Music & Healing: Life Never Ends by Liz with Shayna Sands

ACG Music & Healing brings human connection, beauty, and expressivity to individuals facing isolation and challenge, through collaboration with a skilled and trained ACG Artist. These services are available to a wide variety of clients through partnerships with more than a dozen social service providers including hospitals, shelters, residential rehabilitation facilities, parental education and family health organizations, and veterans service providers. Learn more about ACG Music & Healing.

 

One of our Music & Healing artists, Shayna Sands, recently completed a song with a wonderful woman named Liz and we’re so excited to share it with you! 

Shayna shared,

Life Never Ends formed in an organic way as Liz shared some of her recent findings from her journey. She talked about scenes and moments of revelation; moments of presence that captivated her, and the lessons each experience taught her. I learned so much from Liz’s wisdom and insight. She was inspired and found a talent within herself for the art of song. I am so grateful to have been a part of it and even more thrilled that she sang lead vocals on the recording!”

Listen here:


This Week: Spy Kids in GuitarCurriculum

We’re thrilled to announce that, this fall, music from Robert Rodriguez’s global cinematic sensations, Spy Kids, will be added to ACG’s GuitarCurriculum. GuitarCurriculum powers guitar classrooms all across the world, and we can’t wait for students everywhere to be inspired by this fun and exciting music.

This summer, we’re even creating a music video directed by Robert Rodriguez with nineteen amazing young players performing the new arrangement. In June we’re recording audio at Music Hill Studio, before filming at The Long Center. We’ll release the video soon!

We would like to thank Robert Rodriguez and Troublemaker Studios for his incredibly generous donation of both the music and his time, expertise, and film crew to make this project possible.

We’re deeply grateful for the support of Rod Hairston, Reginald Carter, Luke Torvinen, and everyone at Music Hill Studio and Music Hill Ranch. Special thanks to the Long Center and McCallum High School.

The Spy Kids arrangement for guitar ensemble was made by Rick Del Castillo and Matthew Lyons. On the ACG team, huge thanks to Matt Hinsley, Todd Waldron, Tony Mariano, and Jeremy Roye.

Our deepest thanks go to director Andrew Clark and the following amazing students and families: Sebastian Banks, Satvik Chawla, Nathan Dart, Paul Devens, Beck Hartman, Benjamin Johnson, Ethan Kuhlken, Mason Michulka, Ace Pearson, Teddy McCoy, Noah Melendrez, Nima Moin, Emily Piper, Sydney Piper, Juan Rodriguez, Regan Sims, Jaden Tao, and Jianna Zamora. Huge thanks to the film crew: Brian Bettwy, Luis Caffesse, Shiraz Jafri, Todd Smiley, Chris Smith, Joe Vasquez, and Steve Wilson, and to photographer Christina Castro. 

Front Row (L-R): Regan Sims, Ethan Kuhlken, Nathan Dart, Sebastian Banks | Back Row (L-R): Matt Hinsley, Tony Mariano, Rod Hairston, Reggie Carter, Todd Waldron, Robert Rodriguez, Luke Torvinen, Andrew Clark, and Jeremy Roye Photo by Greta Fennelly

Unveiling the Magic: A Reflection from Concert & Sight Reading with Evan Taucher

Guitar is the world’s most popular instrument, and the results have been new students engaging in school-based performing arts by the tens of thousands. We learned this year that enrollment in our partner guitar classes is now second only to band amongst all AISD middle and high school music classes. We now have partner teachers in 45 Texas school districts and 40 states. Education has been our largest budget area at ACG since 2004. And it’s all possible thanks to friends like you. So, as we reach the end of another record-breaking school year, we’d like to thank you for helping make it all possible, and thank you for your belief in ACG, and in the power of music to do good in the world. Learn more about ACG Education here. Support ACG Education here

 

This year’s Concert & Sight Reading event was filled with vibrant sounds of music, the thrill of anticipation, and the transformative power of performance.

We had the opportunity to speak with one of our wonderful judges, Evan Taucher, who experienced firsthand the beauty and growth that emerged from the talented young musicians and dedicated directors. Evan shared his reflections on the event and the profound impact it had on all involved, 

“My role at this year's Concert & Sight Reading event was one of the main-stage judges. This means I had the privilege of hearing almost forty amazing young groups play a wide variety of music. What I tried to focus on was providing as much as possible written feedback as it pertains to the directors of the ensembles, but also feedback for some tendencies I noticed amongst the students. I judged this event last year as well, and it's amazing how much each group improves year to year. It's proof of the amazing work that both the students and directors put into their music and practice, but also a testament to the valuable education, mentorship and curriculum that ACG provides to these schools.

This may seem strange, but some of my favorite moments were seeing the process of the students (and sometimes directors) nervously entering the stage, sitting down, then putting on an absolutely amazing performance and show. It's a feeling I relate to on a personal level as a performer and educator. Walking onto the stage, and introducing yourself is seemingly the easiest part but in actuality, it's the most nerve-wracking part of the performance! Then, you just do what you've been practicing, and most of the time it turns out great. 

The environment of the whole event is quite electric (well, acoustic but you get what I mean!). The AISD stage is HUGE and when you enter, it feels very, very important and serious. But in reality, everyone is quite friendly, and everyone on stage (judges, directors, and most importantly - the students) is made to feel super comfortable. It's an environment of sharing the blood, sweat and tears that went into preparing and performing this music. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it was an inspiring couple of days.”

The incredibly talented students and directors at this year’s Concert & Sight Reading event exemplified growth, raw expression, and wholesome collaboration. Each participant played an integral role in creating an atmosphere that nurtured talent and celebrated the journey of becoming a musician. We feel so honored to continue to equip the next generation of musicians with the skills, support, and confidence to create magic on and off the stage. We are so grateful for this community, thank you. 


New! ACG Music Library at The Rosette

Guitar is the world’s most popular instrument, and the results have been new students engaging in school-based performing arts by the tens of thousands. We learned this year that enrollment in our partner guitar classes is now second only to band amongst all AISD middle and high school music classes. We now have partner teachers in 45 Texas school districts and 40 states. Education has been our largest budget area at ACG since 2004. And it’s all possible thanks to friends like you. So, as we reach the end of another record-breaking school year, we’d like to thank you for helping make it all possible, and thank you for your belief in ACG, and in the power of music to do good in the world. Learn more about ACG Education here. Support ACG Education here

 

Guitarists! ACG is thrilled to announce the opening of our sheet music library at The Rosette. If you’re in Austin, make an appointment to visit and stop by. Wanna know if we have what you’re looking for? Click the link below and try a keyword search. Special thanks to the many donors over the years who have contributed scores to make this resource possible, and extra special thanks to Norma Hawes on our team, our tireless librarian, who has built our database and archived the collection.

 

https://austinclassicalguitar.org/music-library/


Notes from Nepal

Guitar Foundation Nepal is made possible thanks to a generous sustaining gift from Rick Reeder at Layer 3 Real Estate, who shares our belief that music can do good in the world. We’re so grateful for our many opportunities to work with teachers near and far who bring their passion into the classroom every day. If you’d like to join Rick and many others as an ACG sustaining donor, click here! Thanks to all our friends who make our programs possible.

 

We received something beautiful from Nepal this morning.

Ravindra is an EMS professional in Kathmandu. For five years his dream has been to work with ACG to create guitar classes for his community. While the pandemic slowed progress, it has been an incredible joy to work beside him as Ravindra has done the hard work to begin his program. He is now President of the newly formed Guitar Foundation Nepal, he’s got a space to teach, and classes began in March.

Today he wrote, “I am teaching ACG’s curriculum to our students at no cost thanks to our partnership. I believe music can be used for social welfare, and I believe this aligns with your vision at ACG.”

Ravindra sent us a video of one of his new classes! They’re playing Kasaya, by our Education Director Travis Marcum. “Kasaya is like a meditation in music with many dimensions,” Ravindra wrote. “It drew our attention immediately. The students were immersed right away. I honestly did not have to teach very much, because of their admiration for the music and the composer. It’s wonderful seeing their confidence build so quickly. When we play it, we don’t want the music to stop.”

Listen to them play here:


Juvenile Justice: Forever Lasting

At ACG, we believe in the transformative power of music. We have witnessed firsthand how music can transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and make a positive impact in people’s lives. Over the past decade, we have been privileged to create and sustain Texas’ first and only daily, for-credit performing arts course for young people incarcerated in the Juvenile Justice system. Learn more about ACG Education and our Juvenile Justice programs here

 

We are delighted to present a recent recording by the students at Gardner Betts.

The recording, titled “Forever Lasting,” was created by the students in Travis County’s Gardner Betts Facility. What started as a simple warm-up exercise transformed into a composed and improvised piece that showcases the artistic growth and creativity of these remarkable young musicians. We are so proud of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to learn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfqwI8TduUw


Young Artist Concert and Class with Jorge Caballero

Young Artist Concert and Class with Jorge Caballero

May 4 at 7 pm
at The Rosette
3908 Avenue B, Austin TX 78751

On May 4th, we will be hosting a Young Artist Concert and Class with renowned classical guitarist, Jorge Caballero, at The Rosette.

This concert will feature some of the most beautiful and captivating pieces of music played by some of the most promising young guitarists we know in our community. See program below. 

