AACE Spring Concert 2021

This year’s concert represents a great victory for the African American Choral Ensemble. As we have faced this challenging year as a nation and more specifically as a group of singers who are used to gathering together to make music, it has required that we muster up every ounce of creativity and ingenuity to provide a meaningful musical experience for the students. We learned that while the coronavirus can stop us from meeting, as usual, it could not stop us from singing. I am so grateful to the African American Choral Ensemble members who trusted me and followed me on this journey into the virtual music world to create a musical offering for our community.

Secondly, we learned that singing in a choir is about more than music. It is about community. The members of AACE persevered through many challenges to maintain their community and provide a musical offering that would inspire. Whether meeting on zoom or in small groups of four to eight members, we recognized that our AACE family helped us make it through these difficult times. As the enslaved Africans realized, if you keep a song in your heart, you can make it through any trial. Thus, singing together has helped us endure.

Finally, we learned that when facing difficult times, we have one key, our musical gift. While we may not be able to change the world, we can change our corner of the world by using our gift of song. So today, we hope that the gift we offer will bring hope, healing, and light. Keep walking and keep expecting!! We believe there is more to come and better days ahead!!

Blessings,
Dr. Raymond Wise

African American Choral Ensemble 45th Anniversary Spring Concert Program

Shine the Light
Composed by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Band, Piano/Keys: Raymond Wise, Percussion: Alonza Lawrence, Bass: Matt McConahey, Drums: Jon Valdez
Audio Mixing and editing by Raymond Wise
Video Editing by Danarian Brown

Welcome and Introductions

Star-Spangled Banner (National Anthem)
Arranged by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Track arranged by Frank Cleveland, III
Video Editing by Ceylon Wise

Conversations with members of the African American Choral Ensemble

Walk On
Composed by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Lead Vocals: Tislam Swift, Marvin Allen, Marcus Blackmon, William Robison, Raymond Wise, Alonza Lawrence
Instrumental Track arranged by Frank Cleveland, III
Video Editing by Ceylon Wise

Conversations with members of the African American Choral Ensemble

See Me
Composed by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Track arranged by Frank Cleveland, III
Video Editing by Ceylon Wise

Conversations with Dr. Sykes, Graduating Seniors, and AIs

Because of You
Composed by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Instrumental Track arranged by Frank Cleveland, III
Video Editing by Dhayshaneil Booker

Acknowledgements and Conversations with Frank Cleveland, III and AACE Alumni

I’ve Got A Robe
Arranged by Raymond Wise
Vocals performed by The African American Choral Ensemble
Lead Vocals: Raymond Wise
Instrumental Track arranged by Frank Cleveland, III
Video Editing by Ceylon Wise