Corpus Christi ISD brings guitarists together
Two dozen musicians took the stage at once Thursday evening at Veterans Memorial High School, playing different notes and following the lead of the conductor
But this orchestra was made up entirely of guitarists.
Corpus Christi ISD held its first guitar orchestra concert and showcase Thursday, bringing together students from across the district to play together.
Students had to audition to join the guitar orchestra, with only the best 23 classical guitarists making the cut.
"I love it," Carroll High School junior Vincent Trevino said. "It's a great, fun experience to have."
Trevino took the stage with the guitar orchestra and a Carroll High School quartet, playing an instrument given to him by his aunt. Trevino has been playing for four years.
Playing in the school groups and preparing for competition has helped him learn new techniques and become a better player, Trevino said.
At the Thursday night event, a second district-wide ensemble of second-year guitar students also played. The audience also heard quartets and trios who are preparing to compete in state UIL competitions in May.
"This concert, more of a dream if you will, has become a reality through the hard work dedication and effort of tonight's special performers and would not have been possible without the support, instruction and love of their six high school instructors," CCISD fine arts specialist James Garcia told the audience.
The Carroll High School UIL quartet showcase, including Trevino, Emilio Rivera, Christian Trujilo and Camryn Rodriguez, performed "Danza Espanola."
The songs performed included many Spanish and Latin American pieces, but the Del Mar College group also performed Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", the Ray High School UIL quartet played "Pacific Coast Highway" by Andrew York and the Veterans Memorial High School UIL quartet played "Techno" by Jurg Kindle.
The students who will compete in UIL competitions at the state level in may have already succeeded in regional competitions. Thursday's event was an opportunity for them to practice.
"You're giving an audience for them to perform these difficult ensembles and solos," Garcia told the crowd. "...This is what we call the music of the masters. These are pieces that are from many, many years of guitar history and composition."
Garcia said that the guitar is an instrument students can enjoy playing their entire lives.
"This is a skill you're going to have for the rest of your life," Garcia said.
Each high school has a spring recital planned in May.
Carroll High School: 6:30 p.m. May 14 in the Carroll High School arena
King High School: 7:30 p.m. May 8 at the Veterans Memorial High School auditorium
Miller High School: 7 p.m. May 23 at Del Mar College's Wolfe Recital Hall
Moody High School: 7 p.m. May 23 at Veterans Memorial High School auditorium
Ray High School: 6:30 p.m. May 23 at the Ray High School cafeteria
Veterans Memorial High School: 7 p.m. May 9 at the Veterans Memorial High School auditorium
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi ISD brings together best student guitarists
