# data[].attributes.body
I fell that as a musician I grew with the variety of music I am comfortable playing, on a normal basses I would have never chosen to play rock or electric music on my violin. This musical experience was a unique thing that I would have never gotten to experience with out mark wood.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience with Mark Wood has definitely changed the way I am as a Musician. The experience on the whole was even better then when he came to my school in 8th grade. I love expressing myself while I'm playing music but he teaches you how to truly feel the music as you're playing it. During Rehearsal of the concert I was having so much fun playing along to the music. I even got confident enough to ask to play the electric Cello. Which mostly shy me would never do. I was so overwhelmed playing a Solo in front of a Judge during Solo/Ensemble, but Mark Wood taught me to just think of the music, feel the music inside of you. He inspired me to express myself more and get better and more confident in my music. It was also awesome to be in a Rock setting; playing like we were in a Rock Concert. During one of the songs people put on flashlights on their phones like during an actual Rock concert! Overall the experience was unbelievable, you can do things you didn't know you could do before.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing with Mark Wood was an incrediblly life-changing experience. I had an amazing time playing in the arena, and it was a totally different experience compared to playing in an auditorium for just the orchestra families. Playing in the arena gave me confidence as a musician, and playing in such a large venue was incredible. My rhythm improved a lot playing with a large group, and that helped me grow as a musician. I think the best parts were seeing the audience and playing super loudly. Mark Wood taught me how to play with confidence in front of thousands of people, and how to work with a group to make incredible music.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing with Mark Wood has made me realize that i can be more open to letting loose. He has also taught me to have fun when playing and not feel awkward. I have also learned to enjoy playing different music genres than what I like. This experience has made me an overall better musician and I would love for another concert like this.

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed the Mark Wood experience because it was a fun way to explore different styles of music and perform in a way that was different than what I'm used to.

I don't think I've ever performed for such a large audience in an orchestra concert. The amount of people who showed up to the arena to support us and enjoy the music was amazing. Having a full audience to play to really changed the energy of the concert and made it so much more fun.

I also got a chance to step outside of my comfort zone by playing the electric instrument at the front. It was really amazing and I truly felt like a rock star!!

# data[].attributes.body
I grew as a musician by this experience definitely! The beginning process was challenging, cause looking at it all at once is hard to see that it will come together, but once we grouped it in chunks and looked at the pieces individually, it was successful and very helpful. The way we took each piece and when into the history a little bit and became more knowledgeable about the music we were playing was very helpful. When Mark Wood came it was awesome, and the place where we played was very cool and growing in my music experience. My favorite park was when the string was playing and all of the audience had their phone flashlights on and flasihing which was pretty cool. My music experience always grows when I am shown new things like RIO and now Mark wood.

# data[].attributes.body
Electrify your strings & Choir with Mark wood, Laura Kaye & Nathan Blake was a once and a life time chance for many of the aspiring musical youth to get a small taste of what its like to be a performance musician. I was introduced into a world of which I have always feared slightly, but found intriguing to say the least. The acceptance that the our aforementioned mentors brought to the Oshkosh music department brought determination to those most anxious and panic- stricken. Learning from Mark Wood to rebel against the norm and be proud in doing so, I found my fear dissolve into anticipation, ready and waiting for the opening night of the venue. Upon the arrival of the long awaited concert I learned what a sense of community and comradery felt like for the first time. Looking around to see not only musical but creative talent rom dancing, to singing, to the spectacular light show. While what I learned from Mark wood was to play like a rock performance artist, feeling and moving to the rhythm, how to position my hand to reach each note, and how to take a classical and traditional instrument and turn it into something new, progressive, and a little eccentric; I learned the most important lesson from those around me. The one lesson that I will carry through life was how to stop overthinking and let the music take control. I learned this from watching the enthusiasm of the little 5th and 6th grade rock stars that took the stage before me giving me the bravery I needed.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience overall made me a better musician. At the beginning of this process after seeing all the pieces we were going to play, such as Planet Jackson, I thought it was impossible for me to play because it looked challenging. After facing all the challenges, I finally realized these pieces were actually easy. This experience proved that as a musician, I shouldn't have had a negative mindset just because of the look of the notes on the pieces. It looked challenging but as I struggled through it, I eventually got to the end and felt accomplished. We all have worked hard these past few months working on our Mark Wood pieces and I believe our performance reflected on how much work we put in. Overall, I enjoyed working with Mark Wood again. This was an opportunity that helped me become a better musician because Mark Wood encouraged us to move around and look more passionate while playing.

