Baylor Alumnus To Sing 'Star Spangled Banner' At GOP Convention

August 30, 2004
News Photo 2159

Dennis McDaniel

by Kim Skinner, Student Newswriter

Baylor University alumnus Dennis McDaniel will take center stage at this week's Republican National Convention in New York City, when he sings his original arrangement of the National Anthem.
"What an exciting honor," McDaniel said. "I am so humbled by the opportunity to sing before leaders of the world."
More than 50,000 visitors are expected to be in New York City in connection with the convention, which will be held Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden. McDaniel will perform at approximately 10:30 a.m. (CT) Wednesday, Sept. 1, which is tentatively scheduled to be broadcast live on C-SPAN.
A Weatherford native, McDaniel has been singing since grade school and continues to perform regularly at churches and events across the country. His original arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner" was written in June 2004 and then recorded with the Dallas Symphony. He performed the piece during a live broadcast on DayStar Television Network, a leading Christian broadcasting network, which eventually led to his invitation to sing at the GOP convention.
Along with the convention performance, McDaniel will sing at Rockefeller Center Tuesday in tribute to President Ronald Reagan, who died in June. On Thursday night before President George W. Bush speaks, McDaniel will sing at Times Square Church for a special prayer service.
"This occasion has already paved the way for other opportunities," McDaniel said. "I feel the importance of the anthem and am privileged to sing it at every opportunity."
A 2002 Baylor graduate, McDaniel studied vocal performance in the School of Music. While at Baylor, McDaniel and three other students formed Sign of Jonah, a successful contemporary Christian musical group that still performs today. He also created MamaJoy Publishing, his own music publishing company. As a student, McDaniel participated in Baylor Religious Hour Choir, student government and the Phi Kappa Chi social fraternity.
Following his performance at the Republican National Convention, McDaniel will be featured on the "Early Show" between 7 and 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, on KTVT Channel 11 in Dallas-Fort Worth. He also will perform the National Anthem at the fourth annual Balloon Glow and Concert featuring Steven Curtis Chapman at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Baylor's Floyd Casey Stadium.


To support McDaniel's ministry, tax-deductible contributions may be sent to:
Hillcrest Baptist Church
MEMO: Dennis McDaniel
265 W. Pleasant Rd.
Cedar Hill, TX 75104