Tom Challis – 2/12/06

This page was last updated on February 12, 2006.

Sing the anthem the right way; Tom Challis; Beaver County Times; February 12, 2006.

An editor’s note stated, “The writer is the former director of the Abbey Brass.”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Laws have been proposed regarding the desecration of our national flag that would fine people for doing so.

“After listening to our national anthem being butchered at the Super Bowl Sunday night, it’s time that we have a law to prevent it from happening again.

“Our anthem has 102 notes in the first stanza, but nowadays, singers aren’t happy unless they add about 300 more to it. They think it’s cute and artistic.

“The national anthem should be sung as written - straight - and with dignity.

“Also, it should be sung in the same key throughout the stanza, not switch keys half way through it when it gets out of the singer’s vocal range.

“That exhibition on national television at the Super Bowl was a disgrace. Those so-called artists or musicians owe this nation an apology.”

[RWC] Amen!