WS Chronicle

International recording artist and Emmy-winning composer Mark Wood, an original member of the multi-platinum-selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, is bringing his groundbreaking music education program “Electrify Your Strings!” (EYS!) to the R.J. Reynolds Arts for Academics Magnet High School.

He will work to transform the student musicians into a full-fledged rock orchestra. Wood will be performing with the students on his handcrafted 7-string fretted electric Viper violin as part of his Electrify Your Strings! Dream Tour on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Auditorium, 301 North Hawthorne Rd.
The audience will be entertained by Wood’s original material, as well as his exciting arrangements of music by artists like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Joining Wood for this event will be vocalist Laura Kaye, Wood’s partner and wife, who will work with the Reynolds choir. Laura has worked with singers like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Sean Lennon.

“We are excited to have Electrify Your Strings continue the 2013-2014 focus on Self-Expression and Awareness as we explore new aspects of music, and make connections between it and other areas,” said Orchestra Director Margaret Rehder. “Reynolds uses arts integration in all classes in addition to arts exposure and 55 discrete arts courses. Having Mark Wood and Laura Kaye work with students to ignite potential and inspire passion is an exciting opportunity for our entire community.”

For the past 14 years, Wood and his team have worked directly with school orchestras and choral directors to tailor-design a rock orchestra makeover complete with a public performance at the end of the experience.

Tickets to the concert are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds will benefit school arts programs. For advance tickets, email Karen Morris at ksmorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.