The Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner

National Anthem of the United States of America

The music, which is the melody, is written by John Stafford Smith around 1775 and arranged by William J Krauss.

The current text is written by Francis Scott Key in 1814.

Since 1931 this is the official anthem of the United States of America.
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When you attend over 300 events a year, you get to hear a lot of national anthems sung and played in many countries. There is nothing greater than an anthem sung the way it should be sung. There is nothing worse than performances deviating fm the Anthem.

We’ve been witness to people singing their anthem to the music and lyrics and have been swept off our feet to the point of “goose bumps”. We know the feeling when it's done right!

The Star Spangled Banner is an anthem that is respected and revered by those who love our country for all it stands for; past and present. The anthem is respected and revered by those who have experienced the graciousness of our country. We are a nation with a proven track record of helping others help themselves in time of need; whether a disaster or war time.

If you are given the honor of singing this anthem, and it is an honor, we see no reason to deviate fm the words or music written in 3/4 time. Performing isn't about you. It's about you performing an anthem the way it is written to honor this great country. Anything less is a disservice to this nation. Forgetting a word or two is acceptable and if you run in to a memory blank, those listening should help.

We're not interested in people singing it faster, slower, deviating fm the notes or putting on some display that brings attention to them. Those that want respect sing it the way it was written and they do it out of respect.

This isn't too much to ask for the freedom we all enjoy.

We already know the reply fm the newer generations: "This is a free country."

Yes, it is, but not to the point where it becomes self-serving or disrespectful to our anthem or flag.

We believe part of the selection process for singing our anthem should be the singer being qualified and required to sing the anthem as it was written; correct words, melody and tempo.

We would not fly an altered flag and we should not deviate fm the lyrics and music that have been with us officially since 1931.

When you deviate fm the rules and standards expected fm you by the team there will be consequences; sometimes career ending. Think about it.

Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps, 24621 So Clark Lake, Rd P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468-0090 Phone 218.963.2444 Fax 218.963.2325

Email: chuck@mnhockeycamps.com - All rights are reserved. No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps