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The Singing Sergeants at The Super Bowl - A blog from beginning to end

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Aaron Paige
  • Singing Sergeants
Washington, D.C. --  Jan. 23, 2014 - 2 p.m.

Gathered in Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) building 1307 are 32 of some of the best musicians in the US military. These musicians are vocalists who represent the premier bands of the US Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. A mix of laughter and giddiness fill the room as new faces are introduced and old faces reunite in anticipation of a very unique and shared experience. Promptly at 1400, Capt Curtis Kinzey steps in front of the ensemble and the rehearsal is underway. Our rehearsal piece is the Star-Spangled Banner, arranged specifically for Super Bowl XLVIII and soprano Renée Fleming. We sing and eagerly read along, straining to imagine what her voice will sound like when mingled with ours. At the end of rehearsal, we are briefed on travel, lodging and what to expect during Super Bowl weekend.

Jan. 26, 2014 - 6 p.m.

As we enter Brucker Hall on Ft. Myer, we are delighted to meet Rob Mathes, Emmy award-winning music director and the arranger commissioned for this version of the National Anthem. After an a capella run-through, the ensemble sings along to the recorded accompaniment of the New Jersey Symphony. The excitement mounts amongst us as we experience another layer of the performance to come.

Jan. 31, 2014 - 6 a.m.

Early this morning, the selected vocalists boarded a bus with members of a joint service color guard headed for New Jersey. Pumped with high spirits and plenty of caffeine, we leave with hopes to beat traffic and bad weather.

Jan. 31, 2014 - 10:30 a.m.

Even two days before the actual game, the atmosphere at the MetLife Stadium is tense. There is plenty of security, and the weather doesn't seem to be improving their mood. They are cordial, but make it very clear that the safety of persons in and around the stadium is their primary concern.

Jan. 31, 2014 - 2:30 p.m.

As we enter onto the field, the size of the stadium is amplified in its emptiness. Over 82,000 seats--empty. We move to the 50 yard line and organize ourselves in preparation for rehearsal. It's cold! It's about 32 degrees outside, but we all quickly notice the breeze that exists in the middle of this empty, uncovered stadium. Most people wiggle about to stay warm while we wait for rehearsal to begin. Ms. Fleming joins us on the field and we begin to sing. The sound delay is enormous! We adjust and very quickly rehearsal is over. As we're walking off the field, Ms. Fleming expresses how excited she is to share this experience with us. We all leave the stadium beaming with delight.

Feb. 2, 2014 - 5:30 p.m.

Dressed in uniform and ready to go, we wait lined up backstage. Muffled cheers and the occasional celebrity passing by helps to keep us excited. Just before we walk out onto the field, a pregame band rushes past us. "Thank you for your service," a band member shouts. The atmosphere suddenly changes. We all gather ourselves into a subdued reverence as we realize why we're REALLY at the Super Bowl. It's go time.

Feb. 2, 2014 - 6:20 p.m.

We all rush out to the 50 yard line and snap to attention. The rumble and roar of the crowd shakes the stadium. Every seat is filled with a Super Bowl crazed fan. As Ms. Fleming takes her place in front, the stadium lights come up with camera flashes. She smiles at us, turns to the microphone and the music starts. As we sing, the crowds roar grows stronger and stronger. Pyrotechnics, footage of the 2nd Calvary Regiment in Afghanistan and a flyover by the 101st Airborne Division send the audience over the top. The performance is a success and the crowd's response reassures that fact. We quickly leave the field with the hopes to contain our military bearing and unbelievable excitement.

Feb. 3, 2014 - 8 a.m.

Social media has exploded! There are hundreds of millions of views already and more accolades than we can count. The public offers an abundance of praise to Ms. Fleming and overwhelming support to the military presence at the Super Bowl. We head back to Washington proud to be musicians and honored to serve our country.