Director of Choral Activities for the Music department Dr. Eliezer Yanson, Jr. is originally from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, and received his BM and MM from Bob Jones University and his DMA from the University of South Carolina. Yanson will be taking the JSU A Capella Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 27th. Additionally, the Chamber Singers- directed by Yanson- have been invited to participate in the Montana International Choral Festival. 

Below is a link to one of the A Capella Choir’s performances. 

JSU A Capella Choir Performance 

Tell us about these opportunities.

 In my opinion, Carnegie Hall is the concert hall of concert halls. The ambiance and acoustics of this hall are hard to explain. It’s a magical and special place. This will be my third time appearing at Carnegie Hall. I am extremely thrilled that the JSU A Cappella Choir will have this experience very, very soon. Aside from our debut performance, the A Cappella Choir will join other invited choirs to perform the Requiem by John Rutter with Dr. Allen Hightower, director of choral studies at the University of North Texas, with the New York City Chamber Orchestra. The students are in for a real treat working with one of the country’s most sought-after conductors, clinicians, and professional orchestras. The Chamber Singers have also been invited by audition to participate in the Montana International Choral Festival along with fifteen choirs from the USA (Alabama, California, Montana, Utah) and Costa Rica, Georgia (2), Germany, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, and Uganda. We hope to attend, but the trip is very costly ($20K is needed for this trip). This festival is held every three years. Should we go, we will be the first choir from Alabama to participate in this international event.

How long have you been working at JSU?

This is my fourth year.

What is your favorite part of your job?

A Capella Choir, Chamber Singers, Civic Chorale, Choral Literature for Teachers, Seminar in Choral Music.

What is your favorite thing about the Music department?

Collegiality and support. We have each other’s backs.

Do you have any ongoing projects or academic activities you’d like to share?

I will be one among 25 invited presenters to speak at the World Symposium on Choral Music (held every three years­) this coming April in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Do you have any notable achievements you wish to share?

I was the 2015 3rd Prize Winner of The American Prize in Conducting: College/University Chorus Division.

What do you do in your spare time?

Spend time with family, and explore nearby cities and attractions.

What advice would you give to a student of yours?

Practice, practice, practice; Learn to manage time wisely, Eat nutritious food, and find time for exercise and relaxation.

Anything else you would like us to include?

While passionate about conducting and teaching, my greatest role is being Martha’s husband and Isabella and Andre’s father.