The Claflin University Concert Choir is pictured performing Handel’s “Messiah” at Stevenson Auditorium in December.
Orangeburg, S.C. – The Claflin University Concert Choir will perform during the 96th South Carolina Inauguration Day activities for Gov. Nikki Haley on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, in Columbia.
The choir will sing during the Inaugural Prayer Service at 9 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and at the Inauguration Ceremony, set for 11 a.m. on the steps of the State House.
In addition, the choir will join other choral groups invited to participate in the Inauguration Ceremony to sing “I Dream a World,” arranged by Andre Thomas with words by Langston Hughes. Dr. Isaiah McGee, director of the Claflin University Concert Choir, will conduct the joint choir.
The choir performed at its first gubernatorial inauguration four years ago, when Haley was sworn in for her initial term in office.
“It is an honor to be asked to perform at the inauguration a second time,” McGee said. “It is an honor for the governor to recognize the students at Claflin and the work that they’re doing.”
The 52 students who today make up the Claflin University Concert Choir continue a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1884 by performing at various on-campus activities and community events and during the group’s annual Spring Tour. The choir participated in a choral tribute to open the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, and has released a CD titled “Hehlehlooyuh.” While the majority are music majors, the group is open to all students regardless of their chosen field of study.
The Inaugural Prayer Service and the Inauguration Ceremony are open to the public. For more information about the events, visit https://web.sc.gov/2015Inauguration/.
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Founded in 1869, Claflin University is recognized by national publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com and Washington Monthly as one of America’s best liberal arts colleges. The University proudly serves the state of South Carolina, the nation and the world. Its beautiful historic campus is home for approximately 2,000 students from every region of the United States and more than 20 international countries. Claflin students demonstrate extraordinary achievement, distinctive confidence and a lifelong desire to transform society through visionary leadership. Its academic programs prepare students to compete and succeed in a global and technological society.
Outstanding alumni include Chief Justice of South Carolina Supreme Court (Ret) Ernest A. Finney, Jr.; renowned photographer, author and publisher Cecil Williams; internationally recognized artist Leo Twiggs; Vela McClam-Mitchell, president/CEO and owner, Georgia International Travel; and the eighth president of Claflin University, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. For more information, visit claflin.edu or GoToClaflin.com.