Local high school string quartet to join the pros on DeKalb stage

DEKALB, Ill. - March 20, 2019 - EntSun -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday, April 6, the Sycamore High School String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening.

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 DeKalb show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Sycamore High seniors Julia Luo and Grace Frielink, junior Kelsey Mulligan and sophomore Erin Templin will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "Yesterday," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "As Tears Go By," and "Ruby Tuesday."

In addition to performing with the Sycamore High Orchestra, members also belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Community School of Arts Sinfonia at Northern Illinois University, the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra. Members have competed at local and regional solo and ensemble festivals where they have consistently received superior ratings.

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How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Sycamore High School Orchestra Director Ken Tonaki looking for a talented ensemble of high school students which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly reaches out to local high school orchestras, making donations to their school music programs in exchange for student participation.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans:
Julia Luo and Grace Frielink are the quartets' Beatles fans.

"Oh, I am a big Beatles fan. I think 'Norwegian Wood' is for sure my favorite," Grace said.

"'Blackbird' has to be at the top of my list of favorite songs," said Julia.

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 comes to the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35-$55 and may be purchased by phone at (815) 758-1225, at the Theatre Box Office or online at www.egyptiantheatre.org. The Egyptian Theatre is located at 135 North Second Street, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the quartet members:

Julia Luo, 17, has been playing violin for eight years. She is a member of the CSA Sinfonia at NIU. Julia has competed in solo and ensemble festivals, receiving division one ratings on each performance.

"My favorite thing to do is being able to play with people who enjoy music as much as I do and I am glad orchestra gives me the chance to do that."

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Julia is the president of the SHS French Club and participates in the school's Scholastic Bowl. She also enjoys volunteering at the local hospital.

The senior plans to attend a six-year physical therapy college program.

Erin Templin, 15, has been playing violin for ten years. She is a member of the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra and the SHS Jazz Strings program. Erin has competed in solo and ensemble festivals where she has received division one ratings.

"I like being able to play with groups of people and getting the opportunity to make so many new friends through orchestra."

Erin is a member of Sycamore High's yearbook team, tennis team and participates in Youth Engaged in Philanthropy through Dekalb County Community Foundation (YEP).

The sophomore aspires to pursue a career as a pharmacist.

Kelsey Mulligan, 16, has been playing viola for eight years. She is a member of the CSA Sinfonia at NIU and the SHS Jazz Strings program.

"I think that it's fun getting to play an instrument and being engaged with others as a group."

Kelsey is involved in Sycamore High's yearbook team and YEP.

The junior plans to enjoy playing music upon high school graduation.

Grace Frielink, 17, has been playing cello for nine years. She is a member of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the CSA Sinfonia at NIU. Grace has participated in numerous solo and ensemble festivals, receiving division one ratings each time.

"I love playing cello because I really like the sound and I have a lot of fun playing it."

Grace is an AP student who enjoys learning about politics, running and reading.

The senior plans to attend Eastern Michigan University to major in Music Therapy and minor in Child Psychology.