Buffalo String Works

A new chapter for our Advanced Ensemble!

This year, our Advanced Ensemble is evolving into the BSW Community Ensemble, creating new opportunities for our students to take their music beyond the classroom and into the community.

As part of the Community Ensemble, students will partner with local organizations, exploring how their musicianship can support, uplift, and build relationships throughout Buffalo. Through performances, smaller chamber groups, and community-based projects, students will have a voice in how and where they use their music.

It's never too late to learn something new!

Through our Lifelong Learners Program in partnership with Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. , adults ages 55 and older are discovering the joy of learning the violin while building friendships and community along the way.

When we asked a student what her favorite part of music class was, she shared: "Everything is nice in music class. Everything puts a big, happy smile on everybody's faces. It's relaxing and it gives everyone that confidence of knowing that they're doing something and it feels good."

After five years with Buffalo String Works, our Director of Education, Andrew Borkowski, is beginning a new chapter.

Andy has been an incredible leader, mentor, and advocate for our students, families, Teaching Artists, and staff. His passion for music education and his commitment to our community have helped shape Buffalo String Works into the organization it is today. In his farewell message, Andy reflected: "BSW is special because of the people who created it; the students, families, teachers, staff, and volunteers who come into our building every day to learn and grow together."

We're incredibly grateful for everything Andy has done and wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter.

One of the highlights of our Spring Concert was a special collaboration with the talented students of Love Supreme School of Music.

Together, our students performed "What a Wonderful World," celebrating the power of music to bring people together across communities. It was a meaningful opportunity for our young musicians to learn from one another and share the stage in a performance that reflected the spirit of collaboration.

Missed the concert or want to watch it again? Head to our YouTube channel to see the full performance!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3_ocMnpr7zDPmaCKS3r8tKFUYMMnV6eO

Help us get ready for another year of music!

This fall, Buffalo String Works is excited to welcome 40 new students into our program. To help prepare for a new school year, we're stocking our classrooms with everyday essentials like music stands and rosin. If you'd like to make a direct impact, consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List. Every gift helps equip our classrooms and supports students as they learn, grow, and make music together.

Visit our Amazon Wish List through this link: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/90BT71BI05HH

Buffalo String Works was honored to be part of this year's Burmese (Myanmar) Water Festival!

Celebrated by Buffalo's Myanmar community, the festival brings people together to honor tradition, strengthen community connections, and celebrate culture through music, dance, food, and the symbolic water blessing.

Our older students were proud to perform as part of the day's festivities, and it was wonderful to see so many of our students and families celebrating together. Thank you to the organizers for welcoming us, we're grateful to be part of such a meaningful community tradition.

Last week, our Teaching Artists and staff came together for our annual Staff Retreat as we reflected on the past year and prepared for the one ahead.

Over two days, we celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025–26 school year, discussed lessons learned, explored new initiatives, and worked together to shape our goals for the coming year. We also reviewed our strategic plan, planned for the 2026–27 program year, and, of course, made time to connect and have some fun together.

Buffalo String Works was proud to be part of Buffalo's Juneteenth Celebration this year!

Our students marched in the parade, celebrating freedom, resilience, and African American and Black culture alongside our community. Throughout the day, we also welcomed visitors to our table, where families had the opportunity to learn more about Buffalo String Works and try the violin, viola, and cello.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with us!

Please join us in welcoming Cannon Flowers and Jenna Willis to the Buffalo String Works Board of Directors!

We're excited to welcome Cannon Flowers as our new Treasurer. With more than four decades of leadership experience in corporate finance and nonprofit organizations, Cannon brings a wealth of knowledge in financial stewardship, strategic leadership, and community service.

We're also thrilled to welcome Jenna Willis, who brings a passion for community, relationship-building, and service through her work at Highmark Western and Northeastern New York. Her dedication to helping others and strengthening our community makes her a wonderful addition to the BSW family.

We're grateful to have Cannon and Jenna join our Board as we continue creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and belong through music. Please join us in welcoming them to Buffalo String Works!