Premiere Jazz Violinist Teams Up With Local McPherson Youth

MCPHERSON, KS, April 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) One of America's most acclaimed jazz violinists, Christian Howes, will be in McPherson, KS with his electrified take of an otherwise classical instrument. Showcasing his edgy and unexpected take on the violin that combines rock, Americana, neo-soul, classical and modern jazz, Howes - who was recently voted Downbeat magazine's #1 Rising Star on the violin - will be performing a unique concert at the McPherson Opera House with local youth this Saturday April 27, 2013 at 7p.m.

Howes' concert, however, only represents the culmination of his visit. An avid educator and former professor at Berklee College of Music, Howes will be an invited guest instructor at McPherson High School where he hopes to inspire students to find their own unique voices in music. "So many string players are starting to see that they too can have original voices, and that classical music is only the beginning of a journey to discovering exciting new creative outlets," says Howes of his educational outreach program.

For students too, the unique opportunity to dazzle audiences on stage is unparalleled. "You can only imagine how wonderful it is to hear thunderous applause, screams, and whistles for a group of individuals who are used to the polite, if not subdued, applause at a typical orchestra concert," says Howes.

Sponsored by a generous grant from the Chamber Music Association, this special concert will be open to the public. Tickets start at $22 ($10 for students) and can be purchased online at http://www.mcphersonoperahouse.org/now_pages/playing.html or at the door.

About Christian Howes
As an educator, performer and composer, Christian Howes has gained great notoriety and respect from critics and fellow musicians alike. Recently voted #1 in the Downbeat Critics Poll, the Minneapolis Tribune called Christian "arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz," and All About Jazz says, "as a jazz violinist [Christian] has no peer." An Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, Howes is widely regarded as a leading string educators in jazz and improvisation. Howes conducts clinics and master classes around the world, and is the founder of the Creative Strings Workshop, an annual international music festival based in Columbus, Ohio. Howes endorses Yamaha violins and D'Addario strings. For more information, visit http://www.christianhowes.com.