That One Time I Sang “Oh Say, Can You See”
Sports games, drama events, concerts, and large community gatherings — these are all places where the U.S. national anthem The Star Spangled Banner can be sung(among countless other venues). Many have heard the story of Francis Scott Key’s penning of the lyrics after experiencing the U.S. triumph in a horrid battle with Britain in the War of 1812. Many also realize the challenges musicians and vocalists face with the complex musical score. For instance, the melody notes for the song’s last line jump a whole octave. So practice and fine-tuning are necessary for the vocalist or brass performer to deliver the sacred music successfully.
The one time I sang the “Star Spangled Banner” was during my senior year of high school for a basketball game. I actually was slotted for two games during the same weekend but missed the first one when I thought they were just going to stream a recording.
Before the second game, I had the microphone in my hands and started in tune. I gave full vocal support to the notes and worked my way through the legendary lines one by one. But when I got to the last line, “Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, over the land of the free,” my voice did an unlikeable crack at the top note.
I had not started the stanza on the proper note as coached by my choral instructor. Even though I ended well enough, this moment in the song would be remembered by a few in the audience. However, others complimented my voice and tone.
Many other people turn singing the national anthem into a hobby all its own. It seems they are able to reach those high notes with ease each time, maintaining the depth and composure the song requires. Maybe someday, as part of my musical endeavors, I will look into performing the anthem again. Other musical endeavors have been much more successful, including numerous solos as a member of my college’s vocal jazz group.
But the memory of performing the national anthem at my high school’s basketball game will always stick with me. I made a brave attempt to help honor liberty and justice and all of those who work, fight, and stand for those virtues. Maybe I didn’t hit a few of the high notes, but the American dream is all about taking the risk.
