Musicians tune up for anthem auditions

Ed O'Connor and his a cappella group, Slo Motion, rehearsed the "Star-Spangled Banner" one last time in a men's restroom at Surprise Stadium prior to heading to the field to perform before judges.

"The acoustics are so good to hear yourself, and it's cold out, so we have to warm up for real first," O'Connor said with a laugh. "It's kind of funny, but bathrooms are good places to rehearse for things like this."

Slo Motion, other soloists and musicians auditioned Saturday morning and afternoon for a spot to perform the national anthem this spring before Cactus League games. And Slo Motion wasn't alone in using a restroom to get the pitch just right.

David Norris, a Buckeye resident and high school band director, played his trumpet in the restroom first.

"Believe it or not, it's just warmer in there, and you could really hear yourself," Norris said.

Marla Babb, a Surprise recreation department employee who coordinated the tryouts, said the city had planned to screen applicants by having them submit videos for their auditions.

"There weren't as many who submitted that way, so we decided to go back to just having people show it," Babb said.

Mark Cary, a 31-year-old Surprise resident, had never auditioned for a Cactus League performance, although the trumpet player has performed the national anthem at basketball games.

"I'm a little nervous, but I thought why not," the Kansas City Royals fan said.

Cary found an isolated spot at the stadium to prepare.

"Wherever you want to go to get ready doesn't matter as long as you're ready," Cary said.

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.