19th Annual

2003 Mid-Atlantic champions

The Idea Of North

The Idea of North is regarded by its peers as one of the best and most unique live musical acts in Australia. Over the last few years as one of Australia's only fully professional vocal quartets, they have reinvented a cappella and taken it to new heights. Their stunning visual presence and incredible sound has built them a legion of adoring fans here and across Europe, Asia and the USA. The Idea of North is an exhilarating live act presenting a blend of uniquely arranged contemporary classics and original material. Thus at their own concerts and at corporate events audiences are treated to a show that includes spectacular original arrangements of artists as varied as Sting, Stevie Wonder and The Bee Gees, together with an eclectic mix of jazz, soul, gospel and originals. Having played with some of Australia's greats, including James Morrison and Don Burrows, "The Idea of North" has been shaping this new sound in music now for over eight years. It's a style grounded on the classic musicianship that these four friends crafted at two of Australia's premier music academies, the Canberra School of Music and the Elder Conservatorium of Music (Adelaide).

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

2003 Contestants:

BlueLine

In just two years, Cartoon Johnny has distinguished itself as DC's most exciting, audibly-intoxicating, visually-appealing, and overwhelmingly modest vocal band. The six-member group has created a sound all their own, merging the power of the human voice with the versatility of modern technology. Cartoon Johnny sings a repertoire of original songs and covers of the best music from the last four decades. Performing at bars, restaurants, corporate events, private gatherings, and music festivals, they've built a loyal fan base throughout the DC Metropolitan area. Most recently, Cartoon Johnny was the Main Stage Grande Finale act at the First Night Alexandria festival on New Year's Eve. So what's with that name? Is it the result of a lost challenge in an intense game of Scattergories? Is it an homage to a long-forgotten Saturday morning TV character? We'll find out when "Behind The Music" continues...

Members - Kieran Daly, Kevin Dixon, Michael Henrickson, Darcy Roman , Alan Tom, Joseph Yoon

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 - Gene Woolwine, Larry Duggan, Chip Brosseau, Allan Engler

High Five

The Idea of North is regarded by its peers as one of the best and most unique live musical acts in Australia. Over the last few years as one of Australia's only fully professional vocal quartets, they have reinvented a cappella and taken it to new heights. Their stunning visual presence and incredible sound has built them a legion of adoring fans here and across Europe, Asia and the USA. The Idea of North is an exhilarating live act presenting a blend of uniquely arranged contemporary classics and original material. Thus at their own concerts and at corporate events audiences are treated to a show that includes spectacular original arrangements of artists as varied as Sting, Stevie Wonder and The Bee Gees, together with an eclectic mix of jazz, soul, gospel and originals. Having played with some of Australia's greats, including James Morrison and Don Burrows, "The Idea of North" has been shaping this new sound in music now for over eight years. It's a style grounded on the classic musicianship that these four friends crafted at two of Australia's premier music academies, the Canberra School of Music and the Elder Conservatorium of Music (Adelaide).

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

Since 2001, KEY OF SHE has wowed audiences with its stunning, sophisticated style. In 2002, the group achieved a place in the a cappella firmament by winning the coveted "Audience Favorite" award and 2nd Place honors at the New York Harmony Sweepstakes. Shortly thereafter, they were invited to open for Ray Charles at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. They have also delighted audiences at nightclubs, coffee houses, glitzy fundraisers, and private parties. KEY OF SHE unlocks the power of a broad musical spectrum - from classic Gershwin and Porter to Dylan, Twain and Anastacia. "They pull off an amazing, soulful blend and combine it with outstanding soloists. Their sound goes right to the heart and takes womenšs a cappella to a new level!" Check out their CD‹Our First Time. Don't be shy ‹ they'll be gentle

Members - Patty Cronheim, Lisa Ernst, Pat Fass, Sue Jaques, Dyann Lenskold, Amy Raditz

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. Regency is anxious to show you their updated stuff and to tear the house down!!!

Members - Dwayne McNeill, Aubry Brown Jr , Wayne McNeil, Milton Ames, Charles Ballou

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

Sound Celebration is an award-winning mixed a cappella quartet that mixes it up....performing spiritual, doo-wap, blues, folk, country and novelty selections amidst the ringing tones of barbershop harmony. Based in the Binghamton, NY area, they do many community performances and private gigs that include interactive workshops in local schools teaching a cappella music barbershop style. They are strong advocates of harmony among youths and sponsor a high school student to Harmony Camp, a four-part a cappella camp for young vocalists held at Ohio State University every summer. By day they fix computers, teeth and a homebuilders association which provide them the wherewithal to make harmony the remainder of the time! SOUND CELEBRATION enjoys the ability to seamlessly trade melody and harmony parts among the singers...within songs, even phrases...creating joyful sound!

Members - Jerry Schmidt, Sheryl Allyn,, Gerry OšNeil , Marcia OšNeil

Complete list of 2003 national participants