When I auditioned for a barbershop group I had to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” not so much for patriotic reasons but because it has a range greater than one octave.
The Star-Spangled Banner shouldn’t be the US national anthem, for several reasons – the most important of which is: it’s hard to sing. A national anthem should be something easy and memorable and should talk more about the nation than about the experience of a flag during one battle.
The original US anthem, up till the 1930s was Hail Columbia. It has some singing challenges too. There has been intermittent movement toward America the Beautiful instead.
From Wikipedia comes This Tidbit:.In indignation over the start of the American Civil War, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. added a fifth stanza to the song in 1861 which appeared in songbooks of the era.. When our land is illumined with Liberty’s smile, If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory, Down, down with the traitor that dares to defile The flag of her stars and the page of her story! By the millions unchained who our birthright have gained, We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained! And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave While the land of the free is the home of the brave.
Flash Gordon almost 9 years ago
Sing “Mi chiamano Mimi” from La Boheme instead.Sabra (Stick) can sing “I Pagliacci”.
DDrazen almost 9 years ago
When I auditioned for a barbershop group I had to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” not so much for patriotic reasons but because it has a range greater than one octave.
comicsdujour almost 9 years ago
The Star-Spangled Banner shouldn’t be the US national anthem, for several reasons – the most important of which is: it’s hard to sing. A national anthem should be something easy and memorable and should talk more about the nation than about the experience of a flag during one battle.
Maddie Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Try singing “Oh Canada” the last few notes are a real test.
sperry532 almost 9 years ago
Oh, great! Now I’ve got Puccini as an earworm. Thanks, Allison!
dcp9142 almost 9 years ago
The original US anthem, up till the 1930s was Hail Columbia. It has some singing challenges too. There has been intermittent movement toward America the Beautiful instead.
Tarredandfeathered almost 9 years ago
From Wikipedia comes This Tidbit:.In indignation over the start of the American Civil War, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. added a fifth stanza to the song in 1861 which appeared in songbooks of the era.. When our land is illumined with Liberty’s smile, If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory, Down, down with the traitor that dares to defile The flag of her stars and the page of her story! By the millions unchained who our birthright have gained, We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained! And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave While the land of the free is the home of the brave.
Elvanion almost 9 years ago
So Teena is going to sing “Che has Jello at the marina”?