Dayton Celebration Chorus

The Dayton Celebration Chorus offers adults who enjoy singing the opportunity to enhance their vocal skills together with music lovers from across the Miami Valley.  In keeping with the University of Dayton’s tradition of providing noncredit offerings for adult learners, the Chorus affiliated with the UD Office of Special Programs and Special Education in 2014.  There is no audition to join.

Under the direction of a professionally trained director, the Chorus performs a diverse repertoire of choral literature with an emphasis on American music.  In recent years our performance venues have regularly included the Courthouse Square Grand Illumination and downtown Dayton’s First Friday, The Dayton Celebration Chorus has auditioned and been selected annually to sing the National Anthem for a Dayton Dragons game at Fifth Third Field.  In addition to two concerts annually at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dayton, the chorus has sung at various senior communities, Stubbs Park in Washington Township, and the University of Dayton.

Chorus members have also enjoyed performance opportunities with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Festival Community Chorus, the UD New Horizons Band, and the Miami Valley Symphony. 

FALL SESSION 2019:  September 17 to December 3

Rehearsals

• When: Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
• Where:  St. John’s Lutheran Church at Fifth and Ludlow Streets in downtown  Dayton.
• Chorus members park directly behind the church in the church lot which is entered from Fifth Street.  There is a rear entrance to the church that opens directly into the multi-purpose room where rehearsals are held.
• Performances:  Performances for Fall Session are currently being scheduled and will be announced once rehearsals are underway.
• Tuition fee:  $50.00 per session

Registering for Fall 2019

To register online use this link https://udayton.eventsair.com/dcc/fa19dcc091719 or contact the University of Dayton Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education at (937) 229-2347 to request a paper registration form.

More about the choir…..

The Dayton Celebration Chorus is privileged to have as its director and accompanist two accomplished and experienced musicians.  In addition, three University of Dayton undergraduate Music Education majors assist the chorus during practice sessions.

Director

Dr. Andrew Hohman, a native of Ohio, is the conductor of the Dayton Celebration Chorus.  He has recently served at the University of Dayton as a lecturer in choral music education and interim director of choirs.  Dr. Hohman holds a Doctor of Music Education degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, a Master of Music degree from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Cedarville University.  Andrew has been an active part of music education in Ohio, as he was previously the vocal music director at Fairborn High School in Fairborn, Ohio.

Accompanist

Dr. Mary Fahrenbruck holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Ohio State University and is a retired music professor from Central State University, where she taught for 30 years.  She performs professionally as a solo pianist, chamber musician, accompanist, and musical pit orchestra musician throughout the region.

Student Assistants

Caleb Baron
Clare Carey 
Jack DeStephano

Mission and Purpose

As part of its mission and purpose, the Dayton Celebration Chorus:

• provides opportunity for community musicians to build their musicianship skills
• emphasizes healthy singing, with good tone, breath control and diction
• reflects the University of Dayton’s mission and its commitment to building community and to life-long learning
• sings a varied repertoire, both sacred and secular, with a focus on American music
• shares its joy of singing by presenting public performances in the community
• serves as musical ambassadors for the Miami Valley region and the city of Dayton
• promotes wellness and a positive learning and social environment, understanding that healthy singing is good for the body, mind and spirit

 A few words from our members

 “Singing with the Dayton Philharmonic last Christmas in the Schuster was awesome!”

“The choir has provided me an ideal opportunity to return to singing, an activity I hadn't enjoyed since high school.”

“The warm-ups and singing tips have really helped me to sing better and longer and to be a stronger musician.”

"I love the variety of selections!"

“I enjoy the variety of ages in the choir and have made many new friends from all over the Miami Valley region.”

“I may feel tired when I first come to rehearsal after the long workday, but I always feel energized and happier when I am there.”

Support for the Chorus

The Dayton Celebration Chorus is supported through member fees and donations.  Donations to the chorus should be made payable to the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON and sent to Ms. Julie Mitchell, Executive Director; Special Programs and Continuing Education;  University of Dayton; 300 College Park Drive;  Dayton, OH 45469-7011.  Please write DAYTON CELEBRATION CHORUS on your check.  For more information, contact: Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education Phone: 937-229-2347