# data[].attributes.body
Mark Wood has always brought something different for Oshkosh. Being a musician, a string player, we usually get stuck playing the same, classical, old music. We play this music the same way: Sitting down in an ensemble, not really feeling or moving to the music. I'm not saying I hate this at all, I wouldn't be in orchestra if I didn't love it, but changing things up is extremely important. Mark had us on our feet (Unless you're a cello) and dancing to the best of our ability. He had some students take the spotlight and play on an electric instrument, which not a lot of us has done before. It was so different for all of us, something we wren't used to. Playing on stage with bright, neon colored light shining down on us, just the energy from the crowd was a polar opposite from what we were used to. For some people, this may have opened new doors, they might realize that they want to play rock music instead of classical or baroque music. For me, personally, I got to relive the Mark Wood experience again, and I enjoyed it even more than the last time.  This helped me grow a lot, I got to live a different life, and I got introduced to a different style of playing music, and I tried to let go of the stiffness that I usually have when playing music.

# data[].attributes.body
My experience at the Mark Wood concert was amazing. I enjoyed playing at the concert with great energy and passion. My favorite party during Viva La Vida when everyone turned on their flashlights and started waving their phones around. It was like a sea of stars and it felt so magical. My expectations for the concert was not as high as I expected and having Mark Wood back this year was a great idea. I hope to see him again in the next few years.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience strengthened me as a musician because I became more comfortable performing. It broadened my view of stringed instruments and showed me that there are infinite possibilities for the viola. This was a unique experience that I will not get anywhere else since I was able to perform in such a different setting than I am used to. I also enjoyed learning the music more than I usually do because we played songs that I recognized. I was able to let loose and have fun while playing, and because I enjoyed playing this music, I was much more motivated to practice and do my best during the performance. My rhythm improved with the pieces we played because we had to play more difficult pop rhythms that I am not used to playing. The music was a challenge as well as the way Mark Wood had us move with the music, but everything ultimately made me grow as a musician.

# data[].attributes.body
My experience working with Mark Wood was enjoyable because he taught me and other student to be confident. I also learned that I don't always have to play classical music just because I play the cello. I hope future students get the same opportunity to work with Mark Wood.

# data[].attributes.body
Mark is able to gather the orchestra communities and do something greater together. Coming together as one and playing is wonderful. We play a different style of music which much more challenging, but at the same time, it is incredible how well the outcome plays. Playing with Mark is an amazing and fascinating experience. The songs may have been difficult to play sometimes, but the experience that you gain from it helps you grow. I love our finales that we play because that's when everyone who is in orchestra gets to all play together. Mark is a very talented individual and I wish I can work with him again in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with Mark wood made orchestra more fun. I've noticed after the concert how much i grown as a musician. My skills with my instrument become better and i'm more confident about my skills. If i didn't work with Mark Wood i might not have the same amount of skills and could not be as confident.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience with Mark Wood was really amazing and I was so lucky to have the chance to play with him again. I love how he taught us that orchestras don't have to just play classical music, but can play any genre. I really enjoyed the workshops that we were able to have, they helped me understand the difficult parts of Planet Jackson. That was my favorite piece because it was difficult and forced you to just go for it. This concert gave me a new appreciation for music, and I learned that if I work hard I can accomplish anything. When we started playing, I really wasn't into the dance moves, but Mark taught us to let loose and just have fun.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience for me was twice in a lifetime because Mark Wood payed the OASD Orchestras a visit while i was only in 6th grade. This years experience however was extraordinarily more interesting. This year was far more interesting because I actually have a bit more sense of the situation. When I say this I mean that Myself has learned more that my 6th grade self in terms of music, and the fact that Mark Wood is a fairly inspirational person to be around.

