Laura Kloser is a Milwaukee native whose voice has echoed through parish choirs, college stages, and now American Family Field, as this year's National Anthem signer at Ballpark Day of Faith.
Kloser’s appearance captures everything the Ballpark Day of Faith is designed to celebrate. In the conversation that follows, Laura explains how a childhood spent cantoring at Christ King Parish, an unexpected love for big-league ballparks, and a deep belief that “singing is prayer” prepared her for this moment. She also offers concrete advice to young performers who dream of turning a stadium into their sanctuary.
Read on to meet the voice that will open this year’s Ballpark Day of Faith.
How did you first hear about Ballpark Day of Faith, and what sparked your decision to lend your voice to the event this year?
I first heard about Ballpark Day of Faith from my Dad when he attended a few years ago, and I've always loved how it embodies the welcoming and joyful spirit of the Catholic community in Milwaukee. Singing is my favorite way to pray and celebrate my faith, so I was thrilled when Bob Simi invited me to sing at this year's event.
What's your own background in singing, baseball and faith that you bring to Ballpark Day of Faith?
I have to admit, when I was younger, I was the kid in our family who brought a book to baseball games! Nevertheless, I loved going to Brewers games for the music, singing, and community. This fellowship through music has also played a major role in my faith life, beginning when I started cantoring at Mass in middle school at Christ King.
Ballpark Day of Faith blends baseball, community, and spirituality. How have those elements resonated with your own values and artistic journey?
Singing is my favorite way to pray because it can be both reverent and jubilant. While prayer is often quiet and contemplative, it can also be exuberant and joyous, and singing is a perfect example of that balance. Ballpark Day of Faith resonates with me because it exemplifies that combination of spirituality and celebration.
For young vocalists studying theatre or music, what practical advice would you give on preparing for opportunities such as performing the national anthem at major events?
To prepare for performances like this one, I start by bringing the piece I'll be performing to a voice lesson to work on with my voice teacher. With her observations and notes, I then set goals for my practice sessions. In the weeks leading up to the event, I sing through the piece every day. That way, I know the song inside out, and during the performance, I can stay in the moment and trust that I know what I'm doing!