An Emmy-award winning electric violinist and composer has been working with Kenmore-Tonawanda students. Franklin Middle School orchestra students in Tonawanda rocked on their string instruments Friday with Mark Wood. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley was there to watch Wood work with students.
Wood is a former and original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and founder of Electrify Your Strings program. He travels the globe teaching school students how to perform on their string instruments with pizzazz and personality.
This is Wood's third visit to the Ken-Ton Schools. Franklin Middle School Orchestra Teacher Gail Bauser brought Wood's t the district.
Wood offered students several tips: Smile, move their bows to the music when they are waiting for their part, don't play to their music stands and most of all remember the audience is the most important person in the room. Woods energy was electrifying and students became quickly engaged and excited as they played Taylor Swift's pop it -- 'Shake It Off'.
You can watch Wood perform with Ken-Ton Students Saturday at the Franklin Middle School, 540 Parkhurst Boulevard in Tonawanda at 7 p.m. for a public concert.