This isn't your ordinary string band. A group of young musicians are mixing today's sounds with the art of playing the violin.
"A lot of my friends are like, 'You play the violin? That's so wack,'" says 15-year-old musician Morgan Young. But listen to the Urban Stringz II Youth Ensemble and you'll realize there's nothing wack about them.
Cecilia Sharpe is the manager of education programs for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, but she created Urban Stringz II on her own. "I had to give them ways to learn that they could relate to," says Sharpe. "My students were bored. They weren't engaged in the violin. They didn't want to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle."
But they did want to play hits from Lady Gaga and Motown and from that moment on, musicians like Young were hooked. "Urban Stringz opened my eyes to a new love for violin," says Young.
These young Detroiters play year-round, operating on virtually no budget. They even rehearse in the Sharpe's mother's living room. And they're performing at events throughout the city, showcasing their talent and confidence. "Those are real life experiences," says Sharpe. "Performance opportunities reaching other people."
The group is now accepting applications for its 2012 summer camp being held July 24 - Aug. 4 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Those interested in learning more can log on to www.urbanstringzii.org.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:04 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:04:18 GMT
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
13 people were shot in Detroit in just 24 hours, five from one block, including a woman who was just hours away from a kidney transplant. She did not survive.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:23 PM EDT2013-05-17 00:23:43 GMT
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
54-year-old Almeter Walls was set to have a transplant surgery on Thursday, but instead she is dead. We're told she was shot when a neighborhood argument ended in gunfire. The shooting also left four others wounded.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:54:16 GMT
Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
He once said there was no shame in his game, but now Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:28:46 GMT
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:26:50 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:42:57 GMT
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Members of Urban Stringz rehearse
