The Black Music Ensemble is an extracurricular, musical organization open to all members of the college community. It was formed in 1969 by a group of students who were interested in performing Black religious music. The Ensemble has continued and plans to continue its commitment to the performance of religious and inspirational music of Black composers, including spirituals and contemporary gospel music. The Ensemble, in conjunction with a faculty sponsor, is a student-directed group. In fact, there is a high level of student involvement in all aspects of the organization.
Students serve as officers, committee chairs, section leaders, accompanists, and soloists.
Rehearsal times are Mondays and Wednesdays, 7pm, Presser Hall. The Ensemble sings on such occasions as worship services in Danforth Chapel, the Martin Luther King Jr. special commemorative service, and during Black History Month. The group welcomes invitations to sing in this region. Each year, the Ensemble travels throughout Kentucky and takes a longer tour which in past years has included concerts in Washington, D.C., Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio and Florida. From its inception, membership has included students of various races, nationalities, and cultures.