Jazz Band raising funds for spring performance in Cuba
09/26/2025
By Brett Buckner
The Jax State Jazz Ensemble is working to raise $60,000 for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba. The nine-day tour, from March 21 to 29, will expose students to the roots of Latin jazz music through immersive cultural experiences, masterclasses with Cuban musicians, and collaborative performances.
"They will be performing and learning from faculty and students in the Havana Conservatory every morning, experiencing a lecture or demonstration each afternoon," said Dr. Andy Nevala, ensemble director, "and then visiting live music venues in the evenings."
One of Dr. Nevala's research interests is Cuban music, focusing on the traditions associated with it, the great musicians who came from Cuba, and how they have shaped Latin jazz. "And the food," he said. "Can't talk enough about the food."
Traveling abroad encourages appreciation of diversity and empathy toward others. It can also provide a deeper understanding of global issues such as climate change, politics, and economics, beyond what students see in the news. "Students will also learn independence, resilience, and problem-solving by navigating a new environment," Dr. Nevala said. "They will return home with more confidence and maturity."
Abigail Viviers, a 19-year-old sophomore from Cumming Ga, believes traveling to Cuba presents a firsthand opportunity to learn about a culture and the musicians – past and present - that continue to shape that culture and perhaps incorporate into her own music. "With the knowledge of how these musicians got to where they are now," she said, "I could apply that to my own life and learn to reach for the stars in terms of what all I can do.
Being in Cuba and being surrounded by music is sure to be inspiring, Viviers added. "I'm hoping to get a better sense of the passion for music in different people from outside of my community and get new perspectives on how I think and feel about music in everyday life and in my career," she said. "With this trip, I could experience once-in-a-lifetime moments in performances from the lovely people of Cuba."
Ethan Wheeler, a 21-year-old senior, hopes to bring home additional skills that he can carry for the rest of his life, including learning some of the different bass patterns common in Cuban music. "This is a huge opportunity for me as a musician," he said, "being able to experience not only a new area of music, but the differences in how other cultures use music in their day-to-day lives."
The students will also act as cultural ambassadors, not just for Jax State, but for America itself. "[They will be] sharing American perspectives while learning from locals and immersing themselves in another culture," Dr. Nevala said. "Travel broadens horizons beyond the classroom, and that's an experience they will never forget."
The value of such an opportunity will last beyond their time as students.
"Employers value adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and international experience," Dr. Nevala said. "This will help our students become greater citizens, leaders in their communities, and outstanding representatives of the Jax State community."
Such opportunities come at a cost but are well worth the effort. "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 10-fold when they leave Jax State."
All fundraising goes towards travel costs and accommodations. "In this economy," Dr. Nevala said, "even a bus to take them to the airport and back will be over $3,000." The Jazz Ensemble is planning several fundraising concerts throughout the fall and is available for house concerts or private events. Anyone interested in bookings can contact Dr. Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu.
Anyone who donates will receive a an exclusive digital copy of the Jazz Band’s rendition of “Stars Fell on Alabama”