About the Lakewood Project

The Lakewood Project was formed in 2002 as a response to my students desire to play "their music" on the instruments they love. Called the world's first high school rock orchestra, "The Lakewood Project" is comprised of two electric string quartets, a ten piece acoustic string orchestra, and a full rock band rhythm section. The members of this unique ensemble compose, arrange and improvise in all genres. As a self-conducted ensemble, this "rock show" has performed at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Cleveland House of Blues, American String Teachers Association National Conventions, Ingenuity Festival, Lyon and Healy Pop and Rock Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as other major venues around the country. This alternative ensemble has caught the attention of major researchers in music education in the United States and abroad. "The Lakewood Project" is a cutting edge musical education environment that has empowered and motivated 80 percent of its alumni who continue to play and teach, making a living in music after graduation. Students who have participated in this program think outside of the box, are highly creative, and know how to adapt and thrive in a competitive work place.

Mission Statement

The mission of "The Lakewood Project" is to expand the musical horizons of the students, to foster a professional attitude toward performance and relationships with other members of the ensemble, and to unsparingly share what they have learned with other school communities.

Philosophy

"The Lakewood Project "is an extracurricular musical group consisting of students from Lakewood High School in grades 9-12. "The Lakewood Project" is a rock orchestra which will rehearse and perform rock music and classical music with a special twist. Students will learn to improvise, compose, and play as an independent ensemble. Every member of "The Lakewood Project" will be a critical part of this ensemble's success. Members are to take their membership seriously and to give 100% at all times. Members will be expected to attend all rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts. Members are also expected to keep up with all class work and homework in their courses at Lakewood High School. The directors will provide assistance to members to help them be successful both musically and academically. Committed, focused, and ongoing efforts on the part of each member will assure this success.

Guest Performers with "The Lakewood Project"

Special Events

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-Sold Out
House of Blues- Sold Out
Ingenuity Festival-Main Stage
City of Lakewood 4th of July Celebrations- audiences of 10,000 to 20,000
Broadway Series Launch Party- Palace Theatre Playhouse Square with cast member of "Beautiful"
Teaching Trips to Dallas, TX, Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH , Muskingum College, Oberlin Conservatory, Salt Lake City, UT (part of Lyon and Healy Harp Festival)

The Lakewood Project recommends:

Electric String Instrument Vendor: Electric Violin Shop
Electric String Bows: Jon/Paul Bows
Electric String instruments are exclusively NS Design