Rochester, NY; What do you get when you cross a rock star with a classically-trained violinist? The answer is Mark Wood, recording artist, music educator, original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and instrument inventor. Hochstein School of Music & Dance and the Institute for Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music are collaborating on a weekend series of free master classes and workshops with Mark Wood and The Mark Wood Band that are open to the public March 22, 23, and 24 and a concluding concert Saturday, March 24 at 8:00 pm.*(see box of weekend dates and times)
Educators have been recognizing the importance of incorporating improvisation into their curriculum and the “Electrify Your Music” program developed by Mr. Wood has been brought to over 50 schools, including the Juilliard School and the Berklee School of Music. He will bring his array of extraordinary instruments, including 3 electric violins (a seven-stringed one called the Viper) and the Cobra, an electric cello. These patented instruments showcase his unique approach to string playing and education.
As an electric violinist, Mark Wood is a highly acclaimed recording artist who has released 6 CDs and toured with many prominent performers including Celine Dion who says, "It’s amazing what he can do with a violin and a bow!" His style has been acclaimed as a "Beethoven-meets-Jimi Hendrix." Mark is lead violinist with the multi-platinum symphonic rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The concluding concert of the weekend is called Orchestra Rocks with The Mark Wood Band and the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra. Nancy Strelau, orchestra conductor says the orchestra members have received the score and are preparing a completely different performance on their traditional instruments.
Kathleen Murphy Kemp, asst. principal cellist with the RPO and Hochstein faculty member says "In order for these kids to have a successful musical career they need to explore a wide range of styles and be proficient in multiple musical languages."
Tickets for the Saturday, March 24 concert at 7:30 pm are $15 general admission and $10 for ages 12 and under. They can be ordered through theHochstein School office at 585/454-4596 or at www.hochstein.org.
This project is supported in part by the Kauffman Foundation and the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
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* Weekend Master Classes, Workshops, and Concert *
- Thursday, March 22 7:30-9 pm Eastman School
How to Succeed in Music Without Knowing Anything or It Can Be Cool to Play the Violin - Friday, March 23 11:30 am-1:30 pm Eastman School
Improvisation and Exploring New Sounds with Mark Wood Electric Violins
Bring your instruments! - Friday, March 23 4:00-5:30 pm Hochstein School of Music & Dance
Workshops for Guitar, Bass, and Drums - Saturday, March 24 9:00-10:00 am Hochstein School of Music & Dance
Improvisation for Jazz and Rock & Roll - Saturday, March 24 7:30 pm Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra Concert with The Mark Wood Band Tickets $15/$10 ages 12 and under
