Strumming through the halls: A feature on the beginners guitar course at the high school

Curtis Parker Jr. practices the new chords he has learned in the beginners guitar course. Parker Jr has gathered more information about playing guitar and music since being in the class. Photo credit to Niyla Zambrana.

Music is a major part of today’s generation. It’s therapeutic, fun and exciting. There’s more to songs than just lyrics. No matter what genre piques your interest in, it all consists of keys, chords and instruments to compose a song. 

At the high school, students have an outlet to connect to their interest in music . Students may enroll in the beginners guitar course. The high school music teacher Greg Wells teaches this class for a semester every year. In the beginners guitar course, acoustic guitars are provided for students to use. Students learn chords on the acoustic guitar and eventually learn full songs, while also gaining experience, knowledge and possibly a new hobby. 

Junior Curtis Parker Jr. loves trying new things. He heard about the class and is currently enrolled in the beginners guitar course. Parker appreciates learning a new instrument. 

“It’s not a necessary life skill, but it’s always good to learn how to play guitar,” Parker said. 

Senior Ashley Hansen is also taking the beginners guitar course. She had never picked up a guitar until this year and she feels more inspired playing popular songs.  

“We learned ‘Our Song’ by Taylor Swift. I like that one,” said Hansen. 

Wells is the creator of the course. He believes that guitar is a great way to connect and appreciate music on a deeper level.

“I think music is a great medium for life in general, all sorts of things whether it’s understanding music more and you play the radio or you play the guitar or you play an instrument or voice,” said Wells. 

Though playing guitar may sound very nerve racking and complicated as one begins it, being good takes time. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. 

“I have never played a perfect song yet. But you don’t notice them if you just keep going. No one can notice the mistakes,” said Parker. 

There’s trial and error in every learning process, the errors or mistakes aren’t what matters. What matters is how dedicated one is to overcome those mistakes and challenges. 

“[Wells] teaches us guitar, but then he lets us go on and learn anything we want,” said Parker.

Curtis Parker strumming the tune “Mary.” Parker learned many different songs while enrolled in the course. Photo credit to Niyla Zambrana.

Having a free range to practice and learn new songs, often helps students become more engaged and excited. 

“I think [guitar] is everything, it’s usually relational. It’s just fun to teach people, and get to know them,” said Wells. 

Music is a big part of today’s generation, it is everywhere. 

“One thing that’s universal for every single culture is music,” Wells said. “It’s important for every culture to understand that and appreciate it, I think performing, whether it’s singing, playing [or] dancing, with music is vital to our human nature and our being.”

About Niyla Zambrana 2 Articles
Niyla Zambrana is a senior and a first-year staff writer. She enjoys working out, dancing, acting, reading, and playing basketball with friends. She is excited to be a part of the Roar within her last year at Northview.

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