Boardman High hosts musical mayhem

Experimentation and innovation have been the hallmark of the Boardman Orchestras, and with the increasing popularity and cost effectiveness of electric string instruments through the years, the Boardman Orchestra decided it was time to try something different.

It was a small leap for students to transition from their traditional acoustic instruments to electric violins, violas, cellos and upright bass. Mix in an electric guitar, an electric bass, a drum set and a brand new ensemble was born.

This select group, “Project Mayhem,” as the students are calling it, was given a selection of non-traditional music to try out and started rehearsing Oct. 4, modeling themselves after the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

This year’s concert will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Boardman Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 and will be available the night of the show. Seating is general admission with ticket sales starting at 6 p.m. and doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

This year will mark the fourth year of Mayhem’s existence. Unlike any other high school orchestra performances area residents are accustomed to, the Project Mayhem concert includes smoke machines, light displays and all the high-energy movement of a rock concert, complete with musicians moving around on stage.

“It’s a new style for our orchestra that the whole community should come to see,” said violinist Lindsay Kirkham-Olsen.

Project Mayhem will be performing many classical rock favorites from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today.

“We tie four decades of music into one night and it’s totally going to rock,” asserted Melanie Deramo electric violinist.

This year’s set list includes such well-known tunes as Smooth, by Santana, It’s My Life, by Bon Jovi, Welcome Home, by Coheed and Cambria, Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey and Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean by Michael Jackson.

They will also be bringing back some crowd favorites from previous years, such as Carry On My Wayward Son, by Kansas. Let’s just say if you like the songs on guitar hero or rock band, Project Mayhem will not disappoint.

Musically, the Mayhem’s performance is always entertaining, but why it transcends your typical concert is the energy from the stage. The performers don’t just play their instruments — they are up dancing and having a good time.

“We are very excited to announce that we will be adding a new element to this year’s show, lasers,” said co-director Bill Amendol. “Lightwave International from Pittsburgh will be coming in to do a laser show throughout the concert. “Lightwave is the company that does major shows for groups like Pink Floyd and Korn, we are excited to add this element to our concert.”