When BOSS first started in 2012, there was a distinct mission to make this festival unique and demonstrate cutting-edge approaches to a cappella.

This mindset to think outside the box is especially apparent in the 2018 BOSS Scholastic Competition, which kicks off the three-day festival at 7:30 PM this Friday in Somerville, MA. 

Watch the 2018 BOSS A Cappella Festival LIVE on FloVoice!

Each year, the competition has a theme—and it’s usually pretty outrageous. Cooked up by the BOSS events team and usually expertly led by the creative Emily Flanders, these themes force the competitors to view and prepare for the weekend differently than they do for other competitions.

This year’s theme is still sealed tightly under lock and key, but previous themes have included the seven deadly sins, feminist discourse, and a take on anything to do with the sea or the letter "C." It’s anyone’s guess as to what audiences will be treated to this year.

While the theme won’t be revealed until the show, we do know the groups who will take the stage—and they are definitely up for this exceptional challenge.

Gestalt

University of Florida

This group may be relatively young, but it is comprised of fierce competitors with an ICCA South Quarterfinal Championship, a SoJam runner-up, and 11 CARA nominations under their belts. Gestalt is also no stranger to being creative on stage, pushing the boundaries for presentation, and putting extreme drama in each of its appearances.

The Coda Conduct

Pennsylvania State University

Another relatively young group, The Coda Conduct was founded in 2012 with a mission to promote diversity and to showcase differences in culture and music among its members. With two appearances in ICCA Semifinals and a CARA nomination on its very first EP, Coda Conduct covers larger than life voices such as Tori Kelly, Ariana Grande, and Destiny’s Child.

Pitch, Please!

Northeastern University

Described as Northeastern University’s fiercest a cappella group, Pitch, Please! brings the strong tradition of NU a cappella to the Boston and collegiate scene. With high finishes at ICCA  and BOSS, these ladies know how to shine under pressure. In addition to its prowess on stage, Pitch, Please! has also received CARA nominations and was featured on the Best of Women’s A Cappella compilation in 2014.

Euphoria

Grand Valley State University

Also no stranger to competition, Euphoria is an ICCA quarterfinal champion and previous competitor at SoJam and BOSS. Its first-ever EP is due out this month and the group just recently competed in the ICCA Great Lakes Semifinal in Chicago.

The Stereotypes

Washington University in St. Louis

Always a top group in ICCA, The Stereotypes come into BOSS with the longest-standing tradition, founded in 2001 to break the mold of the typical collegiate a cappella group. Their repertoire is filled with gender-bending solos and a wide range of genres from punk to rap to emo to experimental.

Voicebox

University of Central Florida

Known for dramatic and uncommon song choices, this UCF group has toured the East Coast, competed in ICCA and SoJam, and opened for "The Sing-Off" tour. Most recently, its members competed in the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival in January. With Harrison Acosta’s dynamic arrangements and a passionate delivery, Voicebox is always full of surprises.

Tickets for the 2018 BOSS Scholastic Competition are still available. 

Watch these groups and more LIVE from BOSS—only on FloVoice!