BPO Guest Artists Bring Music and Inspiration to Transit Middle
by Archie Levin, Tenley Bratta, and Mrs. Cheri Pritchard
Embedded Files
By Mrs. Cheri Pritchard, Band Teacher at Transit Middle
By Mrs. Cheri Pritchard, Band Teacher at Transit Middle
On March 3rd, two musicians from Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (B.P.O) visited Transit Middle and gave a masterclass to the band students at Transit Middle. Mr. Seth Rawleigh is a tubist whose career includes nearly a decade of advanced study and professional performance in Switzerland. Mr. Grant O’Brien is a conductor and the inaugural JoAnn Falletta Conducting Fellow with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, known for his innovative programming, educational outreach, and multimedia performance work. Both artists led lively, inspiring masterclasses that energized the students and offered valuable insights into musicianship and performance. The impact of their teaching was clear, as several students described their experience in their own words below.
Mr. Seth Rawleigh demonstrating tuba performance techniques
Mr. Grant O'Brien conducting Transit Middle Band
By Archie Levin, 8th Grader
By Archie Levin, 8th Grader
Mr. Rawleigh and Mr. O'Brien were very educational. I, as a tuba player, enjoyed working with Mr. Rawleigh because he played for us, and we got to learn a few new techniques to help us with our playing skills! I also enjoyed being conducted by Mr. O’Brien. His technique is very different from that of the people I’ve been conducted by before. I enjoyed learning about him and was happy to hear that he used to be a tuba player! Once I started learning with them, the time flew by! Everyone seemed to be interested and paying attention, which, if you know people my age, can be hard to get. I really enjoyed how they both took time to answer all the questions people asked, if they had any. Either way, whether they were teaching or answering questions, I was invested and thrown right into their subjects. I really enjoyed their visit and would look forward to more visits like theirs in the future!
Mr. Grant O'Brien conducting the Transit Middle 5th grade band
By Tenley Bratta, 6th Grader
By Tenley Bratta, 6th Grader
In my lesson and band practice with the members of the B.P.O., I learned more about music and how it could become a career. I also learned about how many other professional bands there are in the United States. It was interesting to hear about their experiences getting to where they are today. They were very passionate about their professions and music. In all, meeting the B.P.O. musicians was a great experience for learning about music and careers.
Page updated
Report abuse