Gospel Performance Brings World Class Talent to Chapel

Author: Allison Quady Arts Editor

The Middlebury College Choir performance featured mezzo-soprano Janice Harrison-Aikens Thursday, Nov. 15 in Mead Chapel. Although most pews were a bit empty, those who were gathered witnessed an evening of passionate gospel rare in New England. The voice of Harrison-Aikens solo or accompanied by the Choir filled the air of Mead Chapel with religious emotion. The concert began with an introduction by Twilight Artist-in-Residence and College Choir Director, Francois Clemmons.as he emphasized her place of residence, near New York, saying that with all of the talented performers flocking to New York, the highest praise for Harrison-Aikens is that "she managed to stand out." Clemmons recalls in the program notes that the first time he heard Harrison-Aikens sing was in New Jersey with his former accompanist, Jeff Marder. Clemmons says he "decided then and there that one day I would not only sing with her, but invite her to come to Middlebury College and spread the good news!" Harrison-Aikens is a member of the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble and an accomplished soloist. The Harlem Spiritual Ensemble was founded in 1984 by Clemmons and consists of six singers, a pianist and a percussionist. The world-famous Harlem Spiritual Ensemble has performed in America, Europe and Asia and is dedicated to keeping the Negro spiritual tradition alive as an important art form and an essential part of American History.

Harrison-Aikens' presence in Middlebury last week was an extended version of her visit last year. Because of the success of last year's visit, Clemmons invited her back to share more of the gospel tradition and to "further round out her gospel style in workshop and concert." During the week preceding the concert, Harrison-Aikens worked with the Middlebury College Choir on several songs that were performed Thursday. Despite having only practiced with Harrison-Aikens the week of the concert, the choir accompanied her beautifully. Harrison-Aikens repeatedly praised the choir for their ability to quickly pick up the songs she sang with them and for the overall collaborative spirit of learning she witnessed in the past week. Among the songs performed by the Choir Thursday were "This Little Light of Mine," "The Storm is Passing Over" and "Total Praise."

Harrison-Aikens sang "Let Us Worship Him," "What About The Children" and "I Am Not Ashamed," among others accompanied by the Choir. Much of Harrison-Aikens performance occurred between songs, in her talks with the audience about her life, her work and her children. The singer shared her day job with us, saying that although she worked for the Internal Revenue Service, she was "one of the good guys," her job title being an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor.

The most poignant of her stories was her recollection of Sept. 11. Sharing the experiences of her day, Harrison-Aikens called to mind the angel who helped her safely out of Manhattan. The audience was left to ponder the existence of angels while listening to an inspiring rendition of "I Am Not Ashamed." In the tone and power of Harrison-Aikens' voice were the soulful, wordless charms of gospel music and in between songs was the heartwarming personality of the singer.

Possibly because of her overflowing personality or because of the ambitious program of songs, the second half of the concert was cut short due to time constraints. Hearing Harrison-Aikens sing with the Choir was a relaxing and inspiring experience and also a heartwarming community occurrence.

In addition to the Middlebury College Choir, which appeared to be primarily made up of students, although members of the community often sing, Dick Forman played the piano and Mark Lavoy played the harmonica to accompany Harrison-Aikens.