O Say Can She Sing: Kate Skinner Leads Upper Dublin in Anthem

Before almost every Upper Dublin boys basketball game, once the fans have taken their seats at the Cardinals Nest and are awaiting the latest from the boys in red, a smiling Kate Skinner approaches the microphone to sing the national anthem. What always follows is a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and a healthy applause from the audience, even unknowing visitors.

“I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t singing,” the UDHS junior says. “I was always in choir even in middle school and elementary school.”

By the time Skinner became a sophomore at the high school, her voice had caught the right note with athletic director Hope Donnell, who suggested that Skinner sing the anthem at a basketball game. Skinner’s first performance? Only the annual match-up with rival Wissahickon.

“I swear when I listen to tapes from that game, you can actually hear my heart pumping, I was so nervous,” Skinner laughs. “My parents and friends were there and my parents told everyone I was singing so they had their friends there too.”

No matter what the tapes say, those who heard live were impressed, and Skinner was asked to sing again.

“I thought it was going to be a one time thing, that they would get different students to sing,” says Skinner.

However, she was instead asked to begin singing at all the games, including the girls games and an occasional wrestling match. Skinner says she grew to love the experience.

“I think it is wonderful, I have been blessed with a beautiful voice and it is an honor to represent my country with this song and the school at the games, it is a win-win situation,” she says.

Skinner also developed a few techniques to help her through the performances.

“I don’t make eye contact with any one person - - that will totally throw me off,” she says. “Also, sometimes I close my eyes a little when I sing, it is like I am singing to myself alone.”

As of this week, Skinner has performed at over 40 games for Upper Dublin High School. When not singing the anthem, she likes to sing country or light rock music, and says that her penchant for melody tends to show in the way she sings the anthem.

“I sing the anthem a little bit lower than others because I am an alto, not a soprano. I have had a few people come up to me and thank me for singing it where they can sing along too, and that they hadn't been able to for years. That’s a really nice feeling,” she says.

One quirk is how she practices the first note using her iPhone before performing, something that has thrown a few people off.

“I want to make sure that I am starting on the right note, so I recorded my starting pitch on my iPhone. I didn't realize it, but for most of last season [former athletic director Dave Harr] thought that I was on the phone up until right before I sang,” Skinner says. “We had a good laugh when he finally asked me ‘Kate can't that call wait?’ and I told him, ‘No Mr. Harr, I am just getting my note!’"

Skinner would likely still sing at all home Upper Dublin contests, but has chosen to pursue other extracurriculars as well. She also serves as manager of the boys team, making it easy for her to perform before their games but difficult for when the Lady Cardinals play. She also plays the mellophone and serves as vice president in the marching band, takes part in intramural sports, with a desire to pursue track and field in the spring, and is involved in her church.

“Kate is a hard worker and a joy to work with in the different Upper Dublin choirs,” said Nathaniel Arnold, choir director for the high school.

She has already given thought to her post-Upper Dublin years.

“I want to study education and music in college, possibly to teach music, which will always be a part of my life,” she says. “Music has really guided me to become who I am.”

Skinner is considering the University of Delaware, Temple University, West Chester University and University of Massachusetts as some possible college choices.

However, she still has one anthem goal first.

“I would love to perform at a major league sporting event, it would be great, if they ask, I would absolutely do it!”

Download the movie