BPO members give Ken West musicians insight

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MUSIC MAN: Violinist Shieh Jian Tsai performed for 80 Kenmore West students this week. He and his wife also offered insights on becoming a professional musician. Contributed Photo

March 19, 2010

Special to the News The Tonawanda News The Tonawanda News Fri Mar 19, 2010, 11:09 PM EDT

— — Music students at Kenmore West High School were treated to a performance from two members of the Buffalo Philharmonic who then shared important information on what it takes to become a professional musician. B.P.O. second cellist Feng Hew Tsai and her husband Shieh Jian Tsai, a sectional violinist, spent a recent morning at the high school working with and performing for students. “They did this out of the graciousness of their hearts. This was a wonderful opportunity for Ken West music students to have a private audience with professional musicians,” said Kenmore West Music Teacher Karin Fryer.

During the first part of their visit, Shieh Jian Tsai worked with violinists and Feng Hew Tsai worked with cellists and bass players. Following the private workshops the two professional musicians performed for the Kenmore West High School Wind Ensemble and then performed a duet for all students. Following those performances the pair hosted a question and answer session with students.

“Our students were blown away at the high caliber of talent before them. You cannot put a price tag on how valuable this experience was for Kenmore West High School,” Fryer said.

The BPO cellist and violinist offered a first-hand glimpse of what it takes to become a member of an orchestra and what kind of lifestyle musicians lead once they join a professional orchestra. Auditions can be intimidating, with musicians from all over the world competing for one spot. Sometimes they audition before some members of an orchestra. In others, they are placed behind a curtain and asked to perform some of the most difficult musical passages.

Students were told once they are invited to join an orchestra, that position is normally theirs for life.

“This experience taught students one aspect of the music standards and that was how to be a professional classical musician. The day offered members of our music program the opportunity to see what it takes to be a musician in a professional symphony orchestra,” Fryer said.

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