Spirit of the Mountain marching band, LU Praise choir prep for inaugural events in D.C.

On Monday, after President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance take the oath of office in the nation’s capital, 250 students in Liberty University’s Spirit of the Mountain marching band will perform in the Presidential Inauguration Parade. They will be among 7,500 taking part in this historic event, now scheduled to take place indoors at the Capital One Arena.

Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Larry Seipp applied for the parade in November and received the invitation to perform two days before Christmas. Seipp and School of Music Dean Dr. Stephen Müller quickly worked to receive approval from Liberty’s administration and accepted the invitation the following day.

“The administration was very excited,” Müller said. “The university has stepped up and said, ‘Yes, this is important.’”

The band’s leadership team worked hard over Christmas break to plan the logistics of the event, including receiving Secret Service clearance for the band members, organizing accommodations, performance songs, and more. Seipp said the students, who were not scheduled to perform again this academic year, showed flexibility and hard work in coming together to rehearse and prepare.

“We love our nation and are just thrilled to be part of something that celebrates our country,” Seipp said during a special band practice on Tuesday to prepare for the parade. “There’s no greater focal point for America right now than next Monday. We’re really honored to be part of that special occasion.”

The band will be performing “God Bless America” and “Fan the Flames” (the university’s fight song) to share part of Liberty’s culture and tradition.

Senior biomedical sciences major Erin McDonald, head field commander of the marching band, said she is excited to end her marching band career at Liberty with the prestigious honor of playing for the president.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a parade like this before. We get to salute (President Trump), so getting to show our respect and support to him will be really cool.”

LU Praise, Liberty’s multi-ethnic gospel and worship choir, is scheduled to perform twice during the Make America Great Again Victory Rally at the Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon, including a special collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on his song, “Some Gave All.” Other guests performing during the rally include Kid Rock, The Village People, and country singer Lee Greenwood.

LU Praise participated in inaugural events in 2017, when they were invited to perform for the Inaugural Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Müller said the School of Music is excited to represent Liberty in the nation’s capital.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our university. It’s not just the marching band or just the School of Music; it’s the university that supports us that makes this happen so we can go represent Liberty University on a national platform at the inauguration of the president,” he said. “It’s a win for the students, it’s a win for the School of Music, and it’s a win for Liberty University.”