JACKSONVILLE– The Jax State choir plans a European tour and an international competition in Germany in May 2027.
The A Cappella Choir will compete at the 14th International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition in Wernigerode, Germany, May 19–23. Beforehand, it also plans performances in Prague, Czechia, and Leipzig, Germany.
Jax State’s September 28 announcement confirms a $30,000 fundraising goal to help students pay for the trip.
Bringing Alabama Music Abroad
The tour will also include a new choral arrangement of “My Home’s in Alabama” by graduate student Silas Tankersley. Alabama’s Teddy Gentry and Jax State alumnus Randy Owen wrote the song.
Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eliezer Yanson Jr. also hopes the experience will broaden students’ musical and cultural perspectives.
According to festival organizer INTERKULTUR, the event has welcomed international choirs since 1999. It emphasizes Brahms and other music from the German Romantic tradition.
The festival also offers evaluation performances and individual coaching. In addition to category competitions, it includes a grand prize contest for category winners and other choirs selected by the jury.
Building on an International Debut
The Germany trip follows the choir’s 2025 appearance at the CantaRode International Choral Festival in the Netherlands.
The choir finished fourth, just one point behind third place, according to the university. Festival organizers invited 10 choirs from a field of 22 applicants.
Jax State also described that tour as the ensemble’s first European competition. Founded in 1960, the university’s flagship choir draws students from various academic disciplines through auditions.
Fundraising to Reduce Student Costs
Meanwhile, the university lists the 2027 trip cost at $3,499 per student. Yanson hopes the $30,000 campaign will reduce each student’s contribution to $2,800.
Supporters can donate through the JSU Foundation’s choir giving page. They can also mail donations to the JSU Foundation at Self Hall 240, Jacksonville State University, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265.
Checks should include “JSU Choirs” in the memo line.
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