On Jan. 24, open auditions were held for anyone interested in singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at one of the Cactus League spring training games at Tempe Diablo Stadium, which begin in February.
The Show’s Amber Victoria Singer listened in.
On a cool, breezy Saturday morning, a few dozen people filed into the stadium. Some were sitting with their family members. Others were sitting alone in the stands. Everyone was wearing casual clothes except for a cluster of young people wearing matching black blazers and holding sheet music in matching black binders with gold script.
There was a laid back yet excited energy. The youngest performer was 12. The oldest, 81.
It’s not exactly a huge group, but according to anthem coordinator Doug Black, this is a pretty good turnout.
"Our first year, we got maybe three or four people, and today I think we got probably close to 20 people out here auditioning for the stadium as well as a full choir," Black said.
Up until three years ago, Tempe Diablo Stadium was the only spring training location that played an instrumental recording of the national anthem rather than having someone sing it live.
"It just bothered me because there’s so much local talent right here in Tempe," Black said.
Black took it upon himself to organize the auditions.
"We just want somebody that’s giving a good rendition of the anthem. We’re open to different kinds of arrangements … we like uniqueness," Black said.
One of Saturday's auditioners didn't sing at all.
"When I was little, I used to listen to a lot of classical music, but for some reason the clarinet solos really stuck out to me because of its beautiful tone that it gives to me. It gives me chills when I play," Joseph Giacinto said.
Giacinto, 21, is studying clarinet at Mesa Community College. He’s been playing for almost 10 years.
"I like to do a lot of genres, like classical, jazz and pop. I know like over 150 songs by heart. I learned them all by ear," Giacinto said, because he's blind.
Giacinto described how he feels while playing.
"Well, I feel calm. It’s soothing, especially, especially in the slow songs I play. But when it’s, like, upbeat it just makes me feel happy and just want to jam along," Giacinto said.
Out of all the auditions, Giacinto got the most enthusiastic reception.
Tempe Diablo Stadium is still accepting video auditions to sing the national anthem. Email [email protected] to submit an audition.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the email address to send audition videos.
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