Oh, say, can
Michele sing
Canton resident's smooth voice gets
things rolling on Whalers' game nights
things rolling on Whalers' game nights
By day, Canton resident Michele Whitlow manages the Fed-Ex/Kinko's store on Ann Arbor Rd. On many weekend nights, she performs the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Oh, Canada" in front of thousands of fans at Compuware Arena prior to Plymouth Whalers game.
An accomplished singer with two CD's already made and a third on the way, Whitlow is a reason to arrive at Whalers games a tad bit early this season.
PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright recently talked to Whitlow about performing the country's national song in front of thousands of people.
ED WRIGHT: How did you get your start singing for the Whalers?
MICHELE WHITLOW: I called the Whalers' office and asked if they were holding auditions. They said, 'Why don't you come in and let us hear you', I had an audition, and here I am. That was before the 2007-08 season
EW: Do you still remember what it was like before stepping onto the ice for your first "Star Spangled Banner" performance? Were you nervous?
MW: I was a little nervous. I've been performing for a long time, but every new environment is going to cause some
EW: Do you receive many comments from fans or players after you perform?
MW: I don't talk too much to the players because they're usually already on the ice warming up. They'll hit their sticks on the wall, which is kind of neat. Because I'm also a season-ticket holder, when I'm done performing I walk down and go to my seat and watch the game. Usually on the way to my seat, someone will say, 'Nice job', which is neat.
EW: I've heard the "Star Spangled Banner" is difficult to sing. Why is that so?
MW: The range in the song is incredible. The lowest note is very low and the highest note is very high. Finding a sweet spot right in the middle can be challenging. It's definitely more challenging than singing "Oh, Canada."
EW: Do you aspire to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" before a professional sporting event?
MW: I'd love to. I have auditioned in the past, and will continue to try. I definitely enjoy singing regularly for the Whalers. The pros usually have a different person at every game, so being able to do one of those games would be really exciting. Maybe I can even follow in (Detroit Red Wings' singer) Karen Newman's footsteps someday.
EW: Have you ever thought about trying out for 'American Idol'?
MW: I have, but I seem to miss the auditions whenever they come by, but I certainly would be willing to try. People have told me I should try out. I'm going to make it a point to make one of the auditions next year before I get too old (smile).
If you would like to advertise on
PlymouthCantonSports.com or if you have ideas for the site, please send
an e-mail to Ed Wright at info@plymouthcantonsports.com.
Canton
resident Michele Whitlow has drawn critical praise for her singing of
the Star Spangled Banner and Oh, Canada before Plymouth Whalers games.
(photo by Walt Dmoch)
