By Larraine Lee/reporter

Guitar students from NE Campus will perform at the Classical Guitar Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. May 7 in the Darlage Center Corner (NSTU 1615 A).

Students who have played for years and some who started playing last fall in a beginner’s class will perform original arrangements.

“That means they have taken music written for other instruments and transferred the violin, piano or horn part to one of four guitar parts,” said Jan Ryberg, a NE adjunct instructor who started the concert in 1985. “We will be debuting three totally original arrangements, including an arrangement of The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky.”

Ryberg, who has taught at TCC since 1979, said the concert is the class final.

“It helps motivate the students to practice if there is a final performance,” he said.

The group will perform music from the animated film, Rio, along with other songs.

“The ensemble will be playing an eclectic blend of pieces, as we usually do — some classical, some using the guitar as a percussion instrument and some that other musicians will say, ‘They really played THAT on guitar?’” said Mary Utley, who has played with Ryberg and the ensemble for over 15 years. “Our repertoire is always interesting and challenging but enjoyable.”

Students will play solo pieces lasting no more than three minutes.

“We come and rehearse as much as we can and take this time to practice as an ensemble as well as our instrumentals,” said club president Abraham Lopez.

The concert will last an hour and a half. A fundraiser will help with expenses from the ensemble’s recent trip to Brownsville. Refreshments will be sold before and after the event.

For more information, contact Karen Parsons at 817-515-6567 or Ryberg at 817-829-2113.