Cleveland Classical Guitar Society

For more than a decade, Cleveland Classical Guitar Society has been offering a unique opportunity for kids in the city of Cleveland to experience and learn how to play Guitar from talented artists and experienced educators. The education program is designed to fight inequities and reduce barriers to instruction for kids - providing them with curricula, guitars and more at no cost to the students. In fiscal year 2023, ccgs brought students from across sites to perform in some of the largest student events yet, including one concert with 47 students performing and 180 family members in attendance. Ccgs also created its first curriculum, based on the needs of a population that are not met with any existing curriculum. This innovative (inter)culturally relevant curriculum is based on principles of culturally relevant pedagogy, and unites students from various backgrounds, with over 100 pieces of music to date. Some of the pieces were commissioned by ccgs from bipoc composers in residence. Alana amore colvin served as the latest composer in residence, visiting Cleveland multiple times to work with students and creating 10 pieces for ccgs students to play, some of which were premiered by students in june 2023. 48 new works have now been commissioned in ccgs's history.

The international series presents the world's greatest Classical guitarists, with performers now representing 23 countries and 28 Cleveland debuts. In fiscal year 2023, audiences were brought back to near pre- pandemic levels. The performers served 1722 people through concerts, master classes, and outreach performances and classes for students in ccgs's education program.