Musicians with Marin ties perform at Super Bowl

Alexandra Simpson took the field at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, Super Bowl Sunday. All her hard work and training had led up to this moment. She was ready to play — well, music, that is.

Standing near 49ers legends Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, whom she grew up watching on TV with her dad, the violist performed with rock band Green Day during the Super Bowl opening ceremony that welcomed football legends to the field.

“The experience was incredible,” said Simpson, who serves as the music director of San Domenico School’s Virtuoso Program — the program she was once a part of during her time at the school. “I’ve never performed at a Super Bowl and never thought I’d get to go to one. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll tell my grandkids about.”

The cherry on top was that she was able to share the experience with her friend, violinist Asuka Yanai, who she roomed with at San Domenico School. They would both go on to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. San Rafael resident Kevin Rogers, the conservatory’s community engagement manager — a position he’s held since 2021 — reached out to them about the opportunity.

Through his work at the conservatory, Rogers, who graduated from the conservatory in 2011, manages several programs, including Hire San Francisco Conservatory of Music Musicians — where musicians can be hired for special events or occasions — and Conservatory Connect, which brings live music to schools, hospitals, retirement homes, children’s facilities and other venues. Since he got there, he’s been able to expand the conservatory’s programming and give more opportunities to students and alumni, he said.

“I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it weren’t for Kevin Rogers and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I was just really happy to be there. It was an amazing experience,” Yanai said.

Violinist Sarena Hsu, who also went through San Domenico School’s Virtuoso Program, played with singer and musician Charlie Puth during his soulful rendition of the national anthem before the game.

Yanai and Simpson spent several days rehearsing with Green Day at the football stadium.

“They were so cool. They all chatted with us between run-throughs, asking about our instruments and connecting about growing up in the Bay Area. (Lead singer) Billie Joe Armstrong sang an impromptu ‘My Way’ with us between one of the run-throughs,” said Simpson, who has also performed with pop star Sabrina Carpenter.

For Yanai, who grew up listening to Green Day, it was a special experience.

“We didn’t know who we were going to be performing with until the day that we got to Levi’s Stadium. But there were articles coming out that Green Day was playing, and my heart dropped. I was like, I hope it’s Green Day. I’m from Pinole, where they are from. It was really fun to talk about that. They were really nice,” said Yanai, who has also performed with the Eagles, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban.

And while Rogers was just supposed to be the middleman for the Super Bowl pregame show, when a violinist was unexpectedly unable to perform, he stepped in on short notice. Beyond performing with a legendary act, he was happy to see how happy his fellow musicians were around him and to watch alumni connect with and share their wisdom with students.

For the performers, it meant a lot that the musical events showcased how much talent there is in the Bay Area.

“There are a lot of great musicians here, and we should continue to support them,” Yanai said.