50 years of Saratoga Music Boosters celebrated at annual Pancake Breakfast May 6, 2024 — by Saachi Jain, Anika Kapasi, Jane Lee, Anthony Luo and Angela Tan Courtesy of Isabelle GecilsPercussion students from Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School blow bubbles at the end of the combined band concert. The May 5 fundraiser brought together groups from the city’s public schools. 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. Tags: music, Pancake breakfast 63 views this weekAbout the contributorsSaachi JainSaachi Jain, Class of '25, is an Editor-In-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year. She was previously an In-Depth editor and a Head Copy Editor. In her past two years on staff, she has covered topics such as the school robotics team, various music events on school campus and expressed her opinion about various nationwide issues. In 2023 JEA NorCal, she received honorable mention for covering mental health on campus. Previously in yearbook, she also enjoys doing layouts and design. Outside of journalism, Saachi enjoys doing robotics, watching movies, and cooking. In her free time, she loves drinking boba.Anika KapasiAnika 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 and enjoys being an Editor-in-Chief of Soundings, the student-run literary and arts magazine at SHS.Jane LeeJane Lee (she/her), Class of ‘26, is a reporter and Social Media Manager for the 23-24 school year. She enjoys writing columns and designing social media posts for the newspaper. Outside of journalism, Jane enjoys practicing color guard and painting.Anthony LuoAnthony Luo (he/him), Class of '26, is a writer for the Saratoga Falcon. He has written stories about current and past political issues, the SHS speech and debate club, and his favorite movies and TV shows. Outside of journalism, Anthony is involved with the music program and competes in Public Forum debate.Angela TanAngela Tan, Class of '25, is a Photography Manager and reporter for the 23-24 school year. She enjoys covering events in the marching band, life stories, and opinion, as well as taking photos for various sports. Apart from journalism, she likes baking, playing flute and piano, and going on runs.