Tétras Lyre
In 1982, Anne-Marie MARTIN, a teacher at the IME in Challes-les-Eaux in Savoie, brought together three young people who wanted to "make music" beyond the early-learning, rhythm and singing activities offered as part of their training. She succeeded in making the apprentice musicians progress and attracted new recruits. The youngsters chose a name for their new orchestra, in reference to the beautiful mountain bird with its distinctive song:

The TÉTRAS-LYRE musical ensemble was born! A tour of Savoie was soon organised. Little by little, the group became more structured, the repertoire grew and Savoie became too small. For three years, the orchestra was invited to perform at the European festival for mentally handicapped artists in Figeac and in many other towns in France and Europe. The orchestra also played at Notre Dame de Paris on the occasion of the Dignity Days in 1997.

In 2000, Isabelle HERLIN, a qualified music teacher, conductor and accomplished musician, gave new impetus to the group by broadening the repertoire, introducing new instruments, and finding and making the most of everyone's gifts in a disciplined and cheerful way.

In 2005, an eponymous support association was created. This took over the management of the orchestra and its performances, as well as the running of musical education by developing a truly adapted music school.

Tétras-Lyre began taking part in around ten concerts a year. Some concerts were shared with other local musical ensembles, and Tétras-Lyre began to provide the instrumental parts and orchestration for the choirs taking part in the concerts.

The orchestra's musical merit was quickly recognised, and it went on to win a string of awards and distinctions, occasionally performing with musicians and orchestras of national and international renown.