High School orchestra students had a unique opportunity to work with Dr. Ching-Chun Lai, assistant professor of music and director of orchestras from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

Hosted by music teachers Ashley O’Connor and Fred Volz, Dr. Lai led an orchestra rehearsal, workshop and master class with the students. During the workshop, students learned about the numerous career options available in the music field, the preparation required to pursue a music degree in college and the degree options offered at the Crane School of Music. Students also attended and performed in a master class led by Dr. Lai in which they were given valuable feedback and suggestions for developing their performance skills.

“Giving our students the opportunity to work with a professional conductor and college professor helped push their musical abilities to the next level,” Mr. Volz, who studied under Dr. Lai’s tutelage while a student at Potsdam, said. The students also gained positive insight to the many career options in the music field.”