A standing ovation followed the three-man instrumental performance of PROJECT in UD's Boll Theatre last Wednesday night, and it was well-earned.

PROJECT, a cello-flute-bass combination, thrilled their audience through their energy-filled and inventive combination of jazz, classical and even today's popular hip-hop sounds.

Flutist Greg Pattillo, cellist Eric Stephenson and bassist Peter Seymour, who all call Brooklyn, NY, home, met not far from Dayton at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Pattillo, who is infamous on YouTube for his beat box flute videos, began his career in the subways of NYC. He is currently a member of Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and co-founder of several organizations for music artists.

The group played various compositions including original pieces based on personal experiences and creative twists to well-known classics. Boll Theatre was not only in the Christmas spirit but also animated after PROJECT's incredible modern arrangement of selections of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." Each PROJECT original was a story of a real-life occurrence of one or all of the members told through quirky variations in the music. "Sweet Pea," "Sequoia" and "T" were just some of these.

Anyone from small children to elderly people could be found in the audience, because although the group deems themselves mainly classical, their innovative forms of this type of music inspire young audiences to think outside of the box.

Aside from college students, PROJECT appeals to even younger generations. Their "PROJECTized" interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter And The Wolf" held the attention of all eyes in the audience, young and old.

Stephenson has played with multiple orchestras, including the Canton Symphony Orchestra and is a fellow of the Aspen Music Festival. Seymour earned Downbeat Magazine's award for Best Jazz Soloist in 1996, and has worked with countless accomplished musicians. Seymour has performed with numerous orchestras as well.

For more information on albums, upcoming shows or general facts about the group visit www.whatisproject.org.