Saint Andrew’s Teacher Performs National Anthem at FIFA Club World Cup

Ms. Emily Nichols, Director of Symphonic and Advanced Bands at Saint Andrew’s School and a sergeant in the Florida National Guard’s 13th Army Band, recently took the global stage when she had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Nichols was selected as the military vocalist representative of South Florida for the tournament's Opening Ceremony on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The performance ultimately led to a second invitation for her to sing at the Closing Ceremony on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before a crowd of approximately 85,000 fans and the President of the United States.

“It was a crazy-amazing experience, and I’m still in disbelief at the opportunity,” said Nichols. “As a teacher and musician, I am incredibly grateful for summer performance opportunities like this that allow me to grow as an artist while representing my country and community through music.”

Accompanied by drummers from The United States Army Band, Pershing’s Own, and a Washington, D.C.-based Joint Force Honor Guard, Nichols’ performance was followed by a dramatic flyover and a dazzling pyrotechnics display, marking an unforgettable prelude to the final match.

Saint Andrew’s School congratulates Sgt. Nichols on this remarkable achievement and celebrates the passion and purpose she brings to everything she does.