17 students will play six pianos in unison during the 17th annual Piano Bash at Missouri University of Science and Technology. S&T piano students will perform their final exam of the semester by hosting this event that is free and open to the public.

The bash will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Room 138 Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla. The concert will be conducted by Lorie Francis, a lecturer in the arts, languages and philosophy department at Missouri S&T and piano instructor.

The set list includes “Black Key Suite,” “Bouncin’ Boogie” and “Straw Hat Strut,” as well as popular television themes for “The Munsters,” “Star Trek” and “The Addams Family.”

The pieces contain from two to six different parts, with several students playing the same parts in harmony, similar to a band or choir. The students who will perform 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 skill of following the conductor.

“Performing in an ensemble is an important part of the students’ music education,” says Francis. “In this case, it means that you are not the only person playing your part.  Everyone, beginning pianists to advanced players, gets a chance to perform without the pressure of playing alone.”

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