Repertoire for the concert has been selected to be reflective of the 50 years of music performed by AACE. The selections were chosen based upon the number of responses in the initial Qualtrics surveys as alumni favorite selections. In addition, several songs were selected to provide representation for all of the directors/eras of AACE.

Find below a list of the songs to be performed. Some selections will be presented digitally via archival video of AACE from past years, while others will be performed live by the current AACE group and finally, others will be performed by the AACE 50th Anniversary Alumni Mass choir. If guest participants are familiar and confident with selections performed by the current AACE group, they may be able to perform with the current AACE group throughout the performance.

Digital Concert Selections
Several selections will be presented digitally featuring the various AACE conductors throughout the years.

• The Spirit of Indiana (Gordan) - Video
• This Little Light of Mine (Burnim) Video
• Let Me Shine Like A Morning Star (Williams) Video
• Martinsville or Neal-Marshal Opening Performance (Mumford) Video

AACE Alumni Mass Choir

• Lift Every Voice and Sing (Carter/Wise)
• In Bright Mansion (Carter/Mumford, Wise)
• Striving After God (Undine Smith Moore/Mumford, Wise)
• The Gift of Song (Wise/Wise)
• I Need You To Survive (Frazier/Alumni Choir)
• I’ve Got A Robe (Wise/Wise)
• Total Praise (Smallwood/Wise)

Current AACE Choir

• Tshotsholoza (Ames/Wise)
• Run, Mary Run, Steal Away (Wise) with Dance
• Poor Man Lazarus (Hairston/Burnim, Mumford, Wise)*
• Elijah Rock (Hairston/Burnim, Mumford, Wise)
• Great Day (Ryder/Mumford)*
• I’ll Stand or Anthem (Wise/Wise)
• The Negro Speaks of River (Burnim, Mumford, McCutcheon)*
• It Don’t Mean a Thing (Bowens/Wise)
• See Me or Walk On (Wise/Various)
• Shine the Light (Wise/Wise)

Selections to be adjusted as necessary. Alum who are prepared to sing some of the additional AACE repertoire may be invited to sing with the current AACE group. *Selections that may be conducted by former AACE directors.

Part practice recordings will be made available for singing participants. Recordings of just the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts will be available to assist in learning and practicing your parts independently prior to the concert weekend. The hope is that all participants will use these practice recordings to learn or refamiliarize yourself with the concert repertoire prior to the concert weekend, so that the concert weekend rehearsals can focus on polishing and refining.

You can view recordings, lyrics, and scores in our Google folder.

View part practice materials in folder

It is our goal to have the various small groups to perform. Several alumni have responded from the three small groups. Groups with representative parts will combine across years to present one featured selection from that group during the concert. Additional music making gatherings will be planned on Friday evening for AACE members to reminisce. For details see the weekend schedule.

The small group will sing Kirk Franklin's "Silver and Gold."

Rehearsal time is reserved for Friday evening and/or Saturday morning. Thus far, the following number of participants are registered. (Sojourner 12, Soul Ace 9, God’s Progress 2)

To maintain consistency throughout the concert, we will use a pre-selected team of musicians who can rehearse and prepare prior to the concert weekend. However, if there are competent musicians available to help with the concert, accompany the small groups, after rehearsal music making sessions, and perform at local church on Sunday we will try to utilize your gifts. Please register in the forthcoming Qualtrics.

The current AACE will wear their current attire. However, the mass alumni choir will wear the following:

• All Concert Black (Solid black shoes, socks, dress pants/skirt, plain black shirt/blouse or black dress).
• If possible, we may arrange for all participants to wear a common Kente cloth or colored stole. Until confirmed plan for the red and white accessories.

Dressing rooms will be available at the MAC between the Saturday afternoon rehearsal and evening concert for those not staying at the hotel who will need to rest and change into their concert dress.