Being Boston: Fire String Quartet shines in digital talent show

A group of local students are shining on a new stage after Boston Public Schools introduced a digital talent show.

This year, the Boston Public Schools put together "BPS Got Talent," its first-ever digital talent show where students could submit entries via social media.

The Fire String Quartet, comprised of Josiah Quincy Elementary School third graders Giselle Fransisco and Bonnie Mai, along with siblings Mika and Noah Liu, started the group because of how much they loved playing together.

They actually named it the FIRE Quartet which links to our school because we have FIRE values," Cynthia Soo Hoo, principal of Josiah Quincy Elementary School, said. "Focus, Integrity, Respect and Empathy."

But, Soo Hoo had no idea how far her students could go with their talents.

"It looked fun and we wanted to show people what we can do," first grader Mika Liu said.

The Fire String Quartets' YouTube video was among 76 contest entries, with over 15,300 total votes cast.

"I didn't know any of our students entered into this until I got the great news that they had won," Soo Hoo said.

Mai said the group focuses more on the teamwork aspect of the contest.

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"We practice together, have fun, and my most favorite part is getting along and knowing each other," Mai said.

The four students are also members of the Boston String Academy, a nonprofit organization that promotes engagement in music making by providing lessons to city youth.

Cox Media Group