Lee University Professor’s Work to be Performed at Presidential Inauguration

Cleveland, TN–Dr. John Wykoff, assistant professor of music theory and composition at Lee University, has been commissioned to compose music for the U.S. presidential inauguration, which takes place tomorrow in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies at Missouri State University, invited Wykoff last year to compose on behalf of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Wykoff composed two works for LaBarr’s choir to sing in the ceremony. Wykoff and LaBarr enlisted poet Michael Dennis Browne to compose the text for one of the pieces. The other work is an arrangement of an American folk-hymn.

Dr. John Wykoff

Dr. John Wykoff

“I am pleased that the work of Dr. Wykoff will be showcased at this event, not only because he is a talented composer and scholar, but also because it highlights the positive impact of Lee University for the second Presidential Inauguration in a row,” said Dr. Phillip Thomas, professor at the Lee University School of Music, referring to Lee’s Festival Choir performance at the 2013 Inauguration.

A member of Lee faculty since 2011, Wykoff previously taught at the Aaron Copland School of Music. This past summer, the Missouri Choral Director’s Association (MCDA) presented Wykoff with the Opus Award for his original choral composition, “Panis Angelicus” for string and quartet. The Opus Award is presented annually by the MCDA for an outstanding original choral composition.

(Source: Lee University)

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