My very first Vikings Game

As a performer you would think that when you are asked to sing the National Anthem it’s a simple request, we all know the song, have heard it a million times. But when you go to an event, there is always that one person you meet that wants to share the story of how a performer forgot the words or left out a line. This is when doubt sets in. Do I know the words, will I start on the right note, will the echo in the stadium make me lose my place etc... I love singing the Anthem of our country, it is a great honor each time I am asked to perform this moving tribute. But this time, I felt that nervousness in my stomach…


I was scheduled to perform the Anthem at the Minnesota Vikings home game on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. It was my first time attending a Vikings game, singing the National Anthem at a professional NFL football game, and singing in front of 65,000 plus fans.



My family and I woke up early and we where off to the Mall of America Field by 9 AM for my sound check rehearsal. The Vikings made me feel so welcomed, with the special parking pass which allowed me to park my car close to the stadium in their VIP parking lot. I met my contact Ren in the player’s entrance inside the dome. As Ren explained the plan for the day, she surprised my family and me with ten tickets for one of the box suites along with tickets for the Viking VIP lounge, and meal vouchers for the game. My Family also had access to go down on the field and take pictures as the Vikings came out of the tunnel for warm ups before the game. This made my Dad and Brother Sean very happy!



My Brother and Dad on the field before the game!



Heading to the rehearsal, Ren took us through the tunnel the players come through before the game. I was hoping to get a glimpse of Brett Favre! Now I know I sang the National Anthem at the Twins Game in the summer at the Mall of America Field but for some reason it looked a million times bigger this time around. I met up with the sound guys and I recognized them since working with them at the Gopher Game, and Twins Game. This made things easier because they knew I had a handle on how things worked at a professional sporting event. This was the first time I was given headphones to wear while singing, this way I would not get distracted by the large echo in the stadium. It made singing the Anthem effortless. I felt really good after the rehearsal, the nerves had not hit me yet.



Ren then took my family and me up to the VIP Vikings Lounge, where they had a HUGE buffet. I’m glad my family was able to enjoy it because I have a hard time singing on a full stomach. To pass the time we brought the board game, Blokus. I know what you are thinking… you brought a board game to the Vikings game? Well, we still had about 2 hours until I needed to go down to the field… and my brother Sean and I had unfinished business from the night before.



I have performed the National Anthem over 100 times, and I have noticed a theme. Every time I sing there is at least one person who reminds me not to forget the words. Luckily at the Mall of America Field, they play the words on the screen for the audience (and for the singers just in case!)

At 30 minutes till kick off, it was time to head to the field. As I waited to sing, I watched the football players warm up only a few feet away from me. I could see Brett Favre, and Jared Allen preparing for the game. Then all of a sudden the linemen came out… and the ground shook. These men were HUGE. My mouth just dropped as I watched them run past me.

I was able to meet Mr. Zygi Wilf, the owner of the Vikings and snapped a few pictures with him. I told Mr. Wilf about the Miss America Organization, and he said he would be watching for me!




Now 10 minutes away from singing the National Anthem… and the nerves are setting in. As a singer I think it is healthy to get nervous before you sing. You are then able to channel that nervous energy towards your performance. I must admit I never felt this nervous before an event. I knew the words, I knew I could hit the notes… but singing in front of your high school football team is much different then singing in front of 65,000 Viking Fans and Adrian Peterson.

As I walked towards the field, I gripped my pitch pipe in one hand and my microphone in the other. When I reached the 50-yard line I knew it was only moments away. I played my starting note on my pitch pipe and then hummed it until it was time to sing. Then I was told to wait one more minute. So I played my note again, and hummed. And played my note again, and hummed. And played my note again, and hummed. And played my note one more time and hummed. At this time the sound guys were trying not to laugh, but I knew if I did not start on the right note… it would only be down hill from there.

Then the camera crew approached me and their camera was 4 feet in front of me, and I got the 30-second warning. I played my pitch pipe for the last time, and hummed until it was time. As I started to sing, all my nerves went away, any doubts I had disappeared , and I was worry free. After the first line, I could not help but smile. I was singing the National Anthem at a Minnesota Vikings game. When I reached the high note “The Bombs bursting in air,” I could hear the fireworks go off around me. Then the cheers came, and they grew louder, and louder. I could live in that moment forever.






As I headed back to the sidelines, I looked up and there was Adrian Peterson standing right in front of me. He smiled, shook my hand, told me I did a great job, and said I was magnificent. I wished him a good game, as I smiled from ear to ear. Right behind him was Brad Childress, the Vikings Head Coach, and he told me great job as well. I was almost back to my parents when I saw Adrian Peterson shaking my father’s hand. I thought my dad was going to pass out right then and there. My brother Sean was in awe as he saw the star football player just inches away from him. (Merry Christmas guys!)


