Julian J. Goods, a conductor and educator, was named the new artistic director of Rackham Choir, effective February 6, 2025.

The choir now looks forward to a vibrant new era under the leadership of Julian J. Goods, a rising star in the choral world. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Chicago, IL, Mr. Goods brings a wealth of experience and a passion for inclusivity and innovation in choral music. Currently serving as Co-Director of Choirs at the Detroit School of Arts, Mr. Goods holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music from the University of Michigan, where he studied under renowned educators such as Dr. Eugene Rogers and Prof. Daniel Washington.

He succeeds Brandon Waddles, PhD., who has been named Associate Music Director for The Wiz National Tour.

Rackham Choir has long appreciated Mr. Goods’ exceptional talent, as he has served as the choir’s collaborative pianist for the past four years. His deep connection with the ensemble and dedication to musical excellence make him a natural choice to lead the choir into its next chapter. Mr. Goods will continue as Music Coach for Rackham Choir's High School Vocal Intern Program.

Along with his duties at Detroit School of Arts, Mr. Goods also serves as organist for the historic Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. As an organist, Mr. Goods has appeared in recital at the University of Michigan Organ Conference, The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. Central Region Conference, and has served as organist for many major work concerts, including John Rutter’s Requiem, Dan Forest’s Jubilate Deo, and G.F. Handel’s Messiah which was conducted by Dr. Eugene Rogers. Mr. Goods has served as music director for several production including Encore Theatre’s production of Ain’t MisBehavin’, Basement Arts (Michigan) production of Crowns, Musket’s production of The Wiz, Blank Space Workshop’s production of Diseducated, and the Detroit School of Arts’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Beyond his skills at the piano and organ, Mr. Goods has performed as a vocalist in many venues and in various productions including the University Musical Society’s Porgy and Bess: Opera in Concert in 2018. Mr. Goods’ impressive career includes international experience in South Africa, where he immersed himself in the nation’s choral music traditions, and notable guest conductor roles, such as leading the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church’s annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah.

A recipient of several awards, Mr. Goods most recently received an award for his commitment to education by the Detroit Public School Community District and the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award from the North Campus Deans of the University of Michigan for his commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. He also received the Earl V. Moore Award from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance for exemplifying the highest level of artistic achievement in the Music Department, and was named one of the members of the Diapason Magazine’s 20 under 30 Class of 2019 for his devotion to the Organ, the Harpsichord, Carillon, and Church Music.

Mr. Goods holds membership in a host of organizations including The American Choral Directors Association, The American Guild of Organists, and The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. As a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. he serves as the Central Region Director and Co-Convention Chairperson.

“Julian is a gifted conductor and educator whose dedication to diversity and musical excellence aligns perfectly with Rackham Choir’s mission,” said Simone Bonino, Rackham Choir’s Board Vice President and Marketing Chair. “We are thrilled to welcome him and embark on this exciting new chapter together.”

Mr. Goods debuted as Artistic Director in Rackham’s spring concert, A Celebration of Love and Joy, featuring André J. Thomas’ Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy and other works celebrating unity and resilience. The performance took place on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 4 PM at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.

Rackham is among the oldest vocal music groups in metro Detroit. Founded in 1949 with high ambitions in classical music, the choir performed for a time with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Julian J. Goods currently serves as Co-Director of Choirs at Detroit School of Arts. He is a two time graduate of the University of Michigan receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Along with his duties at Detroit School of Arts, Mr. Goods also serves as organist for the historic Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, MI and collaborative pianist for the Rackham Chorus. As an organist, Mr. Goods has appeared in recital at the University of Michigan Organ Conference, The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. Central Region Conference, and has served as organist for many major work concerts, including John Rutter’s Requiem, Dan Forest’s Jubilate Deo, and G.F. Handel’s Messiah which was conducted by Dr. Eugene Rogers. Mr. Goods has served as music director for several production including Encore Theatre’s production of Ain’t MisBehavin’, Basement Arts (Michigan) production of Crowns, Musket’s production of The Wiz, Blank Space Workshop’s production of Diseducated, and the Detroit School of Arts’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Beyond his skills at the piano and organ, Mr. Goods has performed as a vocalist in many venues and in various productions including the University Musical Society’s Porgy and Bess: Opera in Concert in 2018.

A recipient of several awards, Mr. Goods most recently received an award for his commitment to education by the Detroit Public School Community District and the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award from the North Campus Deans of the University of Michigan for his commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. He also received the Earl V. Moore Award from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance for exemplifying the highest level of artistic achievement in the Music Department, and was named one of the members of the Diapason Magazine’s 20 under 30 Class of 2019 for his devotion to the Organ, the Harpsichord, Carillon, and Church Music.

Mr. Goods holds membership in a host of organizations including The American Choral Directors Association, The American Guild of Organists, and The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. As a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. he serves as the Central Region Director and Co-Convention Chairperson.