Mayor to attend inauguration

Carrie Tergin
Carrie Tergin

At precisely 9:24 a.m. Friday, the Missouri State University Chorale will be performing at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, a member of the Missouri State Board governors, will be sharing the moment, seated nearby on the West Face of the U.S. Capitol.

Tergin said Wednesday, "This is a very exciting time for Bears (the Missouri State mascot). It's an unbelievable honor to be chosen to represent your state and to be seen on a national television audience. I have a tremendous sense of pride for all Bears and our whole state."

The Chorale's appearance was originally announced in October at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at Missouri State by Sen. Roy Blunt, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies (JCCIC).

The 50-voice Chorale, directed by Cameron LaBarr, is expected to perform an original song, "Now We Belong," before Pence is sworn in. The song was written by Michael Dennis Browne with music from composer John Wykoff.

"I'm very proud to announce that MSU's Chorale will represent the university and the State of Missouri on the national stage at the 58th presidential inauguration," Blunt said. "I have no doubt that the millions of Americans watching the ceremony will be as impressed with these incredibly talented students as all of us who have had the opportunity to hear them perform."

With Tergin on the platform Friday will be Dr. Clifton M. Smart III, president of MSU.

"We are honored that the Missouri State University Chorale has been selected to perform at the inauguration. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Chorale students to take part in an important and historic event," Smart said.

Tergin is a 1994 graduate of MSU, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Degree.