The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be extra busy in at least five inaugural events in three days, according to plans released Friday by President-elect George Bush's inaugural committee.
The committee had announced earlier that the choir was coming and that it would at least participate in the Inaugural Parade, but had not mentioned the several other appearances outlined on Friday.On Jan. 19, the choir will perform in the evening Inaugural Gala, described as "a two-hour live network television entertainment extravaganza" with 12,000 people expected to attend.
Earlier the same day, the choir will also perform at the Gala rehearsal - which is somewhat of an event itself because up to 12,000 people are also expected to attend.
On Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, the choir will perform from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. with the U.S. Marine Band in a prelude program for the swearing-in ceremony. The prelude is to encourage the expected 140,000 people who will attend to come early to avoid a last-minute crush.
The choir is not expected to perform at the actual swearing-in ceremony itself.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the choir will participate in the Inaugural Parade. Choir members will sit on a float, and will sing "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as they pass by the president's reviewing stand.
On Jan. 21, the choir will perform in "An American Tribute to Democracy," to be hosted by Vice President Dan Quayle. The one-hour event in Constitution Hall will feature 35 minutes of singing by the choir and a speech by Quayle.
The inaugural committee said the choir may also be invited to participate in more events being developed for Sunday, Jan. 22.
Bush's American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Committee is directed by a Utahn, Stephen Studdert, who was a senior advisor to Bush during his campaign.