Student performs national anthem at NHL game
If you asked Isabelle Gottfried about some of her greatest accomplishments, she could tell you she’s performed at Citizens Bank Park and Madison Square Garden.
She’d probably also tell you that she’s a fifth-grade student at Schuylkill Elementary School.
In February, Isabelle, 11, got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform the national anthem at a New York Rangers versus Washington Capitals hockey game in New York, an experience she said was both nerve-racking and rewarding.
As the spotlight shined on Isabelle, she began belting out the familiar verses to about 20,000 people.
“I was singing and the light was shining so I couldn’t see anyone. I got up to the box and felt really nervous after I sang because there were so many people there,” explained Isabelle. “It was really cool because I also had my own dressing room.”
Isabelle got her spark for music and theater from FaceTime Theatre in Phoenixville. About two years ago, she joined a group called Broadway Dreams, which provided her with the opportunity to sing at Madison Square Garden. Broadway Dreams is aimed at providing mentorship opportunities in the entertainment industry to children from all backgrounds.
“Two years ago I started with a company called Broadway Dreams and I was chosen on the list from the director of that company,” she explained. “She picked me to come over and
asked me to perform and I said yes. It was also a really fun opportunity to have.”
But this wasn’t Isabelle’s first time performing at such a large venue. She has also previously performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park during the Take Steps walk for Crohn’s and Colitis.
“It wasn’t for the Phillies,” said Isabelle about the performance. “It was for Crohn’s and Colitis. It was a walk around the field. It was pretty cool. It was just nerve-racking because there was a lot of people there.”
With two major venues already under her belt, Isabelle’s talents have her friends, family and community beaming with pride.
“We’re very proud of Isabelle,” said Schuylkill Elementary School Principal Kelley Harmer. “Last year we had a staff versus student kickball game and she sang the national anthem. She’s one of the leading roles in our fifth-grade spring musical. We actually had her go to the school board meeting last month and perform in front of the
school board to show off our Schuylkill talent. We’re just thrilled and very proud of her accomplishments.”
And the school’s support is what Isabelle’s mother, Michelle Gottfried, credits for her daughter’s opportunities. Gottfried said when she approached Isabelle’s teacher about the chance she’d been given to perform, she encouraged her to pursue it.
“The only thing I have to say is there’s no way we would have been able to do it without the support of, not only the community, but also the school,” said Gottfried. “When I came to Mrs. Renzulli and told her that she was being approached by an agent in New York, I sat down with her and said, ‘I’m not going to do it if you think it’s going to be too hard school-wise.’ She said ‘Go for it.’ Those have probably been the biggest pieces, having the support from everybody here because we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
Isabelle said in the future she’s hoping to be on TV or on Broadway and maybe write her own songs.