Mark Wood: Violinist helps students electrify strings

Mark Wood, an electric violinist, Emmy Award-winning composer and founder of Wood Violins, will join the Fairmont Orchestras for a concert at Kettering Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 14. CONTRIBUTED

Mark Wood, an electric violinist, Emmy Award-winning composer and founder of Wood Violins, will join the Fairmont Orchestras for a concert at Kettering Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 14. CONTRIBUTED

The music world is filled with talented violinists, but none are quite like Mark Wood. The electric violinist, Emmy Award-winning composer and founder of Wood Violins will be in the area next week to share his vast experience with middle- and high-school music students in Kettering.

While he's here, Wood will also be joining the Fairmont Orchestras for a public concert at Kettering Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Given his experience as a former member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and his use of an electric string instrument, it should come as no surprise the musician from Port Washington, N.Y., takes a rock 'n' roll approach to his playing. His most recent album, "Turbow," was released in 2016.

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Richard Wright, director of orchestras for Kettering City Schools, recently answered some questions about Wood and the concert.

What can the audience expect from the program on Nov. 14?

“A great show, from a great entertainer and an amazing group of young musicians. Mark Wood, who was a member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, leads a program called ‘Electrify Your Strings,’ that injects a high voltage dose of rock and contemporary music into orchestra education programs.”

How many student groups are performing and what are the specifics?

“We have four orchestras at Fairmont High School. Each of the groups will join Mark Wood on stage during the evening, performing Mark Wood original songs as well as music from artists like AC/DC, Kansas, One Republic and Led Zeppelin.”

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What made Mark Wood the right musician for this program?

“We have been thinking of contacting him for years. His talent and reputation as a performer, teacher and innovator are well known and it has been a real thrill that this worked out this year.”

What does Mark’s work with the student musicians entail?

“Mark will work with each of our high school groups, as well as visiting around 300 middle school students for some demonstrations and inspiration.”

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What is new in Fairmont music this school year?

“We are currently in construction of a new auditorium, which is very exciting. That is due to open sometime in the fall of 2018 and this will create many great opportunities for performances and events at Fairmont.”

What is next for the Fairmont music program?

"The best source for keeping up with all of the happenings in Fairmont music is at ketteringmusic.org. This will detail all of our events and performances as well as some interesting stories on alumni and music district-wide."


WANT TO GO?

Who: Fairmont Orchestras with Mark Wood

Where: Kettering Middle School auditorium, 3000 Glengarry Drive, Kettering

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14

Cost: $12

More info: 937-499-2647 or www.ketteringmusic.org

Artist info: www.markwoodmusic.com

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