Special thanks to Dr. Simrill for this press release:
Christ School will welcome acclaimed musician Tall Tall Trees, the stage name of composer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Savino, to campus on February 25 for a day of performance, collaboration, and instruction exploring the global and Appalachian roots of the banjo.
Savino is internationally known for pioneering the “Banjotron,” a custom-built electric banjo that incorporates synthesizers, drum machines, and live looping to expand the instrument’s sonic range. Blending Appalachian traditions with world music, experimental sound, and contemporary songwriting, Tall Tall Trees transforms the banjo into a dynamic, percussive, and melodic instrument that bridges past and present.
During his visit, Savino will headline an all-school performance (in Pingree Auditorium and during the usual time for Eucharist Chapel), collaborate with Christ School string players, lead a recording masterclass, and present a lecture on the banjo’s role in world and Appalachian music.
The visit is sponsored by the Cooper Living Arts Series and reflects Christ School’s ongoing commitment to immersive arts education — bringing working artists to campus to engage students in creative process, cultural history, and performance at the highest professional level.
Christ School extends its sincere gratitude to the Cooper family — Edwin ’81, P’19, P’23, and Andrea P’19, P’23 — whose generosity continues to make these transformative experiences possible for students.