SEE1 great rock show
SEE1 members pose as rock stars for their promotional poster. This year’s group consists of some returning members such as bassist junior Peter McCutcheon and sophomore drummer Adrian Oliver and as well as a few freshman. There was a loss of leadership this year as two seniors who were in the group for many years graduated last year.
Few schools can say that they have nationally-recognized orchestras. However, even fewer can say that they have string concerts with electric amps, professional light shows, and rock-violinist guest players.
SEE1, or the Sycamore Electric Ensemble, was the first high school electric string ensemble in all of Ohio. It plays all kinds of music from classic rock to jazz on electric violins, violas, cellos, and more typical rock instruments like guitars and the bass.
Sophomore SEE1 drummer Adrian Oliver said,” SEE1 is a completely unique musical experience at Sycamore… [it’s] a expression of music in a whole new way… than that of playing in classical orchestra or concert band.”
The group’s primary concert will take place Fri. Feb. 19 at 7 pm in the auditorium and will feature rock violinist, singer, and songwriter Joe Deninzon for the second year in a row.
Deninzon heads rock group Stratospheerius and has arranged many of SEE1’s pieces. The day before the performance he will visit each of the Sycamore orchestras to give workshops on improvisations.
Orchestra and SEE1 director Mr. David Smarelli places large emphasis on improvisation in the electric group.
Sophomore Sophia Ramos said,” We have a lot of new players this year, so it’s been hard finding people to solo. They’re just not that comfortable improvising yet.”
New members of the group are faced with a large learning curve, from how to set up the electric instruments to how to treat and learn music differently.
Oliver said,” I’ve certainly taken away musical values and principles of simplicity, organization, and preparation. These are key not only in the music world, but all around us.”
Other elements of putting together a rock concert environment include professional sound systems and a light show. Members are encouraged to memorize the music so they can dance and move around on stage.
The group will perform pieces from known artists such as: Rush, AC/DC, Muse, OneRepublic, The Weeknd, The Allman Brothers Band, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Tickets can be preordered for $10, with proceeds going to the Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters to offset the cost of maintaining SEE1.
Oliver said, “If you want to hear the Sycamore music program in no other way than ever before and you want to have a good time with good music from great musicians, come on out.”
