JOHNSON CITY Ascension, a contemporary a cappella ensemble that is part of East Tennessee State Universitys Department of Music, is advancing through an international competition.

The group won second place in the quarterfinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. In so doing, Ascension beat out some of the top groups in the nation that have traditionally swept those categories.

Ascension is absolutely thrilled to be advancing and competing in the south semifinals of ICCA, said Thomas Richardson, director and graduate of the ETSU Department of Music. Being able to move forward to this next level of competition and perform against prestigious groups from all over the South is such a privilege.

In addition, ETSU student Adam Hybarger won Outstanding Soloist. Ascension is scheduled to compete in the semifinals on March 11 in Durham, N.C. If successful, the ensemble will advance to the national competition in New York later this spring.

We hope to show that the quality of music ETSU produces is right up there with the best of the best, Richardson said.

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Ascension, ETSU a cappella ensemble, winning national attention - East Tennessee State University