[The Great RJ]

Not that I dislike our National Anthem, but it is difficult to sing and more often then not butchered by the performers at sporting events. I would rather see a simple dignified instrumental version performed at these events even it it was recorded rather than have to grit my teeth listening to a badly performed vocal version.

I played in both high school and college bands and frequently played at sporting events various arrangements of the Star Spangled Banner including one by John Phillip Sousa. However, I recently happened on an arrangement of the National Anthem by the Band Master of Custer's 7th Calvary that is short, dignified and would be wholly appropriate for these events. The CD is available here

[falkayn]

As one commentator put it, most singers who try to perform it end up sounding like they swallowed a demonically possessed cat.