On Sunday, Georgia Tech students from the School of Music participated in the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show by helping organize and set up Intel drones.

“As Georgia Tech students, this event was especially extraordinary because we got to work with computer scientists, engineers, and artists from Intel who, like us, see the immense value and potential in combining technology and the arts,” said Elianna Paljug, president of the Georgia Tech Chamber Choir.

The halftime show organizers approached the Georgia Tech Chamber Choir in early January about participating in the performance. In the spirit of collaboration, the opportunity was extended to all students in the School of Music. The final participants represented the entire School of Music ensembles comprising students in all four choirs, the band, and the orchestra.

The group of Georgia Tech students – about 50 of the total 150 – were tasked with placing the drones used during the performance in formation by the stage.

“The event organizers told us that we were working with technology that had never been used on a live show before and that they needed people who were attentive and precise to do it…. This was a life-changing experience that I’ll never forget,” said Zion Martell.

The drones, created to resemble floating lanterns, formed the words “ONE” and “LOVE.” As Maroon 5 began the song “She Will Be Loved,” Intel’s computer directed the 150 drones to float up and over the Mercedes-Benz Stadium field.

The group completed more than 40 hours of rehearsals, much of which included the featured artists Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi.