Heart & Soul

About

Established in 2004, Heart & Soul is the newest addition to the vocal ensembles of Purdue Musical Organizations. A mixed-voice ensemble of 30 singers, Heart & Soul specializes in gospel and contemporary Christian music, sprinkled with an occasional soul or R&B tune. Upbeat, soulful and inspirational are fitting descriptors for this dynamic ensemble.

Heart & Soul also has a small specialty group called Prism. Specialty groups offer yet another opportunity for performance and musical involvement.

Rehearsing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30pm to 1:20pm, Heart & Soul is open to any student, undergraduate and graduate alike, by audition. Guitarists, bassists, drummers and sound technicians are also encouraged for membership in Heart & Soul’s rhythm section. 

Listen

"Perfect Praise" performed at the Long Center in May 2018.

"Holy Thou Art God" performed at the Long Center in May 2018.

"Hold on to the Rock" performed at the Long Center in November 2017.

History

The fall semester of 2004 saw the addition of another vocal ensemble to the Purdue Musical Organizations roster. Heart & Soul, a mixed-voice ensemble featuring 25-30 singers and instrumental accompaniment, primarily celebrates gospel, sacred, and inspirational music, while incorporating jazz, pop, Latin and R&B selections, to broaden the repertoire for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Representing a cross-section of multi-cultural and musical backgrounds, the members of Heart & Soul encompass undergraduate and graduate students alike, with majors ranging from nursing and engineering to education and science.

Under the initial direction of Purdue Varsity Glee Club alum Derrick Williams, Heart & Soul premiered as part of Homecoming festivities in 2004 and began a rich and varied performance schedule as part of PMO. In their first year alone, they were featured performers for the President’s Council, (then) Governor Mitch Daniels's Prayer Breakfast, Purdue Jazz on Indianapolis Circle, and appeared on the Channel 18 (WLFI) Morning News. In 2005, Heart & Soul made their first appearance as part of the annual Purdue Christmas Show, performing Quincy Jones’s version of the Hallelujah Chorus. It was a smash hit and the beginning of a new tradition, with many listing Heart & Soul’s performance as a program highlight.

Upon the departure of Derrick Williams in 2008, Jon Ranard assumed leadership responsibilities for Heart & Soul. The ensemble continued to participate in the Purdue Christmas Show as a featured group but began exclusively utilizing only talents from its own membership roster, further establishing its lasting presence and contributions within the Purdue Musical Organizations family. Jermaine Hill began directing Heart & Soul in the fall of 2013.

Today, Heart & Soul continues to serve as ambassadors for PMO and Purdue University, with appearances at alumni and university functions, private and community events, school convocations and assemblies, and worship services. In addition, soloists and small specialty groups from Heart & Soul have also been featured in performances with other PMO ensembles and as sole representatives for PMO, including singing the National Anthem for the Indiana Pacers, the Class of 1958 celebration in Neil Armstrong Hall and the Indiana State Fair.