Just wonder if any of you perform The Star-Spangled Banner?
If so, do your sing it or do instrumentally? What key do you do it in? Do use styles, backing track, acapella, or?

I'd like add The Star-Spangled Banner to my repertoire and I'm exploring options. I'm curious about other keyboardists approach the national anthem.

i sing it in the key of A,
split, soft brass with strings on right, fretless bass on left

paul you got mail

You not sharing with us too, DNJ?

Maybe it is one of those nasty K------ files Don.

I use the Piano Ballad style, tempo of 70, 3rd intro, and progress through the variations. I sing it in the key "G", but of course, this will depend on your vocal comfort zone.

Gary

I always play a medley with The Star-Spangled Banner. Never alone unless requested.

John C.

I do it in Ab, with a grand piano + a warm string bed. I sing it most of the time...


I'll play it on patriotic holidays and when its requested...not too often otherwise.

For many of my accounts, I finish my set with either God Bless America, America the Beautiful or God Bless the USA...

You could use your harmonizer to help your vocal rendition of the National Anthem. Here is an example of how you can auto pitch correct your vocal. I generally do not sing the SB because of the range of the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hgTkeP38do

Thanks gentlemen for sharing. I'm still working on the key, probably G or A. As for the accompaniment, I'm going for something simple like Alicia Keys does. I wish I could sing half as soulfully, but I'd like to think a straightforward version sung in tune and in a comfortable key, can be effective too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6XM8MAXGp0

Here's some lead sheets in several keys.

http://www.music-for-music-teachers.com/star-spangled-banner.html


Even if you never plan on singing the Star Spangled Banner in public, I think it's a great song to practice in order to use your full range.

We always do an upbeat acapella version...

https://youtu.be/1tjFAsVYNoQ

We are a duo, so we do have harmony.

God Bless America🇺🇸

Now that was an outstanding rendition, Mr. and Mrs. Shuey!

Right on montunoman. To me, I think of national anthems as the sonic equivalents of national flags and it never ceases to amaze how often the American anthem in particular, frequently gets absolutely butchered. Sports event anthem 'singers' are probably the worst offenders.

this was the worst..

Excellent & Inspiring. Thanks for Sharing
Eddie

Plus 1

There's a little piece of my solo anthem performance waaaaay back in 1984 in this video.
http://www.daveboydmusic.com/uncategorized/the-musical-life-of-dave-boyd/
Wish I had shaved for that interview!
(One of my students created that for me - cool, huh?)

Great rendition Dave, and nice feature story on you. Thanks for sharing.