Il Segreto String Quartet |
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Detroit’s own Rock String Quartet! |
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About Il Segreto... |
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Il Segreto String Quartet started in 2001 as four friends from their music classes at Wayne State University that came together to make music. The quartet comes from a very rich background in their musical development. Each member brings a unique style and sound to the group. Nady brings his Middle Eastern influences, Joe bringing the alternative rock and mariachi style, Melissa adding the techno and independent influences, and Michael bringing the punk/jazz influences to the group. Don't be fooled by the influences of each member. Each member has a classical background, studying intensively on their instrument. The group plays everything from Bach to Beethoven and Sonic Youth to The Lawrence Arms. Il Segreto has studied with and performed with various members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The quartet is also on call to perform with Wayne State University Orchestra and is known as the official string quartet of WSU.
Il Segreto has been performing professionally since 2003. They have performed many weddings, live performances, appeared on TV, and the radio. In 2005 they have performed at the Campus Martius Concert Music Series, various Wayne State University events and various recordings. Each member has also had the individual spot light on them, performing with community orchestras, musicals, recitals, studio work, and other live events.
The quartet is also very active in the music education field. Melissa, Michael, Joe and Nady are Music Education graduates. They are very interested in coming up with new ideas and techniques in string pedagogies. They all teach privately, as well as string coach in the schools around the Metro-Detroit and Downriver area. The quartet is currently being funded by Wayne State University on incorporating effect pedals and instrument pickups with traditional acoustic instruments (i.e. Violins, Viola, Cello, and Bass). Their research is to incorporate technology in the classroom and expand the string repertoire with using this new technology. Below is the topic and statement about their research.
WSU 2nd Annual U.G.R. Conference 2005 'Music Innovations'
"The project is directly related to expanding the Western Art tradition of musical notation and sound timbres available to classical musicians, specifically utilizing multi-effects processors, two violins, a viola, bass, acoustic and electronic drums. An original composition using these instruments and electronics will be performed as part of my presentation. The research consists of finding new sounds, making them work together, notating the music in a way that is simple to read, and developing a system to reproduce the sounds through software to accompany the score." - Melissa Roberts Members Joe and Michael have been working on “Incorporating Rock and into Classical Music”. They have been utilizing different techniques such as Improvisation, Guitar techniques used on classical instruments, and performing arrangements’ of rock music for orchestra.
Another interesting thing about Il Segreto Quartet is the set up of the group. There is no cellist. This is a very "unique" set up with 2 violins, viola, and double bass. It gives a richer and full sound. The quartet has received great response and respect for this set up, which is not something unheard of. During Mozart's time, he composed many pieces for this kind of ensemble, also Haydn wrote for this ensemble set up as well.
"The project was developed from everything that Il Segreto believes in musically, educationally, and ideas that we share when we perform and teach in the educational world. The topic and lecture includes information on arranging rock music for orchestra, using pickups and processors, improvisation and jamming, the garage band technique (by rote), listening and bowing techniques. We find that it very important to try and make classical music relevant for students. Many students relate to the popular music they listen to, and if you can arrange it for your group, you can teach many concepts through it. Learning the classics (Mozart, Beethoven and the boys...) are very important, but if you have a healthy balance in the classroom, then your group will be well rounded and will have a better appreciation for the classics. Also, we are trying to show young students that you can take your playing outside of the classroom and take it a step beyond playing in orchestra's. Students can also form small ensembles, get pickups and play rock music like a rock band. What better way to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble." - Michael Rais
Il Segreto is an Italian term which means in translation “The Secret”.
Awards 2007 "Outstanding Small Ensemble" Classical category from Detroit Music Awards - Nominee
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