Choir performs at LHS 75th Commencement

The Lafayette Choir and Band teamed up to perform the Lafayette Alma Mater during Lafayette's 75th commencement ceremonies.  Lafayette's Alma Mater uses a melody and harmonization by the master of the Classical style, Franz Joseph Haydn. Haydn made only two visits to England in his lifetime. While there, he was inspired by the pomp the nationalistic enthusiasm of the British anthem, "God Save the King." He returned to Austria after his second visit and composed this anthem in 1797 for the birthday of the Austrian Emperor Francis II of the Holy Roman Empire. The tune was later adopted by Germany in 1922 as their national anthem.

Lafayette High School opened its doors in 1939 and is the oldest Fayette County high school still on its original campus. This latest arrangement for wind band and chorus was commissioned by the Lafayette Choir in 2013. Verses two and three were newly written for this arrangement. 

Full Photo Gallery from the Herald Leader

Winding pathways lead us upwards to the summit of the hill.
Where in beauty facing forward Lafayette’s walls our dreams fulfill.
Home of lofty thought and learning, beacon o’er our meadow land. 
Shrine whence still the ever-burning torch is passed from hand to hand.

Through the halls and in the classrooms, bearing up the standard high,
Leading all to strive for excellence, challenge each to soar and fly.
Many through these doors have once passed, many yet are still to come.
From this place we dream and journey, as our passage has be-gun.

Winding journeys lead us onward from this summit of the hill.
Wherein knowledge marching forward, Lafayette starts the dream instilled.
Foster all our burg’ning wisdom, as a beacon we will stand; 
Stand and lead with fervent passion, as we pass the torch in hand!