After a single rehearsal, roughly 17 members of SDA’s music program played the national anthem for a Padres game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday at Petco Park.

They were joined by middle and high school students from all around San Diego county, according to music teacher Jeremy Wuertz. Before the game, they assembled on the field and prepared to play “The Star Spangled Banner” conducted by Bryan Ransom, director of athletic bands at San Diego State University, Wuertz said.

Following the performance, students enjoyed the rest of the game and the enthusiastic environment at Petco Park while eating food and cheering on their favorite team.

Reflecting on the event, freshman Matthew LeFabvre (percussion) said he enjoyed “going on the field…and playing because we…never get to play on a field.” He added that the experience was a very positive one, and he hopes to participate in something similar again in years to come.