Behind the scenes: What it’s like to sing star-spangled opener at the ballpark

What could be more all-American than baseball and ballpark food on a hot summer evening?  How about leading the national anthem with a 40-person choir at the start of the game?  

That's exactly what I did on a sizzling summer night, along with my fellow singers.  Join us at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) in Durham, NC. The heat index hovers near 100F/38C, but no worries....you'll be comfy on your virtual visit.  

Durham Bulls. minor league baseball in Durham, NC (US)

Downtown Durham is experiencing a renaissance after years of struggle. The Bull's stadium nestles proud between a new performing arts center and modern businesses.  Where tobacco once was king, restaurants and retail dot spaces in the renovated American Tobacco Campus, rubbing elbows where the boys of summer play.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park: main entrance

An hour before the game, we gather on the upper deck of the DBAP for a sound check.  Our voices bounce around in this huge space.  We're singing acapella (just voice; no instruments) and from memory.

Vocal warm up on the upper deck

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I see your eyes rolling.  Pshaw.  Who needs music to sing the national anthem!  But it's challenging to sing "Star Spangled Banner" without music because we do a spiffed-up arrangement with multiple harmonies and jazzed rhythms.  But you're right---at least we know the words!    

Challenging rhythm, high notes

And there's that final bar leading to the soaring finish: "and the of home of the..."  

The choir stops abruptly, except for my alto section, who come in forte (super loud) on "BRAVE!" --- two beats ahead of everyone. 

Then everyone storms in on beat three, double volume, blasting that final brave chord.  Its 6-part harmony strains the high notes of our respective ranges.  No pressure!

I’d be more nervous if it weren’t so hot.  I go through a dozen paper towels wiping sweat from my brow, so I just give up and let it drip.  

Finally!  Officials lead us through narrow passageways down to our place behind home plate.  The genial announcer high-fives us and sets microphones right in front of the altos.  Please don't pick up my voice! says the look on our faces.  It’s a multi-directional mic, our director assures.  

Genial Announcer

Guest conductor Wool E. Bull

As we wait, ballplayers 'warm up' in the outfield
-- an oxymoron on this hot afternoon, where eggs could fry on asphalt.  

With a roar, team mascot Wool E. Bull arrives in a souped-up mini-cart.  

Another natural at working the crowd, Wool E. bounces over and starts to mock conduct us.  Fans love it!  

Then it's time. 

Genial Announcer asks the fans to stand.  Our director gives the starting note, and we softly hum to get the right pitch.  He counts the downbeat.  We're off!  

This is fun!  Our voices soaring through the stadium.   Goosebumping.

Yippy!  Nerves aren't getting in the way of remembering notes.   Too soon, we're at that tricky last bar.  Yes!  Altos carry it to perfection and everyone jumps in on cue.  Sopranos crush it with their high B, and our final chord shakes the flagpole.  The crowd bursts into applause.  

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Enjoy a star-spangled listen for yourself.  
Click below for a 90-second video of the performance.

a Star-spangled opener

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Ballpark food feast

It's over!  

We’re hot, sweaty, and exhilarated.  Fans cheer and cry, "Great job!" as we hustle off the field and back to the picnic area for a group supper.

There's nothing better than eating burgers and hot dogs overlooking right field after singing your heart out. Channeling Scarlett O'Hara, I will count calories, fat and carbs another day!

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The sun sets.  Soft breezes make a dent in the stifling heat.   Spotlights flip on, and nighttime settles over the stadium.  The field takes on a magical glow, with players like slick gaming pieces moving in precision around the diamond.   Cheers for the home team drift into the night sky.  We’re wrapped in happy on this perfect summer night of baseball and singing.

Night falls on the boys of summer

Photos: Cat Michaels, JM,  and Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Video: Edenton Street UMC 

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Join the conversation
What's the best part about a baseball game?

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