# data[].attributes.body
My experience at the Mark Wood Concert was amazing. He taught me to have fun when playing and not to feel awkward. This experience strengthened me as a musician because I became more comfortable performing . I loved watching the middle school performed and I can wait to see them grow as a musician.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing with Mark Wood made me open up to thinking of different styles and genres of music to play on the instruments I want to play. Going through this experience was mind-opening, it taught me that playing music can become fun if you make it so.

I feel that practicing these pieces during the past couple of months has improved my playing skills and I had fun playing them. I am thankful to have been able to play these pieces and play them on stage with others.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing with Mark again was an amazing experience. I had so much fun and I hope that we get another chance to play with him again. It opened me up to new playing styles. I love his music and his passion to play inspired me to try my best. The rock music helps me try new things other than classic. Working with Mark was a great opportunity for growth. I like how he includes dancing along with the playing makes things even better.

# data[].attributes.body
Playing with Mark is very fun and goofy having everyone dance and move around, but still everyone danced because he has a way of talking to us in a different way that we understand he talks to us with music. earing his stories of how he got this good or just a little story has so much more meaning when you play it and when I play with Mark I can feel the power and emotion and I feel like dancing and it's an amazing experience and play at this big of a scale was so cool! The participation from everyone even the audience was amazing and overall a night I won't forget.

# data[].attributes.body
As a musician I explore the many worlds of music. The different styles, the different genres and  much more. over the past eight weeks or so, I was able to learn so much and develop a love for different types of music besides the typical classics. Working with mark wood has been a life changing experience. Working with such a talented musician has opened my eyes in a way that makes me want to improve my playing and broaden my horizons with music. It was refreshing to meet someone with such compassion for music, to see someone play an instrument so elegantly yet so casually. Meeting new people and making new bonds. The best part about our Mark Wood experience was playing together with such amazing musicians and noticing the development of the songs that we played

# data[].attributes.body
I am glad that Mark Wood came because I love the music that he brings with him. The older rock music helps me connect with my parents, they used to be crazy rock music listeners. Classic is fun and all, but when i recolonize the song it makes me feel like I can connect 50 times better. The variety of the music gives me freedom from the chains of old classical music. I am glad that I was able to experience Mark Wood both times he came to Oshkosh Wisconsin.

# data[].attributes.body
The Electrify Your Strings program with Mark Wood was a fresh take on orchestra not only for the students playing, but for the city of Oshkosh as well. When people hear rock arena show they think of guitars and drums defiantly not violins and violas, but with the help of Mark Wood and his electric instruments we changed that stereotype. As an orchestra we played a variety of music not normally thought of when you hear the word orchestra, and we didn't just play the songs we drew a huge crowd and had a lot fun while doing so.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with Mark Wood was a wonderful experience and i'm glad that he came back to work with us again. The Mark Wood music was challenging at first but after practicing and going over the music, it became much easier. Overall the experience was amazing and the whole entire concert was wonderful with all the smiles, laughter, and cheering.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking back on the concert, I realized many things. One being how I grew has a musician. I gained many more skills working with Mark  Wood, and performing at such an amazing rock show. In the past few months working on the Mark Wood pieces required a lot of stamina and dedication. Once we were able to finally show everyone what we were working on, it was truly amazing.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with mark would help me step outside my comfort zone, and also was overall really fun and I am glad to have the opportunity to do so.It was a good experience because we got to play a different genre of music then we are accustomed to playing.I hope we can maybe do it again sometime in the near future.

