Buffalo String Works students are taking their talents to France

BUFFALO, N.Y. (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 build connections.

“We provide a space for kids to be creative and express themselves through an art form that maybe they don’t have the means to through their normal day-to-day lives,” said violin and viola teacher Tyler Adamthwaite.

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

“It’s super exciting,” said teacher Amy Kelly. “A lot of these kids would never get a chance to have a trip like this. Immigrant children refugees, who are very low income, they’re 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’ll pack these skills with them as they will perform as one big orchestra with a school in France during a student exchange program.

The trip begins Saturday and ends next Saturday and is completely free to students.

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

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

“The food, and of course, my students performing,” said teacher Isabel Ong.

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

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

For more information on the school, click here.

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Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.

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