UDC Music Program

06/02/2026

The UDC Music Program's Choral Department presents a special 30-minute documentary chronicling the recording process of the UDC Chorale's debut project, "My Soul is a Witness for My Lord: The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre". This film features interviews with Chorale members, collaborating musicians, and the director. A process that started in June of 2025. This documentary originally premiered on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the University of District of Columbia College of Arts and Sciences’, Final Lecture of the semester in front of an appreciative audience.
Executive Produced by: Johnny H. Butler III
Produced and Edited by: Asha H.V. Moore-Smith
Photography and Videography: Christian Calaway, Jordan Davis, Isaiah King and Asha H.V. Moore - Smith.

04/29/2026

Repost from

“This Friday, May 1, at 12 pm, join Professor Johnny Butler as he serves as the lecturer for CAS’s (College of Arts and Sciences) “Last Lecture”. He will reflect on the 18-month journey of the UDC Chorale’s debut recording, “My Soul is a Witness for My Lord: The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre.” It’s a milestone conversation that highlights the dedication, artistry, and scholarship that brought the project to life. This lecture follows last week’s Spring Concert, continuing a meaningful season of music, storytelling and celebration within the UDC community. The lecture will feature the premiere of a mini-documentary on the recording process, including behind-the-scenes photos and interviews with members of the Chorale and other musical participants, followed by an informal listening session.

Join the UDC Chorale and be a part of a dynamic community of student musicians committed to excellence in story selling through song. Step into your voice - your seat in the Chorale awaits.”

04/16/2026

“That’s How Good God Is” is Phillip McIntyre’s most well-known composition. This 4- part (SATB) choral work is known for its thoughtful, flowing melodic line, its chromatic inner voice leading, which holds both tension and satisfying resolutions, and a grounding bass line that can be thought of as a secondary melody. It is an original sacred anthem with a deeply moving lyric by the composer. This piece is a favorite of the ensemble and the Director. Enjoy this moving performance by the Chorale, accompanied by Professor Evelyn Simpson-Curenton's sensitive accompaniment and nuanced direction by Professor Johnny Butler III.

04/16/2026

Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival-Monday, Apr 27th - 8 PM
The powerhouse jazz ensembles from the University of the District of Columbia (dir. Allyn Johnson), Howard University (dir. Paul Carr), and the University of Maryland (dir. Mark A. Williams) return to celebrate 37 years of world-class jazz.

This year, the festival welcomes Paul Carr as director of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. We also honor the memory of Fauneé – a prominent and beloved voice on D.C. jazz radio and the festival’s longtime host. Join us as we honor her legacy and the music she championed for decades.

Location: THEATRE OF THE ARTS, UDC Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. 20008.
For ticket information: [email protected], 202-274-5803 or bigbandjazzfest.org

04/15/2026

For those who were unable to attend the Spring Concert given by the Chorale, you can find the digital FlipGrid booklet here -->

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

04/01/2026

TUES, APR 7 @ 2pm -JAZZforum: Celebrating a Legacy: Mike Binsky & Baltimore’s The Bandstand. Join veteran broadcaster Rusty Hassan, jazz lover and supporter Ruth Binsky, and a host of musicians who once graced the stage at Baltimore’s The Bandstand for a celebration of the life and legacy of Mike Binsky (1946–2017) and the club that became a premier destination for musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. Recital Hall (46W), UDC, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW (202) 274-5803 - [email protected] - jazzaliveUDC.org.

03/27/2026

Save the Date

The University of the District of Columbia Chorale will present their Spring Concert, ‘My Soul is a Witness for My Lord: The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre,’ on Tuesday, April 14th, at 7 pm in the Theatre of the Arts on the Van Ness campus. This concert will celebrate the release of the Chorale’s recording of the same name. CDs will be available for purchase after the event.

Special guests will be The Laurel High School Spartan Singers under the direction of Mr. Kevin A. Lewis, Sr.

Free Admission!

03/25/2026

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/782365/swing-beat-this-isnt-an-obituary-for-bobby-felder-but-an-ode-to-his-legacy/

Felder, who died March 1 at 96, was a jack-of-all-trades: a muscian, composer, bandleader, organizer, talent scout, archivist, and educator.

03/24/2026

The University of the District of Columbia Chorale’s premiere recording, “My Soul is a Witness for My Lord (The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre)“ will be available on most streaming platforms on Friday, March 27th.

This project was recorded during the summer months of 2025, and features Concert Spiritual arrangements, hymn arrangements, and one self-composed Sacred work by the late Mr. Phillip McIntyre. McIntyre was a Professor of Music at the University from 1987 to 1991.

The choir’s collaborative pianist for this project was Mrs. Leona Lowery - Fitzhugh, and it is under the direction of Professor Johnny H. Butler III.

03/02/2026

Robert “Bobby” Felder was a towering figure in the Washington, D.C. music community. Bobby joined the faculty of the Federal City College in 1968 which later merged to form the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in 1976. He served as the Director of Instrumental Music and Music Education at UDC for 23 years, where he was instrumental in establishing the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives and the annual Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival. Throughout his retirement, he remained active as a performer and mentor. Rest in Power, Bobby. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the music and musicians.