The St. Louis Blues have invited nine acts to perform the national anthem at a game this upcoming season.
The invitations are the result of a partnership between the Blues and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, an audition process that took place on a recent Saturday at Powell Hall. The Blues and SLSO selected more than one winner after being impressed by the abundance of local talent.
Open to solo singers, groups and instrumentalists, more than 650 contestants sent in video applications. Thirty-four were invited to participate.
The Audition Process
The audition consisted of two rounds. In the first round, performed behind a black curtain, contestants were required to select a song other than “The Star Spangled Banner.” The selection could be any style or genre.
Eighteen contestants moved to the second and final round and were asked to perform the national anthem in less than 1 minute and 30 seconds to three judges sitting about a dozen rows back.
Meet the judges
Meet the winners and listen to their national anthem auditions
Scott Kennebeck
River Kittens
James Bertels
Abigail Stahlschmidt
Saxissimo Saxophone Quartet
Alex Armstrong
Rebecca Drury
Montel Moore
Joseph Niemeyer Jr.
Niemeyer was selected to join St. Louis Blues anthem singer Charles Glenn in singing the national anthem at an upcoming game after his first round performance.
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St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
