Auditions to find a national anthem singer were held by the University Athletics Department this past Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
According to Maggie Martini, director of community relations and promotions and member of the athletics marketing staff, this is the second year that Athletics held auditions for the national anthem singer role. Martini said, “We held the national anthem auditions both this year and last year to give students, faculty and staff of Monmouth University as well as anyone in the local community, the opportunity to come audition to sing the national anthem at home MU athletic contests for the 2013-2014 seasons.”
In order to choose the right singer from the 30 auditioning contenders, who ranged from students to local community members, the singers took their turns performing their renditions of the anthem for their audition in front of the Athletics Marketing Staff.
Martini thought that there was a great amount of talent displayed and was glad there was a chance for people of the University community to showcase their skills. “Myself, as well as other members of the athletics marketing department did hear everyone who auditioned this year. It is great to give students, faculty and staff at Monmouth the opportunity to show their talent and audition for these opportunities,” said Martini.
Once all the auditions were complete, the staff selected a handful of singers who were selected to fulfill the change. Once selected, the singers are scheduled to sing at particular University sporting events during the 2013 to 2014 seasons held at the University.
Requirements for the singers include arriving to the respective games 30 minutes prior to the start of play to ensure that the game begins on time, that all technological problems should be avoided, and that the singer may conduct a microphone and speaker check before singing the anthem live for the players and spectators.
Although the national anthem singer is not on the field playing the game and scoring the goals, according to sophomore Daniel Weisman, the game is not the same without having somebody sing the coveted song and set the mood.
“It would be like missing something essential once you realize it’s gone,” said Weisman. “I haven’t played sports since high school, I mainly just watch the games now, but even now having somebody who is able to step out onto that field and remind everyone, and every player, that for a second they are all aren’t about to compete against one another is a pretty cool thing. It’s a factor that makes the sport great,” Weisman said.
Junior Lisa Barka is not a big sports fan but she can relate to Weisman on the importance of having someone set the mood at a game. “My little sister sang the national anthem at a lot of sporting events at [Berkley Heights], she’s an amazing singer, and you could see how many people appreciated it,” said Barka. “It’s a great talent that’s nice to see incorporated into sports and it’s nice to hear that a couple of people are going to be able to share their talent at other Monmouth events.”
Martini said that Monmouth athletics is hoping to have the selected national anthem singers sing live at many home games starting as soon as possible. A schedule for the singers to perform at particular games is underway.
PHOTO COURTESY of Jim Reme
