Farmington High School String Quartet to join the pros

FARMINGTON, N.M. - Dec. 11, 2018 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Farmington Civic Center, the Farmington 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 Farmington show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Farmington High School seniors Karina Farnsworth, Maxwell Taulbee, junior Shia Deale and freshman Caitlin Yazzie 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 belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the All State Orchestra. They have competed in Solo and Ensemble festivals, receiving multiple superior ratings.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Farmington High School Orchestra Director Monica Leaming, looking for a talented ensemble which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Shai Deale and Maxwell Taulbee are the quartet's Beatles fans.
"My favorite Beatles song is 'Hey Jude' and I'm really excited that we get to perform it in this show," Shaie said.
"The Beatles are my favorite band! 'Eleanor Rigby' is my favorite song, but I love playing all of them," said Maxwell.

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 Farmington Civic Center on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35 - $65 and may be purchased online at  www.fmtn.org/civiccenter, by phone at 505-599-1148 or at the Theatre Box Office. The Farmington Civic Center is located at 200 W Arrington St, Farmington, NM 87401. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the Farmington High School String Quartet:
Shia Deale, 16, became fascinated by string instruments at young age and started playing the violin six years ago.
"Finding the message in the music is one of my favorite parts of orchestra."
After graduation the junior hopes to attend The Juilliard School and study Music.

Karina Farnsworth, 18, has been playing violin for ten years. She performs with both the Farmington High Orchestra and the All State Orchestra.
"Being able to play violin is so much fun and making music yourself is something that is really freeing."
Karina is a member for Farmington High School's National Honors Society and Tri-M Music Honors Society. She also is a member of the tennis and swim teams.
The senior plans to attend college and minor in Music.

Caitlin Yazzie, 14, has been playing viola for just over three years. She has participated in the All State Orchestra and the local Solo and Ensemble Festival, where she received superior ratings twice.
"I love being in orchestra, I am a big fan of classical music and I feel like being in orchestra has expanded my knowledge by opening a different part of my brain."
She volunteers at a local pet shelter and is a member of the Boys and Girls Club volleyball team.
The freshman aspires to attend college after high school graduation.

Maxwell Taulbee, 17, has been playing cello for two years. He has competed in the local Solo and Ensemble festival, receiving the highest ratings for a solo.
"I love playing cello and I feel I have a knack for playing."
The senior is enlisted in the U.S. Army and will finish training in Georgia upon high school graduation.

PHOTO TAGS:   "FHS_4tet_resized" shows from left to right: Shia Deale, Max Taulbee, Caitlin Yazzie and Karina Farnsworth. Quartet photo taken by Monica Leaming;  Higher resolution versions of all attached photos available