MESH concert combines great music and teamwork

The Music Education with Saratoga High (MESH) Program held its second annual “One Note at a Time” concert on May 13, with exciting ensemble performances from SHS, Redwood Middle School and elementary school students. 

MESH is a music mentoring program that organizes SHS music students to teach music to elementary and middle school kids. The program regularly assists the Redwood and Argonaut Orchestra and Band during their rehearsals. Now headed by senior Michelle Won, the program was initiated by alumnus Walter Hsiang in 2010.

“Not only does this program build musicianship skills for the students and high school mentors, it also helps develop leadership and mentoring skills and overall enthusiasm for music and ensemble playing,” Won said. “Our hope is to positively impact the musical community and continue to support the great music students in Saratoga.”

Junior violinist Gloria Liou decided to get involved this school year to share her passion for the violin. After passing an unique audition process where she had to teach the adjudicators the basics of her instrument, Liou qualified to be a part of the program.

“I actually teach privately, but I also wanted to do something for the community,” said Liou. “I like working with kids, and I really enjoy playing the violin so MESH seemed like a great way for me to share something so dear to me.”

MESH’s annual concert presents the opportunity for its members to showcase both its members’ and young students’ hard work and progress throughout the year. This year, 20 high school students and 50 elementary and middle school kids participated in the event. Performances included “Pink Panther,” “Hedwig’s Theme” from “Harry Potter,” “Stuff We Did” from the movie “Up,” along with some jazz pieces. Junior Vivian Li, a cellist and student mentor, performed the cello piece El Gato Monde with a group of three students from Redwood.

“I thought it was quite nerve-wracking, and I think I was more nervous than the kids,” Li said. “Since it was a piece that I had rehearsed all by myself with the kids I just wanted them to play well and have fun performing on such a big stage.” 

Won also performed during the concert, leading a group of four in “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg.

“The students had a lot of fun rehearsing with each other,” said Won. “I loved teaching my group of kids, and I learned a lot as well from the experience.”

All proceeds from the concert went to Music Team San Francisco, an organization that provides music education for underprivileged students at El Dorado Elementary School in San Francisco. This year, the program was able to raise $765.

“Not only was the concert a great way for students to show their individual talents and teamwork, it also went to a great cause,” said Won. “It is definitely one of my favorite moments of MESH.”