Description of Events

Thursday. June 17, 2021 (Live Stream)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Dr. Jay Kacherski Workshop
“Little Adjustments—Big Payoffs”
Guitar is hard enough! Make sure your technique is working for you and not against you. There are many little details and simple adjustments that, when implemented, can solve technical issues and relieve tension in our physical movements.  This workshop will explore a number of technique tips that will save you hours of frustration and build confidence and security in your playing. For students of all levels--beginners to advanced.  

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Prof. Eddie Healy Workshop
“Theory and Improvisation: Getting the Improv Ball Rolling”
This approach to musical improvisation will enable those with little to no improvisatory experience to begin their journey into that world. Those who do have experience with improvisation will be introduced to new strategies that will enable them to achieve even greater degrees of success. Participants will explore exercises that will enable them to gradually work their way up to much more complex improvisatory ideas and textures.  Whether you’re improvising for the first time, or consider yourself a seasoned veteran of the practice, this approach will help you find engaging and rewarding ways to develop this skill! 

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Winning Performances
First Place winners of Competition categories: High School, Middle School, 2-Year College and Ensemble will play their winning program.
 

Friday, June 18, 2021 (Live Stream)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Prof. Jeremy García Technique Workshop
“Flamenco / Classical”
This class will explore how flamenco techniques and musical characteristics apply to classical guitar repertoire!  We will explore picado, rasqueado, and other techniques using various classical pieces.  We will also look at compás and phrasing in classical repertoire that draws directly from flamenco practices.   

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Prof. Andrea Ricci Cannon Workshop
"Unlocking the Cage: Understanding scales, chords and the CAGED system."
The mystery of the CAGED system is right under your fingers. If you can play chords and count to five, that’s all you need to know to explore the fretboard. We will begin with some basic chords and finger patterns, then connect with the five CAGED chords to unlock the system and demystify the fretboard. Have your guitar ready and let’s play!

 
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Performances by Finalists in the Artists Competition
The 20-minute program for each finalist in the Artist Division of the Competition will be broadcast. 

Saturday, June 19, 2021 (Live Stream)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
J. Todd Frazier Workshop
“The Intersection of Arts and Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital”
This presentation will offer a multimedia survey of Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine’s programs in artist health, arts integration, creative arts therapy and arts and medicine research and outreach. 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Master Class with Prof. René Izquierdo
Four students will have the opportunity to play in the Master Class. The class will be streamed online that all may learn. To be followed by a Q&A.
 

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Concert – Jay Kacherski with Lina Morita followed by Gabriel Santiago
Dr. Jay Kacherski and pianist Dr. Lina Morita will open the evening playing two guitar/piano duets. Brazilian jazz guitarist Gabriel Santiago will play original arrangements from a repertoire of Bossa Nova/Samba, Jazz and some works by many Brazilian composers. Go to Concerts for more information.