News

50 years of Saratoga Music Boosters celebrated at annual Pancake Breakfast

Saachi Jain, Anika Kapasi, Jane Lee, Anthony Luo, and Angela Tan • May 6, 2024

Percussion students from Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School blow bubbles at the end of the combined band concert.

On a sunny Sunday, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and community members gathered in the quad for the Saratoga Music Booster annual pancake breakfast fundraiser and also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

At the event, which took place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., students from Redwood Middle School (RMS) and SHS performed in the quad with their respective groups for orchestra, choir and band, with featured performances in the large gym by the Redwood Color Guard and SHS world class winter percussion and varsity winter guard

Attendees included principal Greg Louie and city council member Tina Walia. Featured attractions included unlimited pancakes, sausages, strawberries, coffee and brunch items while attendees could participate in a silent auction and item raffle.

The event concluded with a finale performance by SHS and RMS band students of “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” by Paul Jennings. The piece was performed in memory of former RMS band director Vicki Wyant, who passed away in 2023 at age 83.

Photo by Anika Kapasi

Parent volunteers flip pancakes to serve to performers and guests.

Photo by Saachi Jain

Choir teacher Beth Nitzan, former mayor Howard Miller, activities director Kristen Cunningham and PTA president of Saratoga Elementary School Mahshid Maleki smile while flipping pancakes.

Photo by Saachi Jain

Attendees browse the silent auction catalog for items to bid on, including student-made crochet plushies and private lessons with music teachers. Funds from the auction raised around $20,000 for the program.

Photo by Saachi Jain

Freshman Ayan Moolchandani and Simone Moolchandani lead a new student-led event catered towards preschool and kindergarten aged children, “Musical Storytime.” Students read a children’s book, accompanied by music in the background.

Photo by Angela Tan

Music director Jason Shiuan conducts “Opening Night” by Brian Balmages during the SHS combined orchestra performance.

Photo by Angela Tan

Music director Michael Boitz conducts “Magnificent Seven” by Elmer Bernstein during the SHS combined orchestra performance.

Photo by Anika Kapasi

RMS students play French horn during the RMS beginning band performance.

Photo by Saachi Jain

Choir students sing during their performance.

Photo by Anika Kapasi

Junior Nathan Lee and senior Gabe Shyh perform “Hay Burner” by Sammy Nestico with the Honors Jazz Ensemble.

Photo by Angela Tan

Senior Chloe Lee plays violin with the SHS combined orchestra.

About the Contributors

Saachi Jain, Editor-in-Chief

Saachi Jain, Class of '25, is an Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, she was an In-Depth Editor and Head Copy Editor. Saachi has reported on topics ranging from the school robotics team to national gun violence trends and medical misinformation during the pandemic. She received a JEANC Honorable Mention Award for her coverage of the school's Speak Up for Change Rally in 2023. Outside of journalism, Saachi enjoys tutoring and volunteering. You can often find her reading, drinking boba and playing with her cats.

Anika Kapasi, Editor-in-Chief

Anika Kapasi (she/her), Class of ‘25, is an Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year. Previously, she was Sports Editor, and a Reporter and Layout Artist. Anika has reported on and taken pictures for various school sports, covered the music program's accomplishments, and has written opinion pieces on numerous school-based events. She was awarded the Journalism Education Association of Northern California Honorable Mention for her Sports Writing in 2023. Outside of journalism, she loves to play for the school soccer team, is a part of the band program, and enjoys being an Editor-in-Chief of Soundings, the student-run literary and arts magazine at SHS.

Jane Lee, Lifestyles Editor

Jane Lee, Class of '26, is a Lifestyles Editor and Social Media Manager for the 2024-25 school year. Jane has reported on topics such as student athletes, academic competitions and the music program. She also received a JEANC Honorable Mention Award for her posts on The Falcon's Instagram. Outside of journalism, Jane enjoys performing as a part of the color guard, visiting cafes with her friends and crocheting.

Anthony Luo, In-Depth Editor

Anthony Luo, Class of '26, is an In-Depth Editor for the 2024-25 school year. Anthony has reported on topics ranging from age in politics and university protests to the school's speech and debate team and music program. Outside of journalism, Anthony enjoys playing the trombone and tutoring. In his free time, Anthony likes listening to music, watching movies and TV shows and taking photos with his digital camera.

Angela Tan, Lifestyles Editor

Angela Tan, Class of '25, is a Lifestyles Editor for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, she was a Photography Manager and Reporter. She has covered marching band events and enjoys writing opinion and lifestyle stories. Outside of journalism, Angela enjoys playing the flute, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.

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