We Are Guitar

The episode of We Are Guitar features singer, arranger, guitarist, and pianist Debbii Dawson, who recently rose to national fame on America's Got Talent with her hit arrangement of "Dancing Queen" by Abba. This episode will feature Debbii Dawson’s arrangement of the uplifting classic “You Are My Sunshine” played and sung along with our students!

Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.

Featured Ensembles: Camelback High School (Phoenix), directed by Cory Collins; PUC eCALS High School (Los Angeles), directed by Drew Jorgensen; Marine Leadership Academy (Chicago), directed by Matthew Tatlock

Featured Student Soloists: Jamarion (Phoenix), Isaiah (Chicago), Alan (Phoenix), Andrew (Phoenix), Abram (Tucson), Xavier (Chicago), Isiah (Tucson)

The episode of We Are Guitar features guitarist Emily Elbert—master of a broad range of styles including country, rock, and soul- who has played with such artists as Lorde and Jacob Collier, and opened for Harry Styles on tour. The show includes a play-along of Elizabeth Cotten's "Freight Train" with Emily Elbert.​

‍Featured ensembles: Victoria Soto High School Guitar Ensemble (Chicago), conducted by Francisco Silva; M.D. Roberts School of the Arts Middle School (Atlanta), conducted by Michael Pla; Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School (Los Angeles), led by Rosemary Gutierrez

Featured student soloists: Nadya (Chicago), Jesus (Chicago), Byrdee (Tucson), Maria (Chicago), Mic (Basalt), Leo (Chicago), Owen (Basalt)

This episode of We Are Guitar, hosted by Lead Guitar and GSI Foundation, features an interview with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Curt Chambers (guitarist for Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and more). The show includes a play-along of 12-Bar Blues with Curt Chambers and a mini-masterclass with Professor Denis Azabagić.

Featured ensemble: Maryvale High School’s Touring Guitar Ensemble led by Ruben Macias (Phoenix, AZ)
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Featured student soloist: Javon S. (Chicago)

This episode of We Are Guitar, hosted by Lead Guitar and GSI Foundation, features an interview with guitarist, composer Mia Garcia and a performance by the USC Guitar Orchestra led by William Kanengiser. The show includes a play-along of Greensleeves with Mia Garcia and a mini-masterclass with Professor Denis Azabagić.

Featured ensemble: USC Guitar Orchestra led by William Kanengiser
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Featured student soloist: Maya V. (Basalt High School - Basalt, CO), D’Addario Foundation scholarship winner)

This episode of We Are Guitar, hosted by Lead Guitar and GSI Foundation, features an interview with Carlos Rafael Rivera – Emmy-winning composer of the scores for The Queen’s Gambit and Godless. The show includes an exclusive performance of Carlos’ “Cancion” arranged for classical guitar orchestra and performed by Carlos and Lead Guitar students around the country and a mini-masterclass with Professor Denis Azabagić. Have your guitar at the ready and enjoy this interactive celebration with classical guitar students and enthusiasts around the world.

Featured ensemble: Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra led by Joe Williams
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Featured student soloist: Jesus Macaklin (Victoria Soto High School - Chicago, IL) and Michael Webster (Maryvale High School - Phoenix, AZ)

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

This episode of We Are Guitar, hosted by Lead Guitar, GSI Foundation and Córdoba Guitars, features an interview with Molly Miller, the guitarist for Jason Mraz and Black-Eyed Peas. The show includes an exclusive performance of the hit song “Making it Up” by Jason Mraz, arranged for classical guitar orchestra and performed by Molly and Lead Guitar students around the country and a mini-masterclass with Professor Denis Azabagić. Have your guitar at the ready and enjoy this interactive celebration with classical guitar students and enthusiasts around the world.

Featured ensemble: Guitar Foundation of America Youth Ensemble led by Chuck Hulihan
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Featured student soloists: Andrew Adams (Camelback High School - Phoenix, AZ), Mali Sparhawk (Carbondale Middle School - Carbondale, IL)

The 2nd Lead Guitar Virtual Showcase hosted by the GSI Foundation and Córdoba Guitars features an interview with Zach Filkins of OneRepublic and an exclusive rendition and play-along of the hit song “Counting Stars” for classical guitar orchestra. Also included are play-along ensembles of music by Bach and Bob Marley as well as technique tips from Professor Denis Azabagić. Have your guitar at the ready and enjoy this interactive celebration with classical guitar students and enthusiasts around the world.

Featured student soloists: Spencer Wimmer (City High School - Tucson, AZ), Leilah Castro (Maurice Sendak Elementary ACT Magnet - Los Angeles, CA)

June 27th, 2020: On the occasion of the Lead Guitar Virtual Showcase, GSI Foundation donated over 50 Córdoba C3M guitars to children from Lead Guitar programs stuck at home during the pandemic without a guitar to practice.

Do you have a guitar you wish to donate? Support us

Don’t have a guitar but still want to help? We also accept cash donations. Help us provide music education to children in public schools.

Three globe-trotting guest artists and their hosts are sharing their mastery of classical, finger-style, rock, pop, and Latin guitar to bring the guitar community together for a great cause: