Schools

Emmy-Winning Composer Plays With BMCHSD Musicians

The student musicians had a unique opportunity to play with composer Mark Wood.

MERRICK, NY - From the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District: Orchestra members from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District had the unique opportunity to study and play alongside Emmy award-winning composer Mark Wood on Nov. 6.

Wood, who is of the multiplatinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, brought his groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Strings! to the students in a one-day workshop.

He focused on teaching improvisation, composition, and personal expression on their violins, violas, cellos and basses.

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Students from Merrick Avenue and Grand Avenue middle schools, Wellington C. Mepham, John F. Kennedy and Sanford H. Calhoun high schools then performed in a live concert alongside Wood later that same evening at the Brookside building.

“This event marks the first time in our district that all orchestra students in grades 7-12 came together in performance; all while raising money for our Community Cupboard,” said District Director of Fine & Performing Arts Cheryl Fontana. “It is our ‘One Voice, One Message’ initiative at its finest.”

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The concert was open to the public and raised more than $1,100 for the district’s food pantry.

Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District