GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Classical guitar echoed through the halls of Colorado Mesa University’s Moss Performing Arts Center this week as middle school students took center stage in a showcase of musical talent, discipline, and youthful passion.

On May 20, the Western Colorado Guitar Society and Independence Academy Charter School hosted their 11th annual Middle School Guitar Competition and End-of-Year Concert — a local tradition that continues to foster a love for classical music while rewarding excellence.

Where Competition Meets Community

The event blended the intensity of a judged contest with the warmth of a celebratory concert, giving young performers from 6th to 8th grade a chance to share their progress in front of peers, parents, and seasoned musicians.

“This is about music, but it’s also about courage,” said Javier de los Santos, a music teacher involved with the event. “These kids are getting up there and putting everything they’ve worked on all year into one performance.”

And they were judged seriously. Students performed a mix of pieces — including several Spanish guitar compositions — and were evaluated on:

• Musicianship

• Posture

• Technique

• Tone production

• Stage presence

The performances were more than technical exercises; they were expressions of personality. Some students played with bold confidence. Others displayed quiet precision. All were cheered.

A Prize Worth Playing For

At stake? Not just bragging rights, but serious instruments. The top prize was a professional-grade classical guitar valued at $2,000 — an investment not only in talent, but in a student’s future in music.

Winners received:

For many families, these awards represented opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. And for students, it was the kind of recognition that validates long hours of practice and perseverance.

An Ecosystem of Support

Founded with the mission to promote awareness and appreciation for classical guitar in the region, the Western Colorado Guitar Society (WCGS) has grown into more than a niche group of enthusiasts. It now plays a key role in building musical opportunities for youth across Western Colorado.

“The Society believes deeply that exposure to the arts — especially classical guitar — can transform young lives,” said a WCGS board member at the event. “This competition is one of our proudest programs.”

The WCGS provides mentorship, instruments, and educational programming throughout the year. For events like this one, they partner closely with schools, and in this case, with Independence Academy — whose music program has become a feeder for aspiring young guitarists.

The Performance Beyond the Competition

While the judged portion of the event brought nerves and tension, the second half was pure celebration. The evening concert featured group performances and solos that didn’t count toward scores — giving students space to enjoy their moment in the spotlight.

Parents swayed. Teachers beamed. Cameras rolled.

“These kids aren’t just playing music — they’re learning how to be on stage, how to communicate without words, how to express who they are,” said de los Santos.

One ensemble rendition of a flamenco-inspired piece drew enthusiastic applause, while a duet of “Romanza” — a classic Spanish folk melody — offered a moment of haunting beauty that quieted the room.

Building a Lifelong Relationship with Music

For the students, the event may be a single night — but its impact can last far longer.

Studies have consistently shown that students involved in music education develop stronger discipline, improved memory, and increased self-esteem. Guitar programs, in particular, are known for building coordination, patience, and focus.

And this competition, with its mix of artistry, rigor, and community, provides something else: the chance to be taken seriously as a young artist.

“I’ve seen students come back to us years later, now in high school or college, still playing,” said one volunteer. “For some, this is where it all started.”

A Tradition That Keeps Growing

Now in its 11th year, the middle school guitar competition has become a staple of Grand Junction’s musical calendar. Organizers say they’re already planning next year’s event — with ambitions to invite participants from across the broader Western Slope region.

Javier de los Santos summed it up best:

“Everyone is doing really well, so we’ll see what happens today… I just want to wish my students luck, everybody luck, and I hope everybody enjoys this show.”