The episode of We Are Guitar features Brazilian composer, concert guitarist, and all-around musical force of nature Sérgio Assad. Featured in our inaugural Ep. 1 during the heights of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Assad returns to talk about his musical journey, including his world-famous work with brother Odair Assad as part of the Assad Brothers guitar duo, as well as advice for students on what to listen to. (Hint: everything you can!)
This episode will feature Sérgio Assad’s improvisation over a Lead Guitar standard piece “Pezzo Tedesco” by composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco played along with our students!
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
Featured Ensembles:
Maryvale High School (Phoenix) directed by Teacher Ruben Macias;
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz High School (Chicago) directed by Teacher Paul Cepela;
Chicago Academy Elementary School (Chicago) directed by Teacher William Gumbiner
Featured Student Soloists:
Nadya, Ruben, and Oscar (Chicago); Santiago (Athens, GA);
Mia, Boedi, and Tiffany & Marco (duo), Jesús, Anthony & Isaias (trio), and Jamarion (Phoenix);
Luis (Los Angeles);
and Abram (Tucson)
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); and 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.
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
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); and 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 a 12-Bar Blues with Curt Chambers and a mini-masterclass with Professor Denis Azabagić.
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
Featured ensemble:
Maryvale High School’s Touring Guitar Ensemble led by Ruben Macias (Phoenix, AZ)
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.
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
Featured ensemble: USC Guitar Orchestra led by William Kanengiser
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.
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
Featured ensemble: Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra led by Joe Williams
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.
Hosted by Guitar Salon International Foundation on the GSI YouTube Channel.
Featured ensemble: Guitar Foundation of America Youth Ensemble led by Chuck Hulihan
Featured student soloists: Andrew A. (Camelback High School - Phoenix, AZ); Mali S. (Carbondale Middle School - Carbondale, IL)