Dear National Anthem singers

This link's for you, Baron!

 

I have the air force band's version as a back up for games I announce. Total time with drum roll is 1:14. There is no slowing down at the end. The fermata isn't supposed to be held on long near the end. And it's in 3/4. Perfect. If you take more than 90 seconds to sing the song you did it wrong. Period.

I can't imagine other countries' anthems being sung interpetitively. Why ours.

 

Long ago, I timed the Providence College pep band at 55 seconds. Sounded strong and vigorous.

 

Just once, I'd like to hear the second, third or fourth verse sung. Those three don't end with a question mark, but everyone in the arena will be wondering what just happened.

 

She actually sang it at Game 6 of the NBA Finals last year, and did such a good job - and the Lakers won so they liked the luck - that she also did it for Game 7.

 

Golden State had a guy who did that in the 70s. Great pipes. Can't remember his name, but for some reason I thought about him the other night when forced to stand up yet again before a high school game ...

 

This.
I love covering games, standing near officials and listening to the collective groan by the word "say" as the singer sets the timing.

 

Was it Joe Kay that timed national anthems and kept a logbook detailing the times?

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/dr_z/02/26/insider/index.html

I miss Dr. Z.

 

I wonder if she was a bit sick.

 

So do I. Best advice he gave? Always talk to the offensive linemen if you want to learn why they won or lost.

 

Every team I ever covered the offensive linemen were the most accessible and the best quotes.