Fall 2023 SESSION
Starts August 23!
ADVANCED Orchestra: For intermediate to advanced guitarists, aged 13-19, or until 45 days after high school graduation, which ever comes first. Students aged 19+ may join the adult ensemble.
BEGINNING-INTERMEDIATE Ensemble: For post-beginner to intermediate guitarists, aged 10*- 13, or through completion of 8th grade. *Students younger than 11 who are not yet in 6th grade must have permission from ensemble conductor.
PLACEMENT INTERVIEWS: Ensemble and seating placement interviews will be held Wednesday, August 23, 6:30-9:30pm at Del Norte High School. To request an interview, please fill out this form:
GNM-GYO & GNM-GYE Registration
Our 2023-24 Youth Orchestra & Ensemble are once again led by conductor and guitar-educator, Gwen-Marie Lerch. Advanced Orchestra Rehearsals are every Wednesday, 6:30-8:45pm, at Del Norte High School. The Beginning Ensemble rehearsals are still TBD. The Advanced Orchestra performs at least twice per semester, at various events and venues. Performances are usually on weekends, to avoid school conflicts. To register for one of the youth ensembles, please fill out this form:
This project is a result of a collaboration between Guitar New Mexico and Eastman Community Music School's Youth Guitar Ensemble II.
Our Youth Ensemble performing at the Lomas and Tramway Library on Dec 4th, 2021 with John Truitt conducting.
Youth Ensemble-
The Guitar New Mexico Youth Guitar Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble are the premier musical ensembles for young guitarists in Central New Mexico high schools. The Advanced Orchestra is comprised of high school guitar players grades 9-12, with an intermediate-advanced or higher guitar proficiency. The Beginning Ensemble is for students in grades 6-8, who are post-beginner with a working knowledge of all notes on all 6 strings in the first/open positions. The Guitar New Mexico Youth Orchestra & Ensemble showcase the talents of young guitarists in concerts at local recital venues, senior centers, retirement facilities, and other community showcases.
““Playing guitar builds up my creativity, and I love how I can show my emotions through an instrument that I love. I also love to share my passion for guitar with others whenever I perform.””
Acceptance into the GNM Youth Ensemble is based on a recommendation from a teacher who is familiar with the student’s abilities and experience on the guitar. If a student has already been a member of the ensemble, it is not necessary to have the teacher recommendation, but registration must be completed for each ensemble semester or year.
Youth Ensemble Resources
The Guitar New Mexico Youth Ensemble is supported in part by a generous grant from the City of Albuquerque’s Urban Enhancement Trust Fund.