Former St. Louisan Abbie Strauss sang “The Star Spangled Banner” before the Cardinals 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, March 6, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. The national anthem is not the easiest song to perform since it calls for a very wide vocal range. Fortunately, Strauss is a seasoned performer—and a cantor.

The Cardinals spring training ballpark is also a short hop from Strauss’ home in Palm Beach Gardens, where she is a member of the Temple Judea clergy and her husband Feivel Strauss is associate rabbi. Abbie Strauss is also the founder of the Institute of Jewish Rock, and a featured performer on Jewish Rock Radio.

“Jewish Rock Radio has literally been the foundation of everything that I’ve done and accomplished as a musician,” she said. “There’s always a support group, there’s always a way to get your voice and your message out. And it’s really the only platform that I see as someone who came in as an emerging artist.”

Strauss still visits her former home in St. Louis, where she was a music teacher. Her trips here usually coincide with Songleader Boot Camp at the Jewish Community Center in February, which she has supported for years. The pre-Cards game performance was a special moment, she said.

“I auditioned near the stadium and was chosen to sing,” Strauss said. “I chose only Cardinals game and was assigned this wonderful date—I was so honored. I have sung at an NBA game but never a baseball game. The echo made it very difficult for me, but it was fun being around such incredible fans in such a special setting.

“Spring training is such an amazing time and as a huge Cardinals fan, there is nothing like being close to the players and seeing them in this laid-back setting. I also ran into a fellow Rockwood School teacher who was at that game. It reminded me of my love for St Louis and how special the city is. I’m grateful my new home has a direct connection so I can always celebrate my love for the city during spring training.”