Berea College Black Music Ensemble to Host Fall Concert
By Duulal Naranbaatar
Berea College
BEREA, Ky. – The Berea College Black Music Ensemble will host its 57th anniversary fall concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 7 in Union Church to celebrate unity through gospel music and fellowship of brotherly love.
The event is free and open to the public.
First established in 1969 by members of the Black Student Union, the ensemble was created by students who wanted to bring the religious culture and music of their home churches to the Berea community, and it still carries its original goal of supplementing religious life on campus and giving vent to Christian love through songs.
Today, under the direction of Professor E.J. Stokes and Pastor David Simmons, the accredited performing ensemble has grown to more than 60 student members and five community participants, performing in Kentucky and throughout the country.
The group has completed three recordings and has achieved numerous accolades including winning the 2007-08 Choir Gospel Explosion held in Louisville, Ky. Additionally, the choir has opened for some of the biggest contemporary gospel artists, including Martha Munizzi and Tye Tribbett.
“BME is one of the reasons I am at Berea at all,” Dr. Stokes said. “The ensemble inspired me to come here as a student, and years later, it helped bring me back as a faculty member. At its heart, BME is about building an intentional community through music, one that reflects the belonging, care, and connection that I believe are among the very best parts of being Berean. It means so much when people from across Berea come and celebrate this music with us. We are honored to be part of this community and grateful every time we have the opportunity to share this tradition together.”
A deep sense of community and connection is echoed by the participants.
“The Black Music Ensemble has been like a family to me,” said Berea College student and performing member Tora Mitchell. “From the moment I stepped into my first rehearsal, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and unconditional love.”
Recordings of past performances of the ensemble can be found on Berea College’s YouTube channel by searching for “Black Music Ensemble.”
Parking is available near Union Church and College Square and in the College Visitor Lot beside Dona Maria’s Tamales. Wheelchair accessibility is available.
For more information, contact Kyla Pike at (859) 985-3466 or pikek@berea.edu. or contact Dr. E.J. Stokes at stokese@berea.edu.