WeatherFanatics: Super Bowl Chill to Challenge Performing Musicians

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Super Bowl Chill to Challenge Performing Musicians

By Kristen Rodman, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

January 30,2014; 9:14PM,EST

The Empire State Building, top, backdrops Roman numerals for the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game standing during sunrise at Pier A Park in Hoboken, N.J., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos are scheduled to play on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Straying away from the slew of pop star singers in recent years, the outdoor Super Bowl will feature famous opera singer, Renée Fleming, singing the nation's National Anthem. While snow during the game is not likely, it will be cold and that will bring challenges to the game's performers.
"A singer is similar to an athlete," Professional Opera Singer and Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania State University Edward Christopher said. "So, as impactive as cold weather is going to be to an athlete, it can have similar ramifications on any performing artist."
As temperatures are expected to be in the mid-30s by kickoff on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., the cold may generate issues for all the game's performers.
The extreme differences between the dry heat indoors and the cold air outdoors will pose the biggest threat to performers, as changes in humidity and barometric pressure can impact a singer's ability to perform, as well as alter a musical instrument's tune.
"To go from a particularly frigid, cold environment into a very hot, dry heat especially, is tricky and dangerous," Christopher said. "Cold weather can be very harsh, not just on a voice but on other instrumentalists."

Opera singer Renee Fleming performs on stage during the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in central London's Royal Opera House, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
The cold air forecast for the big game could also induce larynx, or voice box, problems due to the muscularity of the organ. However, wearing a scarf can help performers protect the throat, according to Christopher.
"That helps it work (the larynx) the way you want it to work and need it to work for your performance," Christopher said.
Similar to how colder weather can influence the ability of the voice box, lower temperatures can inhibit a performer's ability to take a deep breath, a necessity for singers and especially opera singers.
However, the proper layers of clothing and adequate hydration can help a performer avoid these potential complications.
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While overcoming challenges could prove difficult for an amateur performer, four-time Grammy winner and recipient of the National Medal of Arts Renée Fleming should have no problems, according to Christopher.
"There will be so much adrenaline, good energy and endorphins for her physically that the cold won't really impact what she's going to do," Christopher said.
Although it is dubious that the renown opera singer will be on the field much before her performance, it is likely that her debut at the Super Bowl will be one to remember.
"I'm sure the cold weather will in no way impact her ability to sing probably the finest National Anthem ever sung at a Super Bowl," Christopher said.
For the latest weather forecasts for the big game, visit Willitsnow.com.

Have questions, comments, or a story to share? Email Kristen Rodman at Kristen.Rodman@accuweather.com, follow her on Twitter @Accu_Kristen or Google+. Follow us @breakingweather, or on Facebook and Google+.

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