NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - When most high school students think about concerts the names Beyonce and Lady Gaga come to mind. After Tuesday’s performance at New Providence High School, most iPods might have a few new songs on their playlists.

On Tuesday morning, the string quartet group named ETHEL played a concert for aspiring musicians at the Pioneers’ auditorium. The concert, which lasted about 45 minutes, was a success as many students enjoyed hearing a string ensemble performing at their best.

Many students who play in the school program had the opportunity to hear music from four highly trained individuals who perform for students all across the country. Students listened to hits from the group and had a chance to ask questions after the performance. Many of them were also invited to take part in a workshop with the group after the show to help them on their way to becoming performing musicians themselves.

ETHEL played a range of songs.  The group began by playing a few slower songs for the audience. Towards the end of the performance the crowd could really feel the music as dual violin solos resounded. With such songs as: "Lighthouse" and "Shuffle" the intensity was high and the audience let ETHEL know it with big applause.

All four members of ETHEL: Ralph Farris, Mary Rowell, Cornelius Dufallo and Dorothy Lawson, shared the stage both during the performance and during the questions afterwards. After each song, one member would speak about a certain part of the song or let the audience know what to expect from the next selection.

Many of the students were shocked to see such a wide range of musical talent as each new song showcased a certain aspect of the string instruments. With electric solos coming from all members of the band, the crowd was in for a real treat.

After most of the songs were played, the students had a chance to ask a few questions relevant to the group. One student asked how long it takes the group to practice, which was met with smiles and laughter from all four members. Dorothy Lawson fielded the question and said that during the college level training it takes a musician an average of 4-6 hours per day of actual playing time. She also went on to say most musicians at the top level will be playing for approximately 10 years before they can be considered at a professional level.

Another student asked the group how they met and formed. Ralph Farris told the audience that ETHEL was formed from 4 freelance musicians who were playing in New York City at the time they met. Since all four members have been trained at the Julliard School of Music they had seen each other from various shows before they formed the group.

With most of the questions being answered, the group broke out into their last song titled: "Shuffle," which was actually the group’s first song and hit years ago. During the 5 minute long number all members poured their hearts out into a passion-filled performance. Dual violin solos marked the highlight of the song as Dufallo and Rowell turned their playing up a few notches. When the last string was played the crowd gave them well-deserved applause.

Ralph Farris, viola player for ETHEL, spoke after the show about what it means to play at a school for aspiring students: "It’s such an amazing privilege to share our work with young people. You could feel the energy in the room and I remember when I had events like this when I was growing up and it showed me what life was possibly going to be like for me."

Farris, who has been playing with the group for the past 11 years, also spoke about the last piece they played called "Shuffle" by John King: "It’s a blues tune and it’s a funky blues tune. It’s a real foot-stomper and we felt the electricity in the room and the kids were really responding to it so we were really thrilled to share that with them."

Mary Rowell, violinist, also spoke about the performance afterwards. "Personally it’s fabulous to come out to a school district that cares about the arts. The arts system here is fantastic," said Rowell. "What we hope to accomplish is to expand the kids’ horizons into all kinds of music and how to integrate any instrument into creating music yourself." Rowell said that her own inspirations came from her mother pulling out a fiddle one day and music was always in her house. Rowell also started out playing rock and roll with a background in bass and drums, which helped her be the musician she is today.

Cornelius Dufallo, violinist, said that his experience on Tuesday was excellent and spoke about the band’s approach to music: "Our approach to music making is a little unusual," said Dufallo. "We are all classical trained musicians, but we play exclusively new music. Our music is either written for us or by us and most of it had been written in the last 10 years or so." Dufallo, who had a riveting dual solo with Rowell in the last part of the performance, talked about how their music is infused with other genres of music like rock or folk. "People are usually enthusiastic about our music and it’s always fun to share it with others…we come away refreshed and revitalized when working with young people and really get a picture with what’s going on with youth today." 

Dorothy Lawson, celloist for the group, discussed her training, which includes over 40 years of playing music. "It is such a gift to play in front of young students!" said Lawson. "It is the most inspiring moment that I experience as a musician. The kids want to have it (music) in their own hands but they are so appreciative for people who have skill and they revere it. So much of their internal life is focused into music, either in their own performing or what they choose to listen to, and they are especially tuned into it and aware of it. When you feel like you’ve connected with them it’s the most rewarding experience in the world." said Lawson.

For more information on the arts in your school district or to learn more about the group ETHEL visit them on the web @ www.ethelcentral.com