KHS A Capella Choir sang at Spurs basketball game
KHS CHOIR

Members of Kilgore High School's A Capella choir enjoyed the rare opportunity of singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the San Antonio Spurs - Seattle Supersonics basketball game Friday, April 11.

They were on the court and the players stood at the freethrow lines in advance of the Spurs' final home game of the regular season.

The students didn't get to interact with the players, said choir director Patty McKinney, but "for everyone involved, it was the most important 82 seconds of their lives."

McKinney first received the invitation about a year ago. At that time, she said, the trip was "impossible" but she asked to be considered for the 2008 season. On Key Jam, the booking agency, told McKinney she would have to send an audition recording for approval by the Spurs.

The trip cost $200 of per student covered hotel, game ticket, meal at the game, tee shirt and a ticket to Fiesta Texas.

At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the students were admitted to the stadium. "At 7:25 they went out onto the court. At 7:28 the lights were turned off and a voice said 'Will you please rise and remove your hats for the singing of the National Anthem by the Kilgore HS Choir?' The lights came up," said McKinney, "and 18,789 people listened as the choir sang. It was truly a magical moment."

"It was a moment the students will always remember," McKinney said. "There was really magic in their faces and they sang their hearts out."

McKinney expressed gratitude to Jerry Roberts, Bobby and Debra Wheeley, Carol and Tracy Dorsey, Robert and Judy Morgan, Eva Williams, Theresa Horton, Arsetta Walton, Guadalupe Mojarro and choir parents for their help in getting the students to the game.

(The Spurs won.)