Buffalo String Works’ partnership with the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) brings beginner violin classes to adults aged 55+ on Buffalo’s East Side, where students are building foundational skills and community through music. When they learned they would perform at Kleinhans Music Hall, they were overjoyed and are now preparing to take the stage at the BPO Community Spotlight Concert. Come see our BFNC students perform alongside our Advanced Ensemble!

During the week of March 16, Buffalo String Works students stepped away from their instruments to explore creativity, wellness, and community through hands-on activities, from art workshops to self-care circles. The week offered students a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow in new ways.

We’re excited to introduce the BSW Circle, a community of dedicated annual supporters whose giving builds upon the collective generosity of our broader community. Circle members ensure that students in our largest program grow as both a musician and a leader. They sustain the heartbeat of BSW; funding instruments, instruction, and the joyful work that fills our halls. Each gift helps ensure that students have access to the transformative power of music, regardless of circumstance.

At Buffalo String Works, community is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond the classroom, our students step onto stages across Buffalo, sharing music that reflects belonging, celebration, and civic pride. Over the past year, three performances stood out as powerful reminders of how music can connect people, places, and purpose.

Our Healing Ourselves Youth Fellows are stepping into leadership roles to foster conversations on mental health and identity within our program. Trained through the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) initiative, these student leaders are now facilitating peer-led workshops that create a safe space for dialogue, healing, and self-discovery. Through their work, they are breaking down stigmas, strengthening community bonds, and empowering their peers to embrace their identities with confidence.

 Last year, we embarked on an exciting collaboration with Wai Hin Ko Ko, a PhD candidate in composition at UC Berkeley. His mission? To create a piece specifically for our students—one that brings to life the diverse musical traditions of Myanmar. Recently, our Teaching Artists played through the piece for the first time, offering a glimpse into what’s to come.