Speech and Letters

Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 15:03:42 -0500
From: Colburn LtCol Michael J <ColburnMJ@MBW.usmc.mil>
To: 'edsiegelmd@cox.net' <edsiegelmd@cox.net>

Dear Mr. Siegel,

The difficulties of singing our national anthem are certainly well documented, and I think your argument for lowering the key when the work is to be sung by the general public is certainly understandable. We play the national anthem in the "official" key of B-flat (as per the Department of Defense regulation), but we can certainly play in whatever key is necessary. I must admit that I can't think of an occasion during which we performed it in G, but we certainly could if required.

I wish you the best of luck in your crusade. Thanks very much for your kind words about our organization and my predecessor.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Colburn


-----Original Message-----
From: Mergen GySgt Kristin S On Behalf Of OMB MBW Band PAO
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 1:33 PM
To: Colburn LtCol Michael J
Subject: FW: Our National Anthem and my 1997 conversation with Col.Tim Foley

Good afternoon LtCol Colburn,

Would you like to reply to gentleman, sir, or shall I?

V/r
Kristin Mergen
Gunnery Sergeant, USMC

Public Affairs Chief
"The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band
202-433-5813
www.marineband.usmc.mil

-----Original Message-----
From: Dr. Ed Siegel [mailto:edsiegelmd@cox.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 6:12 PM
To: Lt. Col. Michael Colburn
Subject: Re: Our National Anthem and my 1997 conversation with Col.Tim Foley

 

Dear Lt. Col. Colburn,

You may know of me from the extraordinary media attention I have received for my "18 year crusade to lower the official key of "The Star Spangled Banner" to G-major when audiences are asked to sing it." (Please see my web site at www.singournationalanthem.com and click on "PLAY.") I was greatly encouraged by Col. Foley when, after a superb "President's Own" United States Marine Band at Point Loma Nazarene University on November 15, 1999, I asked him if the band could play our National Anthem in G-major. He replied: "Of course!" I then told him of my "crusade" to which he enthusiastically replied: "Go for it!"

This eventually led me to go to my city council, who after thorough debate, voted unanimously to pass a resolution asking the Federal Government to make G-major the official key when audiences are asked to sing it.

Now, I realize that it is more difficult for brass bands to play it in the key of G-major, and A-flat is very close by - but the change has, in my vast experience, made a very significant difference. Furthermore, it is also easier to play it on the piano and stringed instruments in the key of G-major.

I have asked the MENC's National Anthem Project headed by Honorary Chairman Laura Bush, to include me in their campaign. Presently, they are only concerned with teaching the words and getting people to sing it. Doesn't it make sense that the majority of our citizens should be able to sing it?

I'd be very grateful to you for any comments, and hopefully your support. Thanks again for your outstanding work. I get goose bumps nearly every time I hear you play.

Respectfully,

Edward Siegel, M.D.
Song Leader Del Mar Rotary
Song Leader Solana Beach Community Sing
Song Leader, Casa de Manana Retirement Community
and others.