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Dayton Dragons

Northmont's Catalyst to Perform National Anthem for Dragons Opening Day

March 24, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio-Catalyst, an A cappella singing group from Northmont High School, has been selected as the winner of the Dayton Daily News Dayton Dragons national anthem contest. The group will sing the national anthem in front of a sell-out crowd at Fifth Third Field on Opening Day, April 6. The Dragons will host the Lake County Captains at 7:00 p.m. as they open their 18th season in Dayton.

Catalyst was selected from a group of more than 200 who auditioned to perform the National Anthem at Dragons games this season. Finalists from the group who auditioned will perform at other Dragons games. The team plays 70 home games at Fifth Third Field in 2017.

Catalyst is composed of 14 Northmont High School students with representatives from every class, including eight seniors. The members of Catalyst each have their own musical backgrounds and individual talents. Carter Barone, one of the seniors, came in second at the Ohio Beatbox Battle 2017. Fellow senior Paige Waterman, a soprano, was the drum major in the Northmont marching band this fall.

Anna King, one of the group's two directors along with Ryan Chatterton, explained why she loves working with this group of students so much. "They are extremely passionate about what they do and the product they want the community to see. It's really fun to work with a group of students who aren't afraid to try new things or different musical genres."

On March 18th, Catalyst took part in the Nordonia A Cappella Festival where they received instruction from Christopher Diaz of The Exchange and listened to master classes from Deke Sharon, producer of Pitch Perfect, The Sing Off, and In Transit.

The students in Catalyst practice six hours per week, but they were still surprised to learn they had won the national anthem contest. "When the kids found out that they had won they were shocked," said King. "They were hoping to sing at a game this season, but had no idea that Opening Day would be a possibility."

The Dragons conduct national anthem try-outs every year in front of a live audience. The Dayton Daily News has served as the sponsor for all 18 years of auditions. Auditions are judged by a panel of community leaders including representatives from the Dayton Daily News.

"The Dayton Daily News National Anthem auditions are a big day for the Dragons," said Robert Murphy, Dragons President & General Manager. "We look forward to seeing our great local talent and members of our community performing the National Anthem before sold-out crowds at Fifth Third Field in 2017."

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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