We were then escorted up to our suite where we met up with our good friends, The Petersons. We had called them to join us when we found out we had a suite! The Vikings won 35-9, and have a solid record of 9-1!







Here is Video of the National Anthem, thanks to Ms. Peterson for catching this for me!



Twin Cities Communication Council
Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to speak in front of the Twin Cities Communication Council with Minnesota’s very own Miss America Dorothy Benham. I spoke on behalf of the Miss Minnesota Organization and Children’s Miracle Network. Dorothy and I both sang, and it was quite an honor to perform with her.



Toast of the Town
Last Thursday I attended the Toast of the Town, which is a fundraiser for Normandale Community College. It was the final night of a 12-week long fundraiser. I was invited to present the check and announce the winner who raised the most money. Since the theme was On the Town, I was asked to sing a song from Broadway. I performed the song “On My Own” from Les Misérables. The Foundation raised over $100,000!


Father-Daughter dance at the Convent of the Visitation School
On Saturday, I was asked to emcee the Father-Daughter dance for the Convent of the Visitation School, which is the sister school to St. Thomas Academy where my older brother Mike graduated, and younger brother Sean is currently attending. My dad came with me to the event and we had a blast. I announced all the seniors, sang the song “Hero” and visited with some familiar faces.

This week I will be spending most of my time preparing for the CD Release Party scheduled this weekend. Please come and enjoy a free holiday concert featuring music by Select Three, former Miss Minnesota Jo Bender, and me as we perform in the Best Buy Rotunda at the Mall of America from 1-3 PM on Sunday, November 29. We will be selling CD’s and proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network!



Here is the photo that my Dad took when Adrian Peterson shook my hand... He must have been a tad too excited :)



Happy Thanksgiving,

Always
Brooke

Bass or Opera Singer?

This week started off with the Minnesota Veterans Day Program with Governor Tim Pawlenty, and Senators Al Franken, and Senator Amy Klobuchar. Before the ceremony started, I was able to meet a few of the guests that were in attendance. Senator Al Franken and I go way back (aka we met once when he spoke at my National Honor Society Banquet in High School.) I had the opportunity to update him about the Miss Minnesota Organization and my preparations for Miss America. It was such an honor to meet only a few of the veterans who have served our country. I am so thankful for all who have served our great nation, and for their courage and dedication.


All the presenters met in the green room before we entered the ceremony. I met Governor Tim Pawlenty on several occasions over the years, as we both share the same home town, Eagan MN. You could say we are practically neighbors. It was great to catch up with the Governor for a few moments. I also met three lovely sisters, from Elk River who sang the National Anthem, they did an incredible job!

My role in the ceremony was to lead the audience with the Pledge of Allegiance. You may not know this but when I attended Eastview High School I was the pledge girl. Every morning when the bell rang at school I came on the loudspeaker and said, “Good Morning Eastview High School!” Then I would always share a fun fact such as…” Today in 2000, Bill Clinton becomes the first U.S. President to visit Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War.” Then I would recite the pledge.

This years Veterans Day Ceremony was beautiful, and all the speakers had wonderful messages to say. I truly enjoyed meeting Stan the Man, a veteran who recited a poem and spoke about his experience as a War Veteran. Right before the ceremony, Stan wanted to show me a magic trick. He showed me a quarter, and asked me multiple times if I really thought it was a quarter. At the same time, the speakers started to head into the ceremony, as Stan the Man was showing me this trick. After asking me one final time if I really thought it was a quarter, he made it disappear. Just in time for us to run and catch up with the rest of the speakers!

After the Minnesota Veterans Day Program I was off to Gillette Children’s Hospital to volunteer for a bit before meeting with the Friends of Gillette group. I will be emceeing their event in early December!

Thursday was my weekly mock interview and this time it was held at the Luther Auto Group. We also had some guest judges who attended. Thank you to everyone who is helping me prepare for the Miss America pageant!

Friday was my rehearsal for the University of Minnesota’s Gopher Game National Anthem on Saturday at their big game against South Dakota. I would be performing in their new TCF Bank Stadium! Since I had never been there before I was unaware of where to park for the rehearsal. After driving around the stadium about 5 times, I finally pulled over to ask a security guard, Brian, for some assistance. He allowed me to park in a “special” parking spot, and assisted me inside the building. I could not help but laugh when everyone was on their radios saying” Uh… I have a Miss Minnesota here…” Eventually I was led to the field where I needed to meet up with the Band Director. I must have been a bit early because for 5 whole minutes I was in the stadium, and on the field all by myself. It was such a surreal feeling. Soon the field was covered with over 100 band members, and we were rehearsing the National Anthem. I had to have a student help me back to my car because with a stadium this big… I could have parked anywhere! Thanks Tyler!

