Sharing My Singing Experiences – Pt. 1

Singing the Anthem Then and Now

So I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old. In fact, I sung way more than I talked! Today, I’m going to share one of my singing experiences, performing the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.

Originally, the poetry of Star-Spangled Banner, was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. The music was later composed by John Stafford Smith. Interestingly, it wasn’t signed into law until 1931.

Since the adoption of the National Anthem, it has been sung at many, many national and local events in the United States. Originally intended as a drinking song, the tempo was fairly fast in 6/4 time and 4 verses were written. The first verse is sung at various events throughout the nation and it has been arranged in 3/4 time.

You can find an original version of the Star Spangled Banner on the video below.

Many different singers and groups sing the National Anthem with their own unique version or musical arrangement. There is a lot of interpretation and emotion when a singer or group sings the National Anthem. In my experience, it is always a challenge to sing this piece for 4 reasons:

1. The singing range is pretty wide (in the key of Bb major, for example, it ranges from a Bb up to an F).
2. Remembering the words correctly!
3. Singing in the correct rhythm and enunciating the text quickly and accurately.
4. Understanding the full context, the history of the lyrics and understanding our country’s history.

When I am invited to sing the National Anthem for a sporting event or a special occasion, I always keep these things in mind while I am singing.

Here’s a video of me singing the National Anthem from my Facebook page. You can find more recent videos of me singing here on my Facebook page called Ashley Melendez.

I have sung the National Anthem for the Wolfpack Basketball games, Professional Bull Riders, Reno Rodeo, Reno Air Races, the opening ceremony of John C. Bohach Elementary School in Sparks, NV and the Star Spangled Sparks (2021). It is an honor to sing the Star Spangled Banner and I when I perform this piece, I do my very best to sing it with the appropriate context, integrity and musicality that it deserves.

Want to hear more about my singing experiences in other musical genres? Subscribe to my blogs and stay tuned for more. I will be updating my YouTube page, so stay tuned for that as well!

Photo credit to istrfry marcus via Unspalsh.com