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.