SC’s new choral anthem puts Revolutionary motto to music

South Carolina's new choral anthem, "While I Breathe, I Hope," puts the state's nearly 250-year-old motto to music.

By: Kaylen Jones

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: June 16, 2026

Words: 1,111

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s new choral anthem puts the state’s nearly 250-year-old motto to music with a uniting message of hope.

The designation, following a decade of persistence by its creator and a York County legislator, comes in time for performances celebrating the nation’s founding and the outsized role South Carolina played.

But the anthem, titled “While I Breathe, I Hope,” is meant to be timeless, said its composer, James Kevin Gray. He …

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