is a member of Mixed Harmony Barbershop Quartet Association, and in March of 2003 stretched their skills by competing in the Harmony Sweepstakes a cappella contest in Arlington, VA.

Members: Marcia O’Neil, Sheryl Allyn, Gerry O’Neil, Jerry Schmidt, Jerry Schmidt

2003 Judges TBA

Complete list of 2003 participants

National Finals Recordings

Interested in Performing?

We are always seeking groups who would like to participate in our events.

Groups of any style are welcome, but you must have between 3 and 12 members. We have a rule book which explains many of the details of the event, which you can see by clicking here. All groups must audition in order to compete. Generally this is done by sending a current tape and photo, although live auditions are sometimes arranged. The purpose of the audition is to make sure the group is appropriate for the Festival and to help the Director determine the performance order. If a group has competed previously, the audition process may be waived.

How to enter

Please send music and photos to the regional director :

Amanda Cornaglia (Mid-Atlantic) Amanda Cornaglia is the manager for Acaville Radio, a 24/7 streaming service for a cappella music. Amanda is also co-owner of Clear Harmonies, a full service studio and management company for a cappella groups. She got her start in contemporary a cappella with Special K, an all-female ensemble at Hamilton College. She has since performed and directed groups around the globe. She is business director and primary arranger of the multiple CARA nominated group Euphonism. She also founded Snowday, a professional quintet that incorporates contemporary vocal music into education, visiting close to 100 schools each year. She has served in various capacities at the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) & turned the Contemporary A Cappella League into its own non-profit organization. Amanda has been a CARA nominator and judge since 2010.

amanda (at) clearharmonies.com

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The Birchmere

Many careers have been launched from this internationally recognized music hall. On any given night, a star may be born. Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and k.d. Lang are just a few of the artists counted as good friends of the Birchmere. The Birchmere is committed to the presentation of the highest quality music in a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. Directions -Yelp reviews -Photos

THE BIRCHMERE

3701 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

Primarily A Cappella - Your Source For Vocal Harmony Music

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