JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Jacksonville State University’s A Cappella Choir has been named a national finalist in the college/university (smaller program) division of The American Prize in Choral Performance, earning recognition among the nation’s outstanding collegiate choral programs.
The ensemble, directed by Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., is one of 10 collegiate choirs nationwide selected as finalists in its division. Other finalists represent institutions including New Mexico State University, Hope College, Lawrence University, Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Trinity University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bemidji State University, the University of Nebraska Kearney and the University of Mary.
Founded in 2010, The American Prize is a nonprofit competition recognizing excellence in the performing arts. The annual awards honor achievement in performance, conducting, composition and arts administration across professional, collegiate, community and high school levels.
Unlike traditional competitions that rely on live performances, finalists are selected through an evaluation of submitted recordings. Judges assess ensembles based on artistic excellence, musicianship, repertoire selection and overall performance quality.
According to The American Prize, there is no predetermined number of finalists in each category. Instead, ensembles are recognized based on their artistic achievement and overall musical excellence. In ensemble divisions, adjudicators also consider the size of each program and the relative difficulty of the repertoire performed.
Winners and runners-up in this year’s competition are expected to be announced later this year following the completion of the adjudication process.
