Jax State A Cappella Choir Named National Finalist for The American Prize

07/08/2026

Recognition places ensemble among the nation's outstanding collegiate choral programs. 

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, recognizing the ensemble among the nation's outstanding collegiate choirs. 

Directed by Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr., the Jax State ensemble was one of only 10 collegiate choirs nationwide selected as finalists in its division, joining ensembles from institutions across the country, 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, University of Nebraska Kearney, and the University of Mary.  

The American Prize is the nation's most comprehensive series of nonprofit competitions in the performing arts. Founded in 2010, the annual competition recognizes excellence in performance, conducting, composition and arts administration at the professional, collegiate, community and high school levels. Unlike traditional competitions, finalists are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of submitted recordings rather than live performances. Judges evaluate ensembles based on artistic excellence, musicianship, repertoire and overall performance quality.  

According to the competition, there is no predetermined number of finalists in each division. Instead, ensembles earning finalist status are those judged worthy of additional consideration based on artistic achievement and the overall impression of musical excellence. In the ensemble divisions, adjudicators also consider the size of each program and the relative difficulty of the repertoire performed.  

The American Prize will announce winners and runners-up later this year following the completion of the adjudication process.