Singers try out to perform national anthem for base events Published Sept. 17, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- About 16 vocalists, including one trio and the Maxwell Elementary School Eagles Choir, displayed their singing skills recently by performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of four judges who will decide if they have what it takes to perform during special events on and off Maxwell Air Force Base. The performers were being judged by the people who may call upon them to sing: Tech. Sgt. Crystal Hagler, executive for the 42nd Air Base Wing command chief, Carla Martin, wing special events coordinator and protocol, Lisa Warr, chief of community relations at Air University Public Affairs, and Amanda Winters, special events coordinator of the 42nd Force Support Squadron. Sergeant Hagler said previewing new singers helps the panel get a feel for the musical expertise out there. "With all the award ceremonies, we're looking for people to sing the anthem" at least every quarter, she said. "I'm sure I'll have someone from today for next month's awards ceremony." In a typical year, Ms. Martin said she calls on national anthem singers to perform at about 20 events such as luncheons. Ms. Warr provides singers for 10-15 Montgomery Biscuits games and five civic events. Sergeant Hagler requires vocalists at nine events, including promotions and changes of command, and Ms. Winter uses vocalists to complement four to five events. Those who impress the judges enough will augment a list of about eight national anthem performers, said Ms. Warr. It's a list that's being depleted by retirements and permanent changes of station. Joining the audition was Maxwell Elementary School principal Melissa Hayes, who sings soprano, immediately followed by the elementary school choir. The choir has about 30 to 45 students in grades three through six who were selected via audition, Ms. Hayes said. They meet for rehearsal after school two days a week. She remarked that both she and the children feel it would be an honor to sing the national anthem at base functions. "I love it, the kids love it, and we wanted to promote the kids and the choir," she said. She herself has been singing since about age 10, and has sung the national anthem at Fort Benning, Ga., an Atlanta Braves game, and has performed in community theatre musicals "Guys and Dolls," "Oklahoma!" and "Annie." "Music is a part of what I love," she said. Joyce L. Shack, financial manager of the 754th Electronic Systems Group, can attest to the joy of performing the national anthem. She sang it last month to kick off the Federal Women's Month annual awards luncheon. She started singing the national anthem here as a co-op at Air University in the early 90s after co-workers realized she could sing, and has sung it more than 10 times. She has been singing since she was 8 years old and has performed mostly in church settings, including concerts with gospel celebrity artists and national conventions in front of thousands. Ms. Shack noted that the national anthem is not the easiest song to perform well "because of the wide octave ranges from beginning to end. It is imperative that you start off in the right key; otherwise when transitioning to the end of the piece, you will be unfortunate." "As many times as I have sung the piece, I am still nervous about ending on the perfect note," she said. "Usually, no one remembers how you begin, but they can never forget how you end. I practice and pray at great length before I perform the most treasured song in our national history." The lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" were penned by Francis Scott Key to commemorate a victory in the War of 1812, and, according to a Smithsonian website on the national anthem, the music comes from an English tune, "To Anacreon in Heaven," which praised Anacreon, an ancient Greek poet noted for his praise of love and wine. It is the music, not the lyrics, that can trip up performers. But despite the musical challenges inherent in the piece, Ms. Shack appreciates the opportunity to sing it and share her emotions with others. "I am an emotional singer and every line of that particular song really causes me to memorialize all who gave their lives for my freedom," she said. "So each time I am asked to sing the anthem, I endeavor to invite the audience to feel the patriotism painted by those beautiful words; I handle those lyrics with great care." To request a national anthem singer, contact Ms. Martin at 953-4220.