congratulations all-state participants!
REDWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Grade |
Name |
Instrument |
8 |
Matthew F. |
Bass |
8 |
Yuna H. |
Violin |
7 |
Jenna J. |
Viola |
7 |
Jaeho L. |
Viola |
8 |
Matthew L. |
Cello |
8 |
Lilian M. |
Violin |
8 |
Emma U. |
French Horn |
8 |
Shreya S. |
Bass |
8 |
Lucas V.M. |
Alto Sax |
8 |
Connor Y. |
Trombone |
7 |
Justin K. |
Cello |
8 |
Anchen W. |
Violin |
7 |
Neil Y. |
Viola |
SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL:
Grade |
Name |
Instrument |
9 |
Brandon C. |
Trumpet |
11 |
Kathy C. |
Clarinet |
10 |
Norah H. |
Choir |
11 |
Dylan H. |
Alto Sax |
10 |
Jenny J. |
Violin |
10 |
Sarah J. |
Violin |
12 |
Ian K. |
Double Bass |
10 |
Chloe L. |
Double Bass |
10 |
Dhruv N. |
Double Bass |
10 |
Sophie P. |
Choir |
11 |
Navya R. |
Choir |
12 |
Ryan S. |
Horn |
9 |
Aryan S. |
Double Bass |
11 |
Barbara (Varvara) V. |
Bari Sax |
11 |
Florence W. |
Cello |
12 |
Jed Y. |
Alto Sax |
12 |
Aria Z. |
Choir |
11 |
Lucy Z. |
Violin |
Saratoga music boosters 2023-24 update
Saratoga Music Boosters supports Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) and Saratoga High School (SHS) by helping its music directors, where needed, to accomplish their visions to offer the best music programs, music clinics as well as many enriching opportunities to its students. This includes ensuring all music students have the possibility to attend important performances that require travel regardless of their family’s financial situation.
There are two beloved fundraisers Saratoga Music Boosters hold every year: the Cookie dough fundraiser and the Pancake Breakfast. All schools participate to help raise funds for the booster. The idea of the Cookie Dough is of course to sell as many cookie dough orders as possible and for the latter the Booster offers a beautiful pancake breakfast where all music programs showcase their talents as pancakes are devoured. These two fundraising events are a student and community favorite.
Over the 2023-24 fiscal year, Saratoga Music Boosters supported the following Saratoga High School music programs and music students:
Band (175 students including Marching and Concert Band), Jazz Band (35 students), Color Guard (31 students), Winter Guard (29 students), Winter Percussion (77 students), Orchestra (167 students), and Choir (41 students).
Not only do the music programs receive SMB support, the initiative by the music directors to offer concerto competitions is also made possible thanks to SMB. This includes the support to invite 5 adjudicators to judge all student performances. The winners of this competition perform at the end of year concert.
SHS musicians reached a level of accomplishment, performances and recognition for which SMB is truly proud of.
Click each link for a summary of events and achievements recorded for the 2023-2024 academic year for each music program:
There are two beloved fundraisers Saratoga Music Boosters hold every year: the Cookie dough fundraiser and the Pancake Breakfast. All schools participate to help raise funds for the booster. The idea of the Cookie Dough is of course to sell as many cookie dough orders as possible and for the latter the Booster offers a beautiful pancake breakfast where all music programs showcase their talents as pancakes are devoured. These two fundraising events are a student and community favorite.
Over the 2023-24 fiscal year, Saratoga Music Boosters supported the following Saratoga High School music programs and music students:
Band (175 students including Marching and Concert Band), Jazz Band (35 students), Color Guard (31 students), Winter Guard (29 students), Winter Percussion (77 students), Orchestra (167 students), and Choir (41 students).
Not only do the music programs receive SMB support, the initiative by the music directors to offer concerto competitions is also made possible thanks to SMB. This includes the support to invite 5 adjudicators to judge all student performances. The winners of this competition perform at the end of year concert.
SHS musicians reached a level of accomplishment, performances and recognition for which SMB is truly proud of.
Click each link for a summary of events and achievements recorded for the 2023-2024 academic year for each music program:
Saratoga Music Boosters is proud to report a slight uptick in music student enrollment at Redwood Middle School (RMS) even though general school enrollment is on the decline.
The numbers are as follows:
5th grade instrumental: 135 (this includes all three elementary schools Saratoga, Foothill and Argonaut)
RMS Bands (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Marching): 186, RMS Choir: 25, RMS Orchestra: 170, Color Guard: 12
In summary RMS band, orchestra, and choir in school at Redwood spread across 13 different classes/sections. This translates to having over 400 students enrolled in in-school music classes at Redwood. One of the beloved opportunities offered by the program is the ability to travel to Disney and the RMS band and orchestra students performed and behaved so wonderfully that Disney has extended the invitation for their return participation in the next year.
