Suzuki Strings members prepare for performance in Minneapolis

Mandela Namaste and Elizabeth Vennari, members of Buffalo Suzuki Strings, have been chosen to perform in the Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas Concert being held May 23-26, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Buffalo Suzuki Strings had two members selected for membership in the Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas.

The two BSS students selected by competitive audition are 10-year-old violinist Mandela Namaste and 10-year-old violist Elizabeth Vennari. They will perform in the Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas Concert during the 13th Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference on May 23-26 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Membership in the prestigious Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas is the result of a national search. Outstanding Suzuki method students who have reached a high level of mastery at an early age are nominated by their private teachers. Qualifying applicants between the ages of 9 and 12 are selected on the basis of video auditions submitted in the fall; winning students are then sent the music they need to prepare for study with their teachers.

Mandela of Williamsville, currently a student of Mary Cay Neal, began playing violin at the age of 4. Mandela will travel to Minneapolis to play with the SYOA-2 in the second violin section. He will be joined by his fellow BSS musician Elizabeth Vennari, a violist from North Buffalo. Elizabeth, a student of David Levine, has also been studying viola since her fourth birthday; she has been chosen as viola section leader for the SYOA-2.