The event will also feature a master class with Jorge Caballero, an internationally acclaimed classical guitarist who has been hailed by critics as a “musical genius.” His insights and guidance will undoubtedly help these young musicians take their talents to the next level. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of classical guitarists showcase their talents and learn from one of the most celebrated guitarists of our time!

 

Program: 

Cello Suite no. 1, Prelude – Johann Sebastian Bach
Michael Vetter

Gran Vals – Francisco Tárrega
Sydney Piper

En Los Trigales – Joaquin Rodrigo
Satvik Chawla

Capricho Árabe – Francisco Tárrega
Ethan Kuhlken


PLAY Finale: A Chat with Matthew Lyons

Join us this Wednesday, April 12 at Soundspace at Captain Quackenbush or Thursday, April 13 at The Rosette for a charming concert dedicated to Home as our PLAY series finale. Matthew Lyons and Stephen Krishnan come together as the MoonTower Duo with James Tabata to bring us new and original works of music that represent life, our home, and our community in its present form. Learn more and find tickets here

 

This week we had the chance to connect with a very special friend of ACG and a member of the MoonTower Duo, Matthew Lyons. 

Matthew’s journey with ACG started when he was 11 years old, performing at a student recital. He shared, 

“I remember messing up the end of whatever study I had poorly prepared and compensating for it by ending the piece with an AC/DC lick (and the look of bemusement on Matt Hinsley’s face afterwards). In the 20 years since then, I’ve grown to see ACG as an artistic home and supportive community. I’ve attended countless performances, arranged and composed works for numerous projects, and grown as a musician thanks to the educational and creative opportunities provided by ACG”

Not only is Matthew a beautiful guitar player, he also is a very talented composer! He finds inspiration in bringing joy to his listeners through his music the same way music brings joy to him. 

“I’m obsessed with colorful harmonies, infectious grooves, direct melodies, and the ways in which these elements can interact to stage an emotional journey for the listener. I view performing – especially performing my own music – as attempting to create a space in which an audience can feel connected through their shared experience of (hopefully) enjoying the music.”

Matthew first collaborated with his duo partner, Stephen Krishnan, for the first time in 2019 when Stephen performed a guitar concerto Matthew dedicated to him. Three years later, they reconnected to play duos they had written! Matthew shared,

“I love working with Stephen because he’s an incredibly flexible musician who’s down to experiment to discover new things about the music we play.”

The MoonTower Duo’s upcoming performance as part of our PLAY series finale promises variety. They will stretch the boundaries of what a classical guitar can be, playing a range of styles from delicate jazz waltzes to belligerent Tom Waits-inspired musical thrashings. Their music will showcase different sounds from the soft twinkling of guitar harmonics to resonant depth of the upright bass played by James Tabata!  

“We love stretching the notion of what a classical guitar concert can be, as the music we play is largely written by us or by musicians who aren’t part of the canon.”


ACG Originals: We've Always Known, Song Descriptions

For the last eight years, ACG Music & Healing has built beautiful connections in our community. This special initiative pairs songwriters with individuals experiencing profound challenges to use music as a pathway for connection and self-expression in creating original songs that give voice to their hopes, fears, and dreams. WE’VE ALWAYS KNOWN brings together four amazing singer/songwriters to re-interpret, re-visit and share some of these extraordinary pieces of music. Featuring guitarist Claire Puckett, violinist Camille Schiess, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Fears, and Music & Healing Director and guitarist Travis Marcum. Join us for this unforgettable evening on March 25-26. Find tickets here.

Below are the song descriptions for this concerts program.

 

In the Garden Green 

By Meg with Travis Marcum & Amelia DeVivo

In the Garden Green was written as a part of Lullaby Project in Spring 2019 by Meg for her son Garner. As she thought about meeting her baby for the first time, Meg used the familiar image of a garden as a symbol of growth and peace through the joy and challenges of life. Meg, her husband Tom and their now two little ones Garner and Cora are long time friends of Travis and Amelia. In the Garden Green was written together in friendship and support of the beautiful life ahead for their family. You can listen to the song here.

 

I am Strong

By L. with Claire Puckett

Community Partner: Red Oak Hope

I am Strong was written by L. in Summer of 2022 in collaboration with ACG community Partner Red Oak Hope. Red Oak Hope is a world-wide organization based out of Austin serving women who are victims of trafficking and exploitation. L. and Claire Puckett wrote a truly powerful song about perseverance in the face of doubt and adversity. You can hear L. singing I am Strong here

 

Beauty in My Pain

By Lexi with Daniel Fears

Community Partner: Texas Oncology

Beauty in My Pain was written in early 2023 by Lexi. During their time together, she and Daniel spent hours talking about hopes and fears, challenges and joys of life. Daniel describes Lexi as a truly gifted storyteller. Lexi wrote every lyric, creating a beautiful statement of faith and togetherness through the toughest of times. You can listen to the original song here

 

Miles to Go

By Christina with Travis Marcum & Claire Puckett

Community Partner: Livestrong Cancer Institutes 

Miles to Go was written in Fall of 2018 by Christina with Travis and Claire. Christina was a transcendent force for good and helped shape ACG’s Music and Healing Program with her guidance in piloting our first songwriting collaboration with community members undergoing cancer treatment. Christina wrote a vivid and honest piece about her experience with diagnosis and treatment. An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she used the imagery of patchwork and sewing to describe her familiarity with the “weight” and “wait” of this illness. She illuminated a powerful journey. Christina and her song forever changed ACG and the way that we connect with others. You can hear Miles to Go here

 

Meraki Lullaby

By Holly with Arnold Yzaguirre

Community Partner: Any Baby Can

Meraki Lullaby was written in late Summer 2018 as a part of Lullaby Project by Holly in partnership with local organization Any Baby Can. Holly chose this word Meraki meaning “essence of ourselves” to describe the feelings she had in anticipation of her baby coming into this world. Holly is a beautiful vocalist. She is full of joy and we at ACG are so grateful for her contribution. You can hear Holly and Arnold’s recording of Meraki Lullaby here

 

Don’t Wake Me

By D. with Claire Puckett and Travis Marcum

Community Partner: Red Oak Hope

Don’t Wake Me was written in Summer of 2020 by D. She created a truly imaginative and compelling vision of serenity in the face of a harsh and sharp world. D. took our Music and Healing Artists along on her journey to build an honest, whimsical portrait of transition through darkness. You can listen to Don’t Wake Me here

 

My Baby Princess

By Trimonisha with Joey Delahoussaye  

Community Partner: Travis Co. Correctional Complex

My Baby Princess was written by Trimonisha as a part of Lullaby Project in Spring of 2016 at Travis Co. Correctional Complex. Joey, ACG Music and Healing Artist would visit the facility, meeting with Trimonisha and transforming her stories, hopes and regrets into a love song for her daughter. Joey wrote: 

“When I met Trimonisha one of the first things she told me was that she and her six year old daughter Miracle had a tradition of lighting candles, drawing a bubble bath and putting on their “relaxation music”.  She let me into her world and allowed me to help her turn tears, joy and most of all her truth into a song that she and Miracle might one day listen to at their next bubble bath reunion. 

Trimonisha, thank you for putting your trust in me, someone that you didn’t really have a reason to trust. I hope you can take the bright spirit you showed to me and continue living it out in a world that hasn’t always been good to you.”

You can listen to My Baby Princess here

 

I Can Do This

By Dolly and Kourosh with Shayna Sands and Travis Marcum

Community Partner: Texas Oncology

I Can Do This was written by Dolly and Kourosh in late 2021 with Music and Healing Artist and austin singer-songwriter Shayna Sands. Dolly and her husband wanted to create a joyful and honest song of their long experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the lessons learned along this journey. Inspired by Texas country acts like Robert Earl Keen, this song highlights the love between two people, the challenges inherent in their journey, and the gratitude and jubilation that is part of all life. The title for our concert “We’ve Always Known” comes from a line in this song. Dolly’s song tells us that the beauty of life and death is happening all around us and we’ve always known that it’s our connection to others that is the most important. You can see Shayna performing this song live here

 

Life

By Marcelina with Travis Marcum 

Community Partner: Lifeworks

Simply titled Life, Marcelina wrote this lullaby to her daughter in Fall of 2019 in partnership with Austin community organization LifeWorks. With a deep message of hope for her baby, Marcelina is a strong, patient young mother who wanted to impart two things to her child through the lullaby process. One, she wanted her daughter to know that life is long and sometimes hard, but if you pay attention, it is beautiful. And two, she wanted her daughter to know that the two of them are connected in every way… forever. You can hear Marcelina singing her lullaby here

 

I Keep You Strong

By Davis with Travis Marcum and Amelia DeVivo

Community Partner: Annunciation Maternity Home

Written in Summer of 2015, Davis’ lullaby called I Keep You Strong conveys a beautiful message of solidarity and common purpose for mother and child. Davis wanted to express her belief that, as mother and son, the two of them will build each other up in times of hardship and for him to know that she will always be there for him. You can listen to I Keep You Strong here.

 

Felix’s Lullaby

By Felix with Arnold Yzaguirre and Claudia Chapa

Community Partner: Travis Co. Correctional Complex

Felix’s Lullaby is a statement of hope for a better future. Arnold worked with her TCCC to craft a message to her four children that expresses the most important sentiment… I love you now and forever. It is a soft descent into a peaceful place, a better tomorrow. You can listen to Felix’s Lullaby here.