Everyone loves a good holiday concert this time of year. But few were more excited than Prof. Johnny H. Butler III, director of the UDC Chorale.

“We are excited to retake the stage and share the new material we’ve been working on, in addition to the material we were going to share last year,” he says.  

The UDC Chorale had to sit out the 2023 holiday show, due to a COVID outbreak shortly before the ensemble’s final rehearsal. This year, they were back as part of the 2024 Holiday Concert, a joint production of the UDC Chorale and  UDC Jazz Ensemble. The concert was led by Butler and UDC Jazz Studies Director Allyn Johnson.

Although Butler has directed the choir in previous performances, this marks the first year he will serve as director of choral activities, following a promotion he received in August.  

“That makes it more meaningful for me,” he shares. 

The annual holiday concert is a festive event that unites people through the universal connection of music and song. Butler is especially hoping to see members of the UDC community come out. 

“The students look forward to performing and are always excited to see the university community in the audience who, by showing up, are supporting their art and the disciplines, which they work so hard on daily,” Butler says.  

The UDC Chorale brings together dedicated singers of all voice types who demonstrate a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit. If you are a talented singer interested in joining the group, visit this page and contact Butler for audition information.