Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to see a world-renowned musician live in action? How about playing alongside them? This once in a lifetime experience came true for all middle school and high school orchestra students in Arcadia Unified School District.
On October 4, 2024, electric violinist Mark Wood, who is a famous international recording artist and inventor of the Viper electric violin (a seven-stringed instrument), visited Arcadia as part of his Electrify Your Symphony Tour. The Electrify Your Symphony (EYS) education program was founded in 2000 by Wood, where he strives to introduce students to the alternative styles of rock and self-expression, providing students with a look into a world other than classical music. This rock concert replaced the annual Fall String Concert and featured orchestras from Arcadia High School, Dana Middle School, First Avenue Middle School, and Foothills Middle School.
The 2-day program started with a 3-hour workshop for the high school students, followed by a two-hour rehearsal for the middle school students. Wood’s charismatic energy while dancing and playing with students highlighted the importance of entertaining one’s audience. Afterwards, parent and Tri-M volunteers served the students pizza and snacks, and the high school Orchestra Council students prepared fun activities and games for all the students, as well as a skit for middle school students, to encourage them to join orchestra during high school.
During the concert, students performed pieces of all styles, from the original composition “Wood’s Bolero” by Mark Wood, to an arrangement of the audience-favorite “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. In the finale, more than 430 students flooded the Performing Arts Center (PAC), and audience members got a close-up experience of “Wood’s Bolero” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Section leaders from Symphony, String, and middle school orchestras were able to perform on Mark Wood’s electric instruments alongside him. This new opportunity was delightful, not just for those students, but also brought the audience to their feet.
In addition, Mark Wood treated the audience to a solo performance of “Fire N’ Ice,” which was released 8 years ago as part of his Turbow album. He also donated one of his custom electric violins to be raffled off to Sabrina Yao, a middle school orchestra student!
This is the first time Arcadia has ever participated in the Electrify Your Symphony program, and students were absolutely thrilled with the experience, from beginning to end.
“I enjoyed playing with Mark Wood, and I thought it was more fun than the usual concert. My favorite part was playing my cello on the stairs,” said cellist Roxie Tu.
“My favorite part of the EYS Concert was the finale. The PAC was filled with musicians in every row, and it ended up sounding really nice!” said violinist Charlie Wan.
All in all, the Electrify Your Symphony concert left the audience cheering, with Mark Wood's dynamic stage presence making the evening truly special. The concert truly exemplified how music can exist in many forms. The next orchestra concert will be the Winter Concert taking place on December 13th. You won’t want to miss the festive repertoire to be presented alongside Arcadia Chanteurs and members of Wind Ensemble in the full Symphony Orchestra!
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