We are Next Horizon: a music band of teens and pre-teens spanning Cupertino, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Milpitas, and Fremont school districts. “The Awakening” is our first live concert for charity. We bring you our covers of many popular music numbers from across the ages, from older bands like The Eagles and Rainbow, to modern artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus. We have songs that all age groups can relate to: from elementary through high school, to parents and grandparents.

We have devoted the past year and a half, and over $5000, to bringing you this program. Please support us in raising funds for charity by attending this event and encouraging your friends and family to attend. Your love will provide us with the encouragement to continue the cause with future events.

Supported Charities

All proceeds from this concert will go to charites supported by us:

Alice: Humane Society of Silicon Valley

Amaya: Santa Clara County Animal Services

Anusha: One Tree Planted

Arya: West Valley Community Services

Eera: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Jehan: Habitat for Humanity

Nandini: Direct Relief

Neha: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Samhita: Society for Women's Health Research

Saumya: PRAGNYA

Srijanani: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Band Members

Alice Laird

My name is Alice Laird, and I am the youngest drummer of our band. I am 12 years old and I love animals and pets so much! In fact, I have a dog myself. She took all the proper care she needed. Even though she wasn’t a rescue, I hope to have all pets and animals end up just as lucky as she did. I feel like with the Humane Society, they can make that happen.

For my charity, I have chosen the “Humane Society of Silicon Valley” because I care so much about finding loving homes for all the animals that suffer each year. In fact, the Humane Society website quotes, “Humane Society Silicon Valley is the world’s first model shelter to meet the 543 Guidelines for the Standards of Care in Animal Shelters put forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians in 2010”. I would love to be a person who saves an animal's life with my donation.

5,800 animals have been saved and are now in loving homes with families and warm beds, and a full tummy every night in 2023. 5,800. Imagine all the dogs and cats you see on the side of the road, shivering and hungry. The Humane Society stops that and saves them. I want to help support and give an animal its first safe night with a roof above their head.

Amaya Pathirana

My name is Amaya Pathirana, and I'm 13 years old. I have a family of four, which includes my parents and a younger brother who plays the guitar in our kids' band. I'll be in eighth grade after this summer and attending Don Callejon Arts and Design School, based in Santa Clara. I'm a member of several clubs and societies at school, including the Math Olympiad, Robotics, the Travelling Orchestra (where I play the cello), the girls' basketball team, and the leadership team. During my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, singing, playing basketball, and volleyball. I joined the band in 2024, and from my very first day, I felt a warm welcome and enthusiastic energy from everyone in the band. Currently, I play the piano and sing and vocalize in the band.

For my charity, I would like to donate to an animal shelter named "Santa Clara County Animal Services" because it provides care and support to animals in need. I believe that every animal deserves to be treated with love and kindness. One way to demonstrate this is through donations and charitable contributions, which ultimately benefit the animal's well-being.

Their mission is to offer shelter and care for homeless, domestic, and farm animals, reunite lost pets with their families, facilitate pet adoption, and investigate complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. They care for around 4,000 beating hearts each year and are a shelter that does its job with dedication and compassion. This organization takes care of any type of animal, even if it's hooved, horned, or feathered.

Anusha Qamra

Hello, my name is Anusha Qamra. I am 13 years old, and I go to Don Callejon Arts and Design School in Santa Clara. I enjoy reading, writing, spending time with my loved ones, playing sports, but most importantly, music. Ever since I was a baby, I have been very inclined to music, and I can’t really imagine myself without it! At the age of 5, I started taking a Hindustani Classical music class. After that, my love for music just kept growing! At the age of 7, I began taking piano lessons. Later, in 4th grade, I started learning the violin. Now, I am a proud member of my school’s traveling orchestra and have had several opportunities to represent it. Anyways, I eventually joined our band, Next Horizon, in 2023, where, while I’ve mostly stuck to playing the keyboard, I do occasionally jump in and help out with the violin or vocals. I love being a part of our band, and I’m really excited to showcase what we can do!

I am supporting an organization called One Tree Planted. One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring our Earth. Over the span of 11 years, they have helped over 80 countries make a difference, and have planted more than 135 million trees! In 2023 alone, they worked with 315 planting partners through almost 400 different projects in 72 countries.

By contributing to One Tree Planted, we will help pave a path to a better and greener future. Any amount that goes to them really helps them scale their impact. I deeply care about this cause because, though it might not seem like it, trees are a big part of our everyday lives. They do so much for us, like providing clean air and water, protecting biodiversity, growing nutritious food, and providing necessary tools for medicine. The problem is that for the past few centuries, we as people have not been doing enough to preserve our forests. In fact, we have been doing quite the opposite! In just 2024, we cut down an estimated 15 BILLION trees! This is not right! Deforestation has also been starting to lead to many other issues, such as global warming, climate change, and habitat loss. This is why we need your support, and any amount will make a difference. Join me! We all need to come together and save our Mother Earth! So I request you all to come join me in supporting this huge cause.

