The Epic Musical Adventure of "Cello Wars"

Long ago in a galaxy far, far away, The Piano Guys embarked on one of their most ambitious and creative musical projects: "Cello Wars." This Star Wars parody uniquely combines their love for music and the epic saga beloved by fans worldwide. The musical journey of light saber duels, familiar themes, and innovative arrangements created a masterpiece cherished by many.

Creation and Inspiration

The concept for "Cello Wars" originated through a light-hearted editing moment by Tel Stewart, who added light sabers to outtakes of Steven Sharp Nelson’s cello performance. What started as a joke became an inspiration for a full-fledged production. Fans’ demands for more propelled Al van der Beek and Steven Sharp Nelson to storyboard the song and video concept, which, combined with location scouting for another project, birthed the idea further.

Steven Sharp Nelson’s son Eli, a passionate Star Wars fan, fueled the project with his excitement for light sabers and the Star Wars universe. This enthusiasm was contagious, prompting the team to commit more than 1,000 hours to filming, editing, and producing one of their most engaging content pieces to date.

The Production Process

This six-month endeavor wasn’t short of challenges. From initially announcing "Cello Wars" on September 19, 2011, the team found themselves engulfed in an epic production that took considerably longer than anticipated. With over 7,000 frames and 70 days of intensive effort, the making of the video encompassed 72 audio tracks, 24-hour film sessions, and unprecedented use of props and costumes.

Tel Stewart played a crucial role, working meticulously behind the scenes. His dedication to editing each frame to make the light sabers appear realistic was a mammoth task. This attention to detail, along with his contribution to effects, awarded him the first induction into the Piano Guys Hall of Fame.

A Musical Tribute

The video features arrangements of original music composed by the iconic John Williams, adapted by The Piano Guys team. Pieces from the Star Wars saga such as "The Imperial March," "Duel of the Fates," "May the Force Be With You," and "Cantina Band" skillfully converge to crescendo during the finale. Here, The Piano Guys exhibit their mastery, interweaving these themes into a harmonious ensemble.

The music, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios, was brought to life by Steven Sharp Nelson's electrifying cello performances, supported by vocals and percussion techniques. The participation of Paul Anderson as Chewbacca and Al van der Beek as Darth Vader added a fun, theatrical layer to the performance that delighted audiences.

Teamwork and Acknowledgments

The production team spared no effort in achieving the epic scale of the project. Costume designer Alison Morris crafted incredible outfits, ensuring an authentic visual experience. The dedication of the technical team, including Ben Braten for visual effects advice and Will Stucki's instrument contributions, was invaluable.

The technology and knowledge provided by Video Copilot played a vital role. Their tutorials and tools enabled Tel Stewart and the team to achieve professional-level effects and visuals. Sponsorship and use of professional equipment from CEC-TV and CMI at Dixie State College were crucial to bringing this vision to life.

A Landmark of Creativity

"Cello Wars" not only stands as a tribute to Star Wars but also as a milestone of creativity in the realm of parody music videos. The project showcases how passion, humor, and respect for a legendary film saga can come together to create something inspiring and entertaining.

The video's success remains evident through its popularity on The Piano Guys’ official YouTube channel, where fans continue to engage with this blend of musical skill and compelling storytelling. This innovative twist on classic themes clearly showcases each member’s talent and dedication.

Conclusion

The journey of creating "Cello Wars" illustrates The Piano Guys’ passion for storytelling through music. This harmonious blend of innovation, homage, and creativity captures the spirit of Star Wars and transforms it into an unforgettable musical experience. The dream brought to life in a galaxy not so far away will continue to inspire generations of fans, both of The Piano Guys and of Star Wars itself.