More than 40 hopefuls were selected last week to perform the National Anthem at a Potomac Nationals Game in Woodbridge, including Marnell Tanner, a retired military officer from Alexandria. Tanner was scheduled to sing at the Potomac National game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on April 9.

With 70 home games, there was plenty of opportunity for aspiring singers to flex their vocal chords for an upcoming game of the P-Nats, as they’re lovingly known, and throngs of them came for the try-outs at a shopping mall. 

Auditions took about three hours, with each contestant getting five minutes to perform “The Star Spangled Banner.” While most sang, according to National Public Radio some performed instrumental versions on the flute or electric guitar, among other instruments.