Parkside Range to Compete at International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s a cappella group, Parkside Range, will compete in the quarterfinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICAA) in Madison on Saturday, March 2. They will perform a preview concert for the university community in the Bedford Concert Hall on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

The ICAA believes that “competition fosters growth as groups work together toward a specific goal as an ensemble, cultivating lifelong friendships.” The College Tournament was founded in 1996 and has since grown to include 450 groups from nine regions in the U.S. and Europe.

Ensemble member and senior Walter Smart describes the competition as “a real-life Pitch Perfect” opportunity. He went on to say that each year Parkside Range is improving and making a lasting impression on the wider community. Another group member, sophomore Falyn Krempp, is excited to showcase everything that the Parkside Range has been working on.

Jenni Valladares, a junior at UW-Parkside, explained that the biggest challenge the group will face is that the judges will only see a short, 10-minute set. A set that they have been rehearsing since January and into which they have invested countless hours. Valladares notes that “we only have one shot; one shot to show that we deserve to go to the semifinals.”

Faculty Director Ami Bouterse adds, "This year in particular, Range has shown an exceptional dedication to strive for excellence. This coupled with their amazing talents should prove a wonderful showing at ICCA. I'm so proud of their collective efforts.”

In addition to competing in Madison next week, Parkside Range will be traveling to Port Washington, WI to compete in the finals of Acapocaplyse in early April. Acapocalypse is a two-day festival that includes a College Showcase of A Cappella groups from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Last year at this event, Walter Smart took first place in the solo competition and The Range finished third overall. The ensemble is also looking forward to performing another set for the hundreds of high school a cappella students attending.

To learn more about the Parkside Range, please visit: https://www.uwp.edu/learn/departments/music/parksiderange.cfm.