Future Students

WHY JOIN GUITAR ENSEMBLE?

Our guitar program is designed to provide a dynamic and engaging musical experience for students of all skill levels. Here are some compelling reasons to consider joining our class:

• Comprehensive Curriculum - Our well-structured curriculum covers guitar fundamentals, advanced techniques, music theory, and ensemble playing. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, there's something for everyone.

• Musical Exploration - Guitar class isn't just about playing songs; it's about finding your unique musical voice. We explore various genres, styles, and improvisation, enabling you to express yourself through music. 

• Performance Opportunities - Throughout the year, you'll have the chance to showcase your talents at various performances listed in our Google calendar. These events are crucial for skill development and boosting self-confidence. 

• Build Confidence, Creativity, and Brain Power - Learning guitar enhances not only musical abilities but also boosts self-confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Music studies have been proven to improve math scores, SAT scores, and GPAs. 

• Field Trips and Social Outings - Past trips have included visits to the VMFA Storied Strings Exhibit, River City Taiko (Japanese drumming), Domoishi, Kings Dominion, historic Hollywood Cemetery, VCU Department of Music, the Richmond Symphony, and Gelati Celesti.

• Special Awards and Medals - Our ensemble members have excelled in All-Chesterfield Guitar Ensemble and VBODA District III Solo & Ensemble events. In 2023, sixteen medals were awarded to participants, enhancing college applications. 

• Academic Credit - Guitar Class meets during the school day for academic credit toward high school graduation.

• Access to Quality Instruments - James River is equipped with a variety of guitars and other resources to support your musical journey. If you don't have your own guitar, we offer a rental option for just $50/year. 

JOIN US AND IGNITE YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY!

We welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities to join our guitar class. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been playing for years, there's a place for you in our musical family.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Acoustic Guitar with Hard Case or Gigbag

• Picks

• Extra strings

• Desire to learn a new instrument and be challenged while having fun!

School rental instruments are available for hard-working students with financial need.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Guitar class is a co-curricular performing arts class. That means that the evening rehearsals and concerts are required and graded per CCPS policy. Expect about four required rehearsals and two performances outside the school day. Additional optional opportunities like Solo & Ensemble Assessment and other field trips are available to students who want to excel; however, the winter concert, spring concert, and associated after school rehearsals are required. See the CCPS performance contract and Guitar Google Calendar for additional details.

HOW TO REGISTER:

To join the JRHS Guitar Ensemble, select "Beginning Guitar PA521O" as your first-choice elective on StudentVue during the annual course selection process. For questions or assistance with registration, please contact the director via email at jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net or by phone at 804-378-2420.

We are genuinely excited to embark on this musical journey with each of you. Together, we will create beautiful music, explore the limitless possibilities of the guitar, and foster a lifelong love for music.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of our vibrant guitar community at James River High School. Join us, and let's make this year an unforgettable musical adventure!

Incoming 9th graders and transfer students who have completed a yearlong Beginning Guitar course at another school are encouraged to enroll in Intermediate Guitar. This class is for students who already have the basics down, including proper playing position, note reading in standard notation, rhythm reading, and strumming open chords. Intermediate students continue developing technique, musicianship, and performance skills while playing fun, challenging music in a variety of styles. Teacher recommendation is required from your middle school (or previous) guitar teacher. Prior coursework must include note reading in standard notation, rhythm reading, open chords, and basic fingerstyle skills. If you do not yet have these skills—especially standard notation reading—you should enroll in Beginning Guitar instead. This is a performing arts class, so participation in required rehearsals and performances is expected. Click HERE for more details on Intermediate and Advanced Guitar.