Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is proud to announce that the Palmetto Ridge High School Choir has been invited to sing the National Anthem for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Saturday, October 21, 2023. The invitation speaks to the accomplishment of the program. 

“A representative from NASCAR was searching for groups around Southwest Florida to come sing the National Anthem,” explains Joseph Bigler, Director of Orchestra and Choir at Palmetto Ridge High School. “He had found footage of the Choir singing at the Florida Everblades and then reached out to me and offered the opportunity.”

Not only does the stadium at Homestead-Miami Speedway hold upwards of 40,000 people, but the event will also be nationally televised on the USA network. 

“My hope for these students is that we’re always giving them opportunities to perform publicly, and so the fact that we’re going to be performing nationally, it really speaks to the vision that I have for the group,” adds Bigler.

CCPS encourages students to take advantage of choral opportunities offered at all its high schools. Those interested in viewing Palmetto Ridge High School’s performance may tune into the USA network at 3PM on Saturday, October 21.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) is a stock car racing series organized by NASCAR. It is promoted as NASCAR’s second-tier circuit to the organization’s top level Cup Series. NXS events are frequently held as a support race on the day prior to a Cup Series event scheduled for that weekend.