TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA violinist Mark Wood will be holding a two day workshop in Illinois going under the banner "Electrify Your Strings". The following is the official press release:

Emmy Award Winning Rock Violinist, Mark Wood, To Offer Two-Day Workshop And Concert for Musicians in 2007

`Electrify Your Strings!'

"Alpha & Omega Properties is proud to present a first-time music workshop for string players interested in learning from and performing with world renowned violinist, Mark Wood, an original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Limited to 80 musicians, this two-day workshop, scheduled for July 6th and 7th, 2007 at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, concludes with a professionally-staged concert. This special musical opportunity is open to string players, violin/viola/cello/double bass/harp, ages 12 years to adult without regard of experience and skill level. Registration is required and ends on March 30th, 2007.

Early registration fee for the two-day workshop and concert is $275.

Musicians can register by calling Alpha & Omega Properties at 815.467.7698. The participation fee for the workshop includes the following:

-- Musical scores
-- Group instruction and individual instruction
-- Meals and snacks
-- Autographed photo of Mr. Wood
-- Mark Wood CD
-- Commemorative t-shirt
-- Participation in an evening concert with Mark Wood.

Registration after March 1st, 2007, is $325.

According to Mark Wood, participating musicians should be familiar with the music prior to the workshop to allow for the optimal experience. Music is handed out to work shop participants at the beginning of March 2007. Therefore, early registration is highly recommended.

In an industry where originality is a highly prized commodity, recording artist, performer, producer, inventor, Emmy-winning composer, and music educator, Mark Wood is truly an original. He began his career with a full scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and had the privilege of studying under Maestro Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Music Program. Mark is currently starring in a national television ad campaign for Pepsi, has released six CDs of his highly original music, toured and recorded with many of the industry's most prominent performers, toured with Celine Dion, has been the featured violinist of Billy Joel's `All About Soul' video appeared on `MTV Unplugged' with Lenny Kravitz, and is also the lead violinist and string conductor with the multi-platinum-selling symphonic rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

`Electrify Your Strings!' is a program designed to incorporate improvisation into regular music curriculum. This is a unique opportunity to partner with an artist of Mark Wood's caliber and students are sure to benefit from the inspiring and motivational techniques that he has developed through years of research and experience. Through Mark's association with many of the industry's most successful organizations he can bring a level of expertise and knowledge that is sure to build on the foundation you've created for your string player.

Tickets to the rock orchestra concert on Saturday, July 7, 2007 are $15. Call Alpha & Omega Properties to reserve your seat at 815.467.7698."

(Thanks: redheadinthesecondrow)