Local high school string quartet to join the pros at Duke Energy Center

RALEIGH, N.C. - April 10, 2019 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Duke Energy Center on Tuesday, May 7, the Durham Jordan 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 Raleigh show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet:  Juniors Charlotte Maxwell, Micheal Morgan  and sophomores Jaden Hall and Carson Crowley will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "A Day in the Life,"'Yesterday," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "As Tears Go By," and "Ruby Tuesday."

Quartet members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Duke Concert Strings Orchestra, the Duke University String School, the All-County Orchestra, the All-State Orchestra and the Southeast Honors Strings Festival. Members have competed at local and regional solo and ensemble festivals, consistently receiving superior ratings.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Jordan High School Orchestra Director Wendy Davidson 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 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 Duke Energy Center on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 - $75 and may be purchased by phone at 1-800-745-3000, at the Duke Energy Center Box Office or online at TicketMaster.com. Duke Energy Center is located at 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the quartet members:

Charlotte Maxwell (Violin I), 16, has been playing violin for nine years. She is a past member of Duke University String School.

"I enjoy that orchestra allows me to collaborate with other people. I like working with other musicians to create something bigger than if I were working by myself."

Charlotte participates in Jordan High School's Best Buddies program as well as the Travel Club. She enjoys playing tennis.

The junior plans to attend college upon high school graduation.

Jaden Hall (Violin II), 15, has been playing violin for four years. He has competed at local solo and ensemble festivals, receiving superior ratings.

"I love playing the violin. Getting to play with an orchestra makes the pieces sound nice, and it feels like a family now."

Jaden spends his free time working at Duke as a mentor for minorities who are interested in science.

The sophomore plans to go to college to major in a science related field.

Micheal Morgan (Viola), 16, has been playing viola for nearly six years. He has participated in the All-County Orchestra and the Southeast Honors Strings Festival.

"Viola naturally worked for me when I was choosing an instrument, so I've stuck with it ever since. I like the bass notes that I can reach with it."

Micheal is a member of Jordan High School's Tri-M Music Honors Society. He also participates in the school's racial equity club.

The junior plans to attend college and minor in Music to ensure that it stays a part of his life.

Carson Crowley (Cello), 16, has been playing cello for four years. He is a member of the Duke Concert String Orchestra.

"I like being in orchestra because it gives me opportunities to meet new people and learn about the music we play."

Carson has participated in solo and ensemble festivals at UNC - Wilmington, as well as the All-State and All-County Orchestras.

The sophomore plans to attend college and double major in Computer Engineering and Music Education.