African American Choral Ensemble brings together 100 voices for anniversary concert

By Sophie Albert

Article Raymond Wise, the executive director of the African American Arts Institute and director of AACE said the ensemble was founded in 1975 due to an outgrowth of the IU Soul Revue, which had been established in 1971. The group had grown significantly in popularity over the years but had limited positions available. The founding director of IU Soul Revue, Portia K. Maultsby, and founder of African American Arts Institute, Herman Hudson, decided they needed to start a new choir, which became AACE.  

Wise said the ensemble was originally called the Afro American Choral Ensemble and it began its growth and success under the direction of Michael Gordon, IU’s dean of students from 1981-1991, and Mellonee Burnim, an IU professor of ethnomusicology. He also mentions how the choir was distinctive on campus because of its focus on performing choral works composed for, by and about African Americans, a quality the ensemble still embodies today.

Wise said no matter what genre AACE performs, the ensemble conveys a spirit of hope. “It has a way of bringing people together, and that’s exactly what AACE has been able to do, from the students who are comprised of all races, all ethnicities, all backgrounds, to the community and the audiences that come, that are from all backgrounds. It’s a group that literally has a way of galvanizing or bringing people together that might not even normally be in the same space, and they do that through the gift of their song.” 

Keep reading to learn more about the choir, its history, and future.

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