About Us
Most of the Agave String Quartet musicians play with North Valley Symphony Orchestra in Phoenix, Arizona. Combined, we have over a century of experience playing music and have been playing together as a quartet since 2015. Depending on the date of your event, we have very talented musicians who may be able to substitute as needed for availability.
Craig - Violin and Viola
Craig began playing the violin at the age of 9 in St. Louis, Missouri. At 17, he won the CASA Concerto Competition and performed the Bruch Violin Concerto with the CASA Symphonic Orchestra. Craig studied violin and viola at Southern Illinois University for two years, during which he was accepted to the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition where he and his ensemble performed the Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8 in the Semi-Finals. Craig transferred to Northern Arizona University on scholarship, where he met his stand partner in life Jessica. While at NAU, Craig won the concerto competition and performed the Stamitz Viola Concerto with the NAU Symphony Orchestra. He also performed in the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Violist for several years. Craig received his Bachelor of Music Performance degree on the viola from NAU in 2002. More recently, he served as Principal Violist of the North Valley Symphony Orchestra before accepting the position of concertmaster in 2015.
Craig enjoys mountain biking, watching auto racing, and the enthusiastic applause he receives when he performs for his two sons.
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Tracy - Violin
Tracy was born in Joliet, IL and began playing the violin at 8 years old. She has a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Moody Bible Institute and spent two years as a music teacher and choral director at private Christian schools. Tracy also was the music director at the Catholic Christian Church in Zion, IL, a soloist in the Waukegan Concert Chorus, a freelance musician in the Chicago area, and a private voice instructor before moving to Scottsdale, AZ in 1999. She was a member of the Scottsdale Christian Church Worship Team for five years. Tracy has played with the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra, the Musica Nova Baroque Orchestra and has recently joined the North Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Tracy enjoys reading, studying French, taking voice lessons, horseback riding, travelling and a really good Scotch.
Jessica - Viola
Jessica is a native of Phoenix, Arizona who started learning the violin when she was 9 years old, and switched to the viola a few years later when she first identified her passion for playing the harmony. Throughout her childhood, Jessica performed in public school string programs, Solo & Ensemble competitions, Paradise Valley Youth Symphony, Phoenix Symphony Guild Youth Orchestra, and Valley Youth Theater. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Northern Arizona University, where she won the NAU Concerto Competition and performed Alan Schulman’s Theme and Variations for Viola and Orchestra with the NAU Symphony Orchestra. She also performed in the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra during her time in Flagstaff.
Jessica is the Principal Violist for the North Valley Symphony Orchestra, where she recently performed J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #6 in concert with her husband, Craig Triplett. Jessica is a chemical engineer by day, a mother of two boys, and she enjoys hiking, baking, and family vacations.
Beth - Violin and Viola
Beth was a performance major at Indiana University of South Bend, studying closely with The Chester String Quartet members. Performed with the South Bend Symphony, St.Joseph Michigan Symphony, and Elkhart Symphony Orchestra. Beth is currently performing with North Valley Symphony Orchestra, Sedona Symphony, Agave String Quartet, Sweetwater Strings, and Classic Touch Gig Orchestra. Beth has substituted for Prescott Pop’s Orchestra, Arizona Philharmonic, and Phoenix Theater Company. Beth also teaches violin/viola lessons for Peoria Academy, and Surprise Musical. Beth is a full time Correctional Officer for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry.
Liz - Cello
Liz grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and moved to Phoenix in 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Arts- Music Education degree from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. In addition to performing with the Agave String Quartet and North Valley Symphony Orchestra as principal cello, she has played with the Verde Valley Sinfonietta in Sedona and with several church ensembles. She has also served as a coach to one of the Scottsdale school orchestras with the Fine Arts String Orchestra. She loves playing chamber music and participates in several ensembles and chamber music workshops throughout the year.
When not playing music, Liz loves to travel and is actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona where she has been a Big Sister for over 12 years. She is a regular platelet donor and is often found volunteering at various local charities. She also enjoys cooking, baking, photography, and hikes with her husband, Mike.
Josh - Violin
Josh received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northern Arizona University, with an emphasis in instrumental music. In his time up north, he was an active member of the NAU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, multiple string quartets, the Verde Valley Sinfonietta, and the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. He now resides in Phoenix, where he directs the instrumental music ensembles at Sunrise Middle School, as well as the orchestras at Shadow Mountain High School. Josh has extended experience in group violin classes, and maintains a small studio of private students in his spare time.