Thanks so much for your in depth analysis and sharing these awesome students! We recently re-reorded this tune with Tommy 100% virtually back in the spring (link below). Thank you! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pKtzoth518iakYU.html

You can tell Tommy, the student musicians & the conductor are having such a good time! What an unforgettable experience for the kids. So cool that Tommy did this - would love to see other rock stars lend their talents to this kind of collab. Music education is so underfunded publicly & so important!

If we didn't have to keep social distance and all, I would hunt down whoever suggested this performance and hug them so much!! What a delight. Loved every bit of the analysis, too, made it even more enjoyable. Thanks!

The young man plays violin solo with passion. It's wonderful to hear him ❤️

When you can get that many young people flying on the magic of music...pure LOVE...thanks so much Fil.

The look of concentration on those young people's faces, and the look of sheer joy on _yours,_ young man! I'm having a *good* day!

Imagine how proud the parents of that magnificent young violin player were!!

Tommy is an absolute treasure. A true American classic. Go see Styx live if you can - they still bring it like the old days!

I find myself checking the corner of my eye for Fil's Smile-O-Meter when there's great music being played. Today, I could see the pearly whites when those young people in the orchestra were doing so well. A Tommy Shaw biography would be enjoyable.

Never thought I'd see the day that songs of my generation would be performed like this. It was so good to see the fun they were having and honestly I think it was better than the original. Kudos to Tommy Shaw and these marvelous young men and women. Have to say it brought a tear of pride to my eyes.

My son played in a youth orchestra. I loved listening to him play French Horn. Tommy does a great job with these kids. They will never forget it. So much talent.

I can't even develop a coherent sentence I'm so excited. My head did explode. Super, super, super!

Fil, I've watched this video many times, and I don't know why, I get a little choked up every time. I enjoy young people loving and performing the music of my youth. And Tommy is still absolutely phenomenal.

I love it when adults let kids cut loose. Such joy, you can actually feel it through the video. Thanks for bringing this performance to my attention. Peace and please stay well!

What a wonderful experience - listening and seeing their passionate playing. These youngsters seem so happy and energized and an absolute viewing joy.

Too Cool That Tommy did that for the kids...always give back and you will be Blessed , whom ever your God is!!!

That lead violinist will be first chair in a professional orchestra before long. So expressive, reminded me of Perlman...Magic in his playing..Great job by all!

I was at this show in Cleveland!! It was AMAZING!! 🤟 Love Tommy Shaw and STYX!! I have been to 68 STYX concerts..........and counting!

What a glorious performance! It made my heart soar and brought back so many memories of watching my son play in various school bands and ensembles as well as my teenage years when I sang in the school choir which was one of the best in Australia. A highlight for me was travelling to Sydney to perform and compete in the Opera House in 1976! 💜🙏🌺

I watched this concert or parts of it, recently, over and over. It's such a wonderful & joyful celebration of talented youth musicians and very talented adult musicians like Tommy Shawn and his partner on stage with him. And as someone who's sung in choirs almost all my life (school & church) that they had a choir singing too just put my happy bells over the top! Such a positive vibe! ❤

That kid on the violin is pure magic! 😁

Shaw’s voice is one of those rare cases where it’s gotten better over the years.

That was fantastic! Those are some talented kids. And Tommy is amazing! I've seen him several times in concert & also met him a few times. He is super talented & I feel under-rated. Great analysis!🤘🎸

I'm fascinated by the many ways a single piece of music or a song can be performed. The notes and words may be the same, yet the emotions and meanings can change significantly. Part of the magic of music.

Demonstrations/Explanations! 8:47 Time Signatures 15:43 Guitar!

This is right up your alley ... You could really smoke this song with everything in your Arsenal...even stage / frontman action

Ahh Tommy Shaw... such a unique and beautiful voice. A great song from Styx. ❤️❤️

Brilliant! Loved EVERYTHING about this! What more can l say? Amazing! Was always a big Styx fan and Tommy Shaw is fantastic! This with the children took it to another level. Kids experiencing the pure joy of music! INCREDIBLE! Thanks Fil! I LOVED this! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

Mercy me! what a complete joy to watch and hear. How wonderful to hear that sound coming not from a formal orchestra but highly talented young musician whose energy and enthusiasm is so contagious. To have a "rocker" bringing it to fruition is beautiful. Thank you Tommy Shaw and Fil.

Tommy Shaw is incredible. I loved Jack Blades and Tommy in Damn Yankees together. Amazing voices, great harmony

I always liked the Styx songs Tommy Shaw sang the best..renegade, blue collar man especially🤟👍🤘🤟

Sir Fil !!!!!! This is an amazing rendition of this song !!!!!! I saw this a while back, and I'm thrilled you're reviewing it.....such joy on everyone's face !!!! The conductor is so fun to watch.....this whole concert is astounding!!! Sir Fil.......do you realize the joy YOU bring to us as well ??????? I hope so, because it's true !!!!

Love love love this! Teaching theory in a way that doesn't suck the joy out of playing is tricky. Every orchestra and chorus member up there has spent a lot of tedious time on technique and theory, but it's that hard work that gives them the ability to have such a blast performing at this level. There has to be fun at every learning level.

Once of a lifetime event for those kids. Tommy Shaw is fantastic!!

Oh damn, this seriously made me want to cry from the onset. So beautiful and inspiring to see young people connecting with such an iconic post rock song. AND so wonderful to hear you sing, you are an awesome singer.

Wow! Awesomeness! Thanks, Fil for this one! Now my foot is tapping along with your counting.. lol

I've watched this entire concert on KZfaq and it is absolutely fantastic - when they get into the more rocking numbers the kids are totally involved and having the time of their lives; what a wonderful gift and I am sure that among the parents watching this concert live that night, there were few dry eyes amongst them...Tommy Shaw is simply incredible, one of the finest musicians of his generation around and to share that talent with so many young up-and-coming talents is a true measure of the man's talent and humanity - long may he, and they, rock....and thanks to Fil for picking this number and providing his insights...

This is an outstanding performance by Tommy Shaw and the Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra!! I smiled; I cried; I applauded…😊 Tommy, these young people will never forget their feeling of accomplishment and joy doing this. Thank you all for this!! …”let’s see what you’ve got; take your best shot…” And, boy, did they!!!👏👏 👏

My thesaurus is broken. A Great song, a Great orchestra, a Great choir, a Great guitarist and singer, a Great conversation between the violin and the cello(?). And a Great analysis. This was one of the most enjoyable songs I've ever seen. I couldn't stop smiling at their enthusiasm.

I got tears in my eyes... Thanks, Fil!!!❤

Great to see these young people enjoying the fruits of their labor! Big smiles :D

Tommy Shaw really is the total package.

From the same album with the CYO, the way Tommy approaches "Blue Collar Man ", slowed down, gave the song a whole new meaning. Listen to that once, as well.

YAY!! MR. STYX, TOMMY SHAW! WHAT A PERFORMANCE, AND WHAT A PERFORMANCE FROM YOU TOO, FILIP! I just loved this video! Thank You! The kids are amazing in they're own rights! BRAVO! BRAVO!

17:40 - You're just showing off now, and I LOVE it. I love watching talented musicians excel at their art.

What a treat to hear these talented youngsters. And a treat overall to hear a full orchestra with a guitar/vocalist. And as usual Fil, a very informative analysis.

I'm so happy to see Fil review this video I'm almost crying. I watch this several times a week myself. And then to learn more about the music itself is just AWESOME I played cello as a youngster and then moved to a school without an orchestra. How I wish I could have been in that string section. What an experience that would have been...

First time I saw this concert it brought tears of joy to my face. Thanks for the analysis!

This is SO cool! Super Fantastic young people! LOVE it. Well done Mr Shaw.

Such a wonderful experience for these kids and audience listening. I would have been sitting like a mature adult but my heart and my soul would have been would have been in musical heaven. Love when music does that to me! Kids love music but it's a learn and time for fun thing. My grandkids go right to my musical instruments when visiting. Most of my instruments were given to me by people who lost interest in them.Key board, violin, six string acoustic guitar, bass guitar,bango , ukelele and one of those roll up drum kits ( I don't have room for a real kit) hidden under the bed in the guest room that moms and dads won't allow me to take out. My 10 year old grandson is taking violin lessons (temporary postponed) because of playing my violin. We did a duet of Twinkle twinkle little Star. Mostley I'm teaching them how to respect the handling of the instruments,right now. Rich or poor if a kid really wants to learn music they'll find a way to do. They may need a break now and then but they'll come back and keep trying. And sometimes they need encouragement. Such a good analysis. Thank you!

