Scottsdale high school string quartet to help settle an old score

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - May 3, 2018 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Virginia G. Piper Theater on May 10, the Scottsdale Chaparral 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 Scottsdale show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Chaparral High seniors Ann Chang and Hailey Heinzen, junior Sailor Uquijo and sophomore Elena Ausloos 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 Chaparral High School Orchestra, quartet members belong to prestigious area youth ensembles, including the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and the Phoenix Youth Symphony.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Chaparral High Orchestra Director Shana Roberts looking for a talented ensemble which 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.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Hailey Heinzen and Ann Chang are the quartet's biggest Beatles fans.

"The first song my dad taught me on guitar was 'Blackbird', so I am really excited to be able to play some of the Beatles biggest hits," said Hailey.

Ann also grew up surrounded by Beatles fans and can remember her brother and family playing Beatles songs on their video games. 'Twist and Shout', 'Birthday', and 'My Guitar Gently Weeps' are just a few of her favorites.

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 Virginia G. Piper Theater on May 10 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35-$55 and may be purchased by phone at 480-499-TKTS (8587), at the theatre box office or online at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org. The Virginia G. Piper Theater is located at 7380 East Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (https://maps.google.com/?q=7380+East+Second+Street,+%0ASc...). The show is appropriate for all ages.

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

Ann Chang, 17, has been playing violin for ten years.

"I love playing the violin because day to day life is so stressful with all the different things going on, it gives you a place to sit down and look inside yourself and be in touch with your emotions in a creative way."

She is a member of the Phoenix Youth Symphony and played with the All-State Orchestra for the past four years. Ann is a member of Chaparral High's National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Tri-M Honors Society.

"Being part of orchestra is so exciting because the energy everyone puts towards the pieces and the collaboration and teamwork between all of us to create this beautiful music is so fulfilling."

Ann hopes to attend Duke or University of Arizona to study Neuroscience and Biochemistry.

Hailey Heinzen,18, began playing violin at age twelve. She also plays guitar, trumpet and mellophone.

Hailey is President of the Robotics Club and plays with Chaparral's Marching Band.

She plans to attend Arizona State University and major in Astronautics and Aerospace.

Sailor Uquijo,17, has been playing viola for nine years.

She personally enjoys playing violin because "the sound is better than the other instruments."  Sailor is a member of the Phoenix Youth Symphony and has competed in Solo and Ensemble festivals.

"I enjoy the orchestra experience because the ability of all of us to come together to produce one sound while being a part of a team."

Sailor hopes to earn a college degree in Music Performance.

Elena Ausloos,15, began playing cello four years ago.

"I enjoy being in orchestra because you play pieces together and hear it all come together."

She was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for four years and attends youth orchestra camps at Northern Arizona University.

In addition to orchestra, she enjoys playing tennis and figure skating.