Meet Anthony Morgan, an 18-year-old college freshman from Mentone, California whose passion for music recently led him to experience one of the most unforgettable moments of his musical life: singing the national anthem with fellow CLU choir members at the Los Angeles Rams football game. With over 100,000 audience members and 13 million viewers watching on live TV, he has plenty to share about this accomplishment and where else music has led him.
Her Campus at Cal Lutheran: What made you decide to join the CLU choir?
Anthony Morgan: I knew from the very beginning I’d join the CLU choir. I love making music and bringing people joy that way. I get to make people happy with song, and there’s honestly nothing better than that.
HCCLU: What do you like most about being part of such a talented group of vocalists?
AM: We have rehearsal four days a week, and every single day I look forward to hearing the sound we can make as a group. Its fun to work through little mistakes, to strive to be better, to focus on music. It feels very much like a family, and its great to work with such fun people. It’s not everyday you get to be a part of the music you listen to, so I make sure to recognize how cool it is to get to do this.
HCCLU: What was it like performing for millions of people?
AM: It was one of the most insane and surreal feelings I’ve ever experienced. Beforehand, we were nervous because other than the 100,000 people in the audience, there were also 13 million people viewing it on live TV. But as soon as we started singing, the nerves went away and it just felt so natural. Our focus was on the song because there was so much pressure on us to do it right. We also had headsets in so we couldn’t hear the crowd as much. Afterward, we went right back to freaking out… all we could say was “did we just do that?” We couldn’t believe what had just happened… none of us will ever forget how strange and amazing it was.
HCCLU: Where do you hope music will take you in the future?
AM: My dream is to dedicate as much time as possible to creating musical content, but if not, I know I will always be involved in music on the side. It’s so important to me. I couldn’t imagine life without it. If I could make music for the rest of my life and make people happy that, I would love to do that.
HCCLU: Why do you think music is important?
AM: Music is important because it brings people overwhelming happiness without any explanation. When you listen to a song that makes you feel something, it can change you for the better, improve your day, anything… I think the world needs music. Imagine how much good a song can add just to your day alone… now take that and spread it across the world… there’s no telling how much of a difference that could really make.
HCCLU: Other than choir, what role does music play in your life?
AM: I have done multiple theater shows before and am working on writing more music. I’m constantly listening to all kinds of music though and always open to different performing opportunities.
All photos in the article are courtesy of Anthony Morgan