Members of the Missouri State University Chorale spread messages of hope through song.

Regularly, they travel to feature their talent on international and national stages.

This week, the Chorale traveled to Jefferson City and performed at the Bicentennial Inauguration Ceremony. The ceremony included the swearing in of several state officials, including Gov. Mike Parson, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick and Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

The Chorale, conducted by Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies, performed the American folk song, “Beautiful Morning.”

“The text speaks to the opportunity for us to look into 2021 and beyond,” LaBarr said. “It’s wonderful to have Missouri State University well-represented at the state level.”

Chorale roster

The Chorale members include: 

• Gabe Adams
• Megan Berry
• Corey Braxton
• Jack Briggs
• Dylan Brott
• Anna Brummel
• Corrie Carnahan
• Richard Carrillo
• Angela Castelli
• Nikki Coleman
• Karmen DePriest
• Erich Eastman 
• Connor Ewens
• Sara Fiedler
• Parker Fisher
• Caleb Geniuk
• Kaylee Grose
• Bethanie Hasberger
• Claire Herzog
• James Huebner
• Kyle Hulsebus 
• Spencer Jones
• Margaret Jordahl
• Allyssa Lang-Taylor
• Elizabeth Lohutko
• Jake Luellen
• Hannah Martin
• RJ Martin
• Faith Morgan
• Megan Napier
• Parker Payne (pianist)
• Chase Phillips
• Raine Pienaar
• Anne Price
• Lexie Rice
• Nick Shannon
• Emma Sprunger
• Kristin Steinbrueck
• Zac Stelzer
• Emma Tharp
• Noah Thompson
• Jack Treu
• Esteban Valentin-Martinez
• Tyler Wallin
• Madalyn Wheeler
• Isaac Williams 
• Thomas Yonke
• Jeremy Zickefoose
• Lindsey Ziefle
• Zach Zielinski

Staying safe

Due to COVID-19 regulations, all Chorale members underwent testing before traveling or performing. To reduce the risk of exposure, the students followed a strict set of guidelines leading up to the trip as well.   

Lyrics to ‘Beautiful Morning’

Though the arrangement of “Beautiful Morning” was originally commissioned for another event, LaBarr was excited for the Chorale to present its message at this time. He shares the lyrics:

O come and go along with me,

We’ll all rise together in the morning;

I’m bound fair Canaan’s land to see,

We’ll all rise together in the morning.

In the morning, what a beautiful morning that will be

When we all rise together in the morning.

 

There we may tell our sufferings o’er,

We’ll all rise together in the morning,

When we shall reach that happy shore,

We’ll all rise together in the morning.

 

Oh! What a happy company!

We’ll all rise together in the morning;

May I be there my friends to see,

We’ll all rise together in the morning.