Mike Ehrmann - Getty Images
Can you hear that? That is a sweet sound of tradition.
Can you remember the who sang the national anthem at the last game you attended in Rupp Arena? I cannot, I confess. More times than not, those moments are spent mingling out in the concourse for various reasons. I'm sure you remember New Year's Eve when the Birds with teeth came to town to face our Kentucky Wildcats.
If you watched the game via broadcast like I did, you may have also missed a completely awesome event before the game. UK's Dr. Everett McCorvey, the Director and Executive Producer of the University of Kentucky Opera Theater, walked onto the court and began a beautiful a capella rendition of the National Anthem. He then directed a sea of blue clad fans to finish the song. I still get chills watching this.
When Glenn asked Kywineman for a game recap he had this to say,
The atmosphere was absolutely charged with anticipation of a great game. The crowd rose to its feet to watch the singing of the national anthem when they found out that they were going to be the singers. It was a very special moment to be part of 24,000+ paying tribute to the great nation that makes all of this possible. I am still getting chills as I type this.
How could anyone in attendance not feel this energy? 24,000 fans clad in blue, paying a sincere tribute for being in the land of the free. It was very moving to watch this clip and I can imagine even more chilling in person. If it affected the players, I cannot say with certainty but I choose to believe it had to. I remember Darius hit his first three within the first minute of the game after UofL's Dieng scored two on a jumper and Kentucky never trailed again. Could this energy felt also provide a possible explanation as to what is occurring around the red team west of Lexington? Yes? Since I didn't witness the energy live, my honest answer to that is just a little bit on the side of inconclusive.
Currently, today, our Wildcats sit at the number 1 spot for NCAA home court winning streaks, only two ahead of the Blue Devils if you are wondering. Kentucky is also known for their great tradition. I want to ask you, members of the BBN, if you think this should become a home game tradition. I think now might be a perfect time to start another great tradition and I won't list them all right now because of my minor superstitious concerns.
I think the sites and sounds of the home game could only be accentuated by allowing this. Do you know how sometimes in a game thread we comment that the Rupp crowd doesn't seem ready? I think those comments might never be made again. We could start each home game with a fan rendition of the National Anthem. Halftime will continue to bring us the bonus "Y" filled with a surprise. And finally, we must continue to cap off the win with the memorable My Old Kentucky Home. The fan experience would start out with a strong feeling of pride to have this opportunity, a fun-filled delicious middle and topped off with the rafters of Rupp Arena once again shedding Happy tears (click it only if you can spare a few tears) to My Old Kentucky Home. I can't think of any better tasting blue experience.
Like I said, I want to ask you how you would feel about it. So, therefore, I will. Do you think a fan a capella version of the National Anthem should become a tradition, or should it be saved for only special games? Just maybe the University will listen if we want it badly enough.
Go Big Blue!!! And yes, I made you a poll.
1 recs | 29 comments
Since that moment
I have witnessed the singing of the national anthem at Rupp and other national venues. I saw where they announced the celebrity that will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. I think that many are missing the point and opportunity. Instead of a show of unity among all present, it is reduced to a show. I find that superficial and the UK experience stands far above any other I have seen, except maybe, Jimi Hendrix but that was in a very different state of perception at the time. :) I find it inconceivable that that moment in Rupp did not impact the younger members of the crowd, including the players of both teams, in a very positive manner. A rare moment of the feeling of a greater American family rather than partisan bickering.
kywineman - January 12, 2012
"Instead of a show of unity among all present, it is reduced to a show."
This is what irks me. Whoever is chosen to sing the anthem thinks it is about them and how great they are. They just HAVE to show how long they can hold a note, how edgy a rendition they can perform, or (in the case of Roseanne Barr) how boorishly obnoxious they can be. Wake up call to all singers of the national anthem: IT AIN’T ABOUT YOU! It’s about the wonderful country we live in. That’s bigger than you and, as hard as this may be to believe, bigger than your ego. Just sing the song with respect and sit down. You can bask in how great you are when they put you on the Jumbotron later. /rant
Acdixon - January 12, 2012
^^this^^
cmadler - January 13, 2012
Probably special events.
Every home game, I think, would make it a bit less special. But I can see the other side as well.
Great post.
Glenn Logan - January 12, 2012
I concur...
For one you would have to have someone who could and would lead the group, and this is not a minor task. The Montreal Canadians (NHL) for years had tenor Roget Doucet who did both the Canadian and US anthems at their home games. And the Maple Leafs had a tenor from Phantom of the Opera who did it while the show ran there. Why a professional singer? Quite honestly the Star Spangled Banner is a very challenging song, and the “voice” has to keep it going, as most of us amateurs are forced to change keys when it gets to the end.
Hopefully the song remains special for most of us, but you know that there are going to be “those people” at any sporting event who’s excitement out runs their good sense, and are going to yell, cheer, clap, whatever as the song comes to an end. On the other end of the spectrum are those of us that are going to sing along every time (unless the version done is so outlandish as to prohibit that [see above Jimi Hendrix ref.]).
The thing about special moments is that they are…well.. special, and even if you repeat them they may not repeat that same response. Somehow it just doesn’t quite work that way. IMHO YMMV
blenheim bard - January 12, 2012
I thought every game in Rupp Arena was special
Bluehound - January 12, 2012
Memorable moment for the fans and players.
