19th Annual

The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival, the premier American showcase for vocal harmony music, celebrates its 17th year in 2001. 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

2003 Pacific NW champions

Second Chance

Second Chance was formed in June of 2001 in Pendleton, Oregon. The group originally consisted of four members, but later added a fifth, bringing in vocal percussion. The membership of the group changed continually in a persistent search for the right combination of voices to produce the best sound. The group went through some more personnel changes during the 2001-2002 school year before arriving at the group you will hear tonight. In addition to local performances, Second Chance has performed in San Francisco, Hawaii, and all over the northwestern United States. They attended the West Coast Summit, an A Cappella conference in San Francisco, and are scheduled to debut there this fall. Second Chance has become one of the northwest’s fastest growing a cappella groups.

Members - Mike Telfer, Jeremy Miller, Chris Moore, Kevin Tesch, Micah Bartron, Rick Pullen

2003 Results

1st Place Second Chance
2nd Place Groove For Thought
3rd Place Sound Design
Best Original Arrangement Groove for Thought
Audience Favorite Groove for Thought

2003 Contestants

Double Deuce was formed in 1998 by four experienced singers. In the beginning they concentrated on the barbershop style but as time went on they incorporated contemporary harmonies from groups like the Four Freshman and the gospel sounds of The Gaither Quartet. Working exclusively a cappella, they have entertained audiences throughout the Northwest thrilling audiences with their fast paced act that includes everything from music to choreography to comedy.
Members - Matthew Yorkston, Rick Smith, Dan Evans, Jerry Potter

Double Shot is Olympia’s newest quartet! We decided to start blending our voices merely days before the entry deadline for the Sweepstakes. We are having a great time and looking forward to making a bunch of music together. We have all enjoyed being involved in different musical and artistic activities over the years including singing a cappella music, playing the piano, dancing and rock-and-rolling in a Beatle Band. Mother/daughter combo, Stephanie and Amber, have enjoyed singing together most recently in a local, female, a cappella group called Chanteuse. Tony and Jon, formerly of The Akafellas, are thrilled to be singing a cappella music again. We are all very excited about getting to perform with all of the great groups at the Harmony Sweepstakes.
Members - Tony Benjamins, Stephanie Claire, Jon Morgan, Amber Riley

Groove for Thought is a group of singers who got together to pursue their love of contemporary ensemble singing. Performing an assortment of jazz, gospel, and pop music, the members of this a cappella groupsall have extensive experience in vocal jazz and enjoy adding fun, unique and exciting sounds to their music. The group sings intricate harmonies, all of which are their own arrangements and have recently added some original compositions to their repertoire. They are currently working on their first CD
Members - Randy Taylor, Hannah Vierness, James Niles, Kelly Kunz, Kevin Kuna, Jeff Horenstein

Mockingbird is comprised of three good friends who have brought together their musical interests and diversity to form a blend of three-part a cappella harmonies straight from their hearts. They have been making music together for almost eight years and sing a delightful mix of songs, from the Shaker traditional “Simple Gifts” to 50’s “doo-wop” songs to lovely ballads to silly songs such as the audience favorite “Co-Dependent With You,” plus several originals. Each of the women has a wonderful voice, but when they sing together the combination of intricate harmonies and lovely voices and will send chills up your spine. Mockingbird has released three CDs—Drenched, Magic Everywhere and We 3. Last year they placed third at the Harmony Sweepstakes NW Regional A Cappella Festival.
Members - Robin Wallbridge, Sherrie Lutsch, Lesley Rigg

Second Chance was formed in June of 2001 in Pendleton, Oregon. The group originally consisted of four members, but later added a fifth, bringing in vocal percussion. The membership of the group changed continually in a persistent search for the right combination of voices to produce the best sound. The group went through some more personnel changes during the 2001-2002 school year before arriving at the group you will hear tonight. In addition to local performances, Second Chance has performed in San Francisco, Hawaii, and all over the northwestern United States. They attended the West Coast Summit, an A Cappella conference in San Francisco, and are scheduled to debut there this fall. Second Chance has become one of the northwest’s fastest growing a cappella groups.
Members - Mike Telfer, Jeremy Miller, Chris Moore, Kevin Tesch, Micah Bartron, Rick Pullen

