Sacramento Guitar Society History
There has been a classical guitar scene around Sacramento since the '50s, or so we've heard. Our History Project attempts to fill in the gaps in our own organization's history. Please add in to what you see below with your own memory of Sacramento Classical Guitar Society or Sacramento Guitar Society memories. Shoot an email to help and feel free to add to previous posts.
The Sacramento Guitar Society (SGS) is a non-profit educational and service organization that has existed in one form or another since at least 1961 – drawn together by the classical guitar and its music. In the course of countless gatherings in homes, schools and community centers to share music and camaraderie, guitar teachers and their students, professional concert artists, amateur aficionados and the public have met to enjoy this art form and the related styles that can overlap, including flamenco, jazz and steel-string fingerstyle.
The classical guitar is noted for its special quality of soothing, contemplative and intimate music, and today’s concert will have that as well as lively, exciting selections. Classical guitar playing requires special training and rigorous study, and today’s performers have been pursuing excellence in their art for many years, including some earning masters’ degrees in classical guitar performance.
Over the decades of its existence, SGS has had people take the helm for a time, scheduling meetings and “keeping things going.” Currently that role is held by SGS President Daniel Roest, noted for his work in the ‘90s leading the South Bay Guitar Society, now one of the largest such organizations in the country. Starting with building a service based website (including listing contact information for every guitar teacher in the county) and continuing with building up a board of directors, clarifying the mission, hosting monthly meetings and planning programs, Daniel has upped the energy of the classical guitar scene in California’s North Central Valley and Sierra Foothills.
As an SGS fundraiser and a show of talent available right here, Daniel produced the first Sampler CD for SGS this summer. It features 14 guitarists and 76 minutes of high quality music, and it can be yours for just $10! The holidays are coming – why not grab this opportunity to get some excellent, unique presents for friends, family and co-workers?
Here is another reason to support SGS through purchase of the CD and membership: we want to bring guitar music to non-traditional audiences – those who can’t get out to venues. There are more – ask our artists and board members for information, and join us at our free monthly meetings, hosted by Christ Community Church in Carmichael.
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