Arthur L. Johnson High School Launches Guitar Class for 2026-2027 School Year

Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark has added Guitar Class to its roster of music electives for the 2026-2027 school year, giving students an accessible entry point to learn a new instrument. Union County Life is reporting on the program, which launched with such strong student interest that the school expanded from one section to two.

The new elective was made possible through a grant from the Classics for Kids Foundation, an organization whose mission is to empower young people through music and provide schools with access to high-quality instruments. The foundation’s focus aligns with Clark Public Schools’ commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students.

Kevin Tenpenny, the district’s Director of Instructional Operations, spearheaded the grant application process, working with Arthur L. Johnson Principal Tara Oliveira, Vice Principal of Elementary Schools Chris Marcin, and Alex DiFabio, the school’s Director of Music. DiFabio teaches the new course.

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

Unlike traditional courses such as band and choir, the guitar class is open to all students in the Arthur L. Johnson population, regardless of prior music experience. DiFabio enjoys teaching the class because it gives him the chance to connect with a wider range of students.

TJ Kershaw, a senior at Arthur L. Johnson who plays sports year-round, spoke about the program’s appeal. “I play sports all year round and this is an opportunity to take a music class and learn something new,” Kershaw said.

The class provides guitars for students to use during instruction, removing a financial barrier to participation. The enthusiastic response from students exceeded expectations, with enrollment growing so quickly that a second section was added.

The guitar elective is part of a broader expansion of the school’s music programs. Over the past year, the Concert Band grew from seven wind players to 29, and the Concert Choir expanded from six students to 23.

“These numbers show a growing enthusiasm for music throughout the school community,” the school noted, adding that the guitar program reflects the importance of giving students a variety of ways to explore their talents.

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Q: Who can take the guitar class?
A: The class is open to all Arthur L. Johnson students, regardless of prior music experience. No previous band or choir experience is required.

Q: Do students need to provide their own guitars?
A: No. The class provides guitars for students to use during instruction, removing a financial barrier to participation.

Q: How was the program funded?
A: The class was funded through a grant from the Classics for Kids Foundation, which supports sustainable string instrument programs in schools.

Q: What makes this guitar class different from other music courses?
A: Unlike traditional band and choir, the guitar class is designed as an accessible entry point for students interested in learning music. It serves a broader student population and does not require prior musical training.

Q: Why did the school expand to a second guitar section?
A: Student interest exceeded expectations, and enrollment grew so quickly that a second section was added to accommodate demand.

Q: What other music programs does Arthur L. Johnson offer?
A: The school offers Concert Band and Concert Choir. Both programs have grown significantly over the past year, with Band expanding from 7 to 29 students and Choir from 6 to 23 students.

Q: What is the mission of the Classics for Kids Foundation?
A: The foundation’s mission is to empower young people through music and provide schools with access to high-quality instruments to support sustainable string instrument programs.