Warwick's own 'School of Rock'

WARWICK — Just over 20 years ago, Warwick Valley Middle School English teacher Darryl Wilbur started an after school guitar club after school.

The club consisted of six students who all played acoustic guitar and for a "concert" they performed two songs during a study hall.

The next year they had electric guitar, drum and bass players who wanted to join in and the repertoire of classic rock tunes increased to six or seven pieces played for an assembly in the Middle School cafetorium.

From that year on, the Guitar Club has become Warwick's own School of Rock.

Classic tunes
Now the club boasts more than 100 musicians - guitars, drums, vocalists, horns and strings - and their concerts have completely outgrown the Middle School. Eight years ago the club moved to the theater at the high school where last year they played to a sold out crowd.

The concert even has its own sound man, Jack Sinsabaugh, of Audio, LLC.

The Guitar Club is now lead by Middle School science teachers Ed Mesic and John Gouveia.

Wilbur, who has since retired, still helps out as a volunteer.

Each year the concert play list includes rock tunes that span decades and appeal to all ages. This year is no exception as the groups plan to play such classics as:

California Dreamin'
Bohemian Rhapsody

Come On,Eileen
Here I Go Again
Hooked on a Feeling

Jukebox Hero
Kashmir
Rapture
Rocket Man

A medley of Beatles song.
Support

To celebrate Guitar Club's 20th anniversary, commemorative guitar picks have been ordered. Additionally, Guitar Club alumni will be coming back to perform two or three songs and the faculty group will be back by popular demand to play "Isn't She Lovely."

"We have been fortunate enough through the years to have had several parent volunteers and the strong support of the music department and administration of the Middle School," said Wilbur speaking about the continued success of the Guitar Club.

Tickets
This year's concert will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Theater at Warwick Valley High School. (The snow date is Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.)

Tickets will be available during lunch periods at the Middle School beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 6.

Tickets will also be available at the door beginning at 6 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased by calling Susan Lepre at 908-902-9969 through Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Donations for tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students.