Elise Alaimo is a professional musician and educator who has contributed to the elevation of arts and culture in Western New York over many decades. Her work has transformed the lives of countless children, families, artists, singers, performers, and arts organizers throughout the region and beyond. A source of inspiration and encouragement, Elise specializes in putting quality musical instruments into the hands of children — and seeing the happiness in their faces.
Teaching students of all ages, Elise has been a leading promoter of workshops for other educators in the arts, creating several music enrichment organizations that have filled the needs of an ever widening world community. Elise served as co-director of Buffalo String Works after co-founding the nonprofit in 2014 from her classroom at Buffalo Public School #45, The International School.
On the day BSW was conceived, Elise had invited an ensemble of UB musicians to play for her classes. Visiting artist Jonathan Golove asked the Grade 5-6 students, “If you sang this phrase (Brahms’ piano quartet No.3, Andante theme, in the cello voice) what might the words be?”
The answer came from Mohamed, seated under Elise’s desk to the far left in the photo above: “I love you so much?” Everyone approved of that answer, and it would be an understatement to say there was electricity in the air that day.
10 years later and still growing, hundreds of children and adults now receive free music lessons, richly nuanced collaborative experiences, and meaningful employment at BSW.
https://youtu.be/B0RAtOBC8Cs?si=HJmO6c3wjIkgQ0Wp
(BPS 45 International School/Buffalo String Works students in performance at Ciminelli Hall, Buffalo State University)
Elise founded and directed Northern Lights Children’s Multi-Arts Center (1993-98)
…healthy snacks to keep us going…and there’s a Little cake here: ^)
(portions of this scrapbook are in need of historic restoration)
Elise also co-founded City-Strings, Buffalo’s youth string orchestra, pictured here performing at AKG Art Museum in 2003.
Elise currently serves on the Board of Directors for Portland Community Orchestra (Maine) and guides the establishment of PCOYCO, Portland Community Orchestra Young Composers Opportunity.
http://portlandcommunityorchestra.org/calendar.html
Elise continues to teach Music to students with diverse learning needs at Buffalo Public School #84, Health Care Center for Children, at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). In her pedagogy, Elise uses movement, puppetry, and storytelling to engage students’ imaginations and provide a vivid context for songs and musical concepts.
Elise received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Piano Performance, and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Most recently, she completed two piano courses at The Juilliard School, and actively continues her lifelong study of music committing more than 200 hours to Dalcroze Eurythmics and Music Learning Theory. Elise is permanently certified by the State of New York to teach Music, from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. She has maintained a private piano studio for more than 30 years.
Photo credit: Jam Vafai. This was a great group. Who can spot Jeremy Baird, Ana Vafai, Rob Pacillo and his brothers?
Elise dedicates the creation of If Music Be to all her students over many decades, and to her son Evan and daughter Ana Vafai.
Elise was named in homage to “Für Elise” Beethoven WoO 59 ca.1810.
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