Maryland: O Say Can You Sing?

To celebrate this year’s bicentennial of the national anthem, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and Star-Spangled 200, the nonprofit group organizing this September’s Star-Spangled Spectacular celebration, are holding the Star-Spangled Sing-off. This statewide competition has a grand prize of $1,814, a governor’s citation and the opportunity to perform at a public event during the festival. Maryland residents of all ages are invited to show off their patriotism and their talent by posting on YouTube a solo performance of the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was penned in the middle of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. A panel of professional musicians, music educators and MSAC staff will select up to five YouTube entries as semifinalists, post them on MSAC’s website and let the public choose the top performance. First and second runners-up will receive $500 and $250, respectively, and also may be offered the chance to publicly perform during the Star-Spangled Spectacular. To learn more, contact MSAC Communications Manager Kate McMillan.