The talented cast of Barrage, 5 violin players, 1 drum kit player, 1 guitar player and 1 bass player, is made up of an international group of musicians that all contribute an impressive array of multi-instrumental talents. Barrage is a violin-based, world-beat ensemble, created in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1997. While the group is currently composed of five violinists, along with a high-energy rhythm section consisting of drum set, electric bass, and guitar, there have been as many as seven violin players and an additional percussionist. All members sing at various points in the group's performances. Barrage plays an eclectic mix of virtuosic material from a multitude of genres including, but not limited to, Celtic music, swing, bluegrass, Jazz, rock, and Latin American, as well as contemporary versions of traditional material from countries like China, Ukraine, and India. All music is composed or arranged by Barrage's Music Director, Dean Marshall. Barrage is notable for its use of movement and choreography during its shows. The cast trains with choreographer Brian Hansen in Calgary to develop its unique presentation style. Barrage primarily performs in theaters and performing arts centers, but also performs at festivals and for corporate events. Since 2006, Barrage has added an educational component to its touring, working in American schools with its "Energize Your Strings!" program. This program includes a day-time workshop and an evening concert, usually in the school's auditorium or sometimes held at the local performing arts center. Though the group originated from and is based in Calgary, past and current performers have come from many different countries around the world, including Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales, and the United States. The cast of Barrage currently consists of 5 violinists, 1 guitarist, 1 bassist, and 1 drummer. The musicians are: Kristina Bauch (Violin/Piano) Charles Bullough (Drums) Tim Harley (Bass Guitar) Annette Homann (Violin) Hidayat Honari (Guitar) Taylor Morris (Violin) Daniel Pentecost (Violin/Bagpipes/Whistles) Kiana Weber (Violin) The players are chosen during intensive audition calls that occur year round and around the world. New players must train for several months before they are able to step onto the stage as full members of the touring cast. The world famous contemporary string ensemble Barrage has developed an integrated program to educate, motivate and inspire your string students. Barrage has brought their unique and high energy performance to many local, regional, national and international music education conferences. These include the MENC Conferences, NYSSMA Winter Conference, Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Ohio Music Educators Conference, International Workshops and recently at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The educational program consists of: Unique arrangements of Barrage Music for your classes -- String Orchestra Arrangements, Small Ensemble and Solo pieces Workshops at your school with one of the Artistic Directors of Barrage School concerts for all students performed by the Barrage ensemble This was a terrific show - every tune was a delight. I just couldn't stop smiling. It reminded me of the first time I saw Barrage - incredibly engaging and enticing and totally unique. Most amazing to me is the appeal factor is so broad - great virtuosity and tremendous accessibility. Barrage -- A high-octane fiddle-fest that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance. Barrage has entertained millions of people around the globe . Fans in Europe, Asia and North America have enjoyed Barrage at International Festivals, Concert Performances, Special Events and TV appearances. Courtesy of Darko and Mararlene. Saturday, 18 December 2004. Poldav, Inc. Owner: Poldav, Inc.

• published: 25 Apr 2011
• views: 2891