On Wednesday 17th of September, the members of the Classical Guitar team delivered their first major concert. The concert was organized to encouraged the students of all the four levels to work and practice more so that they can play at a level higher than in classes, and in front of an audience. The organizing committee made up of the 7 tutors and co-tutors designed and planned for the concert for quite a few weeks to ensure success on the day.

We had 17 performers from the different levels playing solos, duos and even a quartet! The music played ranged from Beethoven to the Beatles, and of course, from the famous Classical Guitar composer, Francisco Tárrega. We had music from Spain, Portugal, Brazil, France, USA, Austria, Taiwan, England and Mexico. The main objective, i.e., that students achieve a level of play higher than in class, was achieved. The hard work over several weeks by the 17 performers delivered a successful result on the day.

As this was our first concert effort, the organizing had decided not to open attendance to audiences outside the guitar membership team, including the guitar group at U3A Wheelers Hill. We have four levels of tuition spread over 7 classes – four in Waverley and 3 at Wheelers Hill. Both campuses use the same methods and manuals developed and refined at Waverley U3A over the past 13 years that Classical Guitar classes have been held there. We had about 25 guests attending, mostly from Waverley U3A guitar members, a couple from U3A Wheelers Hill, and also three keen spouses. With the organizing committee experience and lessons learnt this time, we could consider opening the invitations to a wider audience, and probably a larger venue than Room 3.

In conclusion I would like to thank all those who contributed and attended. You have helped us raise our standard one or two levels higher. The live performance did just that, and we are all the better for it. There are currently about 300 U3As across Australia, comprising approximately 100,000 members, and Waverley U3A is the only one with Classical Guitar classes!
Well done to all! Thank you.

Contributor: Hervé Rochecouste, lead Classical Guitar Tutor.