Hello! So glad that you stopped by to check out my website!  It has been a busy summer learning new repertoire and meeting new people and getting a nice vacation here and there.  (Not to mention being a bit under the weather.)

It was my honor to experience singing the Star Spangled Banner for the 2008 Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Challenger in Winnetka, IL over the 4th of July holiday.  This was a unique opportunity to meet people in the community and to enjoy high level tennis! 

Have you ever wondered about singing the National Anthem? Well, with all eyes facing me as I was facing a large flag at centre court...it really took many meanings.

First, I thought of my Uncle Albert, a career Army guy, whose tough talk and tall frame made everyone jump!   This flag was his life.  Then there is my ex-Marine (Jar-head) brother-in-law, Mikey. He spent a long tour over in Japan as my little sister waited for him.   He gave the strength of his youth to uphold the beliefs symbolized by the flag's stars and stripes.   And then finally, I thought of my Dad, Dallas, especially how he and Mom married at a very young (18 & 15 years old) and were shipped out overnight to upstate New York to start basic training. I also thought of the flag Pastor handed Mom at Dad's funeral and how much she cried over it; she and our family cherished it too.   

Then, with the hot July sun and heavy-sitting air, I blew into my pitch-pipe, the words became my focus...the setting of battle, the colors of the sky at dusk and at twilight and the sounds of exploding bombs. I truly felt honored to be singing this rather difficult song, all eyes, ears, hearts and others' remembrances coming down onto me and resting my shoulders.  I drew my breath drew deeply in, and closing my eyes...the words started coming  with all the emotion my heart could give them. The tones as strong and clear as this petite body could send them out in such blistering heat.  It was nothing short of courageous to sing this song for an audience. And I was very blessed to sing it for the community and the great athletes gathered there.

What do you associate with the Star-Spangled Banner?

Take a moment and look through my website - read a bit about where I come from and who I am. My favorite arias - mp3s - from Mozart to Donizetti are here for you to enjoy as well. Singing and teaching are my passions! And it is wonderful to see what life holds.

Wishing you the very best!

Yours,

Donna