Formerly known as the Music for Charity organization, this newly renamed, student-run classical music club boasts 30 musicians comprised of ninth- through 12th-graders that devote their free time to playing music for local retirement homes, day care centers and hospitals.

The alliance plays from Saratoga to San Jose, frequently visiting on weekends and throwing special holiday events.

Although the club has been running for two years now, the members felt it was time to change the name in order to reach out more and attempt to make the club an inner-district organization.

"It is really rewarding to work with the people we visit," said Ching-Yu Hu, 17, a senior piano player and club co-president.

"They really appreciate us coming, and it's rewarding to know you can touch someone," said Jennifer Liu, 16, a junior violin and piano player and club co-president.

Not only does the audience appreciate what the teens are doing, but the school recognizes their compassion and accomplishments as well.

"I am awestruck by the group of kids," said Michael Boitz, the school's band and orchestra director. "They have such a love of music and care a lot about the rest of humanity. I think it's remarkable. I was not that mature and aware when I was their age."

Boitz grew up in a small community in Minnesota that was very similar to Saratoga in its affluence and access, "where we were blessed to have good things and be privileged," he said. "We have the ability to give back to the community, and I wanted the kids to know the value of outreach."

This outreach was possible after the students came to Boitz with the club idea. They discussed performing, and after their first appearance Boitz discussed "a few key points to make them aware of what they could do."

After that, the ball was in motion and the club has since steadily grown and spread out to more venues in need of cheer.

"I attribute none of my teaching to the success of the club. They've done it all on their own," Boitz said.

The club meets every Monday at lunch and after school for practice. Many members have been playing for more than 10 years and practice extensively, such as concertmaster Alex Shiozaki, 15, a sophomore, who is the star violin player and practices at least two hours every day.

Although the club boasts well-trained musicians, it emphasizes that "anyone can play, even if they can't do it very well," said Jessica Kuo, 16, a junior cellist and club co-vice-president.

With the volunteer work mapped out, the Musicians Youth Alliance is now looking to expand its repertoire to include charity work by playing paying gigs. The funds raised go directly back into the school's music program, and a small amount is used to support the students' purchase of their own music (the school provides open practice rooms, but can only provide music on loan).

The club has also begun outreach programs for younger students, with Shiozaki and others going to Redwood Middle School to demonstrate their instruments and rev up interest in the middle grades.

They are also offering their tutorial services at a cut rate to students at Redwood and Argonaut Elementary, whose parents "are very willing and happy to pay a reduced rate and have us come in," said Sean Tsao, 17, a senior violin player and co-president.

The alliance members take all of their work in stride, being modest in their words but outwardly dedicated to providing musical delight and insight to those in need.

"Our program draws in a lot of talent," Liu said. "And we just want to put that to good use."