18th Annual

2002 Mid-Atlantic champions

Tone Rangers

Yee-haa. We are the Tone Rangers. Ruthless marauders of song, we pillage for pleasure. We are true blue buckaroos, who sing "Babaloos". Highly leveraged, yet prudently diversified, The Tone Rangers ride again. As the name suggests, the Rangers are a just barely domesticated group of free-spirited a cappella songsters. Although mostly policy wonks, computer geeks, and lawmen by day, they roam the badlands of the mid-Atlantic by night in search of distressed frontier folk and serve them a helpin' of vocal music and free legal advice. Combining sharp wit and tight vocal harmonies, they right wrongs where other groups dare not go. Yee-haa. Git along, little dogie.

Members: Joel Malina, Jamey McNamara, Gil Keteltas, Kenyon Erickson, Mike Beresik, John Bader, and Gene Stomecki

2002 Contestants:

The Chromatics perform original songs inspired by the Internet, TV, and fast food, as well as surprising pop and rock covers. Their Christmas CD, "Unwrapped", was nominated for two CARAs last year, for best holiday CD and best holiday song. (They're trying not to feel wounded about losing to Rockapella.) The Chromies have also written astronomically-correct songs for their educational project, "AstroCappella 2.0". They've taken AstroCappella to Palm Springs, Orlando, Las Vegas and New York, appeared on PBS and CNN, and a copy of their AstroCappella CD has flown on the Space Shuttle! And a song about comets and meteors from "AstroCappella 2.0" has just earned them their third CARA nomination. The Chromatics have performed their more down-to-Earth repertoire at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Annapolis First Night, Baltimore's Cellar Stage, the 1996 and 1999 Atlantic Region Harmony Sweepstakes (where they took 3rd place in 1999), Camden Yards, and many other festivals and events across the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.

Members: Padi Boyd, Lisa Kelleher, Paul Kolb, John Meyer, Deb Nixon, Karen Smale, Alan Smale

4 Girls Only Who are they? They are specialists in bringing their unique blend of creativity, femininity, and sophistication to the a cappella arena. For 10 years, this Orlando-based group has written and produced specialty themed a cappella shows for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida. Using their vocal talent and theatre experience they have created shows covering various eras from the Wild, Wild West to 1940's Swing and 1950's Do-Wop, all the way to a modern James Bond type spoof of the Spice Girls. They also write and produce jingles for radio. Friends and soul-sisters, these ladies love to use their God-given gifts for song, and they devote their lives to sharing the enjoyment of a cappella harmonies. 4 Girls Only is a perfect example that a cappella isn't just a "boys club"! Contact FourGirlsOnlyInc@aol.com

Members: Stacy Mock, Melody Miller, Jenn Rafferty, Belinda Flores

High Five is a mixed voice, 5 part, a cappella jazz quintet from the Baltimore-Washington DC-Annapolis area providing top-quality music, fun and entertaining performances wherever music lovers can be found. Tenor, Joe Mannherz, originated the ensemble and arranges most of its repertoire. After a two-year search for just the right voices, the group ultimately coalesced in early 2001. With bass Mike Kelly, alto Lori Dreyer, sopranos Janet Montrie and Susan Dargusch, the group delivers a rich blend of close harmonies, which are unmistakably HIGH FIVE.

Members: Joe Mannherz, Susan Dargusch, Mike Kelly, Janet Montrie, Lori Dreyer

The Humbuckers Formed in 1999, The Humbuckers, a vocal rock band from the Washington D.C. area, perform an eclectic mix of modern a cappella originals and covers. In addition to performing at the 2000 and 2001 Harmony Sweepstakes, the group has performed for events such as Congressional Night at the National Press Club, Vintage Virginia, Taste of Baltimore and the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival. Following the tragic events of September 11, The Humbuckers donated all September proceeds from their debut CD, "Never Said Thanks," to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, raising $800 for the organization. In January 2002, the Recorded A Cappella Review Board selected "Never Said Thanks" as one of its 11 "Picks of 2001."

Members: Chris Walsh, Bradley Terrill, Eric Olsen, David Lieber, Dave Trendler

PhilHarmonix is an award winning mixed a cappella quartet that blends the rich harmonies and precision singing of the barbershop style with the classic tunes of yesterday and today. Based in the Philadelphia area, they have performed on local radio stations, as well as community concerts and events, including the Republican National Convention and Jersey Shore attractions. On the national scene, they are top competitors, having won gold medals in both the 1999 Mid-America Barbershop Quartet Expo in St. Louis, Missouri and the 2000 Buckeye Invitational in Columbus, Ohio. In February 2001, they were named runners-up in the New York Regional Harmony Sweepstakes. Known as "Phil" to their friends, these singers can perform melody and harmony with ease, making every song they sing a showcase for their unique ability and versatility. They recently released their first CD, entitled "Lazy Day," which includes "This Little Piggy Went to Market," a 2002 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominee for Best Barbershop Song

Members: Amy Carr, Rick Serpico, Donna Perrone, Tom Halley

Tone Rangers Yee-haa. We are the Tone Rangers. Ruthless marauders of song, we pillage for pleasure. We are true blue buckaroos, who sing "Babaloos". Highly leveraged, yet prudently diversified, The Tone Rangers ride again. As the name suggests, the Rangers are a just barely domesticated group of free-spirited a cappella songsters. Although mostly policy wonks, computer geeks, and lawmen by day, they roam the badlands of the mid-Atlantic by night in search of distressed frontier folk and serve them a helpin' of vocal music and free legal advice. Combining sharp wit and tight vocal harmonies, they right wrongs where other groups dare not go. Yee-haa. Git along, little dogie.

Members: Joel Malina, Jamey McNamara, Gil Keteltas, Kenyon Erickson, Mike Beresik, John Bader, and Gene Stomecki

Glasshouse (Atlanta sub-regional champions) is a seven member contemporary vocal group from Troy State University in Troy, AL. Glasshouse specializes in entertaining not only with an occasional cover tune, but by writing their own original music as well. While competing in a cappella music, Glasshouse has been awarded with titles such as "Best Musicality" and "Best Original Music." The members of Glasshouse range from as far south as Nassau, Bahamas to as far > north as Wilmington, DE.

Members : Randy Boone (Baritone/VP), Kemuel Forbes (Bass), Rob McFarland (Baritone), Tommy Newman (Tenor), Calvin "Kirby" Scott (Tenor), Jeremy Thomas (Baritone), Courtney West (Alto).

Complete list of 2002 national participants

2002 Judges:

Cal Sexton
Carol Sexton
Dave Nuttycombe
Richard Hsu (Da Vinci's Notebook)
William Strauss (Founder, Capitol Steps)