High school quartet added to Beatles vs. Stones show

Jacob Fernandes, Alejandra Ortega, Ariana Alvarado and Emily Chavez will perform on stage at the Beatles vs. Stones show Oct. 14 at the Downey Theatre. Photo by Jeff Whetstone.

DOWNEY — California High School’s string quartet has been added to the Oct. 14 “Beatles vs. Stones -- A Musical Showdown” show at the Downey Theatre.

The students will join the professional musicians on stage to add “some orchestral texture to the evening,” organizers said.

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in a musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

California High students Ariana Alvarado, Emily Chavez, Alejandra Ortega and Jacob Fernandes 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 consistently receive superior ratings at solo and ensemble festivals and perform with prestigious area ensembles, including the Whittier Area Youth Orchestra, the Southern California School Honors Orchestra and the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Chris Legrand ("Mick") and Trey Garrity ("Keith Richards"). Photo by Michelle Fairless.

Producers of “Beatles vs. Stones” approached California High orchestra director Stephen Hill 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.

Jacob Fernandez and Emily Chavez are the quartet’s Beatles fans.

“My favorite is definitely ‘Hey Jude,’ it’s one I have always loved,” Jacob said. Jacob, 16, has been playing cello for five years. He is a third-year member of the Whittier Area Youth Orchestra, and belongs to his school’s Model UN club. He is also a member of the Link Crew and competes with the speech and debate team.

“It’s so calming and relaxing, ‘Yesterday’ has to be my favorite,” said Emily, 15. She began playing violin five years ago.

“I find music to be such a relieving way to get through a tough day,” she said.

Tickets to “Beatles vs. Stones” are $35-$55 and can be purchased from the Downey Theatre box office or oline at downeytheatre.org.