| As America’s flag hung, still waving despite defeat on that dawn in September, 1814, the sight inspired Francis Scott Key to write his poem, Defense of Fort McHenry. The poem was set to music, modified and retitled and in 1931 proclaimed by Congress to be our Nation’s Anthem…The Star Spangled Banner. It was during the 19th century that The Star Spangled Banner became one of America’s loved patriotic songs. And it’s no surprise that it gained even more popularity when played at Major League Baseball games, after all, baseball is known as America’s favorite pastime. During the 1918 World Series game between the Red Sox and the Cubs, the brass band played Francis Scott Key’s The Star Spangled Banner and the players and the fans immediately joined in….Patriotism at its best. The Valencia High School Choir had a chance to partake in America’s tradition. On the evening of July 3, the award winning Valencia High School Vocal Jazz Two N’ Four belted out The Star Spangled Banner in front of thousands of fans at the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds game. As the crowds stood with their hands over their hearts, ball caps in hand, saluting the flag, you couldn’t help but be proud of our Santa Clarita students who represented not only our Valley so well, but our country too. Their rendition was flawless. Jeffrey Pina, father of choir member Blair Pina, made all of this happen. With the right connections through his company, Avery Dennison, he approached Craig Sindici of the Dodgers organization to consider the VHS Vocal Jazz Two N’ Four under the direction of Christine Tavares to perform the National Anthem. After a few connections with the Dodger front office, the organization chose the VHS Jazz Choir to sing the National Anthem prior to the game and God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch. Craig and Jeffrey decided to make a night of it for the choir students. The Dodgers donated Suite tickets and purchased food to create a memorable experience for the kids and their parents…a memory that will last a lifetime. “My wife Dyanne and I donated our time and finances to support a fantastic music program at Valencia and a terrific teacher in Christine Tavares, not to mention some wonderful kids and parents who are passionate about jazz, our school, education and making a difference,” states Jeffrey. “What a testimony to the American public education system.” The Valencia High School Choir headed to London in July to perform in the London Summer Olympics in front of a crowd of over 85,000 and millions of viewers. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and a chance for them to see the places and events they’ve been learning about in their history books. More so, it’s a chance to step outside of America and understand what the world is like in a hands on way,” states Director Christine Tavares. “What an incredible experience for the youth that will hopefully become leaders of their generation.” For more information about the Valencia Choir, visit www.valenciachoir.com. |
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