By Sam Elliott
For Fishers resident and computer programmer Eric Wickens, singing has always been a passion.
He began in high school choir growing up in Anderson and was involved with the Purdue Glee Club during college before a suggestion from a community theater colleague eventually led Wickens to opera training and involvement with the Indianapolis Opera Chorus.
Five years ago he began lending his voice to the national anthem in an additional effort to get out there in front of people.
“Over the years off and on I’ve sung for the Indianapolis Ice, the Indians, the Indiana Ice and I had an opportunity to sing for the Pacers a few years ago,” Wickens said. “I saw the Indy Fuel were coming to the coliseum, so I reached out to them and talked about trying to create a relationship with them.”
Wickens sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before about 10 games during the team’s inaugural 2014-15 season and in December the Fuel announced he would be the team’s official national anthem singer for the remainder of this season’s games at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
“Eric has quickly become a fan favorite,” Gabe Amick, the Fuel’s director of event presentation, said. “His interpretation of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is moving and has been a great addition to our game day experience for the fans.”
Wickens’ approach to the national anthem is fairly straightforward, void of extra extended or high notes some pop stars might work in.
“I’ve found from a lot of folks that end up coming up to me afterwards appreciate it being sung traditionally,” he said. “What I’ll do is try to start off with a little quieter tone and then build it up as the song gets toward the end and really build it at the end. People seem to appreciate that.”
Wickens released an album in 2013 titled “Comfort,” a collection of sacred-classical pieces recorded at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.
He’s also the managing director of VOCE, a professional ensemble performing next on March 25 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Indianapolis.
For more, visit EricWickens.com.
