By Suzy Paluzzi

 

Did you ever dream of performing music or singing in front of an audience?  Talented local students from Santa Clara middle schools and high schools got the opportunity on March 8 in the Music Rivals contest at the Wilcox Theater.

 

This fundraiser benefits the students in so many ways.  First, the proceeds from the tickets for the evening of entertainment are donated entirely to the schools.  The Santa Clara Schools Foundation supports this event and channels the funds to teachers for supplies, for example, and to students for college scholarships. John George, the founder, says, “The Santa Clara Schools Foundation has been in existence for over fifteen years and raised and granted over $700,000.”

 

The students work hard to make this night a success and have different reasons. Many studied music from an early age.  This is their night to shine. One winner, Monchen Kao, who played the violin, intends to audition with the California Youth Symphony next. Paula Garcia, Best Vocalist with CD accompaniment, “wanted to leave a legacy for her school.” The winners received money and a trophy.  When asked what he brought away from the experience, Francis Gantos of the Best Band, The Null, responded, “Pride!”

 

The community felt the joy and excitement of the performers and clapped along enthusiastically.  “It is nice to showcase our students’ talent for the community to see,” smiles Rod Adams, Superintendent of Santa Clara Schools and Master of Ceremonies for the program. 

 

This is the second year Music Rivals took place.  Noelani Sallings, the producer and co-host, feels there are some differences.  “The kids are more talented and dedicated than last year. Kids definitely bonded a lot more,” Sallings says. “Kids from every background were able to come together and make long lasting friendships,” she adds.

 

Pat Flot, President of the School Board, Janet Clifton, Board of Directors of the Santa Clara Schools Foundation, Julianne Topliff, SCUSD, John George, President of the SCS Foundation, and Andrew Ratermann, Board of Education attended.  “This was a team effort, but Noelani deserves a lot of credit,” comments Ratermann. Many people were involved to make the evening a success, including the volunteer judges of the competition. The judges’ task was a difficult one.

 

“This school district pays a lot of attention to the arts and the students are well-rounded students.  We have remarkable schools,” concludes Ratermann.

 

The Santa Clara Schools Foundation is a volunteer organization.  There are potentially large budget cuts coming soon in education so tax deductible donations are welcome at www.santaclaraschoolsfoundation.org