Tetra members help students build their confidence and develop their musical talents

 

 

PHOENIX (Nov. 18, 2024) – Classical music, renowned for its calming effects, has made its way into the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center, allowing youth to explore music in a whole new way.

In 2015, the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department, part of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, partnered with the Tetra String Quartet to support their positive learning and growth strategy. The partnership began to offer youth in Detention classical music workshops that have captivated youth from the beginning. 

“It brought out the best in us, we all get along when we are doing activities like this,” shared a youth in Detention. 

The members of the Tetra String Quartet aim to make relationship connections through the power of melody, offering them hope and inspiration. 

“It’s powerful for the youth to know that there are people in their community that they don’t know that care about them, that want to know about them, that want to know what they think, who they are, what their stories are. And we hope that support gives them a reason to be connected in their community and do things to build it,” said Tetra String Quartet Member Heidi Wright.

The talented artists perform chamber music in Detention and offer youth the opportunity for creative expression. The Quartet’s mission is to bring music to underserved communities, focusing on youth. Through songwriting, they aim to provide young people with an opportunity to reflect on their actions, express their emotions, set new goals and contribute to the growth and strength of their community.

“Connecting with our youth so they feel seen, heard, and valued is a key strategy for holding youth accountable,” said Juvenile Probation Chief Eric Meaux. “Accountability, in addition to appropriate supervision, includes creating environments and opportunities that support and foster positive change and growth. By influencing a youth’s mindset and thinking, we help promote behavioral changes that enhance public safety. Engaging with youth through music and the arts is one of the many strategies that support our mission."

To further fulfill their mission, the Tetra String Quartet recently began rap writing workshops in collaboration with Rap Artist Colby Jeffers. Detention students are paired up and given an assignment to complete based on the workshop lessons.  

“The first step is they just get to know each other, ask each other questions, and learn about each other. The second step is turning the information they got about their partner into a rap and the third step is performing the rap,” said Rap Artist Colby Jeffers.

As the Quartet’s beautiful classical music played, the students proudly performed their rap. By completing their songwriting assignment, youth not only build their confidence but hone their musical talents.   

“Many youths have never seen or heard a string quartet play and have not experienced classical music. When they meet the quartet members and Colby, they certainly cannot fathom how rap music and this style of music is going to work together. However, once they hear these talented musicians play and keep a beat backing a rap song, or play a popular song, they are very surprised and excited to put it all together with their own rap creations. It is a very exciting time,” said Deputy Chief of Juvenile Probation Michaella Aguilar Heslin. “Everyone, including the staff loves these sessions. I am so thankful that Tetra asked if they could perform that very first time in 2015 and that our partnership has grown over the last several years. I am looking forward to our future in partnership with the Tetra String Quartet, connecting youth to chamber music and our community partners.” 

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