The Dayton Celebration Chorus is a welcoming community choir open to adults of all ages who share a love of singing. Whether you're an experienced vocalist or someone just beginning to explore choral music, you'll find a friendly, supportive environment with no auditions required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to grow as a singer!

Affiliated with the University of Dayton’s Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education since 2014, the Chorus continues UD’s rich tradition of lifelong learning and arts engagement. Directed by a professionally trained conductor, the group explores a wide range of choral works with a special focus on American music.

The Chorus performs regularly throughout the Dayton area, including popular appearances at the Grand Illumination on Courthouse Square, Christmas caroling in the Oregon District, and seasonal concerts at St. John's Lutheran Church. Past performances have also taken place at senior living communities, Angel Night at Calvary Cemetery, Art in the City, and special events at the University of Dayton.

Members have enjoyed exciting opportunities to sing alongside the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Columbus’s Harmony Project.

Meet our Director

Sue Jordon is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music where she majored in music education and studied choral conducting, notably under Maynard Klein. During her 50-year career, Sue has directed choirs at all levels, including a college choir in Michigan, adult church choirs in five different states, and children's choirs in S. California and Kentucky. She taught elementary school music in
California and Kentucky, and directed elementary honor choirs in both states. In California, Sue was chosen as a district mentor teacher in general elementary music and served on the board of the Orff Schulwerk Association in Orange County. In Lexington, Kentucky she continued teaching general music, directing children’s choirs and staging successful musical plays. Sue also taught for a year in a private school in Rogers, Arkansas before relocating to KY. After retirement she joined the University of Kentucky OLLI Chorus, and upon moving to the Dayton area she sang with the Dayton Celebration Chorus for two years before being named director in 2022. As director of the Dayton Celebration Chorus, Sue has worked to build choir enrollment and has introduced a wide variety of music to the chorus. Her focus is on creating an enjoyable musical experience for singers, while challenging and building their skills.

Meet our Accompanist

Sam Bennett is a professional pianist based in Dayton, Ohio. He is a collaborative pianist at Sinclair Community College, the music director at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Fairborn, and a piano teacher! He is also certified by the Piano Technician Academy and working to establish himself as a piano tuner and technician. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Wittenberg University, where he studied performance of multiple genres of piano music, as well as composition. Also, he has written and recorded an album of piano music called “A Place in the Woods” which you can listen to on all streaming platforms.