National anthem contest winner announced
AURORA — Claire Erickson, a senior at Buena Vista, has won CHSAA’s national anthem competition. She will sing prior to the 4A/5A football championship games on Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Erickson was named one of five finalists last week, along with Sand Creek’s Qirsten Carter; Kylie Griggs, Sarah Hoogerwerf, Brenna Sauer and Alex Van Velkinburgh from St. Mary’s Academy; Pueblo County’s Monica Valdez; and Monarch’s Kate Yeash. A total of 18,704 votes were cast through Sunday night, and Erickson garnered the most to emerge as the winner.
“It was funny because I kind of just put (the audition) out there,” Erickson said on Monday morning. “I thought it would be cool if I made the top five, but I figured it’s a state thing and I’m from Buena Vista and nobody really knows who I am. For me to even win this is mind-blowing, and I don’t really know what to say.”
Erickson is part of her school’s choir, jazz band and takes part in drama. She also plays the Saxophone and piano.
“In choir, if she picks a song that doesn’t have a piano arrangement, I’ll arrange it and play a compliment while our choir sings,” Erickson said. “It’s fun. I just like music.”
Erickson has sung the national anthem prior to Buena Vista’s basketball games before, as well as other public events in the city. Saturday will mark her first trip to Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
“I’m used to singing in front of people,” Erickson said. “I play at things around town, I sing my choir and I’m in musicals and stuff. So I’m used to singing in front of people, but not like a lot of people. I’m not really nervous, but it’s kind of mind-blowing. I feel like I’ll be nervous, but then I have to remember why I’m doing this.”
Erickson’s audition is below.
