Visiting the new Seguin Guitar Club.
From left, are Morris Franasen, Jean Franasen, Paul Watkinson, Paul Colbourne, Bernie Belanger, Shelby Mullen and Bob Gilman. In the background are Darren Carvell with his back to the camera, Brad Campbell and Keith Kvepfer.
Rudy Ewert photo
Off to the Foley Agricultural Society Hall at 60 Rankin Lake Road in Seguin on a Monday night with my guitar in hand, I went.
‘The Club’ actually starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., every Monday night with only a loony or toony donation to cover beverages.
I did bring my guitar and full of promise with a touch of anxiety, in I walked.
Most heads turned and when I said I was here from the newspaper, one person, don’t know who, called out saying, “Well, that’s an awfully big pen.” (referring to the guitar I was carrying in my left hand).
Needless to say I was no longer anxious just a little shy about playing.
You see, several years ago my husband bought me a guitar and our daughter gave me a book with a CD on how to learn by yourself.
This was ideal because I feel awkward not knowing a whole lot about how to strum those strings and the thought of me doing this with others was way too scary.
I bee-lined it to the other room after being told that was where I could find Brad Campbell.
Here is an incredible man who got his masters recently and does some pro-bono work for others. Brad has been playing guitar for approximately 35 years and is by far a very encouraging instructor.
Brad Campbell began the new Seguin Guitar Club in February of this year.
“We are promoting a supportive and informal atmosphere to learn in,” he says.
All ages are invited to attend; from beginner, to novice to professional. All styles of music are welcomed.
The group breaks up into two rooms: beginners with intermediates and specialists with professionals. They do their own thing with help – or not – for the first hour. In the second hour they come together to perform some mutually agreed upon songs.
There is no pressure or fear to be had as I discovered when asked to have a seat and join in. For a short time I watched then positioned my guitar on my lap and started to noodle and pick.
One of the real benefits is that there are no bosses. You can throw in your respective two cents and continue on.
“With different generations each brings a narrative in song and sharing together, it synthesizes,” explained Brad.
Brad’s goal in mind is to have more people participate while also spreading the word around as it has done across Canada, already.
Rosseau has since formed an open mike session.
If you come on over you can sing to: ‘Fishin’ in the Dark…lyin’ on our backs and countin’ the stars…where the cool grass grows’.