Arya Kedilaya

My name is Arya Kedilaya, and I’m 12 years old. I currently go to Hyde Middle School in Cupertino, CA. I’m one of the vocalists of Next Horizon, our band. I have been singing since I was three, first being coached in Indian music by my dad, and then learning Indian classical and Indian light music from two different music classes, starting them from around the beginning of COVID. Learning English vocal styles and techniques are self-taught, starting to branch out from there in 4th grade. Instrument-wise, I picked up the violin when I was six, but I wasn’t exactly as passionate. Generally, I sing. However, I’m learning how to play the keyboard in service of our band, I’ve been learning guitar for a year, and I’m learning French horn in band class at school. I’m really excited for this concert, and for people to enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting this together!

The charity that I’m choosing to support is called the West Valley Community Services (WVCS), and it is an organization that helps fight for the addressment of homelessness, financial assistance, education, and the addressment of hunger. Founded in 1973, this non-profit agency has hosted various fundraisers and created multiple food pantries throughout the span of 31 years. As an example, a homeless man was looking for food resources and stumbled upon WVCS on the internet. From looking into this, the man received his first Thanksgiving meal he’d had in quite a while through the Holiday Program Registration. Thanks to West Valley Community Services, he was able to pick up his cooked meal for Thanksgiving. Just from that, you can tell that WVCS really cares about the community, working to make others happy and safe. I’m supporting them as the cause of homelessness really hits me hard, making me think about what people who are going through that will do next, trying to find a service that will listen to their stories.

If you donate towards West Valley Community Services, you’ll be helping the starving and the homeless get the support they deserve. People will get transportation assistance, the ability to temporarily rent a home, and getting proper food from the markets and pantries this charity creates. Picture a person in San Francisco holding a sign asking for money or a job, trying to pay for medical treatments or food for their family, and sometimes even addiction. Donating towards WVCS will give that person the help they need.

Eera Nair

Hi, my name is Eera Nair. I'm 14 years old and I'll be starting at Mountain View High School this August. Music has been a big part of my life since I was little. I started learning piano when I was seven, and then in sixth grade, I picked up drums for my school. I am a percussionist for two of our school's band programs. I'm also a proud member of Next Horizon, where I'm not just the drummer, but also the one who tries to keep everyone laughing with my terrible jokes. When I'm not drumming, you can find me skateboarding, hanging out with friends, playing sports, engineering new things, and spending time with animals. I am super excited for this concert, and I know for a fact everyone there is going to have a great time.

I'm proudly supporting ASPCA, an incredible organization dedicated to protecting and caring for animals nationwide. They perform truly vital work, including rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, pulling them from dangerous situations, and giving them emergency medical care. They then tirelessly work to find these animals homes where they can finally feel safe, cherished, and truly loved. This cause is deeply important to me because I believe with all my heart that every single animal, no matter their past, deserves a chance at a safe, healthy, and happy life.

Your donation to the ASPCA helps animals in so many ways, and it truly makes a big difference. With your help, you make sure that many animals get quick medical care right when they need it, find a safe place to stay where they can feel secure and cared for, find a loving family, and give them a second chance at happiness. This will guarantee that so many animals get to live the good life they deserve. Your generosity helps build a much kinder world for all animals, making sure they are treated with the care and respect everyone needs. Every bit of support goes a long way in changing lives and bringing happiness to animals every single day.

Jehan Pathirana

My name is Jehan Pathirana, and I am 11 years old. I go to Don Callejon, which is located in Santa Clara, CA. I am the main guitarist in the “Next Horizon” kids’ band. My musical journey started when I was around 5 ½ years old. I joined my school choir, as I enjoy singing in front of crowds. In addition, I play the guitar for my school band. I tried playing the drums when I was a tiny kid, but later realised it wasn't for me. However, I had a guitar at home that no one used, and my parents encouraged me to try it out. Initially, I was drawn to the sound of it, and I began learning it as my primary instrument. For my hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, video games, coding, and playing the guitar. Our kids' band has put so much effort into this concert, and we can't wait to have a wonderful time!

Have you ever considered helping people find a warm, safe home? "Habitat for Humanity" helps them build their very own house. It's not like they just get a free house, though. Families have to help build their own homes and even assist in building other people's homes. They call this "sweat equity". Then, they pay back a small amount each month for their house, with no interest, which is similar to a loan with no additional charges. This helps families become strong and stable, and they get to feel super proud of their new home.

It's not just about getting a new house either! When families have a safe home, lots of good things happen. Children can study more effectively in school because they have a quiet place to work and aren't constantly distracted by movement. They also get healthier because they're not living in a place that's falling apart. Since its inception in 1976, "Habitat for Humanity" has helped over 62 million people worldwide. That's a ton of people! They don't just build new houses, either. They also repair old ones and assist when disasters occur, such as floods or hurricanes. When you donate, you're not just giving money; you're helping families achieve a better life and building stronger neighbourhoods.

Nandini Thathachari

My name is Nandini Thathachari. I am 15 years old and I attend Cupertino High School in Cupertino, CA. I have been musically inclined since I was very young, starting to sing at five years. I have been part of Next Horizon ever since it was created, and I have enjoyed watching my band’s growth over the years. I play the piano, keyboard (yes, they are different), viola, and a little bit of bass guitar, though I mostly stick to the keyboard in band. I also act as a teaching assistant during practices. I enjoy reading, basking in the sun, and playing unofficial Dungeons and Dragons with friends. I am very excited for this concert, and hope everyone has a great time!

