Seattle Musicians, UNL Choir to Perform at Historic Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two Seattle-area musicians and a choir from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) will take center stage at the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, as part of the historic ceremonies marking the swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump.

Master Sgt. Harry Ong, a clarinetist, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Tiedeman, a tuba player, both members of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, will perform during the inauguration ceremony. The band, founded in 1798, is the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in the U.S. and has performed at every presidential inauguration since Thomas Jefferson‘s in 1801.

Meanwhile, 120 students from UNL’s Glenn Korff School of Music, along with four voice faculty members, will join the Marine Band in performing at the event. The choir was invited by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, with Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer announcing the selection last month. “These incredibly talented students are not only representing our university but also showcasing the spirit and excellence of Nebraska to the entire country,” Fischer said in a statement.

Peter Eklund, director of the University Singers, will co-conduct the performance alongside Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, director of the Marine Band. Eklund described the opportunity as a rare and exciting moment for the students, despite some political reservations. “I opened it up to two more of our choirs thinking that maybe that would help reach that population, and in about an hour, I had not only 120 registered wanting to go but also a lengthy waiting list,” Eklund said.

However, not all students chose to participate. John Heldridge, a junior music education major, decided to stay behind due to his opposition to the incoming administration. “I just don’t believe in the administration that was voted in,” Heldridge said. “I would not be seen singing for that administration.” He estimated that about 20 other choir members also opted out for similar reasons.

Eklund emphasized that the performance is about honoring the students’ talents rather than politics. “I didn’t decide to do it or not do it whether I voted for them,” he said, referencing his past experiences directing performances for both Republican and Democratic presidents. “It was basically honoring the students’ opportunities.”

The inauguration ceremony will be broadcast live on all major television networks, cable news channels, and streaming platforms, showcasing the talents of the Marine Band and UNL choir to millions of viewers nationwide.