Jacksonville, AL — As frst reported by Brett Buckner withthe JSU media department, the Jacksonville State University Jazz Ensemble is working to raise $60,000 for a nine-day educational tour of Cuba scheduled for March 21–29, 2026. The trip aims to give students an immersive cultural and musical experience focused on the roots of Latin jazz.
Under the direction of Dr. Andy Nevala, the ensemble will participate in daily sessions with faculty and students at the Havana Conservatory, afternoon lectures and demonstrations, and visits to live music venues each evening.
“They will be performing and learning from faculty and students in the Havana Conservatory every morning, experiencing a lecture or demonstration each afternoon, and then visiting live music venues in the evenings,” said Dr. Nevala.
Cuban music has long been one of Dr. Nevala’s research interests, especially its impact on Latin jazz and the musicians who have shaped the genre. “And the food,” he added with a smile. “Can’t talk enough about the food.”
Beyond music, the trip is expected to build life skills and global awareness. “Students will also learn independence, resilience, and problem-solving by navigating a new environment,” Dr. Nevala explained. “They will return home with more confidence and maturity.”
For many of the students, the opportunity represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Abigail Viviers, a sophomore from Cumming, Georgia, said she looks forward to learning from Cuban musicians and incorporating what she learns into her own art. “With the knowledge of how these musicians got to where they are now, I could apply that to my own life and learn to reach for the stars,” she said.
Senior Ethan Wheeler hopes to bring home skills that will enhance his musicianship. “This is a huge opportunity for me as a musician,” Wheeler said. “Being able to experience not only a new area of music but also the differences in how other cultures use music in their day-to-day lives.”
Dr. Nevala said the students will also serve as cultural ambassadors for both Jax State and the United States. “They’ll share American perspectives while learning from locals and immersing themselves in another culture,” he said. “Travel broadens horizons beyond the classroom, and that’s an experience they will never forget.”
The ensemble hopes to fund the trip entirely through donations and performances. “Travel isn’t cheap,” Dr. Nevala said. “Our students are living on ramen noodles, cereal, the Caf, and peanut butter sandwiches. Anything we can do to help these students pay for this experience will come back tenfold when they leave Jax State.”
The Jazz Ensemble will host several fundraising concerts throughout the fall and is available for private performances. Anyone interested in supporting the trip or booking the group can contact Dr. Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu. Donations can also be made online at https://give.jsu.edu/g/jazz-band-goes-to-cuba. Donors will receive an exclusive digital copy of the ensemble’s rendition of “Stars Fell on Alabama.”
