On a sunny October Sunday morning, the 12th annual Save the Music festival teemed with excited children and adults eating delicious food from stands and food trucks, performing various musical acts, and enjoying the music from different stages placed around Twin Pines Park.
This festival is meant to raise money to fund the music programs in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.
Save the Music generates $50 to $60 thousand a year on average, and each year’s profits contribute to keeping music teachers employed at the district’s various elementary schools and Ralston Middle School.
An estimated five thousand people enjoyed the fair’s features, which included local companies’ booths, a kiddie game area, a musical instrument “petting zoo”, arts and crafts, and a row of gourmet food trucks selling ice cream, burgers, fries, and more.
Many Carlmont students volunteer at the festival.
“I’ve volunteered for the past couple of years. The difference I found between this year’s festival and last year’s was that it was busier and there was a wider range of people attending,” said senior Amanda Breslauer. “My favorite part was getting food from the food trucks.”
The main events included numerous performances by elementary school, middle school, high school, and even faculty groups showcasing their musical and dance talent.
Sophomore Alexis Freiermuth went to Save the Music to support her friends, who performed with Carlmont’s choir, and also watched performances by Ralston’s choral program.
Freiermuth said, “My favorite part of Save the Music is always watching the different bands play. I thought that this year’s performances were more energetic than ever.”
College groups from College of San Mateo, UC Davis, and Stanford University also played.
Save the Music Chairman and coordinator Alan Sarver said, “I feel that it is very important that we have student musicians from so many different age levels play. The college performances show the kids what could be in store for them musically in the future. Our main goal in planning Save the Music is looking forward and giving back.”
The Carlmont community’s presence in the festival is notable through its volunteers and its performers.
Sarver said, “The biggest thing about Save the Music is that everyone involved is very grateful to Carlmont High School. Students, parents, and faculty alike make up half the volunteers at the festival. This truly shows the dedication that Carlmont has to take care of their community.”
