(Front Page) Article in the Daily Citizen
(serving NE Georgia for 153 years) December 17, 2001
(Picture of four boys sitting in classical quartet reading
from music)
Strumming Along
High School Students find a class they love, they’re the “pluckiest”
group of students at SoutheastWhitfield High School.
For the first time ever, Ken Cox, music teacher at the school,
has offered a classical guitar class to Southeast students. With the help of
a grant from the Principal’s discretionary fund, the school purchased 26
nylon string classical guitars for students to use in the class this semester.
“It’s the perfect alternative to chorus and band for high school students
because the class has no prerequisites,” Cox said. Most of the 24 students
in the class will perform this evening during the annual chorus Christmas concert
that begins at 7 p.m. at the school. “They make me so proud,” said
Cox almost to himself while watching his guitar students practice for the concert
Friday afternoon. “They have made tremendous progress.” “Students
in the class have varying degrees of experience and talent,” said Cox.
He’s concentrated on teaching students how to read music, basic finger
placement, how to properly hold and strum a guitar, keeping time, tuning and
more. “I’ve learned all kinds of stuff – it’s more than
just reading music,” said Kara Simpson, a senior and one of only
four girls in the class. Simpson had no experience playing the guitar before
Cox’s class.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to play,” she stated. “I
figured many girls wouldn’t take this class. Girls are more likely to sing
than play guitars.” Dane Beaver, a sophomore, also had no experience with
a guitar before the class. He said he wanted to learn how to play the heavy
metal music he listens to. He hopes to start a band one day. “It’s
hard when you’re first starting out,” said Beaver, who “probably”
would not have joined any music class besides this one. “Guitar is the
only thing that seemsinteresting to me.” Cox said many students find playing
the guitar more socially acceptable than singing or being in the band. Students
have played songs ranging from classical to rock and roll. “Chicks think
it’s cool,” said Brandon Howard. “There’s finally a class
in school I like,” said Josh Hilliker, a freshman. “Ever since I was
little I’ve wanted to do this and now I can,” said Edward Padgett,
a junior. Stephen Busie had about a year of experience playing the guitar before
he joined Cox’s class. He said he hopes to expand his skills so that “I
can go to some kind of music school.” Cox said there is a waiting list
for students to get into the two guitar classes being offered next semester.
“Word has gotten out and the kids want to be in these classes,” said
Cox. “I’d like to see more guitar classes spring up in the area.”