A special invitation arrived at the Tamaqua High School Athletic Office recently. senior, Bradyn Brothers was invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 1A championship football game between Port Allegany and Bishop Guilfoyle.

To sing the national anthem, which from beginning to end, is one minute and 40 seconds long, Brothers had to travel 88 miles to Cumberland Valley High School, the site of the game, giving her quite a long time to think about her performing what many say is a very challenging song to sing solo because of the difficult shifts in vocal range.

“I was a bit nervous,” she said, “but I tell myself to do the best that I can and sing with everything I got because I want to honor my country.”

Preparing to sing the song requires practice and for Brothers, who began singing in her fifth-grade chorus, that was very important.

“I practiced as much as I could the week before the game,” she said, “probably as many as 10 times.”

Another purposeful goal for her is centered at the school she attends.

“I like to represent Tamaqua High School and bring recognition to my community through my voice,” said Brothers, who has also sung the anthem at home basketball games.

She is a member of the high school chorus, directed by John Buglio, and the drama club at Tamaqua and will be a part of the upcoming holiday concert. Outside her passion for vocal performances, Brothers is interested in the science fields.

“I actually enjoy learning chemistry and algebra,” she said. “My goal is to become a chemical engineer. My dad is an engineer and he has been an influence.”

Following her press box performance at the game, won by Bishop Guilfoyle, she and her father stayed to watch the teams play for the first half.

“It was cold and I was perfectly fine to leave at halftime,” she said with a laugh.

For now, as she heads toward graduation into the second half of her senior year, Brothers will accept additional invitations to sing the Star Spangled banner should they happen. Tamaqua athletic director, Mike Hromyak will accept requests for her to appear at both athletic and social events. He can be reached at 570-668-1901, ext. 2040.