For some time now, Newark High School “Music In Our Lives” teacher Mike Ciranni has had students randomly coming into his classroom during lunch hours or free periods who either are learning to play or want to learn to play guitar.

On January 30th, some of those students, whose schedules would allow it, began taking a new Introduction to Guitar course he will be teaching one period a day, five days a week. And these are not necessarily students currently involved in band or chorus at NHS, but mostly those who just want to learn play guitar.

But there’s one hitch.

Ciranni needs more than the “hodge podge of 3-5 guitars” he currently has in his classroom - not just for this brand new class - but for when more students take it in the fall.

Also the NHS television and audio production teacher, Ciranni is appealing to individuals in the school district who might have a guitar that is in good condition they no longer use, but would like it to be put to really good use by students learning how to play.

 “We could really use more guitars that are in good condition and we would love to have individuals donate ones they no longer use,” he said, emphasizing “they would be put to really good use.”

Cindy Briggs, Newark Central School District Music Leader, who teaches instrumental music at Kelley School, says having individuals from the community donate used guitars to Ciranni’s new class is “another wonderful way for individuals to have a hand in supporting the district’s music program.”  

Individuals interesting in donating good used acoustic or electric guitars for the new class should contact Ciranni or Briggs via e-mail asap at michael.ciranni@newarkcsd.org or Briggs at cynthia.briggs@newarkcsd.org