In 2006 the Boardman Orchestra Program decided to expand its offerings by creating a new type of ensemble. Modeled after the Trans-Syberian Orchestra, the staff and students began working on Boardman’s very own Rock Orchestra which the students named “Project Mayhem”.
      This year will mark the 7th year of Mayhem’s existence. Unlike any other high school orchestra performance local area residents are accustomed to, the Project Mayhem concert includes smoke machines, a laser show, and all the high-energy movement of a rock concert, complete with musicians moving about on stage. “It’s a different style for our orchestra that the whole community should come to see.”
      Project Mayhem will be performing many classical rock favorites from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today. “We tie four decades of music into one night and it’s totally going to rock”, asserted Alyssa Vivacqua electric violinist. This year’s set list includes such well know tunes as Come Sail Away, by Styx, Livin on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi, and Moves Like Jagger, by Maroon 5. They will also be bringing back some crowd favorites from previous years, such as Carry On My Wayward Son, by Kansas and many more. In addition to our usual instrumental selections, we will be featuring many vocalists this year. Liam Jones is singing Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight, and James Harker will be singing Home by Phillip Phillips and Uprising by Muse. Let’s just say if you like the songs on guitar hero or rock band, Project Mayhem will not disappoint.
      Musically, the Mayhem’s performance is always entertaining, but why it transcends your typical concert is the energy from the stage. The performers don’t just play their instruments; they are up dancing and having a good time. Lightwave International from Pittsburgh will be coming again to do a laser show throughout the concert. Lightwave is the company that does major shows for groups like Pink Floyd and Korn, we are excited to add this element to our concert again.
      This year’s concert will be Fri., Mar. 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Boardman Performing Arts Center. Tickets are still only $5, available the night of the show. Seating is general admission with ticket sales starting at 6:00 p.m. and doors opening at 6:30. This is a great show for the whole family. As Gina Hammerton, fourth grade teacher from stadium drive, stated, “It is such a riveting performance it left my kids at the edge of their seat entire time.”