I am supporting Direct Relief. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization that aims to help people in crisis regardless of their ability to pay. In 2023, their medical assistance added up to over $1.7 billion. I cannot be more grateful that I have a warm, happy life with minimal concerns, and I believe that it is important to empathize with the less fortunate and help them in any way possible, which I am doing through Direct Relief.

By contributing to Direct Relief, people can help provide life-saving medicine and medical equipment to over 80 countries and all 50 states of the US. 100% of donations are used for transportation, staffing, and medicines for those in need. Since Direct Relief is not funded by the government at all, it is even more important for people to step up and donate so Direct Relief can continue pushing for its goal of improving the health and lives of people in poverty or emergencies.

Neha Nallani

Hello! My name is Neha Nallani, and I’m 12 years old. I play the bass guitar and clarinet in the band Next Horizon. I’ve been playing both for about two years, and they have been a big part of my life through this band and in school. Besides these two, I also play other instruments, including the double bass, guitar, and ukulele. Being a part of Next Horizon has been an amazing experience because I made a lot of friends through it, and I’m excited to continue doing so.

The charity I’m supporting is the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This organization was made for protecting wildlife and endangered species. They have saved not only many species that were about to go extinct, but also animals that have been suffering. For example, in Bryce Canyon, search and rescue teams found a surprise among all the destruction: an injured cat. They weren’t sure if the cat would live any longer, but they brought it to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and it survived. This shows how the sanctuary has changed and saved the lives of so many animals who were in pain; it shows that this is a safe place for critters who are in need of one.

The donation you make to the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary will help them continue to have a thriving community of animals from many, many species and pasts. The people there who work so hard to help those in need will be able to create a place for animals to grow and live comfortably. Many endangered species will be saved thanks to your generosity, and so many animals who have had terrible pasts will have a place to rehabilitate. Donating to the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary isn’t just helping a few animals; it’s helping entire species.

Samhitha Raghuram

My name is Samhitha Raghuram, and I'm 14 years old. I'm going to be entering my sophomore year of high school at Mission San Jose High in Fremont, CA. I'm one of the lead vocalists of Next Horizon. I've been learning music since I was 3, professionally since I was 5. I'm a professional Carnatic singer, a disciple of Vidwan Sri Palghat Ramprasad. I'm also a soloist/tenor in my high school's acapella group, MSJ Syncopasians, singing classic 2000s RnB, like TLC and Lauryn Hill. As part of Next Horizon, I generally sing but also play the keyboard for certain instrumental pieces. I hope you all enjoy the Awakening just as much as I enjoyed prepping for it.

The charity that I'd like to donate to is SWHR (Society for Women's Health Research). SWHR works to bring attention to the inclusion of women/minorities in medical research studies, and the need for more research into how diseases and conditions affect women differently. SWHR works through scientific study, advocacy and policy, and education. I believe donating to SWHR will help women all over the world with health problems, like endometriosis and mental health conditions, that are usually overlooked in one way or the other.

Saumya Mishra

My name is Saumya Mishra, and I am a student of Milpitas High School with a passion for both music and community service. I’ve been involved with music from a young age, and being part of Next Horizon has allowed me to grow creatively while connecting with an amazing community. I sing and play flute for the band, and I’m incredibly excited to be performing at this concert for a cause I deeply care about.

I’m supporting PRAGNYA, a nonprofit organization that works to uplift individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I’ve been volunteering with Pragnya and have seen how their programs foster dignity, independence, and inclusion for people who are too often overlooked. This cause is close to my heart because I believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn, thrive, and be part of a supportive community.

By donating to PRAGNYA, you’ll be helping to fund programs that provide vital education, skills training, and social opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. Your support can help build a more inclusive world where everyone’s potential is recognized. Join us at the concert, and together, let’s make a difference!

Srijanani Thathachari

I am Srijanani Thathachari. I’m 13 years old. I’m Next Horizon’s violinist, second guitar, and backup keyboardist. Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I can’t imagine my life without it. I play a few instruments, such as violin, piano, guitar, and ukulele, most of which I use in our band. Outside of music, I really enjoy writing stories and doing things outdoors. I also play a few sports, like Karate and Track and Field. Personally, I’ve been part of this band for four years, even though it’s only been active for around one and a half years. I’ve seen it build from rock bottom to something I’m proud to be a part of, proud to present to you today. I hope you all have a great time!

I chose the ‘Make-A-Wish Foundation’ to send my portion of the donations to. ‘Make A Wish’ is a charity that finds disabled and terminally ill children and asks them to make a wish, any wish. They believe every child should have a chance to make their dreams come true, no matter how impossible it may seem. Over the course of 45 years, they've granted over 615,000 wishes to children all around the world. I’m donating because I want to help the organization that brings so much joy to these kids, in any way I can.

Sponsors

The Awakening by Next Horizon

June 22, 2025 at 5pm. Milpitas High School Theater