The numbers are as follows:
5th grade instrumental: 135 (this includes all three elementary schools Saratoga, Foothill and Argonaut)
RMS Bands (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Marching): 186, RMS Choir: 25, RMS Orchestra: 170, Color Guard: 12
In summary RMS band, orchestra, and choir in school at Redwood spread across 13 different classes/sections. This translates to having over 400 students enrolled in in-school music classes at Redwood. One of the beloved opportunities offered by the program is the ability to travel to Disney and the RMS band and orchestra students performed and behaved so wonderfully that Disney has extended the invitation for their return participation in the next year.
5th Grade Music: This year every student was offered an instrument. True statement from our elementary music director: ‘Thank you to SMB for buying us additional instruments. I was interviewed for a podcast – where I was questioned “What do you do when you don’t have enough instruments?” I realized I have not been in this position; I can ask for more if I need it SMB will support it. I feel fortunate to be here supported by this community.’
Pedagogy Workshops
SMB approved the request from two directors to attend the online Bornoff Pedagogy Workshop
SMB Instruments
This year this organization was pleased to purchase instruments as the music programs in its schools noted an uptick in attendance. This allowed all students the possibility to have an instrument in their hands and enjoy the full benefit of class instruction.
2 Harps, 2 Full Size Violas, 6 Cellos (Used), 14 Cello Travel Cases, Replaced 14 Cello Bows, Marching Percussion Equipment Battery Equipment (Used) from Drum Corps, Rosewood Key Marimbas (Used), Update Sound System and Tech (Used), 1 Tuba (Used), 35 Violins, 39 Violas,15 shoulder rests.
Grant Requests and Scholarships
SMB is proud to offer the music directors the grants and student scholarships they need to make music opportunities accessible to all the students as well as bring outside music talents into the classroom and this year was another great success story.
- 5th graders learn to play two types of instruments throughout the year: Stings and Wind.
- 5th grade students enjoy playing their instruments and some actually take them home to practice.
Pedagogy Workshops
SMB approved the request from two directors to attend the online Bornoff Pedagogy Workshop
SMB Instruments
This year this organization was pleased to purchase instruments as the music programs in its schools noted an uptick in attendance. This allowed all students the possibility to have an instrument in their hands and enjoy the full benefit of class instruction.
2 Harps, 2 Full Size Violas, 6 Cellos (Used), 14 Cello Travel Cases, Replaced 14 Cello Bows, Marching Percussion Equipment Battery Equipment (Used) from Drum Corps, Rosewood Key Marimbas (Used), Update Sound System and Tech (Used), 1 Tuba (Used), 35 Violins, 39 Violas,15 shoulder rests.
Grant Requests and Scholarships
SMB is proud to offer the music directors the grants and student scholarships they need to make music opportunities accessible to all the students as well as bring outside music talents into the classroom and this year was another great success story.
Saratoga music boosters 2022-23 update
Saratoga Music Boosters (SMB) works with the Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) and Saratoga High School (SHS) to provide music programs and clinics for students in grades 5 through 12. Over the 2022-23 fiscal year, Saratoga Music Boosters supported music programs at each of the schools.
Saratoga High School
Music Programs at Saratoga High School include: Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion, Orchestra, and Choir. Students in these music programs participated in several events and reached a level of accomplishment and recognition for which SMB is truly proud to be a booster for SHS’ music education:
Redwood Middle School
Saratoga Music Boosters is proud to report a slight uptick in music student enrollment at Redwood Middle School (RMS). RMS Music Programs include RMS Bands (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion), RMS Choir, RMS Orchestra, and Percussion Fundamentals (after-school).
All the RMS music programs have had events and performances held throughout the year with achievements to be proud of:
Argonaut, Foothill, and Saratoga Elementary School
5th grade is where the drive for music begins for SUSD students with the 5th Grade Beginning Instrumental Music Exploratory Program.
Music Programs at Saratoga High School include: Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion, Orchestra, and Choir. Students in these music programs participated in several events and reached a level of accomplishment and recognition for which SMB is truly proud to be a booster for SHS’ music education:
- All of the strings, bands, choir students performed in their yearly and much loved SHS winter and end of year concerts. Finished with excellent results in the CMEA Festival. As well as participated in a two week Summer Central Europe Music Festival Tour traveling to Austria, Slovenia and Czech Republic.
