greatest players in the world; they hold the guitar in different ways (Paco de Lucia, Jimi Hendrix, Segovia, Carlos Barbo- sa-Lima all come to mind- RADICALLY different). To me, it’s all about how your hands relate to the instrument. This is the primary factor in determining sitting position.


James Yancey, Maryvale High School, Phoenix, Arizona


Treat these kids like any other TOP performing ensemble (band, orchestra, choir). EXPECT great things…demand great things….and GET great things! JY


What were some obstacles you faced when you first formed or inherited your Guitar Ensemble at your school?


I designed and built my program from ground zero. There was nothing here 16 years ago. I simply treated this class like any other TOP performing ensemble and a giant was created.


What Guitar Ensemble published collections do you like to work from?


Your thoughts on finger-style rest strokes or the use of guitar pick (plectrum) within your groups?


Another touchy subject! I want my students to have good fingerstyle and pick technique. One downside of the acous- tic guitar is that it is a quiet instrument. The best way to get volume is to play rest strokes, as well as to explore timbre with the right hand. Many students don’t seem to hear the difference in timbre when playing with a pick. To me, it is a different sound world; I can hear the difference a mile away.


What kind of thought do you put into setting up/ seating your students in chairs for the Guitar En- semble Performance or during rehearsals?


I’ve found that sitting in a circle works best for rehearsals. I’ve found that sitting in a “V” formation (a multi-layered V) is best for performance. It’s all about getting everybody to hear each other, and creating a sonic blend. I’ve learned these things the “hard way”...


Do you have any special rehearsal techniques or ex- ercises that you would like to share with readers?


I’m working on it...have a common pattern so that students know what to expect, but have variety and creativity within the pattern. Stick to your musical expectations and curricu- lum, but be able to shift when the academic situation neces- sitates it.


We almost own the entire library from GSP. We use ev- erything out there. GSP is my primary resource. For my beginners I use a lot of Andrew Forrest and Thorlakson stuff as it is free!


Your thoughts of “classical guitar seating position” or “right knee” for your groups?


Mandatory…for technique!


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