Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
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Accomplished WNY Musician Sujeet Desai Visits Kenmore East High School
Sujeet Desai, an extremely accomplished musician with Down Syndrome, recently visited Kenmore East High School to perform and give a motivational speech to students as a part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Desai has performed around the world and is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for music and self-advocacy including an Achievement Award on United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the World Down Syndrome Day Award from Down Syndrome International and the Thank You Award from Special Needs Families Developmental Center in Dubai.
A resident of Western New York, Desai has mastered seven instruments including B-flat and bass clarinet, alto saxophone, violin, trumpet, piano, and drums. He appeared in a commercial for the 2016 Paralympics as a musician. He was the first-ever musician with Down syndrome to play at Carnegie Hall. He has also to traveled to more than 40 states and 15 different countries, and has performed at the opening day for the Special Olympics World Games.
“Sujeet was an inspiration to both students and staff as he talked about his experiences and encouraged students to follow their dreams,” Said Laura Jay, orchestra director at Kenmore East High School.
In addition to his many achievements in music, Desai is a second dan black belt in Taekwando, and has began teaching the practice to both adults and children.