“Getting a chance to play for the governor is not a thing that comes very often,” said cellist Ian Jin. “I was so excited and I felt very warm inside because I know I was playing for my state and for my country. Also, knowing that people enjoy the music I play and come over and start recording means the world to me. That is what music does, it brings people together.”

Coordinating the quartets was Dr. David Bebe, ESYO’s Curriculum & Enrichment Coordinator. “This was a tremendous opportunity for the students,” said Dr. Bebe. “We could not be prouder of them for rising to the occasion.”

See below for photos of the event (header image courtesy of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office).