HISTORY OF THE ST. PIUS X GUITAR PROGRAM

The classical guitar program began in 1996 under the direction of Bryant Poole. He noticed the interest and talent that existed among the students and proposed the idea to our administration. Through the school’s support, the classical guitar program became a unique addition to the Fine Arts curriculum.

In 1998, Peter Fletcher (St. Pius X Alum) directed the program. He has since moved on to pursue a professional career as a classical guitarist. Kyle Dawkins continued to develop the program from 1999 - 2001. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s guitar program and is an active member of the Georgia Guitar Quartet.

Esteban Anastasio joined the faculty of St. Pius X Catholic High School in the fall of 2001. When he first started at St. Pius X, only two guitar classes were offered, beginning and intermediate. . Since Mr. Anastasio joined St. Pius X Catholic High School, the guitar program has grown to three full classes including a very talented guitar ensemble that focuses on college level guitar repertoire as well as standard solo classical guitar repertoire.

The classes’ main focus is the development of guitar styles in a traditional classical setting. However, within the guitar curriculum we also offer instruction in popular music styles and modern approaches to the study of music. Mr. Anastasio gives his students a solid foundation in the study of music, music reading, and improvisation. His focus as an educator is the philosophy that the quality of the musician is directly related to the quality of the individual who plays the music.

The SPX Guitar Ensemble performs in the annual Spring Music Festival as well as many St. Pius X Catholic High School events, Mother’s Club Shows, and the Greek Orthodox Old Fellow Society. Members of the ensemble have also organized and performed their own shows and concerts outside of St. Pius X Catholic High School.