X T E N S I O N c h O R D S
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Established 1992
We are The Xtension Chords
Hailing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Xtension Chords is a competitive all male a cappella group composed of fourteen strapping young gentlemen. For over twenty-seven years, the group has provided audiences with tight harmonies, smooth choreography, and, last but not least, good looks.
What We Do
The Xtension Chords compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) every year and have received several awards. They also perform for events around campus including bid day, philanthropy events, and mom's weekend, as well as throughout the Midwest. They go on tour twice a year, performing for thousands.
Our Work
In addition to live performances, the Xtension Chords have released multiple singles and albums, dating back to the mid '90s. Their most recent EP, "X-Static," was released in Summer 2018 and is available for purchase on iTunes. The album features hits such as "Burning Up," "Colder Weather," "Castle on the Hill," and more!
Highlights
2022
- 2nd Place ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal 5
- Released our 10th studio album, Power Hour
2021
- 1st Place ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal 3
- Best Videography
- 3rd Place ICCA Great Lakes Semifinals
- Outstanding Soloist (Kenan Ozer)
2020
- 3rd Place ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal 3
2018
- Released our 1st EP, X-Static
2017
- ICCA Great Lakes Quarterfinal 1
- Best Choreography
- Performed the National Anthem at a Chicago Bulls Game
2016
- Released our single, Insomniac (Live in Studio)
2014
- Released our 9th Studio Album, Wired Up
- Our song, "Spectrum," from our album, Wired Up, was featured on Voices Only 2014, Vol. 2 (A Cappella)
2013
- ICCA Midwest Semifinal Qualifier
- 2nd Place at the ICCA Midwest
Quarterfinal 1
- Outstanding Arrangement for "Swallowed in the Sea"
2009
- Released our 8th Studio Album, Shameless Plug
2007
- Released our 7th Studio Album, Creative Outlet
- Our single, "Just the Girl," was featured on BOCA 2007: Best of College A Cappella
2006
- 1st Place at the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal
- Outstanding Choreography
2005
- Released our 6th Studio Album
- 1st Place at the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal
- Outstanding Arrangement for "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" (Jeff Grider)
- Outstanding Choreography
- 2nd Place ICCA Midwest Finals
- Outstanding Choreography
2004
- ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal 3
- Outstanding Choreography
- Outstanding Vocal Percussion (David Baker)
2003
- 3rd Place at the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal 3
- Special Award: Outstanding Original Song for "Nothing Lasts Forever" (Barry Horwitz)
- Crowd Pleaser Award for "Wild Wild West"
2002
- Released our 5th Studio Album, Rollin' Up The Sleeves
- Released the album, Best of X
2001
- Our single, "Inside Out," was featured on BOCA 2001: Best of College A Cappella
2000
- Released our 4th Studio Album, Aftershock
- 2nd Place at the ICCA Midwest Quarterfinal 1
- Outstanding Soloist (Barry Horwitz)
1998
- Released our 3rd Studio Album, No Purchase Necessary
1997
- Released our 2nd Studio Album, Aftershock
- CARA Runner Up for "Best Male Collegiate Album"
- CARA Best Arrangement for "Ordinary World" (David Wilner)
- Our single, "Jesse's Girl," was featured on BOCA 1997-1998: Best of College A Cappella
1996
- Our single, "Picture Perfect," was featured on BOCA Vol. 1&2: Best of College A Cappella
1994
- Released our 1st Studio Album, Shock Value
1992
- The Xtension Chords were founded
Upcoming Events
Xtension Chord Auditions
August 22nd - August 24th
Foreign Language Building
**"Power Hour", our 10th studio album, is out on all streaming platforms!**