# data[].attributes.body
Overall, the Mark Wood experience was a truly fun experience. When I got the music, I was worried by the amount of sixteenth notes I saw and I immediately got nervous but I felt excited as well. Thankfully, I recognized some of the songs and learned some unique rhythms. We were able to play a different style of music and rock out instead of playing traditional classical music. Mark Wood got everyone hyped up. It was fun collaborating with the choir and seeing them dance and just seeing what they do. Everyone's energy was empowering and also got the crowd excited. It was a really fun experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with Mark Wood not only was a great opportunity for growth, but also a very enjoyable time. He taught me how to combine movement with playing as well as giving me advice on practicing. His amazing skills in music inspire me to practice more often. All of these things make this event an unforgettable moment in life.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience was truly something unique and interesting that totally changed the way I think of Orchestra. I was given a whole new appreciation for Orchestra in March of 2015, when I was in sixth grade. This was when Mark Wood came to Oshkosh for the first time. This time, however, it was totally different and a way better experience. I've grown a lot as a musician during the two wonderful years of 2015 and 2018. I have overcome many great challenges during this experience. The sixteenth notes in Carry On Wayward Son and Black or White from Planet Jackson, The fast playing and shifting in parts of Planet Jackson's "I Want You Back", and many others took a long time to perfect, but through constant practice I was able to pull through, and it was fun. I love a good challenge. Overall, the Mark Wood experience has motivated me to practice frequently, which pays off. Unique experiences like this help me out a lot.

# data[].attributes.body
We has a great time. The sound was great the lights were great. Overall, all of the songs were greatly performed and sounded great. Mark was very helpful with getting all of us to smile and actually be into what we were doing.

# data[].attributes.body
The experience with Mark Wood was wonderful! Playing with him for the second time was better and more fun. This first time he came it was also fun too! Playing with Mark made me challenge myself due to the challenging parts in Planet Jackson. It was a great experience with him and the choir along with the choreographer. The group along with Mark we all performed very well due to the hardcore practice that we did. I also learned to enjoy a wide variety of music that I can do with my instrument. I was very proud of myself because, within two days of the workshop, and the performance check at the arena at least four horse hair came off of my bow. I was very proud because, that just mean that I played very well and hardcore rock'n roll.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience was a very fun experience. He first came when I was in middle school and it was a blast then too. These types of concerts make you come out of your comfort zone. Its a very different experience from sitting and playing a normal concert because we got to move around and express the music. This concert made me grow as a musician because I was more interested in playing a different style of music and knowing that so many people would come. This concert was also very different because we got to play with the choir in the background which made it more fun to play with them and hearing them in the backround singing tied the whole concert together.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience made orchestra exciting for me. The solo and ensemble unit got kinda boring for me, playing the same short song over and over again. But walking into orchestra class knowing that we would be playing challenging and interesting music made me look forward to it everyday. I feel trying to master this difficult music, especially Planet Jackson helped me grow as a musician by forcing me to practice, not just because I felt like i needed to but because It was my personal goal to be able to play it. I also enjoyed seeing the symphony perform because I got to see what I have to look forward to in my future years of violin playing here at Oshkosh North had to offer

# data[].attributes.body
For me, the concert, and collaboration with Mark Wood was  really cool. Hes a good musician, and he also has a lot of knowledge about music, and what it takes to be great. I was inspired by him from when we were in 7th grade. He has taught a lot of people what music means to him and that to me is special. I think through this experience, i grew as a musician in the way that now I can see the world through a musicians eyes. This means that when i hear a song, or someone playing an instrument, I can overall feel the music they are playing, and it hits me on a deeper level. This to me, was the most important part of the whole experience. Getting taught the meaning of being a great musician.

# data[].attributes.body
Mark Wood taught how to break away from the norm and have fun doing it. Nothing everything needs to be the same sometimes different is better and makes the world change.

