Thank You!

Guitar Curriculum

Sept. 21, 2007

Dear Middle School Guitar Families,

In lieu of a progress report, I wanted to give you an update on the new Middle School Guitar Program.

We concluded our historical overview with a quiz last week. This week we learned how to correctly hold and care for the guitar, and most importantly how to tune the guitar! To date we have 13 students with their own guitars and 9 donated guitars. These 9 guitars are being shared among the remaining 17 students. 8 guitars remain to be purchased or donated in the upcoming weeks.

The fact that not all the students have the same access to guitars will be considered when accessing their performance. Most of our school-owned guitars do not have cases, therefore at this time, the guitars cannot leave the building. I am currently working on a in-school practice schedule for students who wish to practice outside of class.

Our guitar drive has brought in donations from local community members; Cindy Herklerath, Sue Meyers, Heather Cordes, and Jim Sleutyer. Larry Floyd, an admirer of the program from Kentucky purchased a couple brand new guitars for us, and Kent and Terry Babcock also purchased a new guitar for the program. The Onekama Lions Club and Mr. Rudolph Milasich have graciously donated money to our cause. A local musician and guitar technician, Rod Exo, came into the school and re-strung a dozen guitars. We are grateful for the efforts and generosity of these kind people.

I appreciate the students' patience as we get this new program underway. They are really ready to begin this musical journey!

If you have additional questions about this new program, please contact me.


Sincerely,

Gretchen Eichberger-Kudlack
K-8 Music Teacher
889-5521 ext. 435
geichberger@manistee.org