Trans-Siberian Orchestra violinist ready to rock Huntington students

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Ten years ago, Juilliard-trained violinist Mark Wood says that high school teachers never would’ve allowed him near their students.

“I was too radical for most teachers,” admitted Wood, a Port Washington resident and founding member of the symphonic-rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1996. “But there’s a new breed of teachers today. We’re facing a resurgence in music education.”

Next week, the resurgence hits Huntington Public Schools, when Wood performs with 150 of the district’s middle and high school students as part “Electrify Your Strings,” a program that transforms students into a full-fledged rock orchestra. As part of the effort, Wood will accompany students to perform music by Led Zeppelin, Cream and The Beatles.



He’ll also rehearse with the teens in a workshop for acoustic and electric strings that will teach them techniques for improvisation, composition and personal expression.

“A lot of kids play in garage bands and know these tunes, so it’s exciting for them,” said Lisa Leonardi, orchestra director at Huntington High School, who met Wood at an American String Teachers Association event earlier this year and was eager to book him. “I must say, the kids have been practicing hard. They’re more excited than I’ve ever seen.”

So far this year, Wood’s school program has visited sold-out audiences in Dix Hills, Levittown and Patchogue, with a concert at Deer Park High School slated for next month.

The most interesting part of the 10-song classic rock concert, according to Leonardi, are the improvisational opportunities, which is something most students haven’t done before.

“Improvising requires a good concept of harmony and chord structure,” she said.

Wood agreed, but noted that – from a technical aspect – rock music might be simpler for students to play than traditional classic compositions.

“It’s more about expression,” he said. “Some rock musicians might not even know the actual chord progressions they’re playing, but they’re really connecting with people. Through this program, I want to continue a classical repertoire, but mix American elements. When you think about it, American music has impacted the world greatly in recent decades, and the fact that it hasn’t been integrated into classical music is something I want to change.”

During his career, Wood has studied under Leonard Bernstein, while working with musicians such as Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, Billy Joel and Everclear. He’s also the owner and operator of Wood Violins, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric violins.

The “Electrify Your Strings” concert is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Huntington High School. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children, and can be obtained by calling the high school’s music office at 631-673-2053.