Yo-Yo Ma, the world-reknowned cellist from Massachusetts, has had a tremendous impact on  musicians, students, and music-lovers. Crossing borders of style and culture, he has performed and recorded with artists from around the world, creating beautiful and unique sounds. Highly respected as a classical cellist, he has continued to expanded his horizons by mastering music of many traditions. A recent endeavorcalled "The Silk Road Project" brings together musicians from Eastern Asia through Eastern Europe in an exciting fusion of musical instruments andliterature from ancient and modern cultures, from folk songs to classical music. Last summer I attended a performance of music from China and the middle east with Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Project Musicians along with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. What a magical evening it was! Happy Hollow students have listened to several recordings of Yo-Yo Ma in the music room, including performances with artists such as James Taylor, Bobby McFerrin, and Wynton Marsalis. Yo-Yo Ma has been featured on television shows and educational videos such as "Arthur," "Sesame Street" and "Marsalis On Music." I have chosen Yo-Yo Ma because he is open-minded, determined, and a great artist. I admire him for his efforts to promote respect and understanding between the people of many cultures through the language of music.

Susan Calkins