Hey Jenny, out here in Los Angeles most people sing the tonic above the fifth (your stated high-note) and hold it for, uh, applause? I don't know what they're waiting for .... but that's when I hear the cracks. Thanks for your advice and the bass playing!
Listeners will learn how to hit the high notes while singing the Star Spangled Banner, perhaps the most mangled national anthem in the world. This piece is refreshing, light and entertaining. While certainly appropriate for the 4th of July weekend, this is a great drop in for any time of the year. The giggles are great. (The description of the piece is almost as good as the piece itself - very tongue in cheek.)
Timely for the 4th of July, but useful just about anywhere. I'm not a musician, and I'm less of singer, but I know how people feel about our national anthem. Probably it's the reason why they sing American the Beautiful a lot now, too.
I think the hard part isn't just the note, the singing of "glare" is easier than the long 'e' in free.
This reminds me of something I read once, that when people chant "Air Ball" at a basketball game, they always -- Always -- do it in the same key. F, I think.
See how these types of things stick in your head? This piece will stick with your listeners for awhile. Play it early Sunday morning.
This is one of my favorite pieces that I've found on PRX so far. Smart, humorous, interesting. It bodes well with public radio Core Values and has a lot of potential uses.
Comments for How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
Produced by Jackson Braider
Other pieces by Jackson Braider
Rating Summary
8 comments
Betsy Hanger
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 07:50 PM | Permalink
The show-off melisma on "free-HEE!"
Hey Jenny, out here in Los Angeles most people sing the tonic above the fifth (your stated high-note) and hold it for, uh, applause? I don't know what they're waiting for .... but that's when I hear the cracks. Thanks for your advice and the bass playing!
David Srebnik
Posted on June 24, 2008 at 06:40 PM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
Nice, drop-in for July 4th - featuring an insider's tip for those who struggle to sing one of the most difficult songs of all time.
Not earth shattering but timely and universally relatable - at least here in the U-S. And you may save your listeners from losing a lung.
Good for your July 4 ME or ATC cutaways, and as an insert during a local music shift or news-magazine slot. Good for your July 3 programming as well.
Deborah Astley
Posted on June 29, 2005 at 10:48 AM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
Listeners will learn how to hit the high notes while singing the Star Spangled Banner, perhaps the most mangled national anthem in the world. This piece is refreshing, light and entertaining. While certainly appropriate for the 4th of July weekend, this is a great drop in for any time of the year. The giggles are great. (The description of the piece is almost as good as the piece itself - very tongue in cheek.)
Hans Anderson
Posted on June 30, 2004 at 10:37 PM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
I think the hard part isn't just the note, the singing of "glare" is easier than the long 'e' in free.
This reminds me of something I read once, that when people chant "Air Ball" at a basketball game, they always -- Always -- do it in the same key. F, I think.
See how these types of things stick in your head? This piece will stick with your listeners for awhile. Play it early Sunday morning.
Eric Nuzum
Posted on June 30, 2004 at 02:09 AM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
This is one of my favorite pieces that I've found on PRX so far. Smart, humorous, interesting. It bodes well with public radio Core Values and has a lot of potential uses.
marc sensi
Posted on May 21, 2004 at 01:13 PM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
cute. fun and light hearted.
I wanted to hear more from this person.
a well rounded editing with an artistic giggle ending.
Amy O'Leary
Posted on October 05, 2003 at 09:49 PM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
Who knew that trick about hitting the high note? Short, but a pleasant and surprising little break from the norm.
Ochen Kaylan
Posted on September 24, 2003 at 09:45 PM | Permalink
Review of How to Sing the Star-Spangled Banner
Cute. Very quick.
Might work as offbeat fill or tangent to baseball or vocal-music story.