The new Miss Capital City Kaylah Dockter attends the University of Minnesota, and since I was in the area I thought I would pay her a visit. She was also doing me a huge favor by letting me borrow a jersey for the game tomorrow, therefore I could look like a true Gopher.

The next morning my Dad and I were up bright early for the game. Once inside the stadium, it really hit me how many people were at this game. As I stood on the sidelines waiting to sing, I started to feel the Minnesota cold air. Thankfully they have heated benches that warm your bottoms as well as your feet.

Since I was singing with the band, I had to sing in the key they were playing. This key was a bit out of my range… you see if I sang it with the band I was singing as low as a bass (this is lowest men’s part in a choir) if I sang it up the octave… I was then an opera singer. When I woke up that morning I had to choose…. Bass or opera singer.

I was a bass

Good news the gopher’s won 16-13!

After the game my Dad and I headed off to Mankato. We met up at Olives with the judges for a dinner. I was able to reunite with Kelsey the current Miss Mankato as well. Then it was off to the pageant where 10 girls were competing for Miss Mankato!! I sang the National Anthem and also as a surprise I performed my talent from Miss Minnesota. It was the first time performing it for an audience since June. Congratulations to Samantha Phillippi, the new Miss Mankato!

Always

Brooke

Go Green!

Hi Everyone,

It is Sunday evening and I spent this morning at the Go Green Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center.



In August 2009 Miss America announced they were “Going Green.” I was invited to speak at the Convention about how I am living a greener life as Miss Minnesota. After my speech I was able to walk around the Expo and meet some of the vendors. I love the solar powered flashlight and key chain I purchased from Solar Goose. I also was introduced to a vendor who shared with me a website that they thought I might be interested in, “Women’s Voice for the Earth”. Check out this site. They focus on environmental issues directly affecting women.

http://www.womenandenvironment.org


Here is the recap of my last two weeks.

October 29, 2009 – Coats for Kids
The Coats for Kids Program is partnered with The Salvation Army and Channel 5 Eyewitness News. The Dakota County location, where I volunteer, had over 2,500 coats donated !!! I had a wonderful time greeting, and helping the children pick out their very own coats. Many families did not speak English, so I was able to help with some of the Spanish speaking families since I had several years of Spanish in High School. I was a little rusty at first, however in no time we were communicating and having fun ! One little girl who was about 4 years old would try on a coat and run over to me for my opinion. After trying on four coats she finally decided on a cute light green and purple coat.

October 30, 2009 – Gillette Halloween Party
Gillette Children’s Hospital hosted a trick or treat trail for the kids on Friday. Each child was given a map of the hospital, and the locations where they could collect candy. I was partnered up with Andrea, the Children’s Miracle Network Representative, on the 3rd floor waiting area. Not only did the kids get candy, we also handed out coupons for free haircuts, and Dairy Queen Blizzards.

The staff at Gillette really go all out for these kids to have the absolute best Halloween possible. Costumes are donated, and each child is able to pick their favorite costume. Wal-Mart donated bags for the kids to trick or treat , and all the candy was donated as well. I met some incredible kids that day, including a young girl named Isabella. She was from Mexico and was returning to Mexico within the week to head back home. She wore an Egyptian costume, and was such a joy to talk to.



The following week I went to volunteer at Gillette on Wednesday. I knew Isabella was leaving soon, so I made another trip back to Gillette’s on Thursday to wish her the best of luck. She will be back in April and I look forward to seeing her then! For now we are facebook friends so we can stay in touch.

Always

Brooke

Dancing is not my forte

October 17, 2009 – Shop for a Cause
I was invited to Macy’s to participate in their Shop for a Cause. I met up with my business manager, Barb, and state director, David, to set up for the event. I had a stage right in the middle of Macys! I performed during the day, and also sold my CD, Carry You Through. Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen Katlyn Ziegler also joined me for the event. Katlyn and I received a wonderful gift bag full of samples!! A huge thank you to the staff at Macy’s in Ridgedale and DJ Bob for helping with the sound!

October 19, 2009 - Jewelry Sponsors
Thank you to Tesa Jewelers for lending me jewelry to wear at some of my appearances. Tesa Jewelers is a new sponsor for the Miss Minnesota Organization.

