Haitian choir to effectuate mix

by Lisa Koop

The promise of four-part harmonies and tunes varying from Renaissance madrigals to African American spirituals summons students, faculty, staff and community to the Church-Chapel tonight. A choral group visiting from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, will perform at 7 p.m.

The group, called Meli Melomane, consists of eight men who range in age from 18 to 24. The name, which is Creole, is very much indicative of the group's music and style. Meli melo translates into English as "eclectic mixture" and melomane means "music lovers."

Members of the group began singing together in school and have retained connections with Holy Trinity School in Port-au-Prince.

Former SST director Arlin Hunsberger, along with his wife Naomi, lived in Haiti for a total of 18 years and are well acquainted with the school. "Holy Trinity caters to the more needy students of Port-au-Prince," said Arlin Hunsberger.

When Haiti served as an SST host county, students frequently worked at Holy Trinity for the second half of their term.

While this will be Meli Melomane's first visit to the GC campus, the Hunsbergers recall in 1973 when the Holy Trinity orchestra performed at GC. On that occasion the group was hosted by GC students, many of whom were former Haiti SSTers.

While Meli Melomane will not be staying in the dorms, students are invited to dine with them in Marriott at 5:45 this evening.

Many on campus are looking forward to the concert because of ties to the nation of Haiti. Naomi Hunsberger said, "We are very eager to here them."

Campus Minister, Sylvia Shirk Charles who, along with her husband Robert, led SST in Haiti in 1979 said, "I'm just looking forward to hearing Haitian Creole."

Junior Joseph Brice, who is from Haiti, also anticipates an opportunity to speak Creole and fellowship with his countrymen. He said, "I've heard about them in Haiti but never had the chance to hear them. I'll be interested in meeting them."

The group will perform a wide variety of music. Arlin Hunsberger said, "I expect that it will be rather lively and energetic along with religious."

Brice said, "I don't want to tell people what to expect. I can only say it will be good." Those who plan to attend may anticipate both sacred and secular music drawn from many eras, localities and traditions.

GC is only one of multiple venues the choir will visit on a tour primarily of the midwestern United States.

Issues with visas caused the group to plan their itinerary only about one month before coming the States. Despite short notice, Shirk Charles was immediately interested in inviting the group to GC. She said, "This is one I didn't want to let slip by."

The concert is sponsored by campus ministries and a freewill offering will be taken to cover costs of the concert.