I absolutely love the fact that you did this! One of my favorites from Tommy Shaw! These kids are amazing musicians.

Thanks Fil. Nothing hits me in the feels like kids making music well. Thanks to Tommy Shaw for participating in this great performance.

Every time I watch this video I get teary eyed. I can't picture If I were a parent who was a STYX fan and my child participated in this. I would be overwhelmed.

Fil. that was an awesome video... never told you how much you sound like Tommy in your original videos good job...😊

Funny you went with these two in a row. In ‘81 I saw Brian Adams open for The Kinks (front row!) in Syracuse, NY. Two years later I saw Tommy Shaw open for The Kinks (third row!) in the same venue.

Wow...that is hands down the best version of this song I've ever heard. What a magical treat to hear a full orchestra play the keyboard...congrats to all the kids here...bang up job...everyone involved here hit a home run with this...circle the bases! Oh ya Tommy still got it too!

Right on, Fil! Great to see Tommy and all that great young talent having such a good musical experience together.

Wow! What an amazing find! Tommy Shaw has definitely still got it! Great analysis as always Fil!

I wonder how many of the kids had even heard the song before they began rehearsals. Great that Tommy takes the time to share the music.

Amazing performance! Makes my heart happy to see this.

Just wanted to say thank you sir for being the first person that I have come across to evaluate the Contemporary Youth Orchestra with Tommy Saw. They first played an entire concert with Styx in 2006 which was outstanding (Amazon Prime). Clearly, the people in the orchestra from 2006 are grown adults now, but Liza the conductor is still there and going strong. It's really fun to see the incorporation of the CYO with a group like Styx. In fact, it might have made Styx more relevant now than they have been over the last 15 years, but that's just my observation from a distance. I'm one of those that attended their concerts when Pieces of Eight, Crystal Ball (pre-Paradise Theater... although I was... yep, there too.) Thanks.

Not sure how I missed this analysis video, but yeah. This is right up my alley as well! Love the music, but more important to me is the fact that young people are playing it. Love, love, love this!

Fil, Tommy is a great choice for analysis, he is simply one of the best! The CYO is awesome, and I know how much you ere digging it, your smile gave you away!💫

Fil's beaming smile in his analysis videos is always a highlight. His passion shines through in every video. This was fantastic!

A great series of video's by them. Its great to see the young ones enjoying it so much

And wow, that young man on the violin 🎻 🎉🎉🎉

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!

Great analysis! Congrats to those kids! 👏 This was captivating, I sure enjoyed it. Fil you could have sat in Tommy Shaw's seat and done what he did, even better. Watching this video and along with you stirred up those feelings of how I wished I learned how to play the flute or piano or both growing up but I didn't have that option. It's never to late. I got a 62 no wait 61 Yamaha key board & started fooling around with it, I'm having fun. lol. "Your inspiring Fil" . also thinking out loud, hmmmm, breath taking. Have a great fun filled day! love ya😍😘❤💕

Thanks, Fil. Side note: My friend did the recording engineering for Shaw and the CYO on this video!! Dave has been working with CSU, the Cleveland Orchestra and various classical things around Cleveland for years. He's also a great drummer!!! Keep it up, Fil. Love ya brother.

I remember this from High School dayz. I actually wrote Tommy Shaw a fan letter thanking him for this song. It was the only time I've ever done that; but at seventeen, this song had a lot to say to me. I always liked the Tommy Shaw songs on the albums best.

Tommy Shaw is an extremely underrated musician. I’ve seen him with Styx many many times over the years.

This is great. The best way I can imagine to start my day!!

We’ll done . You have an amazing voice as well . Thank you

Have lived in northeast Ohio most of my life (42 of my 47 years) and never knew about the Cleveland Youth Contemporary Orchestra. This is awesome. It's always a treat to see classic songs done in a new way.

Fil, that was great both the musicians and your reaction. For the first time in my life I might have learned a little about time signatures and I am 70. Thanks so much!

