Royal Purple

Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Joy Kowald Whitney Clapper sang the national anthem at last week's McCain rally.

UW-Whitewater student Whitney Clapper sang the national anthem at the McCain campaign rally last Friday. Singing is just one talent of the freshman, who also plays for the women's soccer team at UW-Whitewater.

The lifelong singer gained recognition from the McCain campaign through singing the national anthem at last Tuesday's Brewers game. Representatives from the campaign noticed Clapper's abilities and asked her to sing at the rally. Clapper, a Cedarburg native could hardly decline a chance to sing before a presidential candidate in her hometown.

Clapper, 18, has performed under the bright lights at sporting events, and national contests. She has sung the national anthem under the gaze of tens of thousands at Miller Park, the Al McGuire Center, and for national competitions Nashville Star and American Idol.

"It was kind of a surprise. My dad told me I was going to be auditioning for something, but he didn't say what," Clapper said. "Then I asked my mom and she said Nashville Star. I was really surprised."

She first tried out for Nashville Star in Milwaukee, and after grueling rounds of competition was chosen to go to Nashville. Clapper auditioned in Nashville for the show, but was cut in the final round before airing on television.

"They took 40 people out of 40,000," Clapper said. "It was amazing just to compete, it was truly amazing."

She also auditioned for American Idol, but was not chosen to continue after the initial round.

Besides singing, Clapper loves to play sports, especially soccer, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

She plays defense for the Warhawks women's soccer team and is looking forward to competing in intramurals.

Clapper chose UW-Whitewater because it was close enough to home, yet far enough away to gain the full college experience. So far she loves her time at UW-Whitewater.

"I'll probably just stick with soccer [at the collegiate level]," she said. "I'm looking forward to intramurals, I love to play basketball and volleyball. I love playing tennis too."

Currently Clapper is a communications major, but says there may be room for music in her college career.

"My major is communications, I don't have a minor yet," Clapper said. "Hopefully my minor will become music, but maybe later music will become my major."

Clapper said she hopes to continue her music career after she graduates from UW-Whitewater, but doesn't know what the future will hold. She is looking forward to continuing her music career anyway she can.

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