Barrage 8, a special kind of multi-genre band, to perform at Idaho State University

“One of the group’s fiddle instructors, Carolyn Hatch, grew up in Pocatello,” said Tony Moore executive producer for Barrage 8. “Hatch was one of the main teachers for Barrage and they are looking forward to playing in her hometown.”

The group will perform in the Stephens Performing Arts Center Jensen Grand Concert Hall as part of ISU’s “A Season of Note” series.

“It’s a wonderful show. It’s a lot of fun and it really is something for all ages,” Moore said. “It’s got a lot of virtuosity the playing is very, very high level. We play in a way you never thought possible.”

Barrage 8 features all instruments of the modern string family to bring music to life from classical eras to modern hip-hop songs. The group changes band members every one to two years in order to give college students a chance to experience touring around the country as part of the emerging artists program.

“Our goal is to allow artists to hone their performance skills. They don’t have a lot of time for other things when they are on the road,” Moore said. “People tend to just focus on physical hobbies such as working out, yoga or something that keeps their body in good physical condition because of the rigors of the actual physical touring.”

The group plays Latin music, jazz, classic rock and pop. They are not afraid to take on new genres of music. Modern upbeat songs that everyone knows are the band’s favorite songs to perform live. Moore said, it allows them to express positive energy for both themselves and the audience.

“The players like the more modern music, but we pride ourselves in having a wide variety of music,” Moore said. “Initially you’ll hear everything from Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’ to Gabriel Fauré’s ‘Pavane.’ If you don’t like what you’re listening to just wait two minutes and you’ll get something totally different. ”

Barrage 8 has performed in more than 27 countries.

“Those connections you make with people through music are the things that you remember, it really is an internal language,” Moore said. “That sounds cliché, but it is true. When we play some music that is familiar to our Chinese audience it really breaks down the barriers for communication. We get a lot smiles and we get a lot of feedback, not necessarily verbal communication, but good feeling all around.”

Barrage 8 especially loves Instagram and updating it frequently. The best way to get a backstage pass is to check out their Instagram page, which features contests.

The band goes through over 10 re-haired bows a week. These bows are made from Mongolian horse hair.

Barrage 8 trains for six months before getting on the road.

“I want a raucous crowd no matter how many people are there,” Moore said. “I want them to make sure they’re loud and that they aren’t shy and that they give a lot of energy and hoots and hollers. They will get it back twice as much if they can keep up that energy from the beginning.”

Tickets are $28 for general seating and $24 for upper level seating. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 282-3595 or online at www.isu.edu/tickets. The Stephens Center Box Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. They can also be purchased at Vickers Western Stores in Pocatello or Idaho Falls or at the Pond Student Union Information Desk.