Strumming up a nonprofit

Kitsap Guitar Society hosts first meeting.

Classical, blues, jazz, flamenco and rock guitarists now have a place to come together as one group.

The Kitsap Guitar Society recently hosted its first meeting at the Washington Academy of Music (WAM), located at 3100 Bucklin Hill Road, Suite 116 in Silverdale.

WAM Director Rick Cox created the Kitsap Guitar Society because the closest guitar society is in Seattle.

“I would just like to see that opportunity for us over here,” he said. “I just think it would be something that would enhance our area.”

Cox said Kitsap Guitar Society is a community-based organization that will seek nonprofit status. The guitar society will meet the second Saturday of each month and meetings will focus on specific educational topics and include informational performances. Kitsap Guitar Society also will include a concert series, master classes and outreach recitals performed by guitar society members.

“It’s a great thing for guitarists to get involved in,” Cox said.

Cox said he plans to create the Kitsap Guitar Orchestra through the Kitsