The Seven Song Itch - African-American Choral Ensemble

The African-American Choral Ensemble (ACE) was a big part of my life while I was studying at Indiana University.  Being a member of this ensemble exposed me to several genres of music that I had not encountered in my previous years of church and show choirs.  Among spirituals and formally composed works, I was introduced to contemporary gospel, and my life has not been the same since.  Though most of the songs in this list are not technically contemporary, most of them are over twenty years old; they were a part of my education.  Dr. James E. Mumford (Doc), director of the ensemble at the time, included many of these songs in our repertoire and I cannot thank him enough for these songs.  My appreciation for music, all music, stems from ACE’s theme song (Music by Undine Smith Moore and Lyrics by Michelangelo Buonarroti), which states, “True art is made noble and religious by the mind producing it.  For those who feel it, nothing makes the soul so religious and pure as the endeavor to create something perfect. For God is perfection. And whoever strives after perfection is striving after God.”  In honor of the Easter holiday, I would like to take you all to ‘church’ to remember that there are greater things in this world that have yet to be realized.

I’ve included a few more songs from the ensemble for this Playlist of the African-AmericanChoral Ensemble

1. The Winans – “Breaking of Day”(1987)

Though the song, “Millions” (1987) is my favorite from this group, I feel like I need something more upbeat—and this one delivers.  This song is taken from their live album at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.  ACE has three small groups: Sojourner (six women), Soul-ACE (six men), and God’s Progress (three men and three women), which performed individually in addition to their ensemble duties.  I have always wanted to be a part of Soul-ACE, but never had the discipline it takes to sing these songs with the greatness they deserve.  There is a special place in my heart for these distinguished men.  They bring the good news and take names.

2. Take Six – “Mary”(1990)

Since I wasn’t in Soul-ACE, I parleyed my enthusiasm for ACE into becoming one of the tech crew.  I toured with all three ensembles (ACE, African-American Dance Company and The IU Soul Review) while working at the African-American Arts Institute but ACE was my family.  There were hours upon hours of traveling in the tech van and each of us would bring our favorite music to listen to on the trip.  Needless to say, my contributions were ‘interesting’, but my song selections were taken in with an open heart and mind.  One trip, Take Six was placed into the cassette player and from that point on this group’s music became our travel soundtrack. This is another song that Soul-ACE performed, and you better bet your sweet bippy that they did a great job.

3. The Clark Sisters “I’m Encouraged” (1982)

This is from the Clark Sisters 1982 album, “Sincerely.”  This song is my favorite when performed by one of our small groups: Sojourner.  These ladies know how to bend notes and ears to the calling of God.  Just just hearing a few notes from this song would wash any problem away.  It’s profound how a simple song can change someone’s life.  It continues to be powerful to this day.

4. The Cast of the Gospel At Colonus – “How Shall I see you though my tears?” (1985)

Okay, this song has a lot of history, so pay attention.  Experimental-theatre director Lee Breuer adapted the Sophocles's tragedy, “Oedipus at Colonus,” but sets the story in a Black Pentecostal Church.  If that’s not strange enough, a single individual, as well as a small choral group, portrays the character Oedipus.  For years ACE flirted with the idea of producing this show, and eventually did after I left IU.  I can’t think of a better show for ACE than this one.

5. Richard Smallwood-“In This House”(1988)

Doc always said, that you don’t have to do run’s of vocal notes to make a song special or sacred (paraphrasing here).  Although, Sojourner’s version of this song really brings down the house, this version is a testament of how great music can be felt on an international level.  I give mad props to this group and its soloist for doing such an amazing song.

6. Kirk Franklin – “Why We Sing”(1992)

This is a great song for me because sometimes I forget why I am doing something.  This isn’t to say that I am lost, but sometimes questions come up and I don’t have answers.  Being in ACE helped provide me with some of the answers because it is more than just a choir; it is a family.  I engaged in countless conversations with many different people about their beliefs and why they sang.  Doc did more than just teach us harmony, he taught us how to live in it.

7. Rev. Milton Brunson- “My Mind Is Made Up”(1991/1992)

Sometimes you just have to make your mind up and do what’s right for you.  You can choose to be sad and wallow in your problems or you can find happiness.  The way you perceive a specific situation is determined by your frame of mind. If your mind and thoughts are positive, you will always be in a position to seize the opportunities that are before you.

Bonus Video: Sojourner (AACE) sings “Balm in Gilead”

This is an outtake of a Sojourner alumni gathering, kicking it old school.  I am so glad that someone got this on video!  They sound angelic as ever.