- The Saratoga Foothill Club enjoyed a performance offered by the SHS Jazz Band and now they wish this to repeat. The Jazz band also participated in their SHS end of year concert.
- Marching band and color guard performed during football half-time at home games as well as competed in several events throughout the year.
- Winter guard and winter percussion also competed in several events and performed for their SHS senior night where winter percussion won first place in their division.
Redwood Middle School
Saratoga Music Boosters is proud to report a slight uptick in music student enrollment at Redwood Middle School (RMS). RMS Music Programs include RMS Bands (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion), RMS Choir, RMS Orchestra, and Percussion Fundamentals (after-school).
All the RMS music programs have had events and performances held throughout the year with achievements to be proud of:
- Performed in their Winter and Summer concerts
- Benefited from clinicians for sectional work throughout the year such as:
- Tracey Hurley (trumpet) and Tennessee O’Hanlon (clarinet)
- Having clinicians come does help to offer individual attention to those that need more help.
- Redwood sent 4 ensembles to participate in the CMEA festival hosted by SHS. This was the first festival experience for the majority of our students.
- Bass students attended the San Francisco 2023 Winter Bass Bash
- 9 RMS students qualified to participate in CASMEC All-state
- RMS came 4th in the ranking overall with the number of kids accepted to participate in all-state and one of the students managed to be concertmaster for one of the orchestras.
- A total of 188 students (band, orchestra & choir) traveled to Disney to attend workshops and hold performances
Argonaut, Foothill, and Saratoga Elementary School
5th grade is where the drive for music begins for SUSD students with the 5th Grade Beginning Instrumental Music Exploratory Program.
- For band, students learn either the euphonium/baritone, trumpet, clarinet, or flute. For string orchestra, students choose either the violin or viola
- Students start the year with instrument trials where they are fitted with one of their top two choices. When they receive their first instrument they are taught how to hold, care and assemble the instrument, as well as make their first sounds
- Half way through the year the students switch their instruments between band and orchestra
MIDWEST CLINIC - ACCOLADES & RECOGNITION
The Midwest Clinic is an international conference that has been going on for nearly 80 years with 18-20k international attendees annually. Congratulations to Saratoga High Music Directors - Mr. Michael Boitz & Mr. Jason Shiuan, and the 50+ Saratoga Strings students for amazing accolades and recognition!!
THANKS TO THE LEGACY DONORS ❤️
We celebrated the introduction of 5th grade band program into the regular school day at Argonaut, Foothill and Saratoga in the fall of 2019! As part of this kickoff, we held a legacy campaign to which families and community members were invited to donate to Saratoga Music Boosters to purchase 130+ band instruments. The impressive lineup of instruments included 20 flutes, 50 clarinets, 35 trumpets, and 28 baritones in the legacy 5th grade set.
While COVID delayed the final piece of the campaign, the plaques recognizing our legacy donors will be displayed at all 3 Elementary school offices! Thanks to the legacy donors for their support of music in Saratoga and the huge impact to benefit all 5th graders!!
While COVID delayed the final piece of the campaign, the plaques recognizing our legacy donors will be displayed at all 3 Elementary school offices! Thanks to the legacy donors for their support of music in Saratoga and the huge impact to benefit all 5th graders!!
SHS SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE AT CASMEC
SHS SWE was a featured performing ensemble at California All-State Music Education Conference - CASMEC in early June. From a rigorous recording process to several letters of recommendation, this honor was a result of hard work and dedication from our wind ensemble. Recognitions and accolades.
SMB BENEFACTOR DONATIONSSMB and our music programs are grateful for your tax-deductible support and generosity in our 2024-2025 Benefactor Donations Drive. Any donation amount is welcome and appreciated. You can also double your impact with corporate matching!
You can now choose to donate online, or send your check donation with the benefactor donation form to your student's music teacher. Vertical Divider
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ONLINE PROGRAM ContributionsOur 2024-2025 school year is here! Parents can now contribute with their credit card for their membership donation and music program contributions using the buttons above. Checks are always welcome, as there is a transaction fee administered by PayPal, our payment gateway.
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Donations are fully tax deductible. SMB is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. EIN#: 51-0187615
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Have questions?
- If you would like to join our board, please visit our job description page for details of our board positions. There are still several open positions for 2024-2025 year. Please visit our board members page for details.
- For questions regarding donations, program contributions, tax receipts and volunteering, or for general questions about SMB, please contact our booster president.
- For website issues and web content, please contact our webmaster.
- For questions regarding SHS music programs, classes and calendar of events, please contact the corresponding music directors.
- SUSD and Redwood music program information can be found here.