Length: 60 minutes; up to 700 students; K to 6th grade

This engaging and accessible presentation for children in grades K-6 utilizes the model of the family to help students understand how a string quartet functions and thrives. Turtle Island draws comparisons between the interactions of the quartet and the audience’s families, giving children a personal reference point that greatly helps them to gain a simple but profound understanding of the complete dynamics that drive musical groups.

The children also learn to discern the many different styles the quartet presents, and young instrumentalists are presented with a new model of what is possible to achieve on string instruments. Members of the audience are invited to participate throughout the presentation, joining in rhythmic clap-alongs, dialogue with quartet members and a question-and-answer period following a rousing rock and roll finish. This presentation can easily be modified to include middle school students.

Note: the Quartet always reserves time for questions. The question period is built into projected show times.