The 16th annual Piano Bash at Missouri University of Science and Technology will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, in Room 138 Castleman Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

“The Piano Bash is the students’ favorite performance,” says Lorie Francis, a lecturer in the arts, languages and philosophy department at Missouri S&T and piano instructor. “Playing ensemble music means that you are not alone on your part and everyone, from beginners to advanced players, gets a chance to perform without the pressure of playing solo.”

Conceived by Francis as the piano students’ final exam, the Bash has also become a favorite event for students and audience alike. Selected pieces contain from two to six different parts, with several students playing the same part, similar to a band or choir. The students are expected to learn their music, rehearse with their small group and attend two full rehearsals. Many have never been in an ensemble with a conductor, so they must learn the various conducting patterns and the “how to” of following the conductor.

This year’s concert will include Stars and Stripes Forever, arranged by Mack Wilberg for the American Piano Quartet; three of the Waltzes, Op. 39, by Johannes Brahms; Sonatina I, by Johann Baptist Vanhal; May Dance and Bijou Rag, by Robert Vandall; and three pieces by Dennis Alexander. The concert will conclude with all playing America the Beautiful, arranged by Jonathan Aaber.

For more information, contact Francis at lorief@mst.edu or call the Missouri S&T performing arts office at 573-341-4185.