I never had heard about this happening, I think it’s great for special games but can see merit in doing this before all gains, really either one is fine just don’t forget to do it more.
BUT, I can’t believe the crowd didn’t shout the last two words of the National Anthem – “Play Ball!!!” j/k
hoboat33 - January 12, 2012
Great opinions guys, keep them coming.
I really want the whys and why nots! I needed different views.
a2d2 - January 12, 2012
Not quite
the impact of the playing and singing of our anthem at the old Chicago Stadium before a Blackhawk game but very close.
Stood thru many renditions of the anthem in that old barn and each was truly “special”.
Always accompanied by the Wurlitzer organ but never by a “guest singer” who might totally screw it up with their own interpertation(s).
Why should it become a Rupp tradition?? I don’t know………..maybe because we a still Americans despite the efforts of a few, or it’s a great song, or because some of us are proud of our country and the Commonwealth, or there are those who have served in our military with pride and who appreciate the anthem. List goes on and on.
Blujean - January 12, 2012
ah.. but the playing of the national anthem is a "UK tradition" ...
for all “major” sporting events (i.e. football and basket ball) going back before Rupp and Commonwealth. what is at question here is whether the leading of the assembled fans as a giant chorus as it happened at the UL game should become a feature of every game.
A question of whether by repetition it would instill the special quality that happened that afternoon to every game, or would it pale with repetition. It is definitely NOT a question of playing the anthem, but how it should be done.
if you were among the fans that came North for the exhibition games in Windsor Canada last year you would have found that they played both national anthems before the game, as they do before every hockey game that involves both countries.
blenheim bard - January 12, 2012
Exactly what I meant.
Only how it should be done. Thank you.
a2d2 - January 12, 2012
I know many veterans were upset when the Bears fans started yelling during the national anthem at Soldier Field recently. I don’t know about the Blackhawks version, but I have to admit in full disclosure my expectations of Chicago sports fans could not possibly be any lower. I suspect that the tradition did start out of respect for the United States, its flag and everything it represents.
I enjoyed listening to this, but I don’t think it should be a regular thing. I’ve always enjoyed the crowd silence during the singing of the national anthem. I’m also not a fan of flyovers at NFL games – maybe I’m just a prude.
doldham - January 12, 2012
This was not an unruly crowd during the performance but an excited
group of people spontaneously called upon to celebrate their freedom. It was a moving experience and everybody just sort of looked around at their seat neighbors with a little extra appreciation when it was over.
kywineman - January 12, 2012
agreed
I wasn’t criticizing this – I was talking about some NFL games. I thought the video was amazing.
doldham - January 12, 2012
I think the picture above is very telling
Apparently Josh Harrellson is the only player that realizes the right hand should be placed over the heart while the anthem is being played. Everyone else apparently follows the Obama technique.
MTCAT - January 12, 2012
Not True
Military stand at attention and civilians are allowed to choose, personally the hand over the heart is for the Pledge but I don’t have a problem with others doing it.
StLHugo - January 12, 2012 via Android app
This from US FLag.org...
The Salute
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
MTCAT - January 13, 2012
Very nice, and thanks for reminding us.
I rarely attend live events where the anthem is done, so I sometimes forget the proper method. It was much easier when I was in the military, since we had to do it all the time.
Glenn Logan - January 14, 2012
The guy from Sidewinder
This year during the world series an AF TSgt from the band Sidewinder (check YouTube for em) sang the best I have ever seen.
StLHugo - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Nice story and video
I think they should probably mix it up. Sometimes make it a community choir, sometimes bring in a “pro”. But the anthem should always be done with professionalism and class.
sweasyf - January 12, 2012
I believe the Rupp crowd was
functioning as a very large community choir. Instead of just silently observing the honoring of our country, we stood up and took ownership for a few moments. Bye the way, the masses carried the melody nicely, even the hard parts.
kywineman - January 12, 2012
Special Performances For Special Occasions
That’s how I voted. I regret not being able to participate. I’ve witnessed The Star Spangled Banner performed in many venues but my all time favorite is Super Bowl XXV:
Whitney Houston
Wild Weasel - January 12, 2012
thanks
for that link. I love whitney…the old whitney.
attilla63 - January 12, 2012
I think Rosanne Barr wins worst hands down...
.. it was deliberately bad. Never watched anything with her in it from that day on. And won’t ever again.
blenheim bard - January 12, 2012
I'm glad she started getting booed about halfway through
kcgard2 - January 13, 2012
awesome !!
thanks a2, I vote every game
Bluehound - January 12, 2012
Don't Forget
to remain standing until Old Glory has left the floor as well.
bradcatfan - January 13, 2012
70's were a little foggy, but
if I remember correctly, the pep band played the National Anthem every game. They played a very crisp version. This took the “character” of the vocalist out of the picture. It would also allow for the crowd to sing along. Not proposing this as an option, just saying’.
Off topic: Spent many a game night around the corner from Memorial at a place called The Paddock Bar. Favorite hangout of a multi-year undergrad named Gatewood. RIP friend.
UK72CatFan - January 13, 2012
The arrangement played by the Wildcat Marching Band at football games is very crisp indeed — after spending several years playing it I now am irritated by most of the other band arrangements I hear. I don’t know how long this arrangement has been in use (at least ~20 years), but it seems like it might be the one you remember.
cmadler - January 13, 2012
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