Much like any skill, there will be challenges to overcome and benefits to be received, but when it’s all over, there is an ultimate reward. This is something the five students that performed at the All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble, quickly came to realize. Who knows? They may just end up on the big stage one day.

The All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble held on Nov. 20 in Norfolk,Va., was an exciting event for the outstanding sophomore, junior, and senior performers. Guitarists from high schools all over the state competed to find the best guitarists in all of Virginia’s high schools. There were five winners who auditioned from Potomac Falls, sophomores Jafar Moukalled and Max D’Agostino, juniors, Jan Marie Laman and Michael Chladon, and senior, Aldo Sessarego.

The guitarists that were chosen to represent our school at this event were thrilled to participate in this remarkable experience.

 “All state competition was a big deal to me, so I was excited to represent Potomac Falls. I think that having five guitarists from our school was good representation,” said Chladon who has been playing guitar for eight years.

“It was a really nice feeling getting to represent the school and have fun with it,” said Sessarego.

According to the performers, the guitar stands out to the other instruments because of the various music genres you can play on a single instrument.

 “There’s also a lot of emotion that you can bring forward with the guitar, and a couple different playing styles,” said Chladon.

The performers hoped to portray this aspect of the instrument with the wide variety of music that they played at the event.The performers played music pieces from various artists including famous guitarist, Annie Clark and also played many music genres ranging from classical to modern.

Though these excellent guitarists have been practicing and working hard for this competition, there was a lot of varied expectations of what the event would be like.

 “It was difficult. There were three days of rehearsals, so I knew it was gonna be really packed and cramped inside,” said Sessarego, who’s never participated in a statewide ensemble competition before.

They also saw the competition as a way to learn and grow.

 “I learned more things about my playing and ways I can improve for the future,” said Laman.

Some of the performers had high expectations for this major competition.

 “I’m looking forward to it. I think there’s gonna be a lot I can get out of it, said Chladon, who’s also competed in several other solo competitions.

The main challenge during this event was the fact that it was entirely focused on teamwork and how well the guitarists could play together as an ensemble group as opposed to individually. This meant that they had to depend on one another to get the job done.

 “It’s also gonna be different trying to work with others to achieve a common goal,” said Chladon.

Being able to play the music smoothly is very important, but, according to the performers, there is also one other main factor that is beneficial for big events such as this one.

“You have to have good ears,” said Laman who started playing guitar in elementary school.

Though having this opportunity was a tremendous experience, there are still ways that these guitar students want to grow as a performer and as an individual.

 “I think you can learn a lot from being able to interact with other people who play the same instrument as you and collaborating with them. That can really change your playing style and you can find new ways to play,” said Chladon. “I’m hoping to participate on some more solo competitions, and even just  in guitar class, finding new pieces to play, and trying to make myself a better guitarist.”

Having this experience can positively impact their future goals. “It gonna act into my resume, and get me into more colleges,” said Laman.

What’s their advice on being the best at whatever you do?  Practice is the key to success in any activity.

 “If it’s something you want to do, sit down and put the time into it,” said Sessarego.

No matter what skill level someone may be at the guitar, there is always potential and room to improve to reach any ambitious goal.

 “You really just have to dedicate your time into it if it’s something that you enjoy doing. Once you do that, you can really have fun with it and perform for people,” said Sessarego.