Burke Singers still 'outstanding' after 15 years

 The  Burke Singers of Winston-Salem State celebrated 15 years of legacy highlighted by a concert April 17 in the Anderson Center. 

The Burke Singers gave an outstanding performance, continuing in the tradition that began in 1995. 

Signature selections such as "I Got Shoes" and "No More Auction Block" were performed.

The group, formed by D'Walla Simmons-Burke,  reunited in celebration as the singers of the past connected with the current group.

The original members were Sonya Melton-Mickles, Temeka McCain, Cassandra McCloud-Durant and Calsine Pitt.

 The vision of the group was to add variety, emotion and a sense of political awareness to the choral program.

The Burke Singers musical selections range from  Negro spirituals to original songs written and arranged by members of the group.

Although times have changed and society has evolved, the ensemble has continued to remain relevant with their message through song. 

Rolyndria Anderson, a sophomore music education major from Lanham, Md.,  attributes their success to the variety of talent that each member brings to the group.

"It's kind of inevitable because with the people that come through, our sounds change," Anderson said.

"We might learn a song from Sweet Honey in the Rock [an African American female a cappella ensemble], but we make our own arrangements by putting in our own melodies, our own embellishments."

Aside from fine tuning their vocal skills, the women also spent time enjoying the moment and reminiscing on their college years. 

Idra Green, a Greenville native, is a WSSU alum and sang with the group from 2003-2006. 

 She recalls fond memories of not only performing with her "sisters" but bonding with her peers as well.

"Building a sisterhood with the girls…not only did we practice in class, we get together outside of class to get to know each other and better understand each other, building a strong bridge," Green said.

 For many, the reunion is bigger than reuniting with old friends. 

It represents a benchmark in African-American music. 

Not only have the Burke Singers set the standard in music excellence, they are also viewed as torch bearers of Civil Rights history in this area.   

Michael Cain, a WSSU retiree who worked in administration, has been a long time fan of the vocal ensemble.

"You can't help but feel differently when you hear them sing, especially the songs they're singing, especially a song like ‘A Change Is Gonna Come'; I heard them sing that recently. I think it's one of those things that is needed," Cain said.

Melton-Mickles, one of the original four, said she is happy about the legacy that has lived on since the group's inception.  "I think it's great that they're still singing these songs and learning about history at the same time," Mickles said.