NYC A Capella Fans: “Just Sing,” Pitch Perfect-Inspired Film On Contest Annually That Chooses Best College Group To Start Musical Careers

April 24, 2026 Hannah Moller 0 Entertainment, Media and Communication, Movie Reviews, Music, Staten Islander Exclusive

Just Sing follows the SoCal VoCals, a long running a capella group from the University of Southern California’s music program. Students from around the country compete for the ultimate prize in New York City, first place in the ICCA contest. This group has won five first place awards in this championship, and this year’s group is hoping to continue their winning streak.

For viewers that enjoy watching competitions, with behind the scenes takes and judge deliberations, this movie is excellent. It is filmed very well, the subjects are quite candid with the audience, and you get to see them grow and change individually and in the group. Practices are grueling, lasting for hours on end after classes and often occurring seven days a week. Winning is everything, and all the other teams are practicing to beat them too.

There is really a lot more to this movie and story. We meet their parents, and pretty much every one of them is amazing and awesome. The parents from North Dakota are incredibly accepting of who their son is, and the military dad is really inspiring. So one thing you will see in this movie is good parenting modeled perfectly.

It’s interesting and engaging, and highly recommended. Even if you don’t like American Idol and shows like that, you will like this film. It offers much more of an in depth look at these kids’ lives, and you’ll come away having learned a lot. And who knows, maybe you’ll want to go to school for music too. This film demonstrates that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. It helps if others believe in you too, but those others can also be friends, siblings, or even a teacher.

This movie is highly recommended, and I would give it five stars!

JUST SING still. Image Credit – ABRAHAM TROEN

JUST SING

From Ventureland (If These Walls Could Sing), Mercury Studios (American Symphony) and wiip (The Summer I Turned Pretty)

The Inspiring Coming-of-Age A Cappella Documentary

Releasing In Theaters In NY and LA This Friday! April 24th

🎬 From Oscar-Winning Producer 🎬

John Battsek (Searching for Sugar Man)

🎤 Featuring The SoCal Vocals 🎤

Known for Notable Alumni Including

Ross Golan, Donald Webber Jr. (Hamilton),

Ben Bram (Pentatonix) & More

Synopsis:

Just Sing follows a pivotal season with the SoCal VoCals, one of the country’s top collegiate a cappella groups, as they pursue a record-setting sixth ICCA title. With graduation looming and expectations high, the ensemble faces the pressure of competition alongside the uncertainty of what comes next.

Directors Angelique Molina and Abraham Troen take an intimate approach, capturing rehearsals, rivalries, and the personal histories that shape each performer’s voice. From campus practice rooms to national finals, the film balances dynamic performances with unguarded, behind-the-scenes moments, offering a close look at the discipline, camaraderie, and transition that define the chapter of the group’s lives.

Notable SoCal Vocal Alumni

Ross Golan is a multi-platinum songwriter, producer renowned for having penned No. 1 Billboard hits for Maroon 5, Justin Bieber and Keith Urban. Named BMI Songwriter of the Year, he is a leading voice for creators’ rights, helping pass the Music Modernization Act as well as hosting the popular “And The Writer Is…” podcast.

Donald Webber Jr. is one of only a few actors to play both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in Hamilton. He has also appeared on Broadway in Motown the Musical and Holler if Ya Hear Me as well as in the Apple TV+ series “Severance.”

Ben Bram is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning vocal arranger, producer, and educator. He co-created Pentatonix and Citizen Queen, and has contributed to Pitch Perfect, “Glee,” and NBC’s “The Sing-Off.”

Additional well-known alumni of the SoCal VoCals include Broadway performers James Snyder (If/Then); Catherine Ricafort (Allegiance); Bryce Ryness (Matilda, the Musical) and actress-singer-songwriter Kelley Jakle who played Jessica in Pitch Perfect.