ISU Choir Prepares for Transformative Trip to Costa Rica

The Idaho State University Camerata Choir is preparing for an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica, where members will experience the power of music, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

This nine-day trip, planned by choir director Dr. Francom, will not only provide unique performance opportunities, but also offer participants the chance to expand their horizons beyond the classroom.

Francom has a long history of combining travel with musical education. Inspired by past experiences in Spain, the Czech Republic, and Peru, he believes these trips transform students by immersing them in new cultures and allowing them to connect with people through music.

“In 2017, I took choirs to hike across Spain and sing in cathedrals along the way. It was life-changing,” Francom recalls.

The opportunity to build a culture of foreign travel within the ISU Choir was one of the motivating factors behind Francom’s move to ISU. While many of the predominantly community-member choir has signed up for the Costa Rica trip, only two are students. The cost—approximately $3,000 per person—is a significant barrier, as many ISU students work hard to save for tuition and living expenses, making an international choir trip seem out of reach.

One student was eager to attend but unsure if she could afford it. Despite the uncertainty, she signed up. Later, she became the first to be sponsored by generous donor Brady Belnap, whose contribution made her participation possible.

“She’s a freshman, a leader, and involved in two choirs here at ISU,” Francom says. “This opportunity will change her life.”

There are still two open spots, and Francom hopes they will be filled by students who might otherwise miss out.

“If we could help even four students go on this trip, they would return transformed and share their experiences, inspiring future students to participate,” he says.

The trip’s schedule is packed with performances and cultural experiences. The choir will sing at Alajuela Cathedral, La Soledad Church, and with El Café Chorale, forging musical connections with Costa Rican performers. They will also visit a rural, low-income community to perform at La Fortuna Catholic Church, ensuring that their music reaches diverse audiences.

Choir members will explore Costa Rica’s rich natural beauty with trips to Arenal Volcano, Lankester Botanical Garden, and a sky walk through the rainforest canopy. They will also engage in cultural experiences, such as visiting a coffee plantation and participating in a traditional cooking class.

Francom emphasizes that this trip is about more than just this year—it’s about building a long-term culture of travel within the ISU Choir. Looking ahead, he is already planning a collaborative concert with Boise State University in 2027, followed by a choir pilgrimage to Portugal.

“Our students need to see the world,” he says. “Understanding different cultures through music helps us grow as artists and as people. We live in an era where society often turns inward, but I want to do the opposite—to help students embrace the beauty of the world beyond their own experiences.”

Community members can support this initiative by donating to the ISU Choral Fund, sponsoring a student, or contributing to travel scholarships. Every dollar helps make this opportunity more accessible for students who would otherwise miss out. Sponsored students will carry the name of their scholarship on their resumes and in their hearts, recognizing the impact of their supporters for years to come.

For more information on how to donate or sponsor a student, contact Dr. Francom at (208) 282-2699, jfrancom@isu.edu.