Aeolians

The Aeolians of Oakwood University celebrate being named World Choir competition winners during an international music festival in Wales last week.

(Oakwood University)

Many Alabama universities identify with their championship football programs.

At Oakwood University, it's the Aeolians.

The elite choir at the private Seventh Day Adventist university in Huntsville travels the country and the world, routinely bringing home accolades.

Last week, the Aeolians brought home the Choir of the World title after competing in an international choral competition in Wales, in the United Kingdom, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. And the choir's director, Dr. Jason Ferdinand, was named Outstanding Director of the World Choral Festival.

Oakwood University's Aeolians perform at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, England. The choir's director, Dr. Jason Ferdinand, was named Outstanding Director of the World Choral Festival.

It's winning performance - "Entreat Me Not to Leave You" -- had members of the the audience crying, Ferdinand said.

"It was a very moving moment," Ferdinand said.

It was a moving accomplishment for the Aeolians to win the World Choir title this year in particular, Ferdinand said. The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is celebrating its 70th year, having been started after World War II as a way to unite the world in peace through music.

This is also the Aeolians' 70th anniversary. The group travels extensively, including recent trips to Russia, Jamaica and Canada, along with numerous performances across the country each year.

"The Aeolians schedule is pretty grueling as a student, but it makes them better people," said Ferdinand. Because of the demanding travel schedule, the Aeolians must learn to manage their time and studies moreso than the average college student.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod brings all types of musical groups and performers together for a week, and impromptu jam sessions often break out on the street, Ferdinand said.

The competition is tough, with judges giving "American Idol"-like critiques to each group after their performances.

"It was a learning opportunity as well," Ferdinand said.

Oakwood took 60 Aeolians to Wales, and performed across the United Kingdom in castles and cathedrals prior to the competition. Forty six of them took part in the World Choir competition.

To be chosen as an Aeolian, members have to be talented individual singers, because solos are mixed into the group performances. But it's the incredible harmonies that make this group special.

"When they come together as a group, that's when they really, really shine," Ferdinand said.

Updated to correct the location to Wales, United Kingdom