Audition to Perform the National Anthem

Are you interested in performing the National Anthem during the commencement ceremony? The Commencement Planning Committee is looking for a student or group of students to perform the national anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) and Black national anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing) at Commencement 2026. 

Requirements 

Submit a video recording of you (or your group) singing/performing The Star Spangled Banner and/or Lift Every Voice and Sing in its entirety. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 to commencement@seattlecolleges.edu.    

Along with your video, you must answer the following questions:  

• Have you performed this song before?
• Have you performed in front of large audiences?  If so, how large?
• Will you be singing acapella or with a background track?
• If you are playing an instrument, what are your microphone needs?  
• Are you available to practice Alaska Airlines Arena (Date TBD)? This practice is only for the performer(s), not for all graduates.
• Are you available to attend soundcheck on Commencement Day on Thursday, June 18 at 11 a.m. at Alaska Airlines Arena?
• Confirm you are able to perform at both ceremonies: 1 and 6 p.m.

Selection Process 

Submissions will be reviewed by the Commencement National Anthem Subcommittee, comprised of staff and faculty planning Commencement 2026. 

A performer or group of performers for each song will be chosen based on the following criteria. 

• Performance: stage presence and connection  
• Quality: vocal/instrumental sound, diction, and rhythmic interpretation  
• Experience: ease of performance and comfort in a large setting/audience  

Selection Deadline  

Selected student or students will be informed on Monday, June 8. 

View Previous Performances

Rena Mateja Walker Burr sang The Star-Spangled Banner and Shelton Dowd sang Lift Every Voice and Sing for our 2025 ceremonies. Note: the video below is cued to start with these performances.