Road to #Inauguration2017

Follow the Chorale to the 58th presidential inauguration

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The James Corden Connection

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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.

The lyrics of an original

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Michael Dennis Browne portrait
Michael Dennis Browne

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.

Experience how Brown recites the poem

The Chorale’s trip to the inauguration in pictures

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Follow the Chorale with this inside look at the trip to our nation’s capital for #Inauguration2017.

Ready to depart
The Chorale gets ready to leave Springfield for Washington, D.C. Jan. 18, 2017.
On the way to rehearsal
Chorale members wear their new official inauguration outfits for the first time Jan. 19 to their rehearsal.
The official tartan
Alumna Susan LaBarr, ’04 and ’07, demonstrates for Chorale members how to wear their new scarves. Men were asked to wear Dutch knots, and women were asked to wear French knots.
The official tartan
Chorale members model the official Missouri State tartan scarf they will wear at the ceremony.
D.C. at night
The nation’s capital looks pretty good after dark.
Circle of trust
The Chorale practices in a holding room in the Russell Senate building.
Practicing indoors
This is where they will wait to be called to the inauguration stage.
The Chorale's leader
Dr. Cameron LaBarr leads the Chorale at practices.
Time for a group photo
The Chorale poses for a lifetime memory.
Rehearsing for millions
Dr. Cameron LaBarr leads the Chorale at rehearsal on the inauguration platform.
Rehearsing for millions
Dr. Cameron LaBarr leads the Chorale at rehearsal on the inauguration platform.
The Capitol
A look at the U.S. Capitol, the site of the presidential inauguration.
A stunning view
This is the view the Chorale will have on inauguration day.
Meeting Senator Blunt
Sen. Roy Blunt met up with the Chorale at their practice event Thursday held on the inauguration stage.
A forever kind of moment
The Chorale poses for a group photo in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Touring the Capitol
After rehearsal, the Chorale saw where the nation’s laws are made.
Show time
Two members of The Chorale hold up their tickets for the 58th Presidential Inauguration.
Chorale on the ready
On stage and braving a light drizzle
The Chorale in Washington, D.C.
Members of The Chorale take photos just before the ceremony starts.
#feedlove
The Chorale performed “Now We Belong,” an original work by poet Michael Dennis Browne and composer John Wykoff.

Five ways you can join the journey

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The Chorale’s performance at the 45th presidential inauguration is just days away. Here’s a list of ways you can get involved with this historic moment for these students and the university.

Watch the Chorale perform live

Most of us will not be able to make it to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration, but you can bring the experience directly into your home.

You can also watch live on Twitter. And Missouri State is hosting a watch party at Plaster Student Union for students, employees and alumni.

Give to the endowment fund

The Chorale has set up a crowdfunding opportunity for friends of Missouri State who want to help the group. While they surpassed their $13,500 goal weeks ago, they are now working on a new target: $43,500 to fund future opportunities like this that will help elevate the Chorale and Missouri State to the national and international levels of attention.

Help dreams come true

You can make a difference. Donate any amount and share the opportunity with your friends and family.

Get help with sharing the eventAn audience member takes a photo of the chorale on her phone

We created a social media kit that features:

  • Tips for sharing about the Chorale’s performance on your social media channels
  • Chorale and iconic Missouri State images that are pre-sized for Facebook and Twitter
  • YouTube videos of Chorale performances
  • Sample social media posts

Take a look and help us share this incredible opportunity for these students.

Follow hashtags and accountsThe Chorale expresses their surprise after being chosen to perform at the inauguration

We’ve asked Chorale students to share what they’re experiencing as it happens in Washington. We will retweet many of their posts, which you can find by tracking these hashtags on Twitter:

  • #Inauguration2017
  • #January20th
  • #GoMaroon

You can also follow these accounts to get the story:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Watch the announcement

Go back to October, when it all began. Senator Roy Blunt surprised the Chorale with the news. Their shocked faces confirmed to the Senator that they, in fact, did not know that this incredible opportunity was coming.