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While all eyes are on President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as they are sworn in during Wednesday’s Inauguration Day, locals should keep their ears open to hear the work of a celebrated native of Albany.
In Washington, D.C., Adolphus Hailstork, a graduate of Albany High School in 1959, emeritus professor of music theory and composition at Old Dominion University and world-renowned composer, will have his work featured before Biden is officially sworn in.”The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will share during Wednesday’s pre-ceremony a special performance of Hailstork’s composition, “Fanfare On Amazing Grace.”
The historic performance will mark the second time the music of a contemporary African American composer has been selected to be part of the presidential inauguration repertoire.
Since high school, Anne Bowman, a 1959 Albany High alum fellow, has been a close friend of Hailstork’s and performed with him in the school choir and orchestra.
“It’s like having a brother you’re so proud of,” Bowman said.