By Steve Vivona
Graduating members of the St. John’s Mixed Chorus knew they
wanted to end their time at the University on a high note, senior
Lauren DeGorter told St. John’s Monthly in a recent interview. “We
knew we wanted to do something off campus, but that still had a
tie-in in with the mission,” she stressed.
Members of the Chorus’ Executive Board proposed applying to sing
the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. “We knew it would be hard
but we’re really committed and we decided to take a shot, even if
it was a long shot.” With the assistance of Kim Oler, Director of
the University’s Mixed Chorus, the group cut a demo CD and had
copies produced. They wrote a letter that was approved by
University personnel and mailed it to the Yankees.
Mr. Oler stressed that it is extremely rare for the National
Anthem to be sung live at Yankee games anymore, noting that it is
either performed by the organist or heard on tape. “At the big
games sometimes a big star will be singing it but it’s fallen into
disuse. To have a group like ours (sing live) is highly
unusual.”
Ms. DeGorter and the members of the chorus were elated when they
were invited to perform April 19 before a Yankees-Devil Rays game.
Mr. Oler attributed the invitation not only to the persistence of
the members of the chorus but also producing a demo CD which
sounded “very professional.” He added that there was an alumni
connection through longtime Yankee institution Bob Sheppard, the
team’s public address announcer for well over 50 years. “It’s a
great object lesson in the simple fact that persistence pays off,”
Mr. Oler observed, adding, “When you go for something, do it
right.”
Once they arrived, “It was highly organized,” Mr. Oler observed.
“We had a major staff person with us the entire day and an
assistant as well.” Mary Pelkowski, Director of Campus Activities
and Performing Arts (as well as a devout Yankee fan), called the
experience “a dream come true.” Ms. Pelkowski said they decided to
make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and savor
every minute of it.
After an afternoon sound check the group was ushered into
historic Monument Park for a private tour, and then lunch at Yankee
Tavern near the Stadium. Before their performance the Chorus got
ready in a small room near the Yankee clubhouse and they were able
to see the players exit for the field and glimpse batting
practice.
Chorus member Chris Scanlon added that the day was an
overwhelming experience. “It started at nine in the morning,
calling people, making sure they were on time,” adding that
everyone was extremely cognizant of making the day go off without a
hitch. “It definitely was a rush being in front of over 45,000
people (including a sizable contingent from St. John’s),” Ms.
DeGorter stressed.
Mr. Oler was proud to see how focused the Chorus was on their
performance and noted that the audience was rapt in their attention
of them. “They saw 40 people in robes focused and singing this
thing and they were completely silent.”
Ms. Pelkowski discussed the enthusiasm of the members of the
Mixed Chorus, not just for this one event but for everything they
do at St. John’s. “It’s a privilege to work here and see kids do it
just for the fun and love of music.”
Mr. Oler said this day was a perfect example of what kids can
achieve when they have a goal in their sights and they marshal
their resources toward that end. “They did what had to be done
infallibly. There was not a stone left unturned that day and it
went absolutely smoothly.”
Unfortunately that night the Yankees fell to the Devil Rays, but
as Mr. Oler stressed, “St. John’s won.”