43
Project Mayhem not your typical band concert
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted .Lighting and lasers from Lightwave International in Pittsburgh added to the big arena rock-concert vibe at Boardman High School's Project Mayhem on March 21.
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Boardman High School musicians Eric Baker (left), Jordan Grantonic, and Charis Kassler donned their best rock and roll gear for their Project Mayhem concert on March 21.
Photo
Neighbors | Submitted .Boardman senior Racheal Bishop added the unique sound of her electracello to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" during the March 21 Project Mayhem concert.
By SARAH FOOR
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Youngstown for a show this April, but for local residents, the rock orchestra experience came early in the form of Boardman High School’s fifth annual Project Mayhem concert on March 21.
The Boardman rock orchestra played a two-hour show on March 21 that explored an array of genres and featured electric and acoustic string instruments, guitars, synthesizers and drums.
Bill Amendol directed the proceedings, but said the planning of the concert is a collaborative process.
“We work to make our song selections as diverse as our audience, spanning generations and different genres. Our preparation for Project Mayhem begins with suggestions from the students on what they’d really like to hear and perform for the audience,” Amendol said.
The group shook the ceiling of the Boardman Performing Arts Center with renditions of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by the Charlie Daniels band, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and an old favorite at the concert, “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas.
Guest vocalists made frequent appearances, with Kristyn Wolf hitting high notes during Pat Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker,” Evan Heintz and Dom Zocolo trading verses during the Beastie Boys tune “Fight For Your Right,” and Megan Deeley sharing a powerful version of Adele’s “Rollin’ in the Deep.”
The stage of the BPAC looked like an expensive rock concert thanks to the continued partnership with Lightwave International in Pittsburgh, who provided colorful lasers and designed the event’s lighting.
At the close of another successful and fun year of Project Mayhem, Amendol said he is also proud of the musical education his students are gaining.
“Each selection helps the students learn different rhythms, keys and styles. It’s a nice by-product that this keeps the concert interesting for the listeners, but as a teacher, it’s great to explore different styles and the performance practices that are necessary to play them,” he said.