Our end-of-year fund-drive has begun. If you have been inspired by our music and service this year, and it’s the right time, we hope you’ll consider making a gift this month. Support ACG.
Virginia, a treasured friend and guitarist in our community ensemble, surprised us with this wonderful reflection.
When I moved to the Austin area in 2005, I spent time meeting different mothers from my daughter’s school. As we talked about our hobbies and work, I would mention that I played classical guitar. One woman I had lunch with then asked me – What are you going to do with your classical guitar? I hadn’t really thought about it before because I was just learning and enjoying playing for myself. But once I heard the question, I thought, what will I do?
I decided to buy season tickets for the ACG concerts. When I went to my first concert and heard Matt talk passionately about the education commitment ACG made, I was hooked. ACG was the place for me. In the concert program, I learned about the Community Ensembles and auditioned for the group. And I also signed up to volunteer for concerts and other events.
As part of the community ensemble, I met others who enjoyed playing as much as I did and some who were like me and not musically trained. So, although it was difficult at first since I had never played with an ensemble before, I stuck with it and am glad I did. Being with the group helped me improve my playing and sight reading, plus I found companionship with others who enjoyed playing together.
One of my fondest memories was playing during the Guitars Galore ensemble festival. Listening to other ensembles share their music and then being part of the close to 100 guitarists who played the newly-written winning composition was fascinating to me. We would practice together in one day and under the direction of Michael Quantz, the piece all came together quickly and beautifully. At times I was intimidated by the more expert players but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
As a volunteer at the concerts and any other event that ACG holds, I am always willing to talk with concert-goers and anyone who asks about the organization. There are still many people who haven’t heard of all the things ACG does and they are impressed when they hear about it.
I am totally sold on ACG’s mission and am happy to be part of it as much as I can.
Every time I listen to Matt and Joe talk about the various projects ACG supports, it warms my heart. There is genuine love for the people involved and for all the students and teachers they support. ACG has opened my eyes to what is possible when an organization works together to offer more to the community.
I am thrilled to still be part of ACG as a volunteer, donor and concert-goer. I continue to talk with others about the organization and the commitment it has to young guitarists and to people around the world. I was hooked 20 years ago and I’m still hooked on it. I will continue to support ACG as long as I can.
Virginia Urban