Composer and pianist brings on-stage antics to USU
With six albums, six volumes of original piano scores and a Pearl Award in his repertoire, Jon Schmidt has become accustomed to the crowds of thousands of people waiting for his hands to tickle the ivories. This is the scene Student Alumni Association public relations coordinator Lori Bonham hopes will await his performance Friday, April 22 in the Kent Concert Hall.
“Getting him is a real treat. We are very excited he would perform here,” Bonham said. The SAA has been excited for this event since early fall semester. The concert, in addition to the rest of A-Week’s activities, has been a part of weekly planning since the leaves were falling. Yet excitement now combines with anticipation as the SAA plans to fill 2,000 seats with an eager audience.
“It will be great to see everyone come and contribute to the cause” Bonham said.
The concert’s proceeds will go to the Red Cross. SAA hopes to bring the community together for a hearty donation and an entertaining performance, Bonham said.
Entertainment shouldn’t be a problem A-day chair Kyle Kimball said. Kimball recounted a performance he attended where Schmidt played the piano upside-down. He looks forward to seeing this achievement again.
Kimball said that Schmidt challenges his expertise past his talented fingers by employing his forearms and even his feet in his musical performances. He has been known to perform for his audience by doing back-flips off of the piano bench and and other entertaining antics. The combination of his humorous personality and his love for music causes Schmidt’s fans to consider him as not only a great pianist, but a great entertainer, Kimball said.
According to his Web site, www.jonschmidt.com, when not doing back flips or sitting on the piano, Schmidt leaves some time for knuckle work with the classics, playing original compositions inspired by several outside influences including Beethoven, Chopin, Billy Joel and Jerry Lee Lewis. According to the site, Schmidt owes his inspiration for song writing to the work of Manheim Steamroller, which “gave him permission” to mix the classics with his own style of music.
Schmidt said that his talent did not develop over night. He said he owes his success to 12 years of classical technique trained with the works of Mozart and other musical literature. Developing his interest at a young age, Schmidt began composing music at age 11 and was teaching lessons by 16. From there, his music led a recording career beginning at age 25 with three albums released over the next four years.
Since his musical career began, Schmidt has been introducing audiences to his enthusiasm for the piano and inspired many to toy with the keys themselves. His original compositions can be heard on his Web site, www.jonschmidt.com.
The concert will take place in the Kent Concert Hall. Tickets are available at the TSC ticket office and cost $3 for SAA members, $5 for students and $8 for all other spectators.
For more information about the concert, contact Bonham at (435) 512-1762.
-cynthiadiane@cc.usu.edu