Schools

Music Students to Join Trans-Siberian Orchestra Violinist on Stage

Concert will feature Mark Wood's arrangements of Led Zeppelin, Beatles tunes.

International recording artist Mark Wood, an original member of the multiplatinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, SV Stingray, and Cobra cello, is bringing his groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Strings! to Hillsborough High School.

This exciting music education program includes a two-day workshop that culminates in a concert in which Mark Wood will perform with the Hillsborough High School orchestra as well as some members of the Hillsborough Middle School orchestra at 7 p.m. April 6 in the Hillsborough High School Auditorium.

All profits from this concert will go to the school music programs. Tickets can be purchased at www.hhstheatre.org ($8) or at the door the night of the performance ($10).

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The EYS program, now in its 10th year, allows Wood and his team to work directly with the participating school orchestra, to tailor-design a rock orchestra makeover that concludes with apublic performance. The two-day student workshop covers topics such as improvisation, performance technique and stage presence. The EYS program builds on the strong foundation of classical music provided by district music teachers, creating a partnership with educators that inspires students, boosting their self-esteem and motivation (both on stage and off).

“We are excited to host our first Mark Wood workshop,” HHS orchestra director Sarah Munch said. “Our students and staff are looking forward to an awesome educational and fun experience.”

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The April 6 concert, which is part of the 2013 EYS “Turbow Tour,” will feature Wood performing on his handcrafted 7-string fretted electric Viper violin. Audience members will be entertained by Wood’s original material as well as arrangements of music by Led Zeppelin, The Police, The Beatles and more. 

In addition to Wood’s solo and Trans-Siberian work, he has also performed with Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Billy Joel and others. He is also the owner and operator of Wood Violins, the premiere manufacturer of electric orchestra string instruments worldwide. 

The HHS orchestra is a growing program. Members have participated in the High Note Festivalsthe past two years earning a "Superior" rating in 2011 and an "Excellent" rating in 2012. The orchestra also performed in the JP Stevens Orchestra festival in 2009, 2010 and 2012—earning an "excellent" rating at all three events.

Submitted by Kia Bergman


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