Video Resources

Alternative and Rock String Resources                 

Websites to check out if you are interested in learning more about alternative strings and strings used in rock groups or electric string groups.


http://seattlerockorchestra.wix.com/seattlerockorchestra#!about/c1x9d

Impressive and interesting professional rock group with professional strings.  Lots of YouTube videos of the group as well as of high school and middle school groups that they have worked with over the summer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KDBnj3nWQo&index=25&list=UUc3ROh6dsiWrnPAibpYdmXQ

 

Here the Seattle Rock Orchestra has an arranger talking about the challenges of transforming rock music (such as Muse) to something perform-able by a full string instrumentation.


http://www.cyorchestra.org/

Contemporary Youth Orchestra is a youth orchestra based out of Cleveland, Ohio.  In the style of Cadet Orchestra in Columbus it functions with musicians from schools all over the area.  This group is currently celebrating it’s 20th year of bringing something new to the concept of a symphony orchestra performing modern and contemporary music.  They have in the past featured guest artists such as Styx and Ben Folds.  Very developed website with an extensive video section to watch if you are interested.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlxoml64IDM (see if you can spot Ms. Wimbiscus in this one...)

The Lakewood Project is a high school extra curricular rock ensemble out of Lakewood, Ohio which utilizes an electric string section, an acoustic string section, and a rhythm section.  They do not have an updated webpage currently, but above is a YouTube video of them and you can find more by searching Lakewood Project in YouTube.


http://www.allthingsstrings.com/layout/set/print/News/News/Rock-Orchestra-Players-Are-Plugging-in-a-New-Generation

Interesting article from way back in 2005 having to do with exciting students with the prospect of electric string instruments.  Centers around prominent electric string instrument creator Mark Wood.


http://www.trans-siberian.com/

If you have not ever heard of the Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) then this website is definitely worth your time.  A fantastic rock group formed in the mid-90’s that features strings, vocals, and incredible light shows in concerts.  They routinely sell out arenas and perform at large scale events.  Very well known for their Christmas albums.


Mark Wood is a former Trans Siberian Orchestra member who is an electric string instrument maker who is a big name in the rock string world.  More about him at his website: http://markwoodmusic.com/


Electric Light Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller are also worth a google search if you are interested in professional groups which are more rock group than string group.  Strings are not the focus here but are still a large part and fun to listen to.


http://www.barrage.org/

High energy alternative string group that performs fiddling and all kinds of different music around the world. They also feature younger string groups.


http://improvcellist.com/

Composer/improvisation specialist cello player, Matt Turner.  Matt has a long list of accomplishments and an interesting life you can read more about on his website.


http://www.2cellos.com/us/home

Rock/alternative cello playing duet that is always worth a look if you have not checked them out yet!  Young guys performing on electric (and occasionally acoustic) cellos with and without a rhythm section that have a large following in the current music scene.


http://www.vegetableorchestra.org/index.php

If you are really up for some craziness, here is a completely not electric or rock orchestra but instead a musical ensemble entirely created from instruments made out of vegetables.  Entertaining to watch!


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