The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
High school string quartet to join touring show
Students to perform at ‘Beatles vs. Stones’ event on Sept. 17
The Avon High School String Quartet will join professional musicians on stage for “Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown.”
The students will share the stage during the Sept. 17 performance at the Stocker Arts Center/Hoke Theatre at Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria.
The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an allout musical showdown for rock dominance, according to an Avon City Schools news release.
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, the release said.
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 Elyria show is part of a 125-city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.
The string quartet: Avon High School seniors Olivia Eldridge, 17, and Sarah Talmage, 17, along with juniors Sam Golik, 16, and Michael Wilson, 16, 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.”
Meet the quartet
Quartet members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Ohio Music Educator Association Regional and All-State Orchestras.
Sam has been playing violin for six years.
He is a member of the Avon Electric Orchestra and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra and has competed at the Ohio Music Educator Association competition for four years, receiving superior ratings.
“The violin is a great instrument because it is an instrument where you can make a ton of different sounds and play a range of genres,” Sam said.
He runs cross country for Avon High School, participates in student council, competes with the Academic Challenge team and
plans to attend college after high school graduation.
Sarah, who has been playing violin for six years, is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association All-State and Regional Orchestras.
She has competed in both solo and quartet competitions with the orchestras.
“I like that playing violin allows me to participate in a group activity,” Sarah said.
She enjoys performing the violin at local nursing homes as a volunteer and plans to attend college after high school graduation.
Olivia, who has been playing viola for seven years, is a member of the Avon Electric Orchestra and has competed with Ohio Music Education Association solo and ensemble competitions.
“I have always been a fan of string instruments, and getting to play with people makes me a well-rounded and better person,” said Olivia, who is president of Avon High’s Drama Club and participates in the National Honor Society.
She plans to attend Kent State and major in music education.
Michael, who has been playing cello for five years, performs with the Ohio Music Education Association Northeast Regional Orchestra and has competed in county solo and ensemble competitions, receiving superior ratings.
“Orchestra is fun because it allows us to do what we love, while being surrounded by people who push us to be better musicians,” he said.
Michael is a member of the Avon Cross Country and Swim teams and enjoys playing piano.
The junior hopes to attend college upon high school graduation.