Sound Design was organized by Carolyn, Katy, Sue and Judy in the fall of 1998. Since then they've achieved a distinction of being both classy and funny--a delightful combination! Sound Design members are active in the Sweet Adeline organization and have performed on local shows and for Seattle area organizations. They also perform frequently with non-barbershop a cappella groups, and will make their second appearance on the A Cappella Showcase at the Seattle Art Museum in the fall of 2003. Whether they are singing the torchy "Ain't Misbehavin" or the tender "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons", SoundDesign will entertain you with their harmony and style. Be sure to grab one of their newest CDs in the lobby so you can enjoy their music over and over.
Members - Carolyn Huber, Katy Sansburn, Judy Widener, Sue Beck

Tied A Cappella was formed in October 2002. Their diverse style consists of modern contemporary and pop styles as well as original compositions. Members of the group originate from four states in the Northwest region: Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Utah. Ryan Brierley, the vocal percussionist, finds himself with great job security since we can’t afford a drum set. James Case, “The Super Bass”, constantly seeks companionship through his Barry White impression. Todd Becraft, the baritone, thinks hair is overrated, and thus has none. Ben Wischmeier, the lead tenor, is single. Scott Tavares, tenor, is the glue that holds our sound together—at least that is what he tells us!. Finally, Branden McKnight, sings sky tenor and will gladly take on any soprano.
Members - Branden McNight, Scott Tavares, Ben Wischeimer, Todd Becraft, James Case, Ryan Brierley

Witherspoon was formed in 1993 by four sisters ages 7, 9, 10, and 13. Though originally an a cappella group, they have expanded their repertoire to also include instrumental accompaniment. Their fresh unique style appeals to all listeners. Their sound is fresh, exciting, and full of sweet harmony. Producing songs with a positive outlook, Witherspoon wants their music to be an inspiration to all who hear it. Witherspoon’s goal is to share their talent and positive outlook on life with as many people in as many places as possible. Wherever music is, Witherspoon wants to be there.
Members - Witherspoon: Erica Witherspoon, Tasha Witherspoon, Tamara Witherspoon, Krista Witherspoon

Complete list of 2003 national participants

Judges

Randy Poff is choir director at North Thurston High School. He has instructed choirs at the middle and high school levels during his 29-year career. His choirs have received many honors including superior ratings and outstanding choir at district music competitions. A number of ensembles from North Thurston have been selected to perform at state levels competitions. Mr. Poff has also been asked to adjudicate at a variety of music competitions over the years. Mr. Poff has developed the North Thurston Jazz Choir into one of the areas most popular singing ensembles. Their repertoire if popular, classical and jazz songs have been well received by audiences throughout our city and state. Randy Poff lives in Olympia with his wife, Teri, and their 3 children Shannon, Kelly and Colin.

Dan Schwartz is in his tenth year as choral director for Olympia High School. He is also a private voice instructor. As a member of ACDA and WMEA, he has adjudicated many choral contests and festivals. Dan has sung barbershop with the Schwartz Brothers since he was just a little guy (It's a family thing).

Matthew Stull began performing in summer stock at 16 in Bergen County, New Jersey. He studied Acting and Directing at Ohio University in the professional training program. After moving to California he continued acting and directing in San Francisco. In 1981 he formed the singing group The Bobs with his friend and fellow singing telegram partner Gunnar Madsen and Richard Greene for something to do in between acting and directing jobs. 22 years later The Bobs continue to perform both nationally and internationally and are currently collaborating with The Flying Karamozov Brothers an internationally touring juggling group on a show called "A Comedy of Eras" Matthew also has a jazz combo based out of Seattle, WA. called Vic and Nick.

Dottee Rambo, a Certified Director of Sweet Adelines International, has been a member of the Olympia Chapter Sweet Adelines since 1968. She has been co-director of the chorus since 1998. She has taken advantage of many music education opportunities offered by Sweet Adelines International, including attending the International Education Symposium each of the past 5 years, which is every time it has been offered. She has been a member of several Sweet Adeline quartets and has coached quartets. She is a member of the National Choral Directors Association.

Terrence Shaw is currently the choral director at Timberline High School in the North Thurston School District. Mr. Shaw is the founder and director of the Olympia Choral Society. He also directs the Olympia Youth Chorus Junior Choir, is the musical director for the Wrinkles of Washington, accompanist and musical director for numerous local musical productions and the organist at Olympia's Westmister Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, Mr. Shaw enjoys coaching football, flying, and spending time with his wife and son.

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