International recording artist Mark Wood will partner with student musicians from area schools to present the concert Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Hough, 12420 Bailey Road in Cornelius. The concert is part of the 2011 Electrify Your Strings “Fire and Ice – Ignite The Passion” tour created by Wood to provide music students and teachers, along with entire communities, a first-hand introduction to his unique approach to making music.
Wood, an original member of the highly acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra, is the creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, SV Stingray violin and Cobra cello. At the concert at Hough, an “All-Star Orchestra” of musicians from area schools will partner with Wood to form a full-fledged rock orchestra.
Student musicians from Bailey Middle School and the Cornelius Youth Orchestra along with musicians representing Hough, Mallard Creek, Independence and Harding University high schools will combine their talents for the local concert. Wood will perform with the students on his handcrafted, seven-string fretted electric Viper violin to present a selection of his original material as well as arrangements of music by Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Beatles and more.
The concert, coordinated by the Bailey Orchestra Patrons, is open to the public and proceeds will benefit school music programs. In addition to the performance, Wood will conduct workshops for band students on Monday, Oct. 24, and prior to the concert on Oct. 25.
Bill Myers, orchestra director at Bailey and Hough, said in addition to serving as a quality
fundraiser for the music programs, the concert is also a valuable learning experience for the students.
“The All-Star Orchestra students and their teachers are excited to host the first Mark Wood workshop and concert in the Charlotte area,” Myers says. “This is an awesome educational and fun opportunity unlike anything our region has ever seen, and to be able to offer it free to participants is another way we instill the love of performing in our students.”
The Electrify You Strings program, now in its 10th year, is an in-depth music education experience. Wood and his team work directly with an orchestra director to tailor a rock orchestra makeover complete with a public performance. The EYS program, building on the strong foundation of classical music provided by music teachers, creates a partnership with educators in order to inspire students while boosting self-esteem and motivation on-stage and off.
Wood is owner and operator of Wood Violins, the premier manufacturer of electric orchestra instruments. He is a classically trained violinist, an Emmy-winning composer and, in addition to solo and Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances, has worked with, among others, Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Billy Joel and Jewel.
In addition to coordinating the event, the Bailey Orchestra Patrons will also be selling concessions at the concert. Other activities related to the fundraising event are a silent auction and the chance to meet Wood. The group is also offering sponsorship participation opportunities to businesses and individuals interested in supporting the music program. Additional information can be obtained by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ." data-mce-href="mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ."> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Bailey Middle School and at Davidson Violins, 416-C South Main Street in Davidson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ." data-mce-href="mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ."> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
