Students from Buffalo String Works take their talents to France

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — The sound of music; It can take a lot of practice and talent to produce, but Buffalo String Works shares with their students how these skills, beyond a sheet of music, can open doors and make connections.

“We provide a space for children to be creative and express themselves through an art form that they may not have the tools for in their normal daily lives,” says violin and viola teacher Tyler Adamthwaite.

This week, 16 of their students will pack their instruments and suitcases to travel to France to play in harmony alongside a school.

“It’s super exciting,” said teacher Amy Kelly. “A lot of these kids would never get the opportunity to make a trip like this. Immigrant kids, refugees, who have very low incomes, are here to make the best of their lives and it’s just a fantastic opportunity.”

Their advanced ensemble students learn and practice with Buffalo Philharmonic musicians every week. They will take these skills with them when they will perform as one large orchestra with a school in France during a student exchange program.

The trip starts Saturday and ends next Saturday and is completely free for students.

“I’m excited because it will be percussion and instruments other than just string instruments,” said cello student Lwek Pawsaw.

The French students had the opportunity to visit Buffalo in the spring, now it’s Buffalo String Works’ chance to take a trip across the Atlantic Ocean and embrace French culture. WIVB News 4 asked the teachers what they are most looking forward to about their upcoming trip.

“The food, and of course the performance of my students,” says teacher Isabel Ong.

“Eating their food and learning about their history and culture,” said student Laciana Lay.

“It’s a unique opportunity to help them get out, see the world and see what’s possible,” said Executive Director Melinda Smith.

For more information about the school, click here.