14th Annual Celebration of the Guitar – Sunday, February 26, 2023

A daylong celebration of the guitar featuring classes and performances for guitar students of all ages and experience levels. Classes and workshops will be offered for both classical and popular styles and include topics such as technique, composition, and improvisation as well as classical guitar construction and care. Performances will feature guest artists and ensembles.

Registration

Fret Fest Workshops and Concerts

Tuition includes all workshops, observation of all master classes, admission to ensemble concerts and/or Youth showcase as well as tickets to Guest Artist Concert. For performance spots in master classes, please see the link below.

Guest Ensemble Registration

Tuition includes admission to all workshops and concerts, a morning coaching with a Fret Fest faculty member, and a performance opportunity in the 2:00 Ensemble concert in Griswold Hall. All participating students in the ensemble must register individually.

Master Class Application

Masterclass with Julian Gray for Pre-College classical guitarists, or with Troy King for Adult classical guitar students. Performers are pre selected, please use the button below to apply. Open to observers.  Please complete application by February 6, 2023. 

Guest Artist Concert

Fret Fest Ensemble and Workshops and Concerts registrations include two tickets to the Guest Artist Concert. No additional ticket purchase is necessary.

For those who need more than two tickets or do not wish to register for the full Fret Fest participation, a la carte tickets are available in advance or at the door at the self service kiosk, outside Griswold Hall for $20 each.

2023 Guest Artists

Isaac Bustos

“Soulful and virtually flawless,” hails the Portland Oregonian and the Boston Globe writes, “In warm, round tones, the notes of Bach cascaded from the guitar, every note correct and played without hesitation.” Classical guitarist, pedagogue and educator Dr. Isaac Bustos, enjoys an extensive performing career that has taken him to Canada, Central America, Europe, China, and all over the US.

Troy King

With a reputation as an inspired, technically refined performer, guitarist Troy King is widely recognized as an artist who brings an intense, passionate commitment to his art, and who is able to emotionally connect with audiences. As printed in The Independent (USA), he projects “A powerful presence both musically and on stage”.

Candice Mowbray

Regarded for her beautiful tone and elegant playing, guitarist Candice Mowbray shares the expressive and communicative qualities of her playing through programs of modern and classic works: from the playful acrobatics in Danse rythmique by French guitar virtuoso, Ida Presti, to the solemnity of Fernando Sor's Fantaisie élégiaque, listeners enjoy her artful programming and thoughtful interpretations.

2023 Schedule

  Youth Workshop Track
(recommended for students 12 and under)
Classical Guitar Workshops Contemporary Guitar Workshops
8:30 am ET

Registered Ensemble check in – Arcade

9:00 am ET

Ensemble Coachings
For groups who have pre-registered as ensembles, your group’s coaching will be from 9:00 – 9:50

9:30 am ET

Workshops and Concerts check in
All individuals who have registered for Fret Fest Workshops and Concerts (including master classes) that are not part of an ensembles scheduled for a 9:00 coaching may check in at this time

10:00 am ET

Youth Guitar Orchestra with James Keretses, assistant director (206C)

Technique warm up with Zane Forshee (Cohen-Davison)

Pre-College Master Class with Julian Gray (Goodwin) (Performers will be pre-selected; apply above)

Working with Digital Delay with Sean Brennan (Joe Byrd)
11:00 am ET Electric Guitar Lab
with Jacob Kohlhas (Joe Byrd)
Women in Classical Guitar History with Candice Mowbray (Cohen-Davison) Acoustic Fingerstyle Techniques with Sean Brennan (202C)
12:00 pm ET Lunch
1:00 pm ET Youth Solo/Ensemble Showcase with James Keretses, assistant director (Joe Byrd)

Adult Student Master Class with Troy King (12:45pm start) (Cohen-Davison)

Improv for Everyone with Thomas Creek (206C)

Jazz Guitar Demonstration with Jacob Kohlhas (Goodwin)
2:00 pm ET

Guitar Ensemble Concert (Griswold)

4:00 pm ET

Guest Artist Concert: Isaac Bustos
(Two tickets are included in Ensemble and Workshops and Concerts registrations. Those who need more than two tickets or do not wish to register for the full Fret Fest participation, a la carte tickets are available to be purchased in advance or will be available for walk up self service outside Griswold Hall)