By Jordan Beach
Reinhardt University’s performing arts program offers its students high-quality instructors to hone their craft, an opportunity that will extend to young musicians in the community at the Guitar Festival.
The Guitar Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9 a.m. and will conclude with a concert starting at 7 p.m. in Flint Hall at the Falany Performing Arts Center.
“The event draws middle and high school guitar students from all over the state, and it consists of learning four guitar orchestra pieces during the day for the evening concert, as well as workshop and optional solo performance opportunities for students,” said Dr. Matthew Anderson, assistant professor of music.
During the day, middle and high school students from all over Georgia will visit Reinhardt’s campus to work with professionals in the industry, including Erika Herdon, a guitar orchestra teacher at Centennial Academy in Atlanta; Dr. Adam Kossler, a concert guitarist and member of the Kossler Duo; Ciyadh Wells, concert guitarist and professor at Agnes Scott College; Dr. Michael McCallie, concert guitarist and teacher at the McCallie School in Chattanooga; and Greg Shivers, a concert guitarist and teacher at Town Center Music and founder of the Suwanee Community Guitar Ensemble.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, will consist of the middle and high school students performing with their professional instructors, showing off all they learned during their time at Reinhardt’s campus.
“This event has multiple benefits to the University and the greater music community: increased exposure of SoPA’s offerings to Georgia’s music education community; an opportunity for teachers and students to network and share ideas about the guitar; a series of free concerts for faculty, students, and members of the Waleska/Canton community; and it serves to highlight the wonderful work of guitar educators throughout the state.”
The following day, the Kossler Duo will perform their show at the Falany Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m.
