Trans-Siberian Orchestra Co-Founder Coming to Huntington
Mark Wood, co-founder of the famous Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which has sold over five million CDs, is coming to the Huntington School District to work with J. Taylor Finley Middle School and Huntington High School students and perform an evening concert for the community
The public program, which will feature Mr. Wood performing along with the student orchestras, is set for Fri. Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Huntington High School auditorium. Tickets for “Electrify your Strings” are priced at $8 for adults and $5 for students and will be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit Huntington orchestra activities and scholarships.
"We are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with Mr. Wood and try something very new and contemporary with our orchestra students”, said Joan R. Fretz, director of fine and performing arts. “The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is well known for its unique combination of classical and electric instruments. It's going to be a fabulous day and incredible concert.”
The program is sponsored by the Huntington Arts in Education Committee and includes a full day schedule of workshops and rehearsals, during which Mr. Wood will be teaching the orchestra students about improvisation on stringed instruments, which is viewed as an important and exciting part of music instruction. Improvisation which typically is taught in a jazz band setting is becoming popular with orchestra programs. “Our students and staff are anxious to learn and try out his technique,” Ms. Fretz.
Mr. Wood has invented several novel electric stringed instruments which he will also demonstrate. The evening concert will have a “rock” flavor to it and will serve to inspire orchestra students and be great fun for the entire community, organizers hope.
“We encourage everyone to join us for the evening concert,” Ms. Fretz said. “Tickets may be purchased through the high school music office (673-2053) or at the door. Our students are working hard to learn the performance pieces. Special thanks to high school orchestra teacher Lisa Leonardi for making the program arrangements, Finley orchestra teacher Debbie Kim for assisting with the program, and the AIE Committee for sponsoring the concert and master class workshops."
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