Jarvis Christian University has named Donald Aaron, III, to lead the JCU choir beginning in the fall of 2024. Classes start Monday, August 12.
A native of Atoka, Oklahoma, Aaron began singing when he was six years old in church and later doing musical theatre. He earned an associate degree in liberal arts at Southwest Christian College in Terrell, Texas; a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Missisippi. He previously taught at the Piney Woods School, a college preparatory boarding school in Piney Woods, Mississippi.
When he was in middle school, Aaron said he thought about a professional singing career, but his high school choir director was such an inspiration to him, Aaron decided he wanted to teach and become a choir director. A bass singer, Aaron is a member of the Community Church of Christ in Mesquite, Texas, and a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
As JCU director of choral activities, Aaron has immediate plans. He plans to recruit more students and build the size of the JCU choir, prepare them to perform and tour, and “make the Jarvis Choir the best HBCU Choir in the country.”
Associate Professor of Music Dr. Gerald Bieritz said, “As much as I have enjoyed serving as the interim choir director this past year, I am excited for our students to have our new Director of Choral Activities Donald Aaron to coach, teach, and inspire them as we work to expand the music academic programs at Jarvis.”
Jarvis provides a culturally rich environment where students are empowered to achieve their career goals through an inclusive and diverse academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University develops all of its students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. 
