During the month of January and February, there are a lot of events where people of different ethnicities come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other African Americans in history. 

The other day, I was at an event where an African American guy sung the National Anthem with so many gospel, jazz, and R&B vocal riffs that the Star Spangled Banner was  barely recognizable! 

The situation was hilarious to watch because there were people trying to sing along with the performer the whole time. Naturally, they had a little trouble.

Here are my tips for singing the Star-Spangled Banner in a cross cultural context:

Tip #1 – Less is more

If you are the performer, it’s okay to add a little bit of “style” at the end of phrases, but make sure the melody is recognizable. Most people don't want to hear a lot of musical acrobats.  The average listener wants to hear something recognizable in a fresh way.

Tip#2 – Don’t feel like you have to sing everything.

If you are in the audience, don’t feel like you have to sing everything that the performer is singing.  It is okay if you stick with what you know.  If what you are singing is not working out with the performer, stop singing and let him or her sink or swim!

Tip#3 - Watch this video and learn my friends!