Rejuv Open House
The Rejuv Clinic in Eagan has also become a new sponsor for the Miss Minnesota Program. I attended the Rejuv Open House to discuss the services they are offering to me.

One of the owners is my spin teacher at my fitness club. I enjoy sharing my experience as Miss Minnesota during our workouts. I love going to this spin class because it is like a club. Every Monday and Wednesday at 6:30 AM I see the same familiar faces. We like to call ourselves, the Sassy Cyclers.

Check out their website: http://www.rejuvskinandlaser.com/

October 20, 2009 – Perpich Center for Arts Education
I visited the Perpich Center for the arts which consist of a public arts high school for 11 and 12 grades as well as an Arts Library and a Developmental and Research Center for arts education. I was given a tour of the facilities by Pam and Nyssa, when we went into the high school I was elated when I saw all the beautiful artwork that covered the walls.

During the tour we walked through a few classrooms, and I was able to talk with the students. This school showcases my platform that arts education enhances learning in all other subjects.

Click here to read more about the students at PCAE: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/64521947.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU


October 21, 2009 – Gillette Volunteering
There are some very exciting things going on at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN! The hospital is planning a $42 million expansion project in early November! They are already in the middle of renovating the waiting area where I do crafts! Every week I enter the building I have to find a new way to get to my volunteer area because of construction in the hospital. The project will include a new 52,000-square-foot building, with a skyway connecting it to the current building. It also will house several outpatient services, including rehabilitation therapies and Gillette's Center for Gait and Motion Analysis.

This week the craft theme was the “Fall Season”. I met a wonderful family with a daughter named Isabella. They stayed the entire time I was there, and did every craft in my box! That included two bookmarks, a frame, two leave crafts, and a coloring page! It was a fun day at Gillette’s.


October 24, 2009 – Make a Difference Day

Since 1997, Miss America Organization has taken part in Make a Difference Day. This year I partnered with Cheerful Givers to stuff birthday gift bags for needy kids. My mom and I headed over to Thomson Reuters and where we would be volunteering. My mom was put right to work cutting ribbons needed for the bags. I met with all the kids who were attending with their mentors from Kids ‘n Kinship who were invited to take part in Make a Difference Day. The saying for the day was “kids helping kids.” During the event we had an assembly line to fill the bags with goodies such as books, toys, stuffed animals and candy. For every one bag I filled, the kids will fill about 10 more than me. I think it’s because I chat too much. Oh and I had on 4 inch heels and they were wearing sneakers! It was such a fun day and we stuffed 500 bags for Cheerful Givers.



Miss Twin Cities Pageant
We had 11 women vying for the title of Miss Twin Cities and Miss Capital City. The pageant started out with the opening number dance to Uptown Girls. I spent Tuesday through Friday with the girls, rehearsing this number that I choreographed. Those of you who know me, know that dancing is not my forte, but I think it turned out just fine!

Before intermission I talked to the audience about Children’s Miracle Network and the CD I recorded. I was so excited to announce that I had hit the $7500 mark in fundraising for CMN. I talked about my experience with Gillette Children’s Hospital. I am so moved by the kids I meet every week while volunteering at Gillette’s. Right after my speech I started to sing the original song, “Don’t You Dare.” As I was singing I started to really think about the words and meaning of the song. I could feel myself choking up and becoming emotional. If you are a singer, you know that once you become emotional while singing, it is quite hard to get the words out. (Especially if you are belting!)


In the second half of the show the former Miss Minnesota’s and Miss Twin Cities’ were invited on stage. Instead of asking them the typical: Name, title and what have you been up to since you gave up your title. I surprised them by asking “If you were to compete in the pageant today, would be the one competition you would be the most excited about?” They all had great answers but the most creative was when one of the former’s said their talent would be a kick butt PowerPoint presentation.

Congratulations to Kaylah Dockter the new Miss Capital City, and Kathryn Knuttila, the new Miss Twin Cities! They have a fun year ahead of them!

November is going to be a busy month! I have some very exciting things coming up! I will be singing the National Anthem at the Minnesota Vikings Game, and at the U of M Gophers Game. My CD Release Party is November 29 at the Mall of America in the Best Buy Rotunda from 1-3 PM.

Carry You Through is now online where you can download it to your iTunes! Visit this link to download your copy today! Proceeds still go towards Children Miracles Network

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/BrookeKellyKilgarriff

Also if you have not seen my Go Green Video here is the link. During MAOT in Orlando all the titleholders recorded with Green T and shared our Go Green tips. Vote for Minnesota!

http://www.greentwithtamara.com/pg_contest.php

Thank you for all of your support!

Always

Brooke