Chorale alumnus Blake Richter joined the group on its trip to the inauguration and documented the journey.
Performing in front of millions on international TV has its benefits. James Corden of “Carpool Karaoke,” “Into the Woods” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden” noticed the Chorale’s style on inauguration day. We hooked him up.
Anyone know where I can get that hat and scarf combo?
— James Corden (@JKCorden) January 20, 2017
Hey Mr. @JKCorden, This Is How We Do It at MO State: Bearline Karaoke. Your hat and scarf from @MSU_Choirs Chorale is on the way! #GoMaroon pic.twitter.com/mXg2L2ywK1
— Missouri State (@MissouriState) January 26, 2017
Oh man!!!! I can't tell you how happy this has made me. Thank you, you're the best! #GoMaroon https://t.co/43JLicszC7
— James Corden (@JKCorden) January 26, 2017
The Chorale performed an original song for over 40 million people during #Inauguration2017. Watch their performance of “Now We Belong” by poet Michael Dennis Browne and composer John Wykoff.
About the Chorale
This select choir of 50 voices has toured throughout the United States, Europe and South Africa. The group also performs regularly at statewide and national conferences.
“We are honored that the Missouri State University Chorale has been selected to perform at the inauguration,” said Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Chorale students to take part in an important and historic event.”
The Chorale was dressed in true BearWear Friday spirit today for the presidential inauguration.
There are very limited quantities of the beanie and scarf available for sale online:
Tartan cashmere scarf
10% off if you use the code: Special
This plaid is the official tartan of Missouri State University. It was developed by the department of merchandising and fashion design in partnership with Collegiate Tartan Apparel.
We’re proud to present the poetry for “Now We Belong,” written by Michael Dennis Browne, for the original work the Chorale will perform Jan. 20 at the inauguration.
“The opportunity,” Browne said, “is to say something as vividly and wholeheartedly as possible on an occasion which draws the scrutiny of the entire world.”
“Now We Belong”
Here are the voices of every creature,
Here are the calls of every heart;
Here is the place of strangers’ welcome,
We who once walked in strangers’ shoes.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Here are the rivers of many echoes,
Here are the leaves of every tree;
Within us live the long horizons,
Winds that stir the sacred stones.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith, keep watch,
Take heart, take courage,
Guard mind, guard spirit.
Feed love, feed longing.
Here are the cities where we have gathered,
Here are the barns where hope is stored;
We are the gleams of every being,
Filled with the dreams that build the day.
Once we were strangers,
We were welcomed,
Now we belong and believe in this land.
Keep faith,
Guard mind,
Take heart,
Guard spirit,
Take courage,
Keep watch.
Feed longing,
Feed love.