This weekend, Niles West will be hosting Sing Strong, an a capella conference with guest speakers, performances, and competitions.

The conference starts from today at 7 p.m. with the Aca-Idol Competition, where a capella groups of any variety can compete in front of real judges that will judge the talent on the spot.

“[The Aca-Idol Competition] will be like the real thing, as if it would be American Idol,” senior Mary Mando said, who has volunteered for the conference. “It’s going to be so exciting to get to see that live.”

On Saturday, the day consists of classes and coaching on arranging, performing, and beat boxing. There will also be a high school competition, where high school a capella groups will compete to perform later that night in the professional concerts.

“There’ll be a variety of classes, and I’m so excited to meet some of the guest speakers,” junior volunteer Maria Sarantopoulos said.  “I can’t wait to see who will win the [high school] competition. Hopefully, it’ll be one of our own [groups.]”

Sunday will follow the same schedule except from the high school competition. Acts like Nota, Traces, Swingle Singers, Blue Jupiter, THUMMp, and Julia Easterlin will be performing on Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 pm. and on Sunday at 2 p.m.

“I’m so excited to see Julia Easterlin because she’s very independent and powerful on stage,” Mando said.

“I’m not in any of the choirs, or anything, but this show sounds amazing, and the groups that will be performing are awesome,” senior Selina Montero said.

The weekend pass varies from $75 to $100 while tickets for the individual concerts start from $15 and increase to $35. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.SingStrong.org.