A local college choir gets a chance to shine on the national stage...as a featured performer at the presidential inauguration this January.
Senator Lamar Alexander came to town to make the announcement at Lee University today.
The sweet sounds of the Lee University Choir filled the auditorium Thursday.
Next year in Washington DC...their voices will reach a much larger audience.
Sen Lamar Alexander, (R) TN, "We don't yet know who the next president will be but we do know one thing the Lee University choir w ill be singing at the inauguration of the President of the United States in January."
Senator Alexander's announcement drew applause from 1800 students and faculty who heard it in person...and most likely the several hundred watching by closed circuit.
Dr. Paul Conn, Lee University President, "We're thrilled with this announcement. We're eager to go to Washington and represent the state of Tennessee."
Senator Alexander recommended the choir to the Joint Congressional Committee for the Inauguration.
And the choir gladly accepted the invitation.
Rachel Johnson, Lee University Choir Member, "Oh my goodness I am absolutely ecstatic. This is I mean a huge opportunity especially for our campus and for me personally because my brother will already be singing there with the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir so my mom especially is excited her two kids are going to be singing at the inauguration so really excited."
It's an unexpected honor for the 200 hundred members of the choir...that they hope will bring attention and maybe more students to the university.
Sen. Alexander, "This is a patriotic university where the students suspend classes and watch inaugurations. This year they'll have a special reason to watch the inauguration of the president of the united states."
The choir will perform immediately before the official swearing in ceremonies at Midday on January 21st.
This is not the first inauguration connection between Senator Alexander and Lee University.
Back in 1979, he invited Lynn Golden of then Lee College to sing the national anthem when he became governor of Tennessee.
