Albany High grad's work performed during Biden inaugural

Albany High School had a place in Wednesday’s historic inauguration ceremony for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. 

The ceremony included a composition by Albany High graduate Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork, Class of 1959. The U.S. Marine Band performed Hailstork’s “Fanfare on Amazing Grace” as the second selection in the inauguration ceremony. 

It is just the second time that a work by a contemporary African-American composer has been performed as part of a presidential inauguration. 

An internationally acclaimed composer, Hailstork is an eminent scholar and professor emeritus of music at Old Dominion University. He is a 2010 inductee into the City School District of Albany Hall of Fame.

“We are so excited for Mr. Hailstork and this unbelievable honor he has received to have one of his compositions performed during Wednesday’s presidential inauguration,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. 

“As a graduate of Albany High School and a member of our City School District of Albany Hall of Fame, he is an inspiration for our students and our entire community. We cheered this great achievement Wednesday for one of our exceptional alumni.”