# data[].attributes.body
Working on the Mark Wood music wasn't particularly challenging for me because once I listened to the songs, I knew what the rhythms were supposed to be like. However, in Planet Jackson's "Black or White" and "Earth Song," there were passages of sixteenth notes that were hard to play correctly because of the finger patterns. At the same time, though, since the pitches were all close together, I managed to learn them through repetition, gradually speeding up the tempo, and simplifying the toughest measures. Overall, my focus was on swaying with the music, and moving in general--which was something I did at the Mark Wood concert three years ago but never felt comfortable with. Getting to play with Mark Wood again motivated me to memorize as much of the music as possible so I'd be able to put my emphasis on expression and becoming more in touch with the music.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with Mark Wood was a great experience. It was fun to work with the music because it was challenging for me, but once I could play the music, I felt super accomplished. I learned that when you work with new people and your friends, it can make orchestra more exciting and fun.

# data[].attributes.body
Over the past few months we have been preparing for Mark Wood to come, and getting ready preform our big arena performance. I have never been the one to really be into orchestra and get into the performance, I always just go along with it and do the bare minimum. This concert really got me out of my shell and I really enjoyed performing, I got into the music and the movements and I actually really liked it.The last time Mark came we had our concert and Alberta Kimball Auditorium at West High School. It was a good concert but the atmosphere was just not the same, this concert and this experience was way different. I felt as if everyone got more into this concert and we rocked out a lot more. I also really enjoyed having the choir sing, I thought it just added a little something more to the experience. I think the dance moves were better this year and I think the choir helped us get more into the dance moves because they were all really getting into it. Overall I really enjoyed this experience and I would definitely do it again, even though I am a senior I would still come back to Oshkosh to see this kind of concert again.

# data[].attributes.body
Mark wood taught me how to have fun and be confident on stage. Breaking away from classical music in an orchestra can be scary, since that's all we mainly play. But it was nice to experience creativity on stage and being free.

# data[].attributes.body
Over the past few months, I have learned and grew so much as a musician from this experience. The music itself allowed for me to explore a completely different type of music that I never really opened up to before. Especially when Mark Wood came to work with us, I felt like I could completely "let loose" and just have fun while playing. Especially in songs like Enter Sandman, I had such a blast getting to be able to play the viper and freely move around. This experience was an amazing opportunity for me, and it is one huge opportunity that I will never forget.

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience challenged me to learn different types of music and rhythms we normally don't learn. I think because of that, we challenged ourselves in a lot of different ways. Mark Wood taught us a lot of different ways to be a good performer which helps us a lot in the real world and how to get up in front of a lot of people and have confidence. I think the concert was a good break from playing other pieces that we are accustom to play. I think by learning new rhythms and notes helps me expand my range of music and genres I am exposed to. Also, I wish his son came back though because he is an amazing drummer and I think it would've been way better than having the background music on his computer.

# data[].attributes.body
I am glad I had a chance to experience Mark wood again. This experience showed me many techniques,but Hearing Mark Wood definitely made me realize something. The difference between excellent and perfect. When Mark Wood was playing, I heard every note played on time, and saw that he felt it. it was simply amazing...
Hearing him play has helped me become a better musician  because I am reminded that, in the quest to become a better musician, there is more out there, and I can look up to it.

# data[].attributes.body
As a musician I think it is important to play large and small scale shows. I think that this was a great opportunity to play one of those large scale shows. I think it also showed all of us what we can do with our own instrument and really helping with playing and listening to different kinds of music. I also think that I grew as a musician by letting loose while playing giving the show a lot more energy. I think it helped a lot of people come out of their shell more and have fun playing music.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience was a huge impact on me. It help me realize what it felt being a musician out in the world, and to how important it is representing Oshkosh North. Performing with Mark Wood gave me the motivation to play out loud and let my body flow with lots of energy. I really enjoyed playing with Mark Wood because there was so much on my plate this month, and it helped let out the stress of homework and working all day. It was a challenge managing all those practice sessions, but Mark Wood said, "You don't practice, you just play it". Taking his advice, I just played the music during rehearsal without practicing, and played really well at the parts I struggled the most. This advice helped me become a better musician leading me to play more music later in the years. Therefore, the experience with Mark Wood impacted my life to play more music.

