Some Northwest musicians are gathering to pay a unique tribute to indie rock band Arcade Fire tonight at the Fremont Abbey (4272 Fremont Ave N). The Seattle Rock Orchestra will play the band’s critically acclaimed first album, “Funeral”, in its entirety, along with a backup band, a 60-piece full orchestra and several of the area’s top vocalists including Matt Bishop of Hey, Marseilles and Ian Bell of Black Swedes.
The Seattle Rock Orchestra is the brainchild of bassist Scott Teske, who formed the group in 2008 out of frustration after his former group broke up. A classically-trained musician, orchestrator and teacher, Teske says, “I wanted to do something really fun and low-key.” From there he started gathering musicians who play shows based on availability. He keeps rehearsals minimal, sometimes only one or two just to get everyone in the same room. Then he personalizes the score according to his available players.
All of the musicians who perform with SRO do so voluntarily. Teske emphasizes, “In being volunteer, it keeps things fun.” That mantra seems to work. If you go to their website, you’ll see the long and growing list of classical and pop musicians who make up the orchestra. The first show they played last December with Black Swedes, they had 13 people. For tonight’s Arcade Fire tribute show, they have an orchestra of nearly 60, including a winds and brass section for the first time. He adds, “What began as an army of freelancers is starting to become a regular group.”
Unfortunately, tonight’s show is sold out but Teske is already working on a concept for the next show that will revolve around early David Bowie. If you think you have what it takes to be part of the band, or just want to know more, click here for additional info.