Honoring the mission to reach and teach students of all ages
The Salaff String Quartet is SCMR’s Ambassador Quartet and represents the organization at local schools, universities, and senior living facilities. Most recently they performed concerts and led masterclasses at the Children’s School of Rochester (CSR), #15 and Penfield High School, read compositions for Nazareth University’s composition students, and performed at the Highlands of Pittsford.
The Salaff String Quartet was founded in 2014 by four members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Thomas Rodgers (violin), Molly Werts McDonald (violin), Aika Ito (viola), and Benjamin Krug (cello). They all attended the Cleveland Institute of Music at different times but all studied chamber music with the same beloved teacher, Peter Salaff, for whom the quartet is named. As friends and young members in the orchestra, they enjoy performing together throughout the Rochester area. They specialize in classical music but are also pleased to present a wide variety of music for events such as weddings, corporate events, receptions, and parties. The quartet also has a passion for outreach performances in the community.
Thomas Rodgers, violin, a native of Anderson, Indiana, joined the RPO in March 2012 as a member of the first violin section. In the 2014-2015 season, he served as principal second violin.
Molly Werts McDonald, violin, a native of Fairway, Kansas, joined the RPO in October 2013 as Acting Assistant Principal Second Violin. She has been playing in the first violin section since September 2014.
Aika Ito, viola, a native of Tokyo, Japan, joined the first violin section of the RPO in September 2014.
Benjamin Krug, cello, a native of Royal Oak, Michigan, joined the RPO in September 2008.
The mission of the visual and performing arts program at CSR
"The Arts are essential to the development of our students; therefore, our mission is to educate students by engaging and inspiring them to be life-long learners through active participation, creative expression and cultural awareness in the arts. We facilitate learning and understanding by using an integrated, sequenced, interdisciplinary, and standards-based curriculum."
Penfield High School Special Event
In 2018, the Salaff Quartet, representing SCMR, brought a unique blend of Baroque and Blues to Penfield High School. Performing for two sections of Shana Stewart's orchestra classes, the talented musicians—Thomas Rogers, Molly Werts-McDonald, Aika Ito, and Benjamin Krug—delighted students with excerpts from J.S. Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, both in its traditional form and a swing version, alongside Pachelbel’s Canon and a lively Duke Ellington tune for string quartet.
In addition to their inspiring performance, the Quartet provided valuable guidance, coaching three student chamber ensembles and a solo violinist, making the event a day of learning, inspiration, and musical discovery.
The Highlands of Pittsford Gazebo Concert Series
The Salaff Quartet, representing SCMR, brought the beauty of chamber music to life at the Highlands of Pittsford. Their performance in the scenic gazebo captivated residents and visitors alike, celebrating the Highlands’ mission to empower residents with top-quality services and enriching experiences. The Quartet’s carefully curated selection of chamber music created a vibrant and memorable event for the local community, perfectly reflecting the spirit of living life to its fullest.
