Dear Americans:<\/p>\n
It gives me the creeps when you shamelessly violate and mangle the national anthem<\/a>.\u00a0Yes, going over one and a half octaves, it is a challenging song to sing. But it is the national anthem<\/em>, and creative interpretations of its written notes are uncalled for. Altering it is as offensive as abusing the national flag to make a personal statement.<\/p>\n So here is a tutorial, inspired by bass violinist Jenny Hersch.<\/p>\n [Land of the]\u00a0free<\/strong> <\/em>is exactly the same note as<\/span> [rock-ets’ red]\u00a0glare<\/strong>! Look at the\u00a0sheet<\/a>, if you don’t believe it!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/em>And\u00a0both these words are about the same length! So for God’s sake, it’s not “freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee”! \u00a0No, no, no!!!! It’s simply “free”!<\/p>\n And one more thing: the lowest<\/span> <\/em>note is right at the beginning: [oh]\u00a0say<\/strong><\/em> [can you see]. And it is the same note<\/span> as gleam-ing<\/strong><\/em> and stream-ing<\/strong><\/em> and [whose broad]\u00a0stripes<\/strong><\/em> [and bright stars].<\/p>\n If you are like me (not tone deaf but at the same time incapable of singing in tune) just do what I do: Stand with pride — but shut up.<\/p>\n In the name of those equipped with good ears but lacking a singing voice, I thank you.<\/p>\n