Charlie Farren to Perform with CHS Music Students

Chelmsford’s own local musician and rock star Charlie Farren, formerly of the Joe Perry Project, will be performing a fundraising concert that will pair him with the up and coming young musicians at Chelmsford High School on Sunday. 

During the show, Farren will team up with students from the orchestra, jazz, and guitar programs.

“It’s exciting,” said Farren.  “It’s fun to be able to share my experience as a professional musician with them, and to learn from them as well.”

The concert is the result of a joint effort between the Chelmsford Friends of Music and the Fine and Performing Arts Department of the Chelmsford Public Schools.  All of the proceeds will benefit the Chelmsford Friends of Music, a music education program in the Chelmsford Public School system which will enable the group to help support future students from the variety of different music programs.

“The concert is going to raise money to support public schools, to help fund trips, with learning, and to increase the number of opportunities for these kids,” said Farren.

The concert will feature Farren and the young musical prodigies performing music written by Farren himself in addition to selections from popular music.  Farren said he has been practicing with these students every Tuesday to prepare for the concert.

Bob Sciaudone, the President of the Chelmsford Friends of Music, said the concert is a long time coming, having been in the works for the past three years.  

Sciaudone said they had already been forced to reschedule the concert’s date on two different occasions.  Most recently the concert was intended to be performed this past February, but scheduling conflicts between those involved forced another three-month delay.  However, the concert is on track and finally set to perform.

"We never could get our schedules to match,” said Sciaudone.  “There are logistics, buy in from the teachers, Charlie has been actively touring….it’s been a lot of things.”

Sciaudone said the concert is a great experience for the musical high school students to be able to play with a professional musician.

In addition to teaming up with the musicians of tomorrow, Farren said he has also recently released an album with his friend and musician Jon Butcher in their group Farren Butcher Inc.  The album is entitled “FBI.” 

Farren’s concert with the students of Chelmsford High School is at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Chelmsford High School.  The price of admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.