Sonic Edge, the award-winning, national champion a cappella group from the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) at Pebblebrook High School, kicked off their 2025 competition season with a strong performance at the International Championship of High School A cappella (ICHSA) quarterfinals. The competition took place on February 7th at the University of Tennessee. Sonic Edge had to compete with over 250 other groups just to get into the competition.

Sonic Edge’s performance featured a dynamic set of three songs. The group opened with Retrograde by James Blake, followed by My Days, a song from the Broadway musical The Notebook, and concluded with The Code, originally performed by NEMO. Their remarkable vocal arrangement and stage presence wowed the judges and secured their victory by placing first out of nine competing groups. This win guarantees their spot at the ICHSA semifinals, set to take place at the Carolina Theatre in Durham, North Carolina, on March 7th.

But the accolades didn’t stop there. Elise Lloyd, one of the group’s standout performers, was also honored with the "Best Solo" award for her powerful rendition of My Days. 

"As the director of Sonic Edge, I couldn’t be more proud of the students’ hard work and dedication," said Trey Giddens, CCCEPA's Director of Vocal Music. "The preparation for this competition was intense, with the group holding late-night rehearsals every week since the beginning of the school year and sacrificing their weekends for practice. Their perseverance paid off as they performed flawlessly on stage."

"What’s even more inspiring is how the returning members, including nine who competed last year and won the national championship, took on leadership roles, mentoring new members and instilling the values of teamwork and determination," Director Giddens said with a smile. "The students’ hard work, collaboration, and spirit are truly remarkable, and I’m excited to see where their talents will take them next!"

This year’s group is composed of 17 talented vocalists from CCCEPA’s Vocal Department. It includes both seasoned performers and newcomers. Their combined experience, passion for music, and willingness to work hard make them a formidable force on the a cappella scene and an absolute treat to hear and watch!

"I am over the moon proud of these students and the growth of our vocal program under the leadership of Mr. Giddens and Ms. [Evelyn] White! The enthusiasm about the direction of the Vocal program has grown exponentially since Mr. Giddens's arrival three years ago," boasted CCCEPA Director Robert Connor. "In two and a half years of existence, this group has been the one to watch."

"One patron mentioned to me that Sonic Edge's level of performance was college professional level. That speaks to the level of training CCCEPA students receive daily. Most importantly, these kids really care for each other and work together to perform. That is what makes me proud to lead these students," Mr. Connor concluded enthusiastically.

As they move on to the semifinals, Sonic Edge is more motivated than ever to continue their journey toward securing a repeat ICHSA national championship title. Congratulations to Sonic Edge, and best of luck as they prepare for the ICHSA semifinals in Durham!