Picture it: a bad back, Southern Utah, a marketing idea and a mix of eclectic talent.  While this is probably not the vision Mozart had for his music, it was the perfect storm to create The Piano Guys, The four middle-aged members of the band came together as a piano store owner was recuperating from a back injury and watching a lot of YouTube videos, brainstorming for ideas to increase sales for his pianos.  By chance, a solo pianist on tour walked into the store and started practicing.  The owner asked him to be in some videos for YouTube and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

That pianist, Jon Schmidt, took his talent for combining multiple musical genres and incited the help of Steven Nelson, a gifted cellist and songwriter.  Their music has now been viewed over one billion times on YouTube, often showcasing incredible locations such as The Great Wall of China.

 

While The Piano Guys are now touring internationally, two Bridgeport women are featuring their music in “An Evening of Music,” at the Bridgeport United Methodist Church on August 19 at 7:00p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

 

Former Bridgeport High School student, Ashley Driscoll, is now a senior at WVU majoring in Music Education and Cello Performance.  Her dedication to her art has allowed her to perform as a guest for WVU President Gordon Gee as well as serve as president of WVU’s American String Teachers Association.  For the past three years, she has served as director and instructor for the Allegro Strings Summer Orchestra Camp and regularly performs at the Bridgeport United Methodist Church.

 

Carla Engle is known nationally for promotion of the transformative power of music.  Known locally for her successful Kindermusik business, Carla served as one of only 12 educators on the Kindermusik International University, where she oversaw training for educators worldwide.  The organization has also honored her talent in their Maestro Program and have noted that her program is in the top 1% internationally.

 

In addition to her work with Kindermusik, Engle has had the opportunity to travel extensively, honing her skills.  She has been a pianist, an organist, and has directed both adult and children in vocal and instrumental instruction.  As a piano instructor of 40 years, Engle’s expertise is unquestionable.

 

Together, Engle and Driscoll will perform nine selections of The Piano Guys music. 

“Ashley and I have collaborated on many performances,” said Engle.  “We have played some of The Piano Guys’ sacred selection s during worship services and recitals and we are excited to perform simply for the joy of the music.”