Beyond the Applause: A Journey to the NBA National Anthem Performance
BY LAURA LIN
Beneath the thunderous cheers, the deafening silence, and the ear-splitting applause, an entirely different story lies behind our NBA National Anthem performance. Thanksgiving Day, November 28, marked our first encounter. Tears, laughter, and joy filled the weeks that followed as we shared this journey together. The progress we made was beyond imaginable, transforming our group into something entirely unrecognizable. With only four students having prior private vocal lessons, the rest of us proudly lifted our heads and practiced tirelessly. Weekly recordings were sent, and over eight weeks, we rehearsed with a shared goal: to stand before thousands and be broadcasted internationally.
This was no ordinary NBA game. January 29 honored the Lunar New Year, a celebration we were proud to feature. This year, known as the Year of the Snake, represents one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Thanks to the dedication and countless hours our parents invested in negotiations, we secured a rare and coveted spot to perform the National Anthem.
For many of us, this was uncharted territory. Some had never sung the anthem before, and learning to balance our sound was a challenge. Behind our successful performance was a series of obstacles—inevitable with so many children gathered in one place. Despite setbacks, we pressed forward with dedication and courage in our eyes. After our final rehearsal on January 25, we felt a newfound confidence, fueled by the empowering encouragement of our conductor, Mrs. Mezich.
On the afternoon of January 29, we arrived at the Footprint Center with determination. Thanks to careful planning, we entered seamlessly. The experience was unforgettable—from getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Suns’ home court to receiving patient instructions from the event managers.
When the moment finally arrived, we warmed up and greeted our family and friends on camera. Standing before thousands of spectators was surreal; never did I imagine standing on a stage of this magnitude—especially not one I had dreamed of for years. As the spotlight hit our group and the announcer introduced The 8 Foundation, we took a deep breath and began the song we had rehearsed hundreds of times.
We stood there, proud—not just to sing, but to represent our culture on one of the most significant days of the year. As the echoing cheers filled the stadium, we looked into the camera and knew this was a memory we would cherish forever.