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At ICHSA, groups are scored on musical performance, visual performance, and the judges' subjective rankings. In order to score higher than their opponents, a group must use a combination of difficult music, interesting choreography, and emotional storytelling.
MUSIC
MUSIC
Some of Blues' music is arranged by Rob Dietz, who composed for several seasons of "The Sing-Off" and co-founded A Cappella Academy. In addition, Blues often has at least one song arranged by a student, like Dan Kennedy's award-winning arrangement of "Undeniable You" (opb. Jukebox the Ghost), Brady Dolan's arrangement of "My Future" (opb. Billie Eilish) and Michael Riccinto and Gabriel Hill's arrangement of "king of the world" (opb. Ben Platt). Notably, in our 2024-25 year, Blues' ICHSA set was entirely student-arranged by Leif Tenbrink, Leo Stone, and Andrew Chen. Ms. Hayla Alawi, former co-director of Blues, has also arranged pieces such as "Runaway" (opb. AURORA) for the group. Blues doesn't stop for a fresh pitch between songs, choosing to transition smoothly from one piece to another.
Some of Blues' music is arranged by Rob Dietz, who composed for several seasons of "The Sing-Off" and co-founded A Cappella Academy. In addition, Blues often has at least one song arranged by a student, like Dan Kennedy's award-winning arrangement of "Undeniable You" (opb. Jukebox the Ghost), Brady Dolan's arrangement of "My Future" (opb. Billie Eilish) and Michael Riccinto and Gabriel Hill's arrangement of "king of the world" (opb. Ben Platt). Notably, in our 2024-25 year, Blues' ICHSA set was entirely student-arranged by Leif Tenbrink, Leo Stone, and Andrew Chen. Ms. Hayla Alawi, former co-director of Blues, has also arranged pieces such as "Runaway" (opb. AURORA) for the group. Blues doesn't stop for a fresh pitch between songs, choosing to transition smoothly from one piece to another.
CHOREOGRAPHY
CHOREOGRAPHY
Skyline Blues always has some sort of choreography, varying from straight-lined stepping to curvilinear convolutions. A cappella choreography is not movement for the sake of movement – it's meant to enhance the musical and lyrical elements, and act as an additional layer of storytelling. Mrs. Cie choreographs Blues' ICHSA sets, usually with the help of one or more students.
Skyline Blues always has some sort of choreography, varying from straight-lined stepping to curvilinear convolutions. A cappella choreography is not movement for the sake of movement – it's meant to enhance the musical and lyrical elements, and act as an additional layer of storytelling. Mrs. Cie choreographs Blues' ICHSA sets, usually with the help of one or more students.
In 2020, Amanda Wilhoit took a lead role and choreographed "Human," winning her the Outstanding Choreography award at both quarterfinals and semifinals. Blues won the Outstanding Choreography award at both quarterfinals and semifinals again in 2021. Thanks to Brenden Kaiser and Gabriel Hill, Skyline Blues won the Outstanding Choreography award at quarterfinals in 2023. In 2025, Blues member Cass O'Connell won the Outstanding Choreography award at quarterfinals for her choreography of Blues' Icarus-themed set.
In 2020, Amanda Wilhoit took a lead role and choreographed "Human," winning her the Outstanding Choreography award at both quarterfinals and semifinals. Blues won the Outstanding Choreography award at both quarterfinals and semifinals again in 2021. Thanks to Brenden Kaiser and Gabriel Hill, Skyline Blues won the Outstanding Choreography award at quarterfinals in 2023. In 2025, Blues member Cass O'Connell won the Outstanding Choreography award at quarterfinals for her choreography of Blues' Icarus-themed set.
THEMEs
THEMEs
Recently, Blues has introduced a new theme for their ICHSA set each year. The theme is chosen at the beginning of the season and all of the music is chosen to fit that theme.
Recently, Blues has introduced a new theme for their ICHSA set each year. The theme is chosen at the beginning of the season and all of the music is chosen to fit that theme.
In 2016, the theme was equity. Blues urged audiences not to turn away from the 'weak and the weary,' accept people for who they are, and love unconditionally.
In 2016, the theme was equity. Blues urged audiences not to turn away from the 'weak and the weary,' accept people for who they are, and love unconditionally.
The 2017 set had a theme of light vs dark, with Dan Kennedy's arrangement of "Halo/Demons" being a focal point.
The 2017 set had a theme of light vs dark, with Dan Kennedy's arrangement of "Halo/Demons" being a focal point.
Blues' emotional 2018 set told the story of a homosexual boy coming out to his father and pursuing his forbidden relationship.
Blues' emotional 2018 set told the story of a homosexual boy coming out to his father and pursuing his forbidden relationship.
In 2019, they told the story of a woman getting out of an abusive relationship and finding support from a community she didn't notice was always there.
In 2019, they told the story of a woman getting out of an abusive relationship and finding support from a community she didn't notice was always there.
2020's set covered the ongoing pressure of today's youth and how to overcome it.
2020's set covered the ongoing pressure of today's youth and how to overcome it.
The 2021 set was about someone gaining their own independence after ending a toxic relationship.
The 2021 set was about someone gaining their own independence after ending a toxic relationship.
2022's set was about gaining the bravery to leave something behind and finding something new and exciting.
2022's set was about gaining the bravery to leave something behind and finding something new and exciting.
The set in 2023 was about a protagonist reaching a crossroads, making a bad choice, recovering from that bad choice, and finding that their community has been there through thick and thin.
The set in 2023 was about a protagonist reaching a crossroads, making a bad choice, recovering from that bad choice, and finding that their community has been there through thick and thin.
Skyline Blues' set in 2024 took a more traditional pop a cappella route, straying away from a concrete storyline and instead focusing on the individual songs' stories.
Skyline Blues' set in 2024 took a more traditional pop a cappella route, straying away from a concrete storyline and instead focusing on the individual songs' stories.
In 2025, Skyline Blues pushed the boundaries of storytelling through pop a cappella, performing a unique set inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus, in which Icarus flies too close to the sun.
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