ARISE Ensemble

ARISE Ensemble The official page of the ARISE Ensemble based in Wichita,Kansas. ARISE! Let Your Light Shine! Evies O. Cranford, PhD
Board President

The idiom has resonated throughout Wichita and the state of Kansas for the past 26 years. It began with a vision by one of Wichita's great visionaries, Josephine Pace Brown, and ignited a flame that refuses to be extinguished. Fueled by a partnership with the Urban League of Greater Wichita, ARISE was the beneficiary of a grant from the Kansas Committee for the Humanities, which enabled them to pe

*****te the four corners of the state of Kansas. ARISE, an acronym for African-Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals Ensemble is a 501c3, not-for-profit educational agency. It is comprised of music and history-minded individuals who seek to keep alive the almost forgotten songs of our forefathers and mothers. These songs and the stories that accompany them chronicle the struggles, conflicts, secret communications and victories of a people who refused to be extinguished. We are ever grateful to our Founder, Director and President Emeritus, Jo Brown. On behalf of the board of directors and members of ARISE, we thank you and applaud you for your support of our efforts to let the light of our history shine through this magnificent music.

For many years, June Faucette-Huff has faithfully served as the pianist for ARISE, blessing us with her incredible talen...
03/07/2026

For many years, June Faucette-Huff has faithfully served as the pianist for ARISE, blessing us with her incredible talent and helping bring our music and ministry to life. Now, she is facing a difficult season and needs our support as she works to get back on her feet.

June has poured so much into this community. This is an opportunity for us to pour back into her with love, prayers, and support.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps make a difference.

❤️ Let’s rally around June the way she has always shown up for us. Donate here

Hey friends, former students, and community, My name is Cary Hesse. Our frien… Carolyn Hesse-Clark needs your support for Help "Junie" get back on her feet!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday as we celebrated Black History Month with the Holy Savior Catholic Academy...
02/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday as we celebrated Black History Month with the Holy Savior Catholic Academy Youth Choir! Ministering through song is one of the best ways to spread the GOOD NEWS!

We're excited to see and hear from our President Gerald Norwood as he sits down with Larry Hatteburg to talk about Black...
02/24/2026

We're excited to see and hear from our President Gerald Norwood as he sits down with Larry Hatteburg to talk about Black History in Kansas.

It's always a blessing to serve our community through song. The photo below shows our travel to Paris, France, last year...
02/20/2026

It's always a blessing to serve our community through song. The photo below shows our travel to Paris, France, last year, for Black History Month.

Please click on the link to see how were shared our voices with the students at Spaght Science and Communications Magnet Elementary School this morning.

One performer says the music helps children connect with a history of strength and resilience by bringing it to life.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY!
02/18/2026

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY!

Sheila Kinnard and Dr. Delia Shropshire share about the 4th Annual Black History Month Concert on Sunday, February 22.

This Black History Month, the ARISE Ensemble is proud to present our 4th Annual Youth Extravaganza project with the Holy...
02/10/2026

This Black History Month, the ARISE Ensemble is proud to present our 4th Annual Youth Extravaganza project with the Holy Savior Youth Choir.

Together, we celebrate history, heritage, and the next generation through the spirit of unity and the power of music.

📅 Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM
📍 Holy Savior Catholic Academy Gymnasium
🎟 Tickets available at the door

We will gather Monday morning to remember the dream of Dr. King, honor community members who embody his legacy, recogniz...
01/19/2026

We will gather Monday morning to remember the dream of Dr. King, honor community members who embody his legacy, recognize students for their educational endeavors and sing the songs of our ancestors. We hope to see you there!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! The ARISE Ensemble is hosting its 10th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Heroes and Sheroes Scholar...
01/14/2026

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! The ARISE Ensemble is hosting its 10th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Heroes and Sheroes Scholarship Breakfast on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 a.m. at the Wichita State University - Rhatigan Student Center on the 3rd floor in the Beggs Ballroom. Tickets are $40 and available by calling 316-258-2749.

Gerald Norwood shares about A.R.I.S.E., or African Americans Renewing Interest in Spiritual Ensemble, and an upcoming Heroes Breakfast on January 19.

From school board member to community leader to a musician with a purpose, our founder Josephine Brown was a woman of ma...
01/04/2026

From school board member to community leader to a musician with a purpose, our founder Josephine Brown was a woman of many talents. She will be deeply missed.

Click here to view this video from KAKE.com.

Merry Christmas! Thank you for all of your support this year! We hope that you continue to join us as we strive to educa...
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! Thank you for all of your support this year! We hope that you continue to join us as we strive to educate through our musical gifts.

✨ Thank You, Wichita! ✨ARISE is grateful for everyone who came out to experience the Holiday Extravaganza at Century II!...
12/12/2025

✨ Thank You, Wichita! ✨

ARISE is grateful for everyone who came out to experience the Holiday Extravaganza at Century II! Your energy, smiles, and support made the night unforgettable.

A special thank-you to Music Theatre Wichita for inviting our members to participate for the second year in a row. We’re honored to share the stage and help bring holiday joy to our community.

❤️🎶 Until next year—happy holidays!

https://www.ariseensemble.org/

Director/Choreographer- Brian J. Marcum
Music Director- Chuck Koslowske
Scenic Designer- Jordan Slusher
Lighting Designer- Benjamin Juhnke
Costume Designer- Jacob Locke
Sound Designer- Ryan Morrow
Photographer- Either Jerry Fritchman

There's still time to catch our FINAL performance in this year's HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA with Music Theatre Wichita! Join u...
12/07/2025

There's still time to catch our FINAL performance in this year's HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA with Music Theatre Wichita! Join us TONIGHT at 7 p.m. at Century II as we help usher in the holiday season! Tickets and details >>>

Make this your new Wichita holiday tradition. A live celebration featuring festive songs, crafted right here at home, building the kind of memories your family talks about every holiday season.

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P. O. Box 8673
Wichita, KS
67208

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