The History of Tocar Listen to Tocar

In the fall of 2009, Mrs. Wester, realizing the benefits of instrumental study in an ensemble setting, applied for one of the Frisco Education Foundation's Grants for Great Ideas. Hoping to receive a modest grant to fund a single guitar class, she was thrilled to be awarded the entire requested amount. As a result, Tocar, the Pink Elementary Guitar Ensemble, was established in February of 2010. Due to the generous grant from the Frisco Education Foundation, Pink was able to purchase 22 classical guitars complete with gig bags, guitar stands, tuner/metronomes, strings, foot stools, guitar straps, and method books. The first year, over 60 students applied for the guitar ensemble, and 20 students were selected at random to be members of the first elementary classical guitar ensemble in Frisco, Texas. The two beginning level classes that made up the ensemble met once weekly, learning the basics of classical guitar and developing a love for the instrument. Working diligently, these dedicated musicians performed their first concert three months later in May of that same year. In the fall of 2010, the membership was expanded to include 24 members. There are now two classes of 12 students each, with the Monday class being a more advanced class for those who have previously studied guitar or another musical instrument and the Tuesday class being for beginners.

The Application Process

Any student in fourth and fifth grade is eligible to apply for Tocar. Following the end of the first nine-week's grading period, a student may pick up an application from Mrs. Wester. The students and parents will complete the application and submit it to the student's homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher will then complete the teacher rating scale and grade report before submitting the application to Mrs. Wester.

Details regarding the timeline for applications will be posted as the end of the first nine weeks approaches.