Camp Soul 2023!

Camp S.O.U.L. - Students Obtaining Unique Musical Levels - is a pre-college camp for high school students that is centered on African American music. Camp Soul will be held on June 11 - 16, 2023.

Camp Soul Finale Concert

AAAI Releases its first album!

Inspire Me is an album of 10 inspirational recorded by the award-winning African American Choral ensemble, composed and arranged by Dr. Raymond Wise.

Purchase NOW!

Honoring Dr. Herman C. Hudson’s 100th Birthday

As one of the first African American leaders at Indiana University, few individuals have made a more powerful impact on the institution’s academic environment than Hudson.

Learn more

black and white photo of herman c hudson smiling

One of a kind for 48 years

Since 1974, the African American Arts Institute (AAAI) the nation’s only program that manages credit-bearing ensembles dedicated to the performance of black music and dance. The AAAI is made up of three performing ensembles offered as courses in IU’s Department of
African American and African Diaspora Studies.

Learn more about the AAAI

Performing Ensembles

African American Choral Ensemble

Directed by Raymond Wise

The African American Choral Ensemble features a broad repertoire of African American choral music including spirituals, Gospel, and formally composed works.

Learn about the Choral Ensemble

African American Dance Company

Directed by Stafford Berry

The African American Dance Company shares dance of the American and African diaspora including African styles, contemporary, jazz, and other cultural forms.

Learn about the Dance Company

IU Soul Revue

Directed by James Strong

Established in 1971, the IU Soul Revue performs post-World War II Black popular music, from timeless R&B, soul, and funk to hip hop and other contemporary music styles. The ensemble includes vocals, horns, and rhythm sections.

Learn about the Soul Revue