Stow-Munroe Falls City HS String Quartet to join the pros

KENT, Ohio - July 24, 2018 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Kent Stage on August 20, the Stow-Munroe Falls 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 Kent show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet:  Senior Thomas Biggs, junior Kayla Flake and sophomores Spring Biggs and Leah Bennington 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."

Quartet members have consistently received superior ratings at Regional and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools Director of Orchestras Sarah Behal 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. The quartet's enthusiasm to perform led them to continue preparing for the show during the recent teacher walkout.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Kayla Flake is the quartet's Beatles fan.

"I used to listen to them all the time when I was younger, and now I am really excited to relearn the music for the show!"

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 Kent Stage on Monday, August 20 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $19 - $45 and may be purchased by phone at 877.987.6487 or online at www.thekentstage.com. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the Stow-Munroe Falls High School String Quartet:

Leah Bennington, 15, began playing violin at age eight. In second grade she watched a violinist on television and knew right away that was something she wanted to pursue. She has competed at Regional Solo and Ensemble Festivals, receiving superior ratings.

"I really like music a lot and violin is a good way to play music in school."

In addition to orchestra, Leah runs cross country and track for her high school.
The sophomore says the best part of orchestra is "getting to play the concerts and helping the younger middle schoolers while being a member of a community at school."

Thomas Biggs, 17, has been playing violin since age ten, when a high school orchestra came to visit his elementary school. He has competed in a District level Solo and Ensemble Festival.

"The main thing I enjoy about orchestra is the ability to continue and expand the talent I have and grow with my abilities with the violin. As well as having the set group to go to play the violin with."

The senior plans to attend Brigham Young University and double major in chemistry and music education with the hopes of being a high school band director.

Kayla Flake, 16, has been playing viola for seven years. She has competed in Regional Solo and Ensemble Festivals, where she received superior ratings.

Kayla enjoys playing the viola because, "it's is a way I can express myself."

Outside of orchestra, Kayla is a member of the Bowling team, Band and Speech and Debate team at her school.

"In orchestra, I get to have fun playing my instrument and getting to hang out with a bunch of like-minded people. It's a lot of fun."

Spring Biggs, 15, has been playing cello for six years. She wanted to follow in her brother's footsteps and joined orchestra. She received superior ratings at a State Solo and Ensemble Festival.

"I enjoy playing the cello because I love music and I love being a part of the orchestra, especially with my brother."

Spring is also a member of the school's lacrosse team.

The sophomore plans to attend Brigham Young University and study music education with specialization in cello.