The Sarasota Polo Club kicks off each public polo match with an Opening Parade. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this! Just before 1PM, our announcer will welcome everyone up to the boards – yes, you can walk right up to the boards!
We offer a live American Flag presentation each week, carried aboard one of our many fabulous flag horses. The Magical Mini Mart will also oftentimes join the parade. You might even see the horses dressed up in costume to match the tailgate theme of the week!
Behind the flag horse and Mini Mart, our players and umpires will follow, giving you the chance to clap hands with real polo players! All horses will do one full lap around the field, giving everyone a chance at the action, before meeting at midfield for a live national anthem performance courtesy of Music Compound. You can find the performer of the day located on your Game Day Program that you will receive upon admission.
Once the national anthem performance is done, our announcer will introduce the teams and the players, allowing you to know who is who. You can follow along in the game day program, where this information is also listed.
Owned by: Melissa Wightman Ridden by: Various Riders
Bold Colors
Owned by: Lucy Walter Ridden by: Lucy Walter
Thank you to Music Compound for being the Official National Anthem Singer Supplier of the Sarasota Polo Club.
Performers
Jennifer McDonald
Jennifer McDonald is both a seasoned performer and dedicated educator, with years of experience singing live with bands and in church settings. She is a piano and vocal coach at Music Compound, where her encouraging teaching style blends creativity with technical skill. Whether performing herself or guiding others, Jennifer’s mission is to spark joy in music and help each student shine with confidence.
Natalie Smith
Natalie Smith is a highly accomplished vocalist and vocal coach with more than a decade of performance and teaching experience. Trained in both classical and contemporary styles, she has performed professionally while also guiding students toward success on stage, in competitions, and in recordings. As a vocal instructor at Music Compound, Natalie is celebrated for her ability to blend strong technique with artistry, helping singers unlock their full potential.
Claudia Marmelo
A passionate musician and educator, she believes deeply in the power of music to inspire, connect, and build confidence. At Music Compound, she brings joy and encouragement to students by creating a warm, welcoming environment where they can grow both musically and personally.
Her background spans voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting, with a strong emphasis on vocal training. She has years of experience in choir, has performed the National Anthem at various events, and leads Music Compound’s youth vocal groups, helping young singers find their voice and thrive on stage.
She especially enjoys working with beginners, guiding them as they build a solid musical foundation. Her teaching style is individualized, focusing on confidence, creativity, and fun. Beyond teaching, she is always eager to support the Music Compound team wherever needed, bringing flexibility, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for music to everything she does.
Jennifer McDonald
Jennifer McDonald is both a seasoned performer and dedicated educator, with years of experience singing live with bands and in church settings. She is a piano and vocal coach at Music Compound, where her encouraging teaching style blends creativity with technical skill. Whether performing herself or guiding others, Jennifer’s mission is to spark joy in music and help each student shine with confidence.
Natalie Smith
Natalie Smith is a highly accomplished vocalist and vocal coach with more than a decade of performance and teaching experience. Trained in both classical and contemporary styles, she has performed professionally while also guiding students toward success on stage, in competitions, and in recordings. As a vocal instructor at Music Compound, Natalie is celebrated for her ability to blend strong technique with artistry, helping singers unlock their full potential.
Claudia Marmelo
A passionate musician and educator, she believes deeply in the power of music to inspire, connect, and build confidence. At Music Compound, she brings joy and encouragement to students by creating a warm, welcoming environment where they can grow both musically and personally.
Her background spans voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting, with a strong emphasis on vocal training. She has years of experience in choir, has performed the National Anthem at various events, and leads Music Compound’s youth vocal groups, helping young singers find their voice and thrive on stage.
She especially enjoys working with beginners, guiding them as they build a solid musical foundation. Her teaching style is individualized, focusing on confidence, creativity, and fun. Beyond teaching, she is always eager to support the Music Compound team wherever needed, bringing flexibility, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for music to everything she does.
