National Anthem -- Should There be Applause?

From Ryan Kelly, guest blogger

Performances of our National Anthem continue to draw notoriety - whether because of raucous audiences at ball games, performances in languages other than English, or renderings that musically distort the anthem.

Just recently, I heard of a major high school reunion event at which a recording of Jimi Hendrix' performance of National Anthem offended many, prompting some to sit in protest and many others to walk out during the anthem. Emotions run high when displays of patriotism and freedom of expression seem to collide, and several questions can approach ensemble conductors as they prepare for future performances of The Star-Spangled Banner.

I am certain we could discuss at length styles of performing The Star-Spangled Banner, but what has recently given me cause for thought is whether or not applause is appropriate following a choir's singing of the anthem in a concert setting. The U.S. Flag Code speaks briefly about the National Anthem, though it limits discussion of one's conduct during the National Anthem to standing at attention with one's right hand over one's heart.

As an audience member in the past, I have felt uncomfortable following a choir's singing of our National Anthem as I wondered what the proper response was to be.

Should I applaud the performers?
Or should the anthem be applauded?
Do I really take my hand from a respectful salute over my heart to go into a furious pumping of applause?
Is the anthem technically being applauded, or the flag itself?
And if the flag, then is this not redundant following the salute over one's heart?

As conductors, we have some ability to direct our audiences' response, whether by printed or verbal instruction. As I am planning an Americana concert in the fall of this year with one of my collegiate ensembles, I am considering printing a request in the concert program for the audience to refrain from applauding following the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. The reasons I am considering this is that I believe applause, in a concert setting, is an acknowledgment and offering of thanks to the performers. in essence, it is a show of honor to the performers. And in that light, I am not convinced that a performing choir deserves recognition of honor for singing their nation's anthem. Should not the flag and nation be what gets the honor and recognition and not the performers?

This is a "thought-in-progress" here as I ponder the approaching school year. Blog discussion is encouraged.

Ryan Kelly is guest blogging for ChoralNet today. He's the Director of Choral Activities at Kilgore College where he directs the college's four choral ensembles, and teaches applied voice and music appreciation.