This year marks 25 years of Austin Classical Guitar’s Community Ensembles, a program that began with a small group of passionate guitarists and has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational family of musicians who meet weekly to rehearse, connect, and share the joy of ensemble music-making!

Join us tomorrow, April 26, in celebration of the 25th year anniversary of ACG Community Ensembles at St Martin’s Lutheran Church at 8pm! At the heart of the program is the premiere of Superheroes!, a bold and imaginative new piece inspired by the Marvel universe composed by the critically acclaimed composer and founder of Golden Hornet, Graham Reynolds. This new work is inspired by the Marvel Universe and was commissioned by ACG to commemorate this special anniversary of our ensembles with the support of Karrie & Tim League and Richard Linklater & Detour Filmproduction. RSVP here. 

Learn more about our Community Ensembles here. Support ACG here. 

 

Our Community Ensembles include players from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and skill levels, and over the years they’ve performed everything from Bach to brand new works written just for them. At the heart of this program is the simple idea that playing music with others brings people together. And it has, season after season, for 25 years.

To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with three longtime members, John Garcia, Raj Randeri, and Jay Clement, who have each been long time members in the ensembles! Their reflections reveal the deep impact this program has had on individuals and the community at large.

John joined the ACG Community Ensemble around 2004, after a childhood surrounded by music and years of private study in jazz, classical, and fingerstyle guitar. What kept him coming back season after season?

“The ensemble is many things. It’s a way for me to stay connected to my family background, and it’s the band room experience I didn’t have in school,” he shared. “It’s also a great opportunity for an amateur player like myself to be part of something larger; resembling a Community or Civic Orchestra, but for guitars!”

For Raj, who began playing rock and metal guitar in junior high before discovering classical guitar through Segovia and lessons at UT Austin, the joy has been both musical and social.

“I have really enjoyed the friends that I have made through the ensemble,” 

When we asked what stood out as particularly meaningful across their years in the group, all three members shared powerful memories,

Jay recalled Austin Pictures, a major production with the Miro Quartet, Eduardo Fernandez, and a massive guitar orchestra conducted by Maestro Peter Bay.

“It was inspiring watching Maestro Bay conduct,” Jay said. “And to be a part of such great music… It was my first exposure to Dr. Joe Williams, who has since become a friend and colleague.”

Raj remembered an unforgettable rehearsal moment from Presence, ACG’s 2024 season centerpiece.

“During the first large rehearsal for To the Sky with the singers, it was magical,” he said. “We were all looking at each other while we were playing, just amazed at how beautiful it sounded. It gave me chills. At the end of the piece, you could tell everyone felt the same way. We were all stunned.”

For John, the most remarkable moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the ensemble moved online and continued to rehearse and grow.

“The COVID years stand out the most because this group stuck together online over video for two seasons,” he reflected. “That ACG attracted people to join a virtual guitar ensemble and stick with it says a lot about what ACG built with this program and their dedication to it.”

Each of these guitarists emphasized not only the joy of playing, but the relationships they’ve built along the way.

“I get most of my musical joy from collaborating with others,” Jay said. “A lifetime of being in choirs and singalongs has prepared me to listen and blend—this is my element. I’ve made many lasting friendships through the Ensemble, and that is the most precious thing of all.”

As we look back on 25 years of music, friendship, and growth, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible individuals who’ve helped shape this program—from our first members, to our newest ones, to the many teaching artists, composers, and conductors who’ve inspired us along the way.

Here’s to the next 25 years!

This Saturday, April 26, we are celebrating this quarter decade with a big spectacular concert at St Martin’s Lutheran Church at 8pm!

The program is the premiere of Superheroes!, a bold and imaginative new piece inspired by the Marvel universe composed by the critically acclaimed composer and founder of Golden Hornet, Graham Reynolds. This new work is inspired by the Marvel Universe and was commissioned by ACG to commemorate this special anniversary of our ensembles with the support of Karrie & Tim League and Richard Linklater & Detour Filmproduction. RSVP here.

We happen to have a SNEAK PEAK of one of the movements!

The ACG Youth Orchestra went on tour in March and recorded Graham’s Powerman in Big Bend National Park and we just finished post production this week.

Check out these amazing young people performing next to the Rio Grande River with vistas of Mexico and the U.S. Huge thanks to Nick Hurt for the support in making this happen!