Loyola student from Downers Grove sings national anthem at Final Four game
Andy Mahlan of Downers Grove has a deep bass voice that anchors Loyola University's a cappella group, the AcaFellas.
He's been singing in choirs since his days at Downers Grove South High School, where he was a two-time all-state selection to the Illinois Education Music Association's state festival. He also had the chance to sing at a papal audience in Rome with Loyola's Chorale.
Still, those opportunities pale in comparison to his latest gig: Mahlan represented Loyola in a quartet of student singers - one from each of the Final Four schools - who sang the national anthem Saturday at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio.
"It is definitely the biggest gig I've ever sung at," Mahlan said. "It's really an exciting opportunity, and I feel extremely fortunate to have this great honor."
The tradition of having students from each of the Final Four schools goes back to 2015, when the championship games took place in Indianapolis. However, that first year, and for the next successive two years, the singers were student athletes who represented not only their universities but their individual sports as well.
This year, apparently officials with the NCAA approached music faculty members at the four schools for students - not necessarily music majors - to combine on the anthem.
With the selection of Mahlan, the event brings a talented musician to the mix. He was selected for the honor by Kirsten Hedegaard, director of choral and vocal activities at Loyola, who also serves as director of music for the Presbyterian Church of Barrington.
Mahlan is a biology major who hopes to one day teach high school biology, but his real passion is singing. He currently sings with Loyola's Chorale and Chamber Choir - directed by Hedegaard - as well as the AcaFellas.
He also sings at weekly Masses on campus, and down in San Antonio he worked with Campus Ministry officials to plan an Easter Mass for Loyola students.
"Andy is an outstanding musician, and I know he will be an excellent ambassador for Loyola's music program," Hedegaard says.
Back at Downers Grove South, Mahlan sang with multiple choirs, and he even sang the national anthem on a few occasions at high school sports events.
Still, he says nothing compared to the thrill of representing Loyola at the Final Four. He met the other three students on Thursday, when they arrived. They bonded together over the next two days, exploring the city's famous River Walk, leading up to their performance.
Ironically, they rehearsed only once before they took the microphones. That's the beauty of tapping experienced student vocalists - who also serve as ambassadors for their respective schools - to sing the national anthem.
"I think it reminds us that music brings people together and creates unity," Hedegaard said. "Even though the basketball teams will be engaged in an intense battle for victory, the singing of the national anthem by this carefully chosen quartet can set a respectful tone for the fierce competition that will ensue."