Below are video projects recorded by Cleveland Classical Guitar Society students:
2022 VIRTUAL GUITAR ORCHESTRA
Till We Meet Again
Composed by Elizabeth Cotten
(Summer 2022)
Thirty-three CCGS students, alongside students from two schools in the Canton area, took part in the All-Ohio Virtual Guitar Orchestra – led by the Virtual Guitar Orchestra (VGO) and made possible by the Augustine Foundation. 50 Ohio guitarists from grades 5-12 ever participated in a recording of the music of Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, a revolutionary guitarist best known for her unique fingerpicking style and performance of folk songs such as “Freight Train.”
2021 CREATIVE FUSION
The Covenant: Passacaglia for Minneapolis
composed by Thomas Flippin
(Summer 2021)
Artist-in-residence Thomas Flippin composed this powerful work to feature four CCGS students in collaboration with Cleveland jazz guitarist Dan Wilson. This powerful work recounts WWI veteran Arthur Lee, who as a Black American was told he could not live in his home because the neighborhood had a Restrictive Racial Covenant.
2021 CREATIVE FUSION
Music for Interaction
composed by Hermelindo Ruiz
(Summer 2021)
This piece was composed by artist-in-residence Hermelindo Ruiz for CCGS students, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the founding of San Juan. It features stories from parents and students who moved from Puerto Rico to Cleveland.
2021 CREATIVE FUSION
La Llorona
arranged by Anastasia Sonaranda
(Summer 2021)
This ambitious arrangement by artist-in-residence Anastasia Sonaranda features CCGS students in collaboration with over one hundred participants from Cleveland and Mexico (ranging in age from six through adult).
Brown Skin Girl
based on a song by Beyoncé
(March 2021)
This arrangement of Beyoncé’s powerful song features CCGS students with professional guitarists from Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria. It was recorded in honor of Women’s History Month.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
music by John Rosamond Johnson
(February 2021)
Lift Every Voice and Sing was recorded in commemoration of Black History Month. The arrangement was created for students by CCGS Director of Education Brian Gaudino.
Carol of the Bells
music by Mykola Leontovych
(December 2020)
Carol of the Bells features 34 CCGS students from twelve different schools. This arrangement was adapted for students by CCGS Director of Education Brian Gaudino.
La Bamba
Traditional Mexican song
(November 2020)
La Bamba was recorded to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This arrangement was prepared for students by CCGS Educator Rodrigo Lara Alonso.
Danza Paraguaya
by Agustín Barrios
(August 2020)
CCGS students work in collaboration with peers from Paraguay to accompany guitarist Berta Rojas as soloist. This was the finale of Berta’s virtual concert for CCGS on August 15, 2020.
Beyond Ferguson
by Thomas Flippin
(June 2020)
Beyond Ferguson was composed in reaction to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. This video features CCGS students, who also created original poetry and photos.
Running
by Brian Gaudino
(June 2020)
Running is a popular composition used in CCGS guitar classes. Three CCGS high school students recorded this video to use as an online practice tool for beginning guitarists.
Walk to the Waterfall
by Brian Gaudino
(June 2020)
Walk to the Waterfall was composed to include students of all levels from beginners through advanced. This was the first video project created by CCGS Guitar@Home Academy.
Brighter Days
written by CCGS students
(August 2018)
This original composition was written and performed by students in the Artworks Summer 2018 Classical Guitar program (sponsored by the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning).