The Guitar Program is a course within the Instrumental Music Program at Mater Dei. Guitar primarily meets during its own block on Red Days with three different levels depending on the skill of the student. The ranges of study are beginner, intermediate, and advanced which are all led by Instrumental Music Teacher Kenneth Parker. In conjunction with these three guitar classes, Parker also oversees the school’s very own rock band known as Code Red. This is an after school guitar group consisting of advanced guitar players who normally perform at concerts and during lunch. 

The program encourages unity among all members of the program, creating the feeling that they are one solidified band no matter at which level the students currently play. The program as a whole continues to grow, and has gained more members every year. Junior Jazryel Trejo is currently in her third year within the guitar program. 

“I’ve been in the guitar program since freshman year. I started in the intermediate class then moved up to advanced,” Trejo said. “When I first joined I remember seeing the togetherness and how everyone was so connected, which is something that has been a part of the program for years. The program is still growing and we started off with not a lot but every year [we] get better and continue to improve.”

Throughout her guitar career at Mater Dei, Trejo has made many lasting memories with her classmates. 

“My favorite moments were working together in the band room as well as performing with my bandmates,” Trejo said.

Everyone’s experience when entering the program may differ. Some join just for fun while others are really eager to learn the art. For many students, a sibling or friend might have already been part of the program and encouraged them to join. For Trejo, the inspiration hit from before she had even applied to Mater Dei. 

“I found out about the guitar program when I went to an information night, and it looked cool so I decided to join,” Trejo said. “I had expected to meet people with lots of talent and experience. I was intimidated by it, but once I joined, I realized everyone just wants to have a good time and play music as it is something that we all have in common.” 

Having someone to look up to can help inspire the style in which one plays an instrument, inspiring one to play specific songs in unique genres. Sophomore Martha Elena Gonzalez finds inspiration from her friends and peers.

“I look up to my friends in my class because they are amazing to be around and we always play fun songs together,” Gonzalez said. “I decided to join guitar because I had already started playing guitar and I wanted to learn more about performing with it, and a lot of my friends were doing it.”

Gonzalez is currently in her second year in the program, and she has made many unforgettable memories with her classmates. 

”My favorite moment so far in the guitar program is by far getting to perform at Materpalooza,” Gonzalez said. “It was so much fun to be able to [perform] different kinds of songs and meet all kinds of new people in other guitar classes.”

Like most students, Gonzalez does more than just guitar. She is also active in school musicals and plays, as well as being involved within the band allowing her to play at football games. She still finds time to commit her time and talents to the guitar program even with such a busy schedule. 

“I can balance guitar with other activities pretty easily because Mr. Parker is very chill and helps with any kind of conflicts we might have,” Gonzalez said. 

Senior David Oswald is also in his third year in the guitar program. Although he did not partake in guitar his freshmen year, he was inspired to join after becoming acquainted with Parker.

“A friend of mine taught me some chords and I was hooked,” Oswald said. “I had a few interactions with Mr. Parker and I realized that I wanted to be a part of this really awesome program.” 

Being a senior, Oswald is aware he is looked up to by the underclassmen. As the president of the guitar program, he knows he has a responsibility to interact with the new and incoming students.

“Most of all, helping the younger students with the parts they need, like vocals or guitar, for their songs is a way I’ve gotten to connect with the underclassmen every year,” Oswald said. “My goal is to get to know them on a personal level and give them wisdom so that they can have an incredible experience in the program.”

The guitar program has made an impact on all students who join, and it will carry on with them throughout their lives. Finding your niche at Mater Dei is an important part of the high school experience. 

“I will definitely miss having Mr. Parker as a huge support system as well as the rest of the Performing Arts Faculty,” Oswald said. “Having a safe place to jam out is something I will miss in college, but I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know the best parts of music and performance”.