On May 15, 2007 I went with Erik Puslys to Wheeler School in Providence, RI. Mark Davis directs a high school guitar program there and he wanted Erik and I to listen to some of his student quartets, to play a bit, and to talk a bit about majoring in music and being a musician.
It was a morning call for sure–we got there at around 8:50 and, like rock stars, parked right in front of the entrance. The kids were incredible–the two guitar quartets were well-rehearsed. The younger quartet played us some Piazzolla and it was very groovy. The older quartet with seniors and a junior played a beautiful Faure Siciliano arrangement, which was also very beautiful.
What struck me deeply was the genuine interest these students had for the guitar and music. In a world where bombs and violence headline front pages, it’s very reassuring to know that there are people like Mark Davis keeping these beacons of hope lit. Even more comforting is the knowing that there are young men and women like these who, no matter where they end up in the future, will always have some of our music in their souls.
Excellent! We need more guitar in the schools.