Open letter to all high school pre-game national anthem singers,
As an Afr-Am I appreciate a little "flavor" in the anthem when it's performed before basketball games. But I hear the song at least 25 times a season (I'm a high school basketball official) so I have a little request... can yall please just sing?
I know it's a big moment for you, with 200+ folks in the gym and you all want to show off your range/vocal abilities, but there is nooooo reason anybody's rendition needs to roll like, 5 minutes. Really. Throw a flourish or a run, ok, two if you feel it and can hit the notes, but after that ...wrap it up. I seriously doubt Simon Cowell, Clive Davis or Diddy is in the high school gym just waiting to discover you and sign you to his label.
And never mind the folks who really can't sing the song and we're left to wonder "ok, their mom/dad has to be the principal because there really could be no other reason someone game them the microphone."
So, let's get it done and get the game on.
Thank you
