When people think of student bands and orchestras performing, they might imagine an audience of parents falling asleep to a two-hour concerto.

The music department’s Pancake Breakfast breaks the community mold. With a freshly made breakfast and 18 student groups performing lively music, the event is a community favorite.

The breakfast is an annual gathering of community members on the first Sunday morning of May from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year, the event happens Sunday when student groups from grades 5-12 will perform their well-practiced shows for the community.

“It’s a community event that encompasses all levels of music in Saratoga and allows the elementary kids to see the high school kids play,” said band director John Zarco. “It gets all the parents and the community to come together.”

Community members pay $10 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, served by teachers, faculty members and even the mayor.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have your teachers serve you food,” said junior violinist T.T. Tu, “and the food is actually pretty good.”

Despite it being yet another concert, students enjoy performing for hungry guests.

“It’s definitely more fun than normal concerts because we don’t have to wear concert clothes, we get to eat after, and the music is more fun,” said sophomore percussionist Amy Wang. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year.”