The Young Eight String Octet Subject of New Article in Strings Magazine
- Group Also Featured in Best of 2005 Issue of Seattle Magazine
The Young Eight String Octet is the subject of a newly published article
in the December 2005 issue of Strings Magazine. Titled "Knocking at the
Door", the article discusses the genesis and growth of The Young Eight
as one of America's best string ensembles.
Author David Templeton writes, "Musicians often threaten to go out
"knocking on doors" to get an audience to show up for their classical
concert or string recital. Quinton I. Morris, founder of the three-year-old
string octet the Young Eight, did more than just threaten: to promote
the ensemble's debut performance at the North Carolina School of the
Arts in June of 2002, Morris actually went out knocking on doors."
"The Young Eight is the only professional African-American classical
octet in the world. The group has already established a sterling
reputation, and appears destined for exciting things."
You can read the complete article online at
http://www.stringsmagazine.com/article/134/134,3462,Encore-1.asp.
This article follows Seattle Weekly Magazine naming The Young Eight
String Octet "Best New Classical Ensemble" as part of their Best of
Seattle 2005 Issue. The magazine writes, "The Eight's very launching
is an act of daring..." and refers to the group's "charismatic, photogenic
players." The article also contains some personal "Best of Seattle" picks
from Seattle native and group director Quinton I. Morris. The Young 8
recently presented a very successful series of concerts throughout the
Seattle area as part of their 2005 Summer tour. You can read the complete
article online at
http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0531/050803_bestof_arts_classical.php.
They will also be the subject of an upcoming article in Chamber Music
magazine.
The Young Eight, with violinists Mariana Green-Hill, Kenneth L. Jarvis,
John H. Littlejohn and Quinton I. Morris, violists Christopher Jenkins
and Dawn Michelle Smith and cellists Ryan Murphy and Tahirah Whittington
has established itself as one of the next generation's most dynamic and
energetic chamber ensembles, presenting performances in New York City,
Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin. Founded in 2002 at the
North Carolina School of the Arts by director Quinton I. Morris, this
critically acclaimed African-American octet is dedicated to exposing
various communities to the arts through classical music and has been
recognized for their dedication to children, music and education.
Members received their music education from The Boston Conservatory,
Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, The Juilliard School,
Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, New England Conservatory
of Music and Peabody Conservatory of Music. The Young Eight has served
as String Octet in Residence at the North Carolina School of the Arts
and is currently in residence at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin,
Texas (where they present a String Seminar for young musicians) and Blue
Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan. Other residency programs
have included the Harlem School of the Arts, Community Music Works, First
Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy, and Winston-Salem State
University. Learn more about their many program initiatives at
http://www.theyoungeight.com.
For press inquiries and more information about The Young Eight, please
contact Jeffrey James Arts Consulting at 516-586-3433 or
[log in to unmask]
Jeffrey James Arts Consulting
Tel: 516-586-3433
Website: http://www.jamesarts.com
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