Conducting Guitar EnsembleS

2019 has been an interesting year thus far. It began with conducting large ensembles of guitarists on the college and high school levels.

The first engagement was with the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA). There I had the opportunity to work with the most accomplished junior college students in the state. We had two 8 hour days of masterclasses and rehearsals in the historic Danforth Chapel (see photo), followed immediately by an evening concert in front of a packed house at the Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Auditorium. It was an exhilarating experience.

The second engagement was being guest conductor for the Polk All-County Advanced Guitar Ensemble. These students were very accomplished, especially for teenagers. The repertoire chosen was an operatic arrangement of mine and two pieces by my close friend and accomplished composer Roger Hudson (www.rogerhudson.com). The full auditorium gave us a standing ovation at the end. The event was a very rewarding lesson experience.

Overall, it was great to be able to conduct again. Hudson’s piece titled “Delta” in 5/8 time was a bit of a challenge for both me to conduct and for the students to play. The end result of all the practice and study left us with a feeling of confidence and community.

I have to think Dr. Joseph Stallings for his efforts in coordinating the FCSAA Symposium for guitar, and Sam Ortiz for coordinating the All-County concert.