Upperclassmen work with underclassmen in 3rd annual MESH concert

Saratoga and Redwood musicians came together on May 13 to participate in the Music Education with Saratoga High (MESH) program. After alumni and head of the program Michelle Won graduated, seniors Lauren Casey-Clyde and Gloria Liou took the reins in hopes of creating a show that would benefit both high school and middle school students.

Originally created by alumnus Walter Hsiang in 2010, MESH is a mentoring program aiming to unite students of all ages by sharing common interests in music.

Upperclassmen teach younger students and provide advice every Wednesday morning, in prepartion for the MESH concert.

“Leading MESH with [Liou] has been a great learning experience,” Casey-Clyde said. “Both of us have had to learn how to communicate really well between the band and orchestra sides.”

After enjoying studying under mentor alumni Justin Hang as an 8th grader, freshmen Jaewoo Lee wanted to follow in Hang’s footsteps and teach younger students.

“It really helped my teaching skills, and it was great seeing them get a lot better while still having fun,” Lee said. “I learned that the kids can be really creative. They made up our ‘hat flip’ at the end, which put a nice touch on a super fun experience.”

The show included songs from “Mamma Mia!,” “Indiana Jones,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and by pop artists Lorde and Pharrell Williams along with other pieces. Liou said that the concert allowed upperclassmen and underclassmen to collaborate on ideas for their performances.

“It was really great to see how they improved, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know them better,” Liou said.

Although Casey-Clyde and Liou are graduating, they have high hopes for future years with the program.

“It’s exciting when it comes time to ‘hand down’ the legacy to the next grade,” Liou said. “Being able to not only go out to play music and help the kids, but also organize the concerts and work with the other high school students has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience.”