Members of the choir standing outside of Mason Hall.

The Fredonia Chamber Choir at the State University of New York at Fredonia, under the direction of Dr. Vernon Huff, was named a National Finalist for the second consecutive year for the American Prize.

The choir was tapped as a 2024 National Finalist in the category of Choral Performance – college/university division (larger program). Other finalists include the University of Arkansas Schola Cantorum, the University of Memphis University Singers, the University of Wisconsin at Madison Treble Choir and Concert Choir, and KU [University of Kansas] Glee.

Performances submitted by Dr. Huff as part of the competition entry included “Nunc Dimittis” by Paul Smith, “Music in the Night” by Elaine Hagenberg, and “Wondrous Love,” Traditional, arr. by Parker/Shaw.

Huff noted, “This distinction is a testament to the incredible drive and dedication of our students, who constantly strive for excellence and beauty in their music-making. The chamber choir recently performed in Boston at the American Choral Directors northeastern convention, and at the New York State Schools of Music Association annual convention in Rochester. I am incredibly proud of these students, and feel fortunate to be a part of an institution that always encourages our students to reach their full potential in all that they do.”

Dean of the School of Music David Stringham added, “This recognition is yet another example of how Fredonia’s quality programs are highly regarded within and beyond New York State. All of us at Fredonia’s School of Music join in celebrating our Chamber Choir and their achievement.”

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts presents the annual awards. The description on its website states, “The American Prize is unique in scope and structure, designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the United States at professional, college/university, community and high school levels, based on submitted recordings. Now in its 13th year, The American Prize was founded in 2010 and is awarded annually in many areas of the performing arts. Thousands of artists from all 50 states have derived benefit from their participation in the contests of The American Prize, representing literally hundreds of communities and arts organizations across the nation.”