Imagine an orchestra made up of only guitars!!! Philadelphia Guitar Orchestra is an ensemble-based music program designed specifically for children ages 5 to 10. The program includes ten rehearsals and one recital, as well as a day in a recording studio. For ten weeks the ensemble rehearses songs that will be performed at the end of the program. The group will pick the music to be performed. The final performance will be professionally recorded, and each participant will receive a recorded copy of the show.

The beauty of this program is that, while participants do need minimum proficiency on the guitar, beyond that, the program is open to all levels. Children who are more advanced will be given the harder parts of various songs. Children who are just starting or are not as advanced will play the easier parts of various songs. Easier, however, does not mean less important. All kids will play, and all will perform.
Students will learn and develop the following skills:

1. How to play music together. While learning how to play an instrument through private instruction is very important and is of course necessary for ensemble playing, it is not sufficient. Students of music must, if they are to really progress, learn how to play with other musicians.
2. Teamwork. This program stresses teamwork. While I will foster a respectful, fun, and pleasant atmosphere, the participants have to figure out how best to utilize their talents and resources in order to create a great guitar band and final concert. This program does not encourage competition among participants; rather, it encourages each student to understand the importance of their particular part in the ensemble and to act as a responsible member who is part of a greater whole.
3. How to perform. I have read several times that public performance is one of the greatest fears people hold. I have also come across many people who believe that “some people are just good at performing while others are not.” In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Like most things in life, performing can be taught and performance anxiety can be overcome through practice. Because Philadelphia Guitar Orchestra is an ensemble, no participants will be asked to give solo performances. As a result, no child will bear the burden of performing alone; rather, they will all experience the excitement that comes with performing together.

Teaching philosophy:
My method of teaching is predicated on two general principles:

• First, take what you do seriously but don’t take yourself seriously. While it is true that some people are naturally more talented in some things than others, whether it is sports or music or academics, I believe that success rests primarily on hard work and not on “talent.” Throughout my teaching career, I have heard kids say many times, “I’m no good at this” or “I feel bad because I’m not playing well” or “he’s so much better than me.” I explain to kids that playing a song or a scale correctly does not make you a “better” person or a “worse” person. Playing better is simply the result of hard work. I try to teach kids to separate their personal selves from their musical abilities. I have found that once kids realize that their feelings of self-worth are separate from what they are doing musically, they have an easier time learning. Kids can, in fact, learn with a serious attitude while experiencing the process of learning in a fun and joyful way.
• Secondly, music is not just a series of notes. We all at some point have noticed how people sometimes “talk a lot but say nothing.” The same is true of many people, both students and professionals, when they play music. This program stresses music fundamentals. Kids will learn how to play with excellent tone and with excellent rhythm. Kids will also learn how to sight-read. Even in the simplest pieces such as “Happy Birthday,” it is important for beginning students to learn not how to just play the notes but to play the piece well and with expression. I will apply these principles throughout the program.

Program information:

1. Rehearsals will be held for 2 hours once a week at the Trinity Center For Urban Life, located at 2212 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA.
2. Part of the program will include two guest guitarists who will give two separate half-hour clinics for the kids. One guitarist will perform in the Spanish Flamenco style, and the other will perform Bluegrass music. These two additional part-time instructors will also perform with the kids at the final recital. There is also the possibility of a third special guest.
3. A note to parents: I realize that 2-hour rehearsals are long. However, I will keep rehearsals fun, and there will be a 15-minute break with snacks midway through each rehearsal. Parents must play a proactive part in their children’s practicing guitar in order for this to be a success. Parents are encouraged to contact me regarding any matter pertaining to this program; however, generally, parents are asked not to sit in on rehearsals.
4. I will lead all rehearsals. I will create a pleasant atmosphere that will bring out the best in everyone. While the group as a whole will discuss what songs will be performed, I will have final say over all other matters.
5. All participants are expected to show up on time. If students need help with their material, private lessons can be scheduled.
6. Home work will be given out in class. Reviews of all classes will be available on YouTube. YouTube videos will add a visual component that will help make learning easier.
7. The final recital will be held at WORLD CAFE LIVE on the first Sunday of June. To those of you who may not know, World Cafe Live is one of the best music venues on the East Coast. Kids will perform on a great stage in a real music venue.
8. I will direct the Philadelphia Guitar Orchestra for one day in the recording studio. The recording studio is located in South Philadelphia. If parents do not feel comfortable with the location of the studio, it is possible for the sound engineer to do a completely professional recording on location at the Trinity Center for Urban Life. Irrespective of the location, the experience and the sound quality will be the same. Each student will walk away with their own CD of their performances.
9. All students will receive their own “Philadelphia Guitar Orchestra Class of 2009” tee-shirt.

Fees: The fee for the program is $420 dollars per child. All materials needed for the program will be provided. Payment is due at the beginning of the program. There will be a small ticket price per attendee for the final concert.

Philadelphia Guitar Orchestra will start in the first week of April. The program needs a MINIMUM of 12 students to be effective. Each group is limited to 15 students. If any of you have friends or acquaintances who may be interested, please let me know.
Max Fisher