Julian Black, Jason Bugg II

Pershing MS eighth-graders Julian Black and Jason Bugg II have been invited to play electronic music in front of Jones Hall at 7:15 p.m., as ticketholders arrive for Blue Man Group’s show at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

Mark Wurtzel, the Pershing’s music production director, said some of his students participated in an instrument innovation project sponsored by the Society for the Performing Arts. Two students, David Gavarrete and Wendi Armenta, placed in the competition and won tickets to see Blue Man Group. Wurtzel said the Society for the Performing Arts learned more about the school’s music program and invited some of his students to perform a 20-minute set outside Jones Hall.

“I chose Jason and Julian because of the excellent work they have been doing in my music production class,” Wurtzel said. “Recently they had an opportunity to perform in the same way at the House of Blues in Houston, and they rocked the house!”

Julian and Jason use computers, software (including Ableton Live) and electronic and acoustic instruments to create their music.

Both students have taken electronic music courses for the past three years.

“Neither of them had played any instruments when they began in my program, and now they have an incredible understanding of music and composition,” Wurtzel said.

Wurtzel said the electronic music program has been offered at Pershing for the past four years and he currently has 172 students.

“It continues to be one of the most popular classes amongst students,” he said.