Dudley Birder joined the St. Norbert College music faculty in 1958, and in the intervening five decades he has developed and led several exceptional musical initiatives that have brought together the campus and local communities. Affectionately known as “ Green Bay ’s music man,” Dudley Birder has become a legend in his adopted community and a symbol of musical innovation, quality and excitement.

In 1962 Dudley founded St. Norbert College Music Theatre, a continuing summer tradition in northeastern Wisconsin that has entertained thousands of audience members, engaged hundreds of local performers, and launched numerous professional careers. (For information on this year’s Music Theatre productions, go to http://www.snc.edu/musictheatre/.)

In 1974, and as a tribute to his friend and recently deceased colleague, Fr. Joseph Dorff, O. Praem., Professor Birder organized a 50-member chorale of students, faculty and community singers to perform Durufle’s Requiem Mass . That choral group later evolved into the St. Norbert Community Chorus, which in turn became the Collegiate Chorale and performed under the co-direction of Dudley Birder and Marshall Moss until 1982, when Professor Birder assumed full responsibility. In 1999, to honor its co-founder and long-time artistic director, the Chorale’s board of directors voted to change the Chorale’s name to the Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College. (For more information about the Chorale, go to http://www.snc.edu/birderchorale/.)

Prior to his 1992 retirement from the St. Norbert College faculty, Professor Birder also led the famous “Swinging Knights” student show choir, organized the annual “Poppourri” concerts on graduation weekend, and developed the popular holiday “Madrigal Dinners” during the Christmas season. He also served as musical director at Union Congregational Church in Green Bay , and was an unofficial ambassador for the College throughout northeastern Wisconsin .

Today, at age 82 and reporting to the vice president for college advancement, Dudley still serves as artistic director of both the Dudley Birder Chorale and St. Norbert College Music Theatre. He also continues his ambassadorial role for the College and assists with the College’s fundraising efforts.

In his spare time Dudley takes great pleasure in golfing, spending time with his many friends and supporters and his six children and thirteen grandchildren.

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The College Advancement staff is committed to building meaningful relationships with alumni and friends of St. Norbert College to ensure that all gifts are directed to the purposes asked by donors. >>MORE