[StBernard] New Rules (as Bill Maher says)

[Westley Annis]

JY,

For quite some time this has been a sore subject for me.  You hit the nail
squarely on the head.  Our nation's anthem is not an opportunity for you to
show off everything you learned in Gospel choir or jazz class.  I feel it
shows disrespect.  When these performers giver their own "personal
interpretation" of the national anthem it is no different from you changing
a few words in the Lord's Prayer.  Both are meant to be said (or performed)
in a particular manner.

Let me add this.  Although it is so common, I wonder how many people know
you are not really supposed to applaud after the performance of the national
anthem?  I heard this as child from my parents and grandparents.  I'm not as
fussy about this, but I used to hear this all the time from my elders.

John Scurich


-----Original Message-----
I was just watching the opening of the Cowboys/Eagles games and heard (I
think) the National Anthem.

I have no idea who the woman was who butchered it, but I just have to say
this:

NEW RULES:

If you have been asked to sing the National Anthem at a public venue. No
embellishments or interpretations are allowed!  It is the national anthem of
our country. It's not a song for you to add ornamentation to, nor are you
allowed to rewrite the melody.  You are supposed to be some type of
recognized singer.  With that in mind, I hope you can read music; it's those
squiggly things on paper and there are five lines and 4 spaces grouped
together.

If you feel a great need to add your "take" on it, we reserve the right to
grab one of those giant hooks and remove you from view.

JY