Presbyterian College Choir Delivers Stunning ‘America’s Anthem’ Concert in Clinton

In a week that has already seen a remarkable string of musical performances at Presbyterian College, the Presbyterian College Choir and PC Vocal Select brought the season to a breathtaking close Sunday afternoon with “America’s Anthem: 250 Years in Song” at Belk Auditorium on the PC campus.

The April 26 concert, presented under the direction of Kipper Ackerman, Director of Choral Activities and Instructor of Music at Presbyterian College, drew an appreciative audience for a sweeping musical journey through 250 years of American history — from the Revolutionary War era through the Civil War and into the great patriotic anthems that define the nation’s character.

A Program Built on Pride and Patriotism

The program opened with a Presentation of Colors by CDT Sanayia Chesney and CDT Andrew Hays, setting a tone of reverence and national pride that carried through the entirety of the afternoon. The choir performed an ambitious repertoire that included “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Remember the Ladies” — featuring text by Abigail Adams — “South Carolina on My Mind,” the official State Song of South Carolina written by Hank Martin, and “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

“This concert was really about honoring the full story of America — the triumphs, the sacrifices, and the voices that have so often gone unheard,” said Ackerman. “These students poured their hearts into every note, and I could not be more proud of what they brought to that stage today.”

A South Carolina Legend on Stage

The afternoon took on an extra special moment when guest artist Hank Martin — a South Carolina boy who grew up in Bishopville and Sumter before heading to Nashville to chase a dream — was invited to take the stage and sing his own song alongside the choir.

Martin spent decades in Nashville becoming one of the most recorded jingle singers in the business, lending his voice to commercials for AT&T, McDonald’s, Chevrolet, Pepsi, Kodak, and scores of others. But it may be a song closer to home that defines his legacy most. In 1984, the South Carolina State Legislature passed a resolution signed by Gov. Richard Riley making “South Carolina on My Mind” the official state song. Sunday afternoon, that song filled Belk Auditorium with the voices of the next generation of South Carolina musicians — and its author was right there with them.

Martin currently resides in Pawleys Island, and the PC Choir was grateful to welcome him and his wife, Beth, to Clinton.

Standout Performances

A special highlight was the performance of “Dying Soldier,” an American folk song arranged by Nigel Short and Mack Wilberg, featuring PC baritone Carter Hill as soloist. Hill’s rich voice and commanding presence drew a hushed and emotional response from the audience. Alto soloist Ja’Nya Austin also delivered a stirring performance of “I Got a Home In-A Dat Rock,” a traditional spiritual arranged by Moses Hogan.

The second half of the program moved through three powerful African American spirituals — “We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace,” “Hush! Somebody’s Calling My Name,” and “I Got a Home In-A Dat Rock” — before closing with a rousing patriotic finale featuring “Grand Old Flag!” and “Irving Berlin’s America.”

Talent Rooted in Community

Ackerman, a Class of ’97 PC alumna and native of Dalzell, S.C., is in her second year at Presbyterian College. She also serves as director of the Laurens County Chorale and leads The Sounds of Grace, a nonprofit that brings live music to hospice and healthcare settings. She was accompanied Sunday by collaborative pianist Ruby Lee, an adjunct faculty member at PC and North Greenville University.

The concert’s program honored nine PC faculty and staff members nominated by choir members themselves — a testament to their support of students and the arts.

A Gift to Laurens County

Laurens County is fortunate. Sunday’s concert served as a reminder that Presbyterian College is not simply a point of civic pride — it is an active, living contributor to the cultural life of this community.

The students who filled that stage are not just performers. They are neighbors, and they are extraordinary.