Choir students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln gathered at the U-S Capitol this morning to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
More than 100 students from the combined choir performed with the United States Marine Band just after 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.
The University Singers and their professor Peter Eklund arrived in Washington, D.C., on Friday. They enjoyed tours of memorials and monuments, including the Jefferson, Marine, Korea, Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials.
U.S. Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer formally invite the choir to the event. Fischer was a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
The UNL Choir take a group photo outside the Lincoln Memorial. Inauguration Trip. January 17, 2025. Photo by Jordan Opp / University Communication and Marketing
On Saturday, the choir was able to rehearse with a 30-minute performance in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“I think this is the peak choir experience,” said choir singer Ryan Schroeder, a Music Education Major. “Something like this is about as good as it gets, and it’s a great opportunity for everyone in the choir to have a life long memory and a meaningful musical experience.”
The trip was funded in part by multiple donors who helped cover travel costs and costs of brand-new black pea coats and bright red Nebraska scarfs for students.
“It is such a special time of the year and such a special opportunity for our students,” said UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett. “The opportunity to perform for a United States presidential inauguration is just an opportunity that will stay with them for their lifetime. One that I feel certain they will share at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables… at weddings, receptions, and births of children for the rest of their lives.”
Singers did a walk-through and sound-check on Sunday, as well as meeting with Rep. Mike Flood and Sen. Deb Fischer.
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- U.S. Congressman Mike Flood leads the UNL Choirs in a ‘Go Big Red’ chant outside the United States Capitol. Inauguration Trip. January 19, 2025. Photo by Jordan Opp / University Communication and Marketing
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- Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer meets the UNL Choirs before their rehearsal inside the United States Capitol rotunda.Inauguration Trip. January 19, 2025. Photo by Jordan Opp / University Communication and Marketing
As reported by The Daily Nebraskan, UNL’s independent student paper, around 20 choir students chose to opt out of the trip, citing political differences.
“I just don’t believe in the administration that was voted in,” said John Heldridge, a junior music education major. “I would not be seen singing for that administration.”