What is a guitar ensemble?
A guitar ensemble is a group of guitarists who practice music together for the purpose of playing music written with multiple parts. Typically, players will be grouped in three to four or more parts that will be played at the same time by the entire ensemble. A guitar ensemble is similar to a chamber orchestra but with guitars as the only instruments in the group.
The below video is a great example of a guitar ensemble.
Spanish Dance No. 1, performed by NUS Guitar Ensemble at Grande De Bal, held at University Cultural Centre, Singapore, on 25 March 2018.
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St Johns Community Guitar Ensemble
Who We Are:The St Johns Classical Guitar Ensemble (SJCGE)is a community guitar ensemble that includes guitarists of all ages. The SJGE is a performing group that includes members from the St Johns County area and beyond. The group performs a variety of styles of music from classical to popular arrangements for classical guitar ensemble. Instruments in the SJCGE are typically classical guitar including one or two bass guitars. Guitarists will meet for a rehearsal once a week and will perform a least two concerts each year.
Who Can Join:Any age guitarist can join the SJCGE. Ideally, guitarists should have played the guitar for at least one year. The minimum requirement to participate in the SJCGE is to be able to read and play single note repertoire in the first and second positions (frets 0 – 5) of the guitar. Advanced players will be placed on more challenging parts based on their level of playing.
Audition Requirements:Guitarists will bring one piece of any level to perform for the director. In addition, guitarists will read and play a simple, single note piece written in first and second position. This can be a prepared piece that is brought to the audition or one the director gives the guitarist to play.
Type of Guitar Needed:The best type of guitar for the SJCGE is a classical guitar. However, steel string acoustic guitars will work in the group temporarily. At some point each guitarist will need to have a classical guitar. Sorry, no electric guitars are used in the group currently. However, we may occasionally perform a specialty piece that may feature an electric guitar.
Where We Will Meet:Weekly rehearsals will take place at Memorial Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall. 32 Sevilla St. St Augustine, FL 30804
When We Will Meet:Every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
When We Perform:The SJGE will perform a community concert typically in December and May of each year. Other concert dates may be added thoughout the year. Concert venues are yet to be determined.
What It Cost:To be a member of the SJCGE there is a charge of $5 per week. Payments will be made monthly making the average cost $20 per month for most months. Mr. Rogers' private students may participate without charge.
Scholarships:There are a limited number of scholarships available to help cover the cost of joining the SJCGE. Interested students should contact the director and express their interest in applying for the scholarship.
The SJCGE Director:Chuck Rogers is the director of the SJCGE. Chuck is an experienced state certified music teacher who has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music with an emphasis in classical guitar. Chuck has taught guitar, band, string orchestra, and general music in various school districts. Chuck also directed the Stetson University Community School of Music Guitar Ensemble for over ten years. The SUCSMGE excelled in their ability to play beautiful and challenging music in two or more concerts per year. Chuck is currently a guitar teacher, performer, and composer for the guitar. Chuck also performs in a guitar -flute duo with his wife, Laura Rogers. For more information about Chuck please visit crogersmusic.com.
How to Contact Chuck Rogers:crogersmusic.comchuck@crogersmusic.com904 735-9990
Register or Contact Us
Please contact us if you are interested in participating in the St Johns Community Guitar Ensemble. Provide as much information as possible about your experience as a guitarist. Please include how long have you played, if and who you studied with, and any performing experience. Make sure to mention if you have played in a guitar ensemble.