Seventeen students will play six pianos in unison during the 18th annual Piano Bash at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The bash will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in Room 138 of Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla. The event is free and open to the public.

“The Piano Bash is the students’ favorite performance and they look forward to it every spring,” says Lorie Francis, a lecturer in arts, languages and philosophy at S&T and piano instructor. “Being in an ensemble means that no one is alone and it gives students, beginners to advanced players, a chance to perform without the pressure of playing solo.”

The performance, which serves as the students’ final exam, has become a favorite event for students and audiences. Selected pieces contain two to six different parts, with several students playing one part. Students learn their music, rehearse with their particular group and attend two full rehearsals. Since many students have never worked with a conductor, they must learn to follow the conducting patterns.

This year’s concert will include “Carnival” by Louis Streabbog, “Cindy” arranged by Robert D. Vandall, “Fanfare Royale” by C. Michael Ehrhardt, “A Colossal Day” by Carolyn Miller and “Kibbutz Capers” and “Phoenix” by David Karp. “Dreamtime,” “Paint it Blue” and “Friday Night” by Randall Hartsell will also be performed.

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