3/30/2023 - Whitesboro High School String Quartet to Join the Pros
Whitesboro High youth musicians to perform with touring Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown at the Stanley Theatre on April 21.
When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs at The Stanley Theatre on April 21, the Whitesboro High School String Quartet will join the professional musicians on stage to lend local talent to this homage to the British Invasion. The string quartet will perform six songs with the bands.
The string quartet: Whitesboro High students Gabriel O'Donnell, Ella Lorraine, Katherine Mullen and Joseph LaBarbera will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "Gimme Shelter" and "Ruby Tuesday."
Quartet members have received superior ratings at All-County Festivals and Area All-State Festivals hosted by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). Members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Mohawk Valley Strings.
Student Information
Gabriel O’Donnell, 16, has been playing the violin for seven years along with the piano. He has been a member of his school’s chamber orchestra for six years. He also performs with Mohawk Valley Strings.
"I really love to listen to music and I like getting better at it. It’s fun to have 45 minutes everyday where I play my instrument and my music.”
After high school, Gabriel plans to attend college and go to medical school. He would like to continue to perform and play with an orchestra.
Ella Lorraine, 16, has been playing the violin for eight years. When she was five, her grandmother introduced her to the piano which began her musical journey. She has been with her school’s orchestra since the fourth grade and has participated in competitions through Junior High All-County and NYSSMA.
“I think playing the violin is very stress-relieving, you don’t really think about anything else but play to your best ability. With the orchestra, it’s really rewarding when you’re playing a piece together and it sounds good.”
Ella plans to attend college to study in the medical field (“without blood!”). She hopes to continue to perform music and learn new instruments after high school.
Katherine Mullen, 16, has been playing the viola since the fourth grade. She is a member of the Whitesboro Orchestra and has performed in chamber orchestra and other ensembles such as Junior High All-County and All-State music festivals hosted by NYSSMA.
“I like that the viola is unique and it switches between the cello and violin melodies. Also, learning piano from a young age, I was used to the treble and bass clef but the alto clef is a nice challenge. Playing with the orchestra at the end of the day is a nice stress-reliever.”
After college, Katherine plans to enroll in medical school and join an ensemble to continue playing music.
Joseph LaBarbera, 15, has been playing the cello for eleven years as well as the trumpet, guitar and piano. Not only is Joseph a member of his school’s chamber orchestra, he also sings and performs with the chamber choir and the Barbershop Quartet. He has competed in several solo and ensemble competitions at NYSSMA.
“I love the sound of the cello. When they say ‘The cello mimics the human range’ I just love that. I enjoy hearing the sounds of everyone playing together in the orchestra.”
Joseph plans to attend college to study Geology and Engineering while continuing to practice his musical talents.
A culture of teamwork and acceptance is key to the success of all students in the Whitesboro High School Orchestra program, and is regularly seen with the outstanding performances they display.