Anthem Singers: In-arena talent

Coincidently, I had just pulled over in the parking lot of my local Tim Horton’s, aptly named after a National Hockey League legend, to listen to Pat Kelly on CBC’s ‘This is That’ talk about the role of the anthem singer, the talent search of sporting institutions to find the representative voice, and the pay or benefits associated with being an anthem singer.

From the time I could walk, or shortly thereafter, much like sports enthusiasts would say they honed their skills – I found my voice. By the time I was eight, I had an agent and was honing my skills as a soloist. The genre of music was unique unto itself – for it wasn’t country, rock, gospel, or anything in-between – it was anthems. Under the guidance of vocal coaches and language linguists, I began to market my skills as a diverse singer – able to sing the national anthem of over half a dozen countries.

For the next 10-15 years I was a regular presence at sporting events. My skills and proven abilities to grasp the pronunciation of numerous anthems and to execute them with feeling gave way to performances at political, public and private events.

I was never paid a salary for my talent or musical and patriotic contribution. I was however exposed to the thrill of being introduced and walking out to centre stage in stadiums full of people on numerous occasions - at Oilers, Eskimos, Trappers, UofA Golden Bears, St. Albert Saints, and international sporting events. I’ve traveled across our province to attend political events and sang for notable dignitaries, such as (the late) Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole, (the late) President Gerald Ford, and (the late) Shimon Perez.

As a Canadian – these are memories I cherish – for it was then, and still is now that it is with patriotic spirit I stand with pride or pause with purpose whenever our national anthem is played or sung and our flag unfurled.

Jacqueline Biollo is the CEO of A Songbird’s Solo Executive Management Consulting, accomplished actress and aspiring model. She is also the founder of an initiative called ArtStart, currently managed by the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation (E4C).