# data[].attributes.body
Learning and playing along with the expert musician, it gives me the motivation to play my heart out. This experience helped me learn in multiple ways. The challenge in each pieces tough me to overcome and face them while having fun at the same time. Moving and playing helps me relief stress including the shakiness on stage. It was an amazing experience with everyone who performed that night and a life changing.

"You don't practice, you play it" -Mark Wood

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience has taught me a lot not only from Mark himself, but also from my peers. Collaborating with the choir kids was possibly my favorite part of this experience because being a more shy orchestra kid its interesting to be thrown into a group with such confident and fun-loving people. I found their energy contagious and it made the concert so much more fun than if it were just the orchestra. (And Akiwele and I got to hang out with Nathan who is our new fashion icon). vvv

# data[].attributes.body
It was amazing. The giant stage filled with many people joined together to play music together. The excitement caused my legs to shake a little. I assumed that the concert was going to be a nice good concert that would just be there. But as each song passed, I was coming back to myself and realizing that I was really here and much more wild than I expected. It was like a storm that comes overhead, appearing within thin air.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Electrify Your Strings & Choirs With Mark Wood, Laura Kaye & Nathan Blake

# data[].attributes.body
My experience with Mark Wood was amazing. Working with a talented person, really inspires me to do better in my music life. This experience reminds me of three years ago, when I first met Mark Wood. He called me out the first time when I didn't smile and now three years later he called me out again! He taught me, it's okay to be out of your box and your comfort zone because in the end it'll be an amazing outcome. I hope we'll do something like this again in the near future.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience made me realize the possibilities and opportunities in orchestra. I never would have thought of playing on electric instruments and playing a rock concert with my viola. I've always thought orchestra was for classical music only. This concert was so fun because I was able to play songs that I enjoyed and recognized instead of some old Bach songs. It helped me grow by expanding my horizons and thoughts about what orchestra can be as well as taught me how to let loose and have fun while playing. I never thought about dancing while playing, however it helped me play better and was much more fun. It also was such a fun experience to play on a huge stage with lights and play with the choir and with a bunch of my friends.

# data[].attributes.body
Over the past few months working on our Mark Wood selection I grew as a musician in multiple ways. The music opened up new techniques and abilities to incorporate in my day to day performance. In the pieces there were multiple passages of shifting and complicated rhythms along with bowing techniques that challenged me. I found that in the piece Planet Jackson, during the song ¨I want you back", it was very quick changes between strings and was challenging at first but after really practicing and focusing on it, I got it down. I taught myself new practice techniques and habits such as repeating over and over and starting slow and getting to tempo over time which overall helped me grow. Also during our workshop days Mark Wood challenged us to move with the music and really feel the beat. Mark Wood also really helped us to learn how to really internalize our music and play from our heart instead of just simply staring at sheet music. I found myself swaying side to side with the beet and playing more from memory and my heart than just from the music in front of me. Mark Wood overall taught me that being a musician is more than just playing the music that is put in front of you. It is passion, commitment and purpose.

# data[].attributes.body
I think as a musician, This experience helped me grow vastly in to music, not only helping progress into music and its many forms, but encouraging me and others to play differently.  This experience was not only phenomenal, but helped lead me into a new direction of music I will hold with me

# data[].attributes.body
The Mark Wood experience has taught me to have fun playing and to let loose when playing. Mark wood has also taught me to challenge myself as a musician and to never give up when there is a tough part within a song. I found that there are more techniques when playing my violin. This experience has taught me that even though I make mistakes when playing I should not give up. Mark Wood has taught me that as a musician I should just play and helped me improve my ability to improvise. I am thankful for the opportunity Mark Wood has given the symphony and would be grateful for more programs such as this.