Wichita choir celebrates unity through song in Washington, D.C.

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – It’s been lower than two weeks because the ARISE Ensemble returned from Washington, D.C. The group spent six days within the nation’s capital becoming a member of voices with choirs from throughout the nation for the Nationwide Memorial Day Choral Competition.

ARISE President Gerald Norwood stated he hoped that by tune, his choir and others that participated within the occasion, might present the nation what is feasible when folks unite.

“This chance that ARISE has this weekend is only a phenomenal alternative to characterize the USA as a mixed forces of voices,” he stated.

The choir’s journey included a cease on the World Struggle II Memorial, a free live performance on the Kennedy Heart honoring veterans and all branches of the navy, and performing within the opening ceremony of the Nationwide Memorial Day Parade. The group even met with the members of Bethany School, from Lindsborg, Kan., who additionally participated within the occasion.

Rep. Susan Estes escorted the group alongside a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, together with Rep. KC Ohaebosim. ARISE additionally visited such landmarks because the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White Home the Eisenhower Memorial, and the Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past & Tradition.

However, it was on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial the place ARISE introduced did what they do finest. With out one rehearsal, the group sang, “One Nation, One Dream,” written by Wichita singer, songwriter and musician, Cherrie Baldon. Led by alto Prisca Barnes, it was there that ARISE drew applause and a present of gratitude from different guests.

Earlier than the journey concluded, ARISE stopped by Ben’s Chili Bowl, a well-known restaurant identified for its celeb patrons – and its chili. President-elect Barack Obama put Ben’s Chili on the forefront of D.C. eating when he and Mayor Adrian Fenty stopped by for some chili and sausage in 2009.

In 2022, ARISE was set to depart its mark on the well-known restaurant. The choir warmed the guts of proprietor Virginia Ali (her late husband Ben Ali based Ben’s Chili Bowl in 1958; he died in 2009). Ali couldn’t imagine {that a} choir all the best way from Wichita, Kan. had walked by her doorways not solely to participate in good meals however to unfold the excellent news.

Led by tenor Bryce Sund, the ARISE Ensemble sang “Fare Thee Properly,” adopted by an encore efficiency of “Ain’t Acquired Time to Die,” led by President Norwood. The constructing crammed with clapping, singing, and even shouts of pleasure because the choir’s united voices bounced off the partitions crammed with images of well-known actors, politicians and fellow musicians.

ARISE walked out of the restaurant sharing hugs and excessive fives with workers and prospects who understood the worth of their mission to protect the spirituals of an enslaved individuals who used music as secret communications and to chronicle their struggles, conflicts and victories.

To seek out out extra concerning the ARISE Ensemble, go to https://www.fb.com/AriseEnsemblePage/

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