The Alexander String Quartet worked their musical skills on the violins at the Knuth Hall Wednesday night to perform classical tunes for a small crowd. Alumni, friends, family and fans of the quartet welcomed the foursome onstage with applause.

The hour and a half show included pieces from classic composers like, Robert Schumann and Franz Joseph Haydn. Each music set had four pieces to them and after each song was done the audience fell silent enough to hear a pin drop. After the sets were completed it was a thunderous applause echoed through the hall.

Founded in 1981, The Alexander String Quartet has performed all over the world and is respected and loved for their renditions of Beethoven and Mozart classics. The quartet includes violinists Zakarias Grafilo and Frederick Lifsitz, violist Paul Yarbrough and cellist Sandy Wilson.

"I used to go to school here and try to catch the quartet every time I'm in town," alumna Christina Wong, 25 said. "Paul was one of my mentors and I think that their show tonight is nothing short of great and awesome."

Along with performing at renowned concert halls and recording CD's, the quartet directs the SF State Morrison Chamber Music Instructional Program, which was founded in 1989. The program gives performers a chance to give recitals and get their music heard.

"I honestly didn't know what to expect tonight. My girlfriend dragged me along, but I was really impressed," Eddie Brown, 22 said. "I'm more of a hip-hop and R&B kind of guy but the way those dudes were hitting the violins was sick and definitely dope."

The audience included a variety of people. Some were there for class credit while others came for pleasure. Everyone was attentive, rocking their head to sounds of the quartet as if they were at a rock or hip-hop concert.

"I enjoyed the show so much I am never ever disappointed," Clive Goldberg said. "This is the type of music that should be on the radio not that vulgar stuff that's in style. These guys are modern and classic."

Check out the Alexander String Quartet Web site for the performance schedule.