Walk On
Composed and Conducted by Dr. Raymond Wise
African American Choral Ensemble Presents
We have faced so much tragedy. People are in despair, and many want to give up.
But you can make it. Don’t give up.
You’ll come through it—keep walking.
When we walk through the storm, we’ll come to a place of rest.
Walk On
Written, composed, and arranged by Dr. Raymond Wise
Walk on
Through the storm and through the rain
Walk on
Through the hurt and through the pain
Walk on
When you feel all hope is gone
Don’t give up you can make it.
Walk on
Walk on
When you have to walk alone
Walk on
When friends and family are gone
Walk on
Though it seems you’re on your own
Don’t give up you can make it.
Walk on
Oh, oh
Walk on. You just walk on
Hold your head up high
And walk on
Oh, oh
Walk on. You just walk on
Don’t give up you can make it.
Walk on
Just look up and take courage, Walk on
You’ll come through it don’t worry,
Walk on
Don’t give up you can make it.
Walk on, Walk on
Though COVID-19 has stopped us from meeting physically, it hasn’t stopped us from singing. From the African American perspective, singing is the tool through which people maintain their hope, joy, and belief in a better day. It’s important for us to push through and continue to make music.
Dr. Raymond Wise, African American Choral Ensemble Director
African American Choral Ensemble Presents
The Star-Spangled Banner
Arranged by Dr. Raymond Wise
We reimagined the national anthem in a way that honors the African American aesthetic and perspective.
Arranged in a Gospel style, it honors that musical tradition and allows us to claim America.
Through a Gospel music performance aesthetic, we can claim the national anthem and say, “This is our country, too.”
The Star-Spangled Banner
By Francis Scott Key
Gospel Version arranged by Dr. Raymond Wise
Oh, say can you see,
By the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
Through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched,
Were so gallantly streaming?
And the rock/rockets' red glare,
The bombs burst/bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag - - was still there.
Hallelu it’s there
O, o, o say/say does that
Star/star-spangled
Ban/banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home
And the home
And the home
And the home
I sing/I sing/I sing America
It's the home
Alto: This is my country
It's the home
Soprano: Singing America
It's the home
Tenor/Bass: The Land that I love
It's the home
I sing/I sing/I sing America
And the home of the brave
The home of the brave
Support the African American Choral Ensemble 45-year legacy
This year marks the 45th Anniversary of the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE). In celebration of this milestone, AACE will record a CD of signature inspirational songs, titled “Inspire Me.” One of the songs we plan to record is “I’ve Got A Robe.” This song celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equity and has become one of the signature songs that AACE has performed over the past few years. We plan to make a virtual video of this song featuring former AACE members.
To all our AACE alumni, we would love for you to be a part of the video and recording project. If you are interested in joining us, click here to express your interest and to receive more information.
We need your help to produce this project. Your donations will support expenses related to recording, including studio time, audio engineering, and ensuring the safety of all students and participants. Thank you for valuing the arts and diversity.
Give to the African American Choral EnsembleWatch Amen! Music of the Black Church Documentary
Explore the rich traditions, historical significance, and meaning of Black church music in a new concert film, Amen! Music of the Black Church. Recorded before a live audience at the Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Raymond Wise leads the African American Choral Ensemble in a performance of African traditional music to contemporary praise and worship music.