ALJ Adds Guitar Class Through Classics for Kids Foundation Grant in Clark

Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) High School has added a guitar class to its electives this year. Union County Life is reporting on the new course, which is made possible by a grant from the Classics for Kids Foundation. The foundation provides guitars for students to use in class and supports sustainable string instrument programs for schools.

Clark Public Schools Director of Instructional Operations Kevin Tenpenny led the grant application process. He worked with ALJ Principal Tara Oliveira, Vice Principal of Elementary Schools Chris Marcin, and Alex DiFabio, the school’s Director of Music, who teaches the new elective.

DiFabio said he enjoys teaching the course because he gets to know more of the student population. Unlike traditional music courses such as band and choir, the guitar class is open to students throughout the school. Students do not need prior band or choir experience to take it.

Interest has grown quickly. The class started as a single section and expanded to two sections as enthusiasm continued to build. Senior TJ Kershaw said, “I play sports all year round and this is an opportunity to take a music class and learn something new.”

The elective is part of a broader expansion of the school’s music program. Over the past year, the Concert Band grew from seven wind players to twenty-nine, and the Concert Choir grew from six students to twenty-three.

Tenpenny thanked the foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Classics for Kids Foundation for helping us bring this opportunity to our students,” he said. “We look forward to seeing, and hearing the wonderful music that will come from this exciting new program.”

Find more Clark school news, arts and music programs, and local updates on Union County Life.

Q: What is the new guitar class at ALJ?
A: It is a new elective at Arthur L. Johnson High School. Students can learn guitar without prior band or choir experience.

Q: Who pays for the guitar class?
A: The course is made possible through a grant from the Classics for Kids Foundation, which provides guitars for students to use in class.

Q: How many sections does the class have?
A: The class started as one section and now has two, because student interest kept growing.

Q: Who teaches the guitar class?
A: Alex DiFabio, the school’s Director of Music, teaches the elective.