Blue Springs grad an old pro with national anthem

Five years ago, Malena Marcase thought it might be a good idea to learn the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada."I knew that not many people in the area knew the song and it would be a good opportunity to sing it when the Toronto Blue Jays came to Kauffman Stadium, said Marcase, who has been singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at The K since she was 9. I never thought it would lead to something as special as singing before a playoff game.Marcase, a 2014 graduate of Blue Springs High School who is now a sophomore at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., sang "O Canada" before the start of Saturdays American League Championship Series game and stayed to watch the Royals score six runs in the seventh inning to claim a 6-3 come-from-behind win over the Toronto Blue Jays.Ive been lucky to see a lot of Royals games because Ive probably sung before 30 or 40 games, she said, but I didnt sing last year for any of the playoff games and I have never seen a game as exciting as Saturdays game. I still have goose bumps the crowd, the comeback, the playoffs it was all amazing.Marcase had to make a special arrangement to fly home from Nashville before Saturdays game as she had no idea she was signing "O Canada" until her mother received an e-mail from the Royals Wednesday.My mom was so excited when she called, Marcase said Saturday. She told me I had to catch a flight back home to sing before Saturdays game. I got a flight Friday and have to catch a flight back to Nashville on Sunday but its so amazing to have this opportunity. I caught an early flight to make sure I got here in plenty of time.She arrived at Kauffman Stadium around 1 p.m. Saturday and sang "O Canada" before the start of the 3:10 p.m. game.This was even more exciting than the first time I sang the national anthem when I was 9, she admitted. When I was 9, I was too young to be nervous. And I have been asked back so many times that I feel very comfortable singing here. But today was extra special because the team is in the playoffs for the second year in a row.Marcase, who is studying commercial voice and music management at Belmont University, dreams of a recording career.I dont have to be Madonna, she said, grinning, but I would like the opportunity to perform. Im writing my own songs and learning about all sides of the music business in college. I love music and it would be a dream to have a music career.Page 2 of 2 - She also dreams of performing at Kauffman before the start of a World Series game.But we found out that the Royals dont select the singers for the World Series games, Major League Baseball makes those decisions. So, well see what happens. If they want me to sing, Ill be there. If not, it was the thrill of a lifetime to sing (Saturday) and watch the Royals win the game.

Source: http://www.examiner.net/article/20151020/NEWS/151029978