Before the quarterbacks took the field, SFCM musicians stole the first play of the night during Super Bowl LX.

In addition to the thousands of excited football fans filling Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, 13 students and three alumni got the thrill of a lifetime performing on the field with rock band Green Day as part of the Super Bowl LX opening celebrations. 

SFCM violist Ian Parvin.

The preshow performance featured the ensemble playing a rendition of Green Day's hit song "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." "It was such a surreal experience!" Ruby Ro, a violin student studying with Simon James, said. "I grew up watching the Super Bowl at home with my family and now I get to say I actually performed at the Super Bowl preshow with the famous band Green Day!" 

SFC violinist Ruby Ro.

The performance ended with the ensemble joining on-field fans to dance and celebrate. "I'm from Seattle and a huge Seahawks fan so being part of this moment while they are in the Super Bowl feels incredibly special and definitely unforgettable!" Ro added. "Not to mention, to be surrounded by thousands and millions of people watching live and at home. It was such an honor and a very memorable experience that I will carry with me forever."

Students enter the field ahead of the performance.

This performance was made possible through Hire SFCM, which provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to perform at weddings, parties, and other large events. Los Angeles-based creative team Production Club managed the preshow performance. 

Alumna violist Alexandra Simpson and the ensemble prepare to perform.

"Our reputation for educating professional-caliber students really helped convince the production team to trust us," SFCM Community Engagement Manager Kevin Rogers (and 2011 Violin alum) said. "The main thing I hope students learned from this is that their musical skills are meant for more than just traditional concert hall stages: They're also meant for the largest stages the world can offer!" Rogers also performed at the event. 

Green Day performs at Super Bowl LX.

Recent performances through Hire SFCM include Chris Potter, the Kronos Quartet, and All-Elite Wrestling, as well as the Game Developers Conference, in which students formed a "video game orchestra." Students are compensated for their work, and in 2023 Hire SFCM paid out over $100,000 dollars to students, a record-setting sum.

In addition to the preshow performance, 2022 violin graduate Rose Crelli performed in the halftime show with Bad Bunny, and RJAM faculty Anthony Hervey and 2014 violin alumna Sarena Hsu, as well as student Doris Du performed in the national anthem with Charlie Puth and Kenny G.

The SFCM Super Bowl ensemble.

The level of preparation and high production value is something Rogers hopes students take to heart. "Every piece is rehearsed, repeated over many days, planned months in advance, all of that to execute only a few minutes of magic," Rogers added. "The end result is something spectacular shared by millions all across the country. It's special to be part of that." 

Learn more about studying at SFCM.
Learn more about Hire SFCM.