Local high school string quartet to join pros on Kalamazoo stage

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - March 18, 2019 - EntSun -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the State Theatre on April 14, the Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School String Quartet will join the professional musicians on stage to lend some local talent to this homage to the British Invasion.

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

Here's the rundown:

The show:  The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off in Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the nation's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They engage in a "showdown" of the hits with Stones tribute band Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. It has toured for years, with a critic for the Los Angeles Times at one point declaring: "this is the most unique tribute show in decades." The Kalamazoo show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Loy Norrix High School senior Hannah Terrian and freshmen Chanel Wilson, Cassidy Conley and Anthony Porco will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Yesterday,""Hey Jude," "As Tears Go By," and "Ruby Tuesday."

In addition to performing with the Loy Norrix High Orchestra, quartet members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. Members consistently receive superior ratings at both state and regional solo and ensemble festivals.

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How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached LNHS Orchestra Director Sandra Shaw looking for a talented ensemble that could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly hires a local quartet to augment the production while on tour and makes donations to the school music programs in exchange for student participation.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans:
Chanel Wilson, Hannah Terrian and Anthony Porco are the quartets' Beatles fans.

"My parents are always playing Beatles music. My favorite songs are 'Yesterday' and 'Eleanor Rigby,'" said Chanel.

"I am really excited to play 'Yesterday' in the Beatles vs. Stones show," said Hannah.

"My dad introduced me to the Beatles. I'm familiar with a lot of their songs, but 'Yesterday' has to be my favorite," Anthony said.

The details: Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road, will engage in a barrage of hits against premier Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs on Sunday, April 14 at the State Theatre at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $35-$55 and may be purchased by phone at1-800-745-3000, at the Kalamazoo State Theatre Box Office or online at TicketMaster.com The Kalamazoo State Theatre is located at 404 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the Loy Norrix High School String Quartet:

Chanel Wilson, 15, has been playing violin for five years. She has competed in multiple solo and ensemble festivals, receiving One ratings for each performance.

"Orchestra is so much fun because I love learning how the music was composed and how the different melodies and harmonies come together."

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Chanel competes with the LNHS track team and is a member of the Academically Talented Youth Program. She volunteers with Kalamazoo's Parks and Recreation Department, helping to renovate Martin Luther King Park in downtown Kalamazoo.

The freshman aspires to attend Stanford University after graduation.

Cassidy Conley, 14, has been playing violin for six years. She was previously a member of the Kalamazoo Junior Orchestra's Symphonic Strings program. Cassidy has competed in three solo and ensemble festivals, receiving superior ratings on solo, duet and quartet performances.

"Playing violin gives me an outlet that I wouldn't otherwise have. I love the bond that's created between orchestra members."

Cassidy is a member of the school's varsity softball team.

The freshman plans to attend college and continue playing music and sports after high school graduation.

Hannah Terrian, 17, has been playing viola for eight years. She has competed in solo and ensemble festivals, receiving superior ratings for each performance.

"I like that orchestra gives me the opportunity to express myself through the challenges of learning new music."

Hannah is a member of her school's bowling team. She also enjoys creating visual art.

The senior plans to attend Western Michigan and pursue a degree in Art.

Anthony Porco, 14, has been playing cello for five years. He has competed with solo and ensemble festivals, receiving superior ratings for every performance. He is a member of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony.

"Being in orchestra has given the opportunity to feel like I belong to a group and has given me a lot of friends, too."

Anthony is a member of Loy Norrix High's soccer and swim teams.

The freshman plans to attend college and is interested in studying Sports Medicine.

And here is some additional information about LNHS Orchestra Director Sandra Shaw: Sandra Shaw has taught band and orchestra for 31 years.  In 2018, she was named as Orchestra Teacher of the the year by the Michigan State Band & Orchestra Association. She performs saxophone in several jazz groups in the area.