OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An Emmy-winning composer and electric violinist gives a special music lesson for Oshkosh high school students.
It’s part of Mark Wood’s ‘Electrify Your Strings’ tour.
He’s traveling the nation to add rock n’ roll into school’s traditional music education.
“I believe just like academics and athletics, the arts are on the same level of importance, especially music.”
Orchestra Teacher Yukiko Grine says nearly 500 students will have the chance to play alongside Wood at a Friday concert.
“This year we are including about a hundred choir students here from the two high schools in Oshkosh, so its gonna be strings and choir.”
Grine is grateful for Wood’s stop.
“He really got our staff and students to think outside the box and really step outside the comfort zone and really got us to express ourselves in a way we haven’t done before.”
Oshkosh West Senior Pax Lynch shares in the excitement.
“It’s not just classical music, but rock music and pop music can also be played really well on these instruments.”
Wood spent decades playing music for the rock group, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has played alongside both Celine Dion and Billy Joel.
Friday’s Menominee Nation Arena concert gets underway at 7 pm.
Purchase tickets by clicking here or calling the box office 920-744-2035.
Proceeds benefit the Oshkosh School Orchestra Program.