How can simply just not ADORE this …… this is REAL music -beautifully composed - arranged - performed & such a deep soul ❤❤❤THANK YOU so much for sharing this !! Bravo

Thanks for acknowledging Tommy Shaw... not just his vocals and writing (timing as you mentioned). But he’s an excellent guitar player as well! Imo, he’s very underrated and or overlooked as an individual. GREAT VIDEO!! First time here. Thanks!

Absolutely fantastic!!!

Anyone else wondering how many music arranger hours went into this production? (;-) So many instruments, parts.

Tommy’s voice has held up remarkably well, still hitting the high notes with power and also showing delicacy and dexterity. It’s also incredible to think that Tommy is old enough to be a grandparent to these youngsters. Significant not only in Tommy’s ageless vocals but also the multi generational gap in musical terms. The sort of music that Styx used to create would be totally out of the realm of experience for them unless they attended one of their recent concerts. But sharing this moment in an orchestral milieu they are familiar with should give them a greater appreciation for the power and depth of music from a past era.

Thank you for covering such a special musician!! For those who do not know, Tommy is just a great guy born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. He played in a local band called " Harmony" before getting his big break with Styx. The way I hear it is, he auditioned with Styx and they wanted to make sure that he could hit the high notes on " Lady". I think he surprised ALL of them!! We , around this area, are so proud of his success. Congrats to you sir on a great video!!! Well done!! Love from Alabama. Take Care

So wonderful!!! This is what it's all about!❤❤❤

I can not help but smile throughout this performance🎼

Yeahhhh....just what the doctor ordered! How cool is this! What a massive amount of talent on stage there Fil! Great to see children out there playing and enjoying themselves along with the incredible Tommy Shaw! Music....a beautiful part of life! Awesome Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘

Great sound all those instruments and voices working together.

I've so enjoyed Tommy's collaboration w/the Cleveland Youth Symphony. Makes me smile to see those talented kids with such brilliant futures and mentored by Tommy's presence. Coming from a background of Music Composition and Theory(necessary evil...LOL); hearing all of Tommy's repertoire, it is amazing that he doesn't read music (stated that fact on an interview at Daryls House.) You nailed it about such intricate timing. That is what I find fascinating. Near perfect pitch as well. It's baffing to me as a 'to the grind,' strictly classically trained and can't compose music vs someone like Tommy who is polar opposite. Brilliant analysis. TY

Tommy Shaw is an underrated and under appreciated vocalist!!

Have to say this was emotional. When I was very young I took guitar lessons. The first thing my teacher did was make it like school with learning to read music and scales. If he just taught me a song first it would have made all the difference.

This was my absolute favorite song forom the album. Loved them all, but this is a hidden gem.

Tommy is so much one of the under appreciated (everything) in music. Dam, he has a number 1 bluegrass album.

Great analysis, I'd love to see Fil and Tommy Shaw hook up for a record or even just a KZfaq duet...love it!!!

Wow and Wow - Such "young" talented beautiful kids. What an inspiration, joy and hope the music industry has.....

Just when I thought you couldn't top yourself Fil, you do this analysis of one of the most "goosebump" raising performances I have ever seen and an analysis that was SO filled with technical knowledge that was damned interesting as far as time signatures, Tommy's vocal range and the sheer complexity of the performance. Your own students are VERY lucky to have someone who can explain music theory in a way that is interesting and not mindboggling, which ran me away from theory and kept me in garage bands. (That little Asian first violin is headed for a bright career, ya think?) Great one Fil...

Wonderful. So much positive energy and enjoyment. Such fantastic talent on young shoulders. Great vid Fil.

Great video, Fil. Thank you for doing more instructional work with the guitars lately. I know I appreciate it as a player.

Woah Fil. I thought I was the only one who’s seen Tommy Shaw with this orchestra. My favorite from this set is his solo song “Girls With Guns”

I love this orchestral rendition of this song, way better than the original. Lol. What a wonderful idea of Tommy’s. ❤❤ these kids are so talented.

This was magnificent!

I love 6/8 man...I love the way it rotates on itself...To me it’s like a wave that turns on itself.

Man this is so uplifting. So special.