AUGUSTA – Three Maine students performed the national anthem for the Maine House of Representatives to open Thursday’s session, but not a note was heard.

The students from the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf used sign language to communicate the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” After their rendition, representatives and guests applauded, also in sign language.

The three students, Kim Marr of Scarborough, Ashley Gorton of Eliot and Clayton Marr of Westbrook, also signed the anthem for Gov. John Baldacci and were formally welcomed by the Senate.

Their State House appearance came as a bill to change the name of the Governor Baxter School in Falmouth, LD 981, continued its way toward passage.

To better reflect the range of programs provided to the deaf, the school would get an expanded moniker: Maine Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.