It’s electric! Students rock their strings in annual concert

Students+perform+in+Electrify+Your+Strings+on+Jan.+6+in+the+BPHS+auditorium.

Shelly Crowe

Students perform in Electrify Your Strings on Jan. 6 in the BPHS auditorium.

In case you missed it, almost two weeks ago, the BPHS string orchestra performed a thrilling show called Electrify Your Strings.

It was really amazing to be able to show people the range of string instruments. People assume we can only play long concertos by Mozart or Beethoven, but we can actually play a lot of different contemporary pop and rock music.

— Maddy Sams

This show featured Greg Byers, a talented musician and teacher, who worked with the students to put on this performance.

The show featured songs by The Beatles, AC/DC, Rush, Guns and Roses, Metallica, and Led Zeppelin.

The students really enjoyed being able to create amazing music together as well.

A violinist in the chamber orchestra, Maddy Sams said: “It was really amazing to be able to show people the range of string instruments. People assume we can only play long concertos by Mozart or Beethoven, but we can actually play a lot of different contemporary pop and rock music.”

Throughout the show, students got to be featured in the front, playing an electric instrument. Jake Kalogeris, one of the featured soloists was very happy to be involved.

“It was a completely different feel playing electric vs. acoustic. I was so grateful for the opportunity,” Kalogeris said. 

Along with all the string instruments, the show also featured Jason Turske on the drums. 

When asked about the show, Turske said: “I’ve always had a fantastic time watching the Electrify your Strings concerts, and I felt honored to be asked to drum for them. The strings sounded fantastic in a rock and roll context, and I had an awesome time being able to be a part of the production. The strings program has a very fun and supportive group of students who all showed great pride in their craft, and I feel a great deal of that stems from their teacher Mrs. Glover, and certainly, Mr. Byers, who both had a great effect on their musicianship, performance skills, and most importantly the enjoyment of performing itself.”

The sold-out show was enjoyed by all. It left everyone on the edge of their seats, watching all the students perform.

Lindsay Barone, a fellow musician, and member of the marching band, was there in support of her classmates. 

Barone said: “The concert was very exciting and impressive. It was so cool listening to the instrumental versions of the songs that everyone loves.”

Electrify Your Strings was an amazing experience, and an excellent show for the performers, as well as for the audience as well!