Crown/Bigfork ACES youth guitar program starts Jan. 3

| December 28, 2017 12:11 PM

Crown and Bigfork ACES Guitar program for youth begins on January 3, 2018

The Crown/Bigfork ACES program is now enrolling students for its Beginner Guitar Program for youth in the Flathead Valley in grades 5 through 8. The class will be taught by Randi Tunnell, Band Director for Bigfork Schools, and will be held in the band room at Bigfork HS, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Wednesday’s through February 28th.

This will be the third year the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation (COCGF) has sponsored the Beginner Guitar Class as part of its mission to foster guitar education opportunities for youth. Organizers chose the 5th through 8th-grade level students because it seemed to be the perfect age to introduce beginner guitar and music skills. “The Crown’s goal from day one has been to establish the Flathead Valley as an internationally regarded center for the guitar. Investing in guitar education, especially for our youth is an essential element to accomplishing this vision,” notes David Feffer, founding director of the COCGF.

Diane Kautzman, COCGF Development director, says the goal of the nine-week program is to give kids the opportunity to have fun while discovering the guitar. “It’s a great opportunity to expose children to the guitar without having to pay the expense of music lessons. Since the guitars are provided for them they don’t have to go out and buy one and that is really exciting.” Helping to fund the program is Hilary Shepard, Event Chairperson, through the annual Bigfork Brewfest event.

The $25 enrollment fee includes a guitar to take home to practice on. Some ¾ size guitars are also available. Apply by contacting Diane Kautzman at the COCGF office, 406-270-1559. A limited number of scholarships are available; contact Cathy Hay program director at Bigfork ACES.

The ACES Afterschool Program (Bigfork ACES) provides a place where kids can succeed academically, socially, physically and emotionally. ACES is an acronym for arts, community, education and sports.

Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation celebrates the love of the guitar and the magical splendor of Montana. The Foundation provides scholarships and collaborates with other non-profit organizations in the Flathead Valley. The workshop is a perfect opportunity for drawing inspiration, perfecting technique and deepening one’s passion for the guitar and music. Visit www.crownguitarfest.org

EventChairperson, through the annual Bigfork Brewfest event.

The ACES Afterschool Program (Bigfork ACES) provides a place where kids can succeed academically, socially, physically and emotionally. ACES is an acronym for arts, community, education and sports.