Random Things

Like many of you, I have heard or performed the National Anthem countless times over the years.

Yesterday, I heard the best rendition of it that I had heard in years. It was right before the start of the NASCAR Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Sgt. Byron Bartosh of the Indiana National Guard performed the anthem solo on his trumpet.

It was beautiful.

Clean. Simple. Beautiful.

The drivers, their families, crews, friends and 250,000+ spectators stood still and silent for the duration of the song. He did an outstanding job and his sound quality was amazing.

I think too often these days performers try to add too much color. A little color is nice, but I like the clean simple versions the best. And my personal preference has to be an instrumental version whether it is an ensemle or a single performer, I like it best. If it is sung, I prefer a small group/choir over an individual performer. I think sometimes the song loses its meaning when individuals try to "fancy" it up.

There's my two cents for the day.

Happy Birthday to my dad today!!!!!!! Hope you are having a good one!!!