UDC Chorale: A Legacy of Excellence and Cultural Ambassadorship
Founded in 1969 by the late Dr. William Howard Moore at Federal City College, a predecessor of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the UDC Chorale has long been a beacon of musical excellence and cultural ambassadorship. Under the leadership of Dr. Moore and the late Percy L. Gregory, the Chorale earned recognition as UDC's goodwill ambassadors to the nation's capital.
Following their tenure, the Chorale was led by a series of distinguished conductors, including Samuel Bonds, the late Phillip McIntyre, the late Derek Campbell, William Jones, Everett P. Williams and Richard Odom. Today, under the direction of Johnny H. Butler III and pianist/organist Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, the UDC Chorale continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.
The choir's repertoire spans a wide range of choral literature, with a special emphasis on the works of African American composers and the rich tradition of Spirituals. In addition to performing at regularly scheduled university events, the UDC Chorale has graced the stages of historic local churches such as Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and Reid Temple AME Church in Glen Dale, Maryland. Their performances have also been featured on FOX5 DC News, at the Capitol One Arena, Wesley Theological Seminary and the HBCU Choral Festival at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
By maintaining its commitment to musical excellence and cultural representation, the UDC Chorale continues to inspire and uplift audiences both locally and beyond.
