By Charity Parris

Lee University’s Dr. John Wykoff, assistant professor of music theory and composition, has been commissioned to compose music for the presidential inauguration.

“I was thrilled to receive the invitation to compose for the inaugural ceremony,” said Wykoff. “It would be gratifying to me if our small contribution could offer people a hope that’s grounded in truth.”

Dr. Cameron LaBarr, director of choral studies at Missouri State University, invited Wykoff to compose on behalf of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Wykoff will compose 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.

“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 Inauguration in a row,” said Dr. Phillip Thomas, chair of Lee’s Department of Musicianship Stuides, referring to Lee’s Festival Choir performance at the 2013 Inauguration.

A member of Lee faculty since 2011, Wykoff received his doctorate in music composition from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, his master’s degree in music composition from the Aaron Copland School of Music (Queens College), and a bachelor’s degree in music and philosophy from Covenant College.

Before coming to Lee, Wykoff taught at the Aaron Copland School of Music. He has also composed works for solo piano, small ensemble, voice, choir, orchestra, and more.

This summer, the Missouri Choral Director’s Association presented Wykoff with the Opus Award for his original choral composition, “Panis Angelicus.”

The pieces will be performed at the 58th Inauguration Day at the United States Capitol on Jan. 20, 2017.