Properly singing the Star Spangled Banner

[Proud Mother]

My daughter, who is a high school senior, sings the National Anthem at our basketball games frequently. She is considering singing it a competition. Our question was if it was appropriate to sing the Star Spangled Banner without an American Flag in view.
Thank you
Beth

[Peter Ansoff]

Hello, Beth!

Our question was if it was appropriate to sing the Star Spangled Banner without an American Flag in view.

Yes, it's perfectly fine to do so. In fact, USC Title 36 even says:

"During a redition of the national anthem . . . when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed."

Does your daughter plan to sing only the first verse, or more than one? I always find the opening phrases of the 4th verse to be particularly moving:

"Oh thus be it ever
when free men shall stand
between their loved homes
and the war's desolation."

Anyway, I hope she aces the competition . . . Let us know!

Peter Ansoff

[Stuff4Toys]

I would say that is is appropriate anytime and anywhere it can be sung with a quality voice, respect and love for our God & Nation.

JOhn ><>

[american_flag_uk]

aye just so long as the tune and rhythm isnt messed about with very much!! its a great song as it is without some fools coming along and changing it up!

[Peter Ansoff]

its a great song as it is

We'll try not to think about who fired those bombs that were bursting in air! (-;

Peter Ansoff

[Proud Mother]

Thank you very much for your help.
Beth

[american_flag_uk]

lol peter

[jgjoyce]

Question: USC Title 36 states:
(1) when the flag is displayed -
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at
attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;

Would that include the singer? Also, I know there is some controversy about the pitch of the song -- I'm told it was written in G and should always be sung in the original pitch. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

[american_flag_uk]

no - the singer band/ perfermormers do not have to look at the flag - as they are performing - they also have no requirement to place their hand over their heart.

i myself have nevere heard such controversy over the pitch of it.

i guess marching bands would choose G because theres only one sharp on the key of G - F so its not too hard to play

the melody of the Star Spangled Banner is actually taken from an old English drinking song.
i find this to be slightly ironic!!
along with the fact that the American flag flown at Fort McHenry- which inspired the origional Star Spangled Banner poem- was made out of English woolen bunting!

[Peter Ansoff]

I know there is some controversy about the pitch of the song -- I'm told it was written in G and should always be sung in the original pitch.

Interesting -- I've never heard of a controversy about what key the SSB is played in. I assume that it would depend in part on the composition of the band or orchestra.

i guess marching bands would choose G because theres only one sharp on the key of G - F so its not too hard to play

A marching band would not play the SSB (at least, not while marching), because it is not written in march time. It's actually a waltz.

Peter A.