The Tetra String Quartet is redefining the role of chamber music in today’s society. With relevance and versatility at the forefront of its mission, Tetra performs with the goal of connecting with all audiences. As both educators and performers, the quartet has toured throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Formed in 2010, they chose the name “tetra”, from the prefix meaning four,
imagining the power of four individuals uniting in the spirit of change, creativity, and collaboration. Invested in their home state of Arizona, Tetra became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to create more opportunities that link performance with public service. Their strong local presence engages audiences from every corner of the community and reflects their belief that access to the arts is an essential human right. initiative expands access to the community by putting music where it’s not. In 2015, Tetra created the Phoenix chapter of Azure Family Concerts. These free events are fun, friendly, and engaging performances tailored to those on the autism spectrum or with similar sensory processing challenges. In an effort to further connect with diverse populations, the quartet regularly performs for the elderly at memory care and assisted living facilities and youth at the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center. Tetra has been invited to share the impact of their work at events including TEDx Arrowhead Ranch’s “Act Today, Change Tomorrow”, and Stanford University’s Summer Arts Institute, “Why Music Matters”. Equally at home in the classroom as on stage, the quartet has performed educational concerts for thousands of K-12 students. These interactive concert experiences are designed to enhance existing curriculums and introduce active listening to ignite curiosity and reflection. Beyond these presentations, Tetra maintains a chamber music residency project with area elementary, middle, and high schools and has been annually awarded a City of Tempe Arts Grant since 2013. As Teaching Artists, Tetra has been featured at Arizona State University, Arizona Musicfest, Phoenix Chamber Music Society, SOUNDS Academy, West Valley Arts Council, Young Audiences, and the Musical Instrument Museum. In 2014 & 2015, the quartet was selected to present sessions on their curriculum and musical entrepreneurship at the American String Teacher’s Association National Conference. With a desire to inspire the next generation, Tetra created the Tetra Chamber Music Institute (TCMI). The mission of TCMI is to train young musicians to perform in small ensembles with excellence and channel their creative strengths to effect positive change in themselves and the community. What began in 2012 as a summer camp, has expanded into two ‘Summer Workshops’ and a year-round afterschool chamber music program, the first of its kind in Arizona. As an alternative OR addition to youth orchestra programs, TCMI focuses on each student as an individual with the goal of nurturing each participant intellectually, emotionally, and musically.
