LT students form new string quartet, get successful start

            A new string quartet was formed by four orchestra-enrolled LT students because of their hunger and passion for music.  They call themselves Fourté.

            In December 2013, Austin Cruz ’15 decided he wanted to start a string quartet.  The idea had been floating around since his freshman year, but he had finally decided to pursue this idea, he said.  Cruz recruited John Cosgrove ’15 and John Fatora ’15 to play the violin parts and Jackson Smith ’15 to play the cello. 

            “I knew them well as friends and I knew that they played well,” Cruz said.  “I know them and I know how they play.”

            Fourté covers a variety of genres from a variety of time periods.  They play a lot of classical music but also play rock music, like “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles.

            The quartet helps not only the community, but the players themselves as well.  They get more practice outside of orchestra classes and improve their playing by having discussions and listening to each other play, Smith said.

            “It’s given me a sense of belonging, something more than my third period class, and it’s given me a good foundation and an opportunity to play a more important role,” Cosgrove said.  “I am my section, and I have an opportunity to take on that challenge.”

            Fourté plays gigs and shows all over the area.  Austin’s father, Victor Cruz, helps book and schedule these gigs.  They have experience playing Christmas parties and private parties, one of which was in Chicago.  They have also played at the Country Club on a number of occasions.  The mobility of the quartet is one trait the performers pride on.

            “You don’t have to drive twenty miles to see us, we can bring part of the orchestra to your party, and that’s a wonderful experience,” Cosgrove said.

            Smith agreed with Cosgrove in that other orchestral groups and quartets are such large groups or have such a large following, people have to travel to see them.

            “We can go and play for [people], and we can tailor our playing to make their experience better,” Smith said.

            Fourté plans on making an appearance at the Orchestra Honors Concert on February 27 at the Performing Arts Center.