ERHS is making history as its musical department joined with Bowie High School to form the first honor guitar ensemble in Prince George’s County, and in the state of Maryland as well.

Led by Mr. Kevin Hawk, the chairperson of the music department at ERHS, and Ms. Sally Burns of Bowie High School, the honor guitar ensemble is made up of fourteen advanced guitar players from both high schools. Angela Bruce, Anthony Ramirez-Chinchilla, and Natalia Rincon are three ERHS musicians that had the privilege of participating in the ensemble.

The group began rehearsals back in October of 2019, and on January 26 of 2020, the honor guitar ensemble participated in The 44th Annual Edward M. Felegy Honor Concert at The Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The group performed five songs: “Carol of the Bells,” “Oye Como Va,” “Fix it!,” ”Snow at Night,” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.” 

“It was really exciting to be a part of the first Prince George’s County Honor Ensemble,” says Rincon. “I had a solo in the song ‘Fix It!’ and overall, the performance went really well.”

“This was an ensemble that we have been trying to create for a few years now,” says Mr. Hawk. “Guitar ensemble provides participants with a rare opportunity to be exposed to the rich repertoire of classical guitar ensemble. Most guitarists are the only guitar player in their ensemble; at honors, they get to work together as one.”

Mr. Hawk has high hopes for the future of the program as the years progress. “We are very proud of our students who participated and hopefully the ensemble can continually grow.”