Lee University chorus makes us proud

The Lee University Festival Choir performs at the Conn Center. The group will be performing at the Presidential Inauguration.

Photo by Angela Lewis.

Only 39 percent of Tennessee's voters wanted Barack Obama to return to the White House, but 100 percent of Tennesseans will have a reason to be proud during today's inaugural ceremony.

That's because a chorus from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., will perform at the inauguration about two hours before the swearing-in ceremony occurs.

The chorus is comprised of 200 Lee University students selected from seven choirs on campus -- including at least 25 who are originally from Bradley and Hamilton counties.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., selected the Lee University chorus to perform at the inauguration after he was given the honor of inviting a choir as the ranking Republican senator on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

The singers are expected to inject some Chattanooga flavor into the inaugural festivities with an updated rendition of "The Chattanooga Choo-Choo." The song will be incorporated into a 20-30 minute set of patriotic favorites.

Watching these local talents represent our area is as simple as logging in to www.inaugural.senate.gov at 9:30 a.m.

Perhaps no event in our country is more important than the inauguration of a president. It is a testament to Lee University that many of its most talented students will represent the school, our area and, ultimately, the spirit of America as they perform this inauguration day.