BSM’s Red Knotes a cappella choir had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the Target Center. This opportunity came before the December 18 Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The game was the largest crowd that the Red Knotes have ever sung in front of, 10,000 people in attendance that night, including over 100 BSM parents, alumni, and students.

Earlier in the year, Red Knotes conductor Mr. Adam Petroski had the idea to sing at the game. The Red Knotes sent in an audition video to the Timberwolves. Then, just a few days later, they got an email back from the team saying that they loved it and invited the Red Knotes to sing at a home game.

The Red Knotes were super excited for this night and it didn’t let them down. All the hours of preparation and rehearsal payed off and they all had a fun and memorable time.  “The whole night was awesome,” Petroski said.

Before going on the court, the Red Knotes were fortunate enough to hang out “behind the scenes” by the opposing team’s locker room. Even BSM junior Matthew Hansberry was lucky enough to get to talk to Trail Blazers star point guard Damien Lillard. “There were a lot of important people and players walking right past us,” Red Knotes member and sophomore Julia Hoover said.  

While most people would be nervous to sing in front of such a large and intimidating crowd, the Red Knotes felt confident. “We’ve been singing this arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner all year and I have all the confidence in the world in these kids,” Petroski said.

Petroski did have some concerns about what it would sound like while they were singing. He was worried that the Target Center would be too much reverb (sound that echoes back to the singers.) Excessive reverb can make it hard for the singers to hear themselves and stay together. “We were never allowed a sound check and have never sung on such a large sound system before… Luckily, we were able to hear ourselves just fine,” Petroski said.

The performance was well received and the Red Knotes were rewarded with loads of applause from the fans. “I have all the faith in the world in these extraordinary singers, and they solidified that confidence by singing beautifully in a large arena in front of thousands of people,” Petroski said.

But for Petroski, the night wasn’t just about the singing. His main goal was that the students to enjoy and “take in” the night to create awesome memories that will last a lifetime. Petroski also mentioned that he is planning to participate again next year if they are lucky enough to get invited back.

You can follow the Red Knotes on Instagram @redknotes to see photos and videos of their performances.