Ten students will play piano in unison during the 19th annual Piano Bash at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The bash will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Room 138 of Castleman Hall, located at 10th and Main streets in Rolla. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to enter Castleman Hall by way of the 11th Street door facing the Chancellor’s Residence the night of the performance.

“The Piano Bash is the students’ favorite performance and they look forward to it every spring,” says Lorie Francis, director of the performance and a lecturer in arts, languages and philosophy at Missouri S&T. “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 bash will include renditions of “The Imperial March” and “Star Wars Theme Song” from the Star Wars movies. Students will also perform “Mountain Wildflowers” by Dolly Parton, “Summer Samba” by Bebel Gilberto and “Sea Voyage” by Mary Leaf. “Hometown Hoedown” by Melody Bober and “Too Cool” by Meaghan Martin 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.