National anthem auditions for Round Rock Express games begin Feb. 6

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Auditions to perform the national anthem during one of the Round Rock Express games return in February and are open to groups under 10 performers and individual singers.

Performers will audition in front of a panel of judges on Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. inside the Kilimanjaro Ballroom Suite #1 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, according to a news release from Round Rock Express.

While hundreds of individuals and groups audition each season, there are only 75 home games where the Star-Spangled Banner is performed. The Express predicts that less than 50 spots will remain by the time auditions start due to off-season bookings.

Instead of incorporating their own creative interpretations of the song, those trying out are instructed to keep performances under 90 seconds and follow the traditional, military style of the song.

One of the panelists, Laurie Winckel, owner of Vocal Edge Studio, is offering a free workshop on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. for prospective auditioners. Winckel coaches performers across the United States and has coached several Expresss National Anthem performers in the past.

There is no fee to audition, and those unable to audition in person may submit a video recording. However, video submissions will only be evaluated after all in-person participants have been judged and notified.

All participants will be notified of the panels’ decision within two weeks of auditioning, and individuals chosen must perform the same version of the anthem they auditioned with.

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