FIRST PLACE WINNERS OF THE 2026 LOS ANGELES A CAPPELLA FESTIVAL SCHOLASTIC COMPETITION

Unstrumental is Calabasas High School's award winning contemporary a cappella ensemble. The group is led by CHS Vocal Music Director, Michael Siegel, and Voice and Performance Coach, Alana Weiss, with coaching by singer/songwriter and CHS A Cappella alum, Mateo Gonzales.

Founded in 2001, Unstrumental is known for their powerhouse vocals, showstopping soloists, and dynamic stage performances. Committed to artistic growth, Unstrumental challenges its singers to push their limits and refine their skills through every captivating performance. This competitive group caters to CHS students who are passionate about performing and who wish to pursue the performing arts in college or professionally. Unstrumental boasts many alumni who have gone on to study music at prestigious universities and in some of the top a cappella groups in the country, as well as artists who have created successful contemporary music, stage, film and television careers.

Among the group's many accomplishments include being finalists at the 2025 International Championship of High School A Cappella (the competition made famous by the Pitch Perfect franchise), two-time featured performers at Carnegie Hall and four-time first place champions of the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival, where they have competed almost exclusively against collegiate groups and received many awards for their outstanding staging, show-stopping soloists, and impressive vocal percussion. Their studio EP’s have also been featured numerous times on the national A Cappella anthology albums, Best of High School A Cappella and Voices Only.