2002 Participating Groups
| | 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"!Members: Melody Miller, Jenn Rafferty, Belinda Flores, Stacy Mock
|
 | | The Chromatics
People often ask us how the Chromatics got started. It's a complicated story, but here's a brief summary:
Back in 1993, a group called the OK Chorale was formed at NASA'S Goddard Space Flight Center by Anne Raugh and Steve Leete. The OK Chorale was 12 members strong and sang mostly doo-wop tunes, standards, and classics from Sesame Street. None of the current Chromatics were in the group at its inception, but Padi Boyd and Karen Smale joined in 1993, followed by Alan Smale and Deb Nixon in 1994.
After numerous further changes in personnel, including the departure of co-founder Anne Raugh, the group decided to refocus and reinvent itself as The Chromatics. The Chromatics were incorporated in 1995, and have been performing continuously under that name ever since.Members: Lisa Kelleher, Paul Kolb, John Meyer, Deb Nixon, Padi Boyd, Karen Smale, Alan Smale
 |
Glasshouse
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: Kemuel Forbes, Rob McFarland, Tommy Newman, Calvin "Kirby" Scott, Randy Boone, Jeremy Thomas, Courtney West
| | |
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: Janet Montrie, Lori Dreyer, Joe Mannherz, Mike Kelly, Susan Dargusch
|  | |
| | 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: Bradley Terrill, Eric Olsen, David Lieber, Dave Trendler, Chris Walsh
|
 | | PhilHarmonix
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, Tom Halley, Rick Serpico, Donna Perrone
|
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.
Listen to:
I Need You | Listen to:
Keep The Customer Satisfied
Members: Jamey McNamara, Gil Keteltas, Joel Malina, Kenyon Erickson, Mike Beresik, John Bader, Gene Stomecki
|  | |
2002 Judges
 |
|
Richard Hsu
Richard Hsu has been part of the Washington D.C. music scene for over 20 years as a chorister and soloist, a clinician, a producer, and a business manager. He is known most notoriously as a member of Da Vinci's Notebook, who have graced stages from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, including right here at the Birchmere.
DVN's music has appeared on NBC's "Today Show", the "Drew Carey Show", and "Despicable Me 2", and appears to be popular with his kids' middle school friends. He recommends you Google it without young children in the room. |
Cal Sexton
Cal Sexton has been singing in a cappella groups since the eighth grade, when his chorus director asked how many boys wanted a pass to get out of Homeroom and sing instead. Cal raised his hand, and that’s how it all began. At the age of 19, he became the tenor of then current Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Champion Quartet, The Lads of Enchantment. By the age of 21, Cal had moved to Los Angeles, and spent the next ten years as a full-time professional group singer. On the road, on television, films, commercials, and recordings, Cal has performed with Judy Garland, Julie London, Harry Belafonte, Jimmy Dean, Glen Campbell, the Norman Luboff Choir, the Robert DeCormier Singers and many others. After more than 10 years of singing for a living, Cal decided it was time to make singing his avocation instead of a vocation. When asked why he decided to leave full-time singing, Cal replied, “For over 10 years I got paid for what I would do for nothing. I figured that sooner or later they’d get wise to me, so, I got out.” Since then, Cal has continued with his singing through the Barbershop Harmony Society, as a quartet singer, chorus director, coach, and Certified Judge. Cal earned his Chorus Gold Medal as a member of the ten times International Chorus Champion, the Vocal Majority, of Dallas, Texas. |
|
|
 |
|
Carolyn Sexton
Carolyn Sexton is no newcomer to the Harmony Sweepstakes – she and husband Cal were both judges at the 2001 and 2002 competitions. For most of her adult life, Carolyn has been a proud member of Sweet Adelines International. She became an International Quartet Champion in this organization of women who teach and train the art of singing 4-part a cappella harmony, barbershop-style. During her long association with this singing organization, Carolyn served as an award-winning Chorus Director, Judge, Education Faculty member and Coach of many outstanding choruses and quartets from all over the U.S. & Canada. After switching voice parts recently (from tenor to bass), she is now working in a new combination called Gold Dust. Who knows…we may see them on the Harmony Sweepstakes stage in the future! Her latest passion is founding a new mixed a cappella chorus in the greater Frederick, MD area. |
 |
|
William Strauss
Co-founder and director of the satirical musical theater group the Capitol Steps and co-founder of the Cappies, William Strauss, who died in 2007, always proudly said: “High School Theater is the real youth culture in America, and someday, these kids are going to revitalize Broadway. They’re the next great theater generation.” |
 
Complete list of 2002 participants
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
|
|
|
|
