"...o'er the land of the high-f."

Being a tremendous sports fan, I'm usually perched in my easy chair by the time the curtain rises, ball is tipped, thrown or kicked-off.  What usually comes with my fan-dom is the enjoyment of the Star-Spangled banner before the events.  I've had many, many... many opportunities to play this "tune" with an ensemble and can't imagine what it's like to deliver a successful solo performance for a instrumentalist or vocalist.

Through smartphones, social media and some old and new-tech technology, we've been able to capture those moments that we cherish, those warm and fuzzy feelings that make us feel proud to be Americans; and those that we continually cue-up on Youtube.

On Sunday, January 12, 2014, I tuned in for the Frisco/Carolina showdown before game-time, poured a cold one and sat down in my weekend chair.  What I experienced then was nothing short of amazing.  During the next one minute and thirty seconds, I sat affixed to something that I hadn't heard in a while; someone who blew me away during our National Anthem.

When Dr. Jesse McGuire started his 50-yard-line solo trumpet performance I knew that this was special.  The cavernous mouthpiece produced tones that were Maynard Ferguson in nature.  I found myself walking over to the keyboard to determine what that "free" note was.  It was clear and invigorating.  It was a a high F.

Super Bowl XXV provided another very memorable rendition or our National Anthem.  On January 27, 1991, ten days into the Persian Gulf war, Whitney Houston stood on the fifty yard line in her red, white and blue track suit and gave us a beautiful interpretation.  With collaboration from Rickey Minor, this version had been re-written in 4/4 (common) time.  Not until years later had I realized why the duple-metered version was so powerful.  We were at war and needed this patriotic moment as a country.  It was Whitney, and the version was fresh, new and different.

Tomorrow, during the pre-game of Super Bowl XLVIII, soprano Renee Fleming will be singing our National Anthem.  This will be sung live, and I know that Renee's interpretation will be both moving and powerful.  Please take the time to absorb this special moment. 


Dr. Jesse McGuire, January 12, 2014

Whitney Houston, January 27, 1991