Heath, TX – March 19, 2026 – School pride was on full display this past weekend as Heath High School’s a cappella group, Infiniti, delivered an award-winning performance at the semifinal round of the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA), earning a coveted spot in the national finals in New York City this April.
The talented ensemble not only secured their place among the top high school a cappella groups in the country, but also brought home two distinguished honors: Best Vocal Percussionist, awarded to Gavin Warner, and Best Choreography, awarded to Emily Ford.
Infiniti captivated judges and audiences alike with a dynamic set marked by vocal precision, creative staging, and a powerful connection with the audience. Their performance reflected weeks of dedicated rehearsal and collaboration, pushing the group to new artistic heights.
“Winning ICHSA semifinals was not only an incredible achievement, but a testament to the dedication, passion, and genuine love that every single group member has for a cappella and for one another,” said Emily Ford, senior and group leader. “The weeks of rehearsals before semis were intense and sometimes tedious, but in those moments, we connected more than we ever have—and it made us want the win that much more.”
The road to semifinals began earlier this season with a strong showing in preliminary competition, followed by an intensified rehearsal schedule. Under the direction of Lauren Smith and Patrick Vu, students fine-tuned every element of their performance, resulting in one of their strongest sets to date.
“I love how passionate each student is about what we do,” said director Lauren Smith. “So many pieces of this set came from the individual creativity of the students. I’m so proud of them and thankful I get to work with such an amazing group.”
The upcoming finals will bring together the top nine high school a cappella groups in the nation. While Infiniti is no stranger to the national stage—having advanced four times in the past five years—this milestone marks a first for many members of the group.
Beyond competition, the experience offers students the opportunity to grow, collaborate, and connect with peers from across the country. “We’re excited not just to compete, but to meet other groups and learn from them,” said Gavin Warner. “It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
As Infiniti prepares for New York, support from the Heath community continues to build. Fundraisers and local events are being organized to help offset travel expenses and ensure students can fully experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The community will also have a chance to see Infiniti perform before they head to nationals. A special concert will be held on April 7 at the Heath High School Performing Arts Center, featuring their award-winning set, additional performances from other Heath a cappella groups, and a special guest appearance by Innovation from Reedy High School in Frisco.
With momentum on their side and a deep passion for performance, Infiniti is ready to take the national stage—representing Heath with talent, heart, and pride.
Submitted by Darcy Gildon
