As musicians, we should be constantly looking for ways to share our gifts with our communities. I was pleased to have an opportunity to do just that at the Anderson Elementary School not too long ago.

The class consisted of a few kids of mixed levels in a summer program. I got to present to them a brief history of the guitar, starting with the lyres of ancient Greece, to Lutes and Vihuelas and Baroque Guitars to the modern instruments.

Although I played for them several different types of music – classical, blues, jazz, classic rock and modern rock – I get the feeling they enjoyed the modern rock the most. I can’t say I’m surprised! Who doesn’t like Metallica anyway?

After demonstrating that for them I got to give the class a quick guitar lesson. I was fortunate to have brought a spare guitar of my own to compliment the small army of guitars brought in by the teacher and her aide. We strummed through some Beatles and Green Day, and I have to say, they did great!

All in all I had a great time there and I hope to see them again. If any of you kids wind up reading this, thanks for having me in your class, great job listening and FANTASTIC job playing with me! Also, major thanks for the card you made me. I really appreciate it!!!