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Guitar + Worship: Presenting a Nationally Recognized Program

The Beginning Guitar Ensemble performs Izika Zumba, arranged by Chris Lee, at the Carowinds Festival of Music on March 2023.

Students in grades 9-12 may enroll in a nationally-recognized Guitar or Worship course to fulfill their Fine Arts graduation requirements. Praised by the National Association for Music Education, the Ben Lippen Guitar + Worship Program includes Beginning Guitar, Advanced Guitar, Worship Arts, and the Honors Bluegrass Band. Students build skills in a specific instrument, while growing in teamwork and real-world performance opportunities.
 

Additionally, students in Worship Arts study extensive theological content and sharpen their skills to lead worship in their communities and churches. Students perform at multiple events, including the High School Christmas Concert, the Carowinds Festival High School Guitar of Music, the SCISA Music Festival, the High School Spring Concert, Bill’s Pickin’Parlor, and multiple chapel services. 

Ben Lippen guitar students have risen to the occasion, working hard to make the South Carolina All-State Guitar Ensemble every year 4 years in a row! During the Pandemic, artists from the Virtual Guitar Orchestra and the Augustine Strings Foundation have made a way for All-State Guitar students from around the country to share their gifts and performing experiences. Here is the southeast video capturing an amazing arrangement by Alan Hirsh and performed in part by Ben Lippen Guitar Students and students from Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina.

I love bluegrass because Mr. Essig is so encouraging. He's never given up on us, and I've improved so much on my instrument.

-Hannah, Class of 2023

Chris Essig
High School Strings Teacher