The St. Louis Blues have invited nine acts to perform the national anthem at a game this upcoming season.

The invitations are the result of a partnership between the Blues and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, an audition process that took place on a recent Saturday at Powell Hall. The Blues and SLSO selected more than one winner after being impressed by the abundance of local talent.

Open to solo singers, groups and instrumentalists, more than 650 contestants sent in video applications. Thirty-four were invited to participate.

The Audition Process

The audition consisted of two rounds. In the first round, performed behind a black curtain, contestants were required to select a song other than “The Star Spangled Banner.” The selection could be any style or genre.

Eighteen contestants moved to the second and final round and were asked to perform the national anthem in less than 1 minute and 30 seconds to three judges sitting about a dozen rows back.

Meet the judges

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public radio

Meet the winners and listen to their national anthem auditions

Scott Kennebeck

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Scott Kennebeck performing the national anthem Listen • 1:24

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

River Kittens

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season The River Kittens performing the national anthem Listen • 1:24

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

James Bertels

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season James Bertels performing the national anthem Listen • 1:24

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

Abigail Stahlschmidt

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Violinist Abigail Stahlschmidt performing the national anthem Listen • 1:45

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

Saxissimo Saxophone Quartet

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Saxissimo Saxophone Quartet performing the national anthem Listen • 1:05

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

Alex Armstrong

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Alex Armstrong performing the national anthem Listen • 1:26

Alex Armstrong

Rebecca Drury

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Rebecca Drury performing the national anthem Listen • 1:37

Freedom Photography

Montel Moore

Sneak Peek: These musicians will open St. Louis Blues games with the national anthem this season Montel Moore performing the national anthem Listen • 1:38

Lance Omar Thurman

Joseph Niemeyer Jr.

Niemeyer was selected to join St. Louis Blues anthem singer Charles Glenn in singing the national anthem at an upcoming game after his first round performance.

Alex Heuer | St. Louis Public Radio

Follow Alex Heuer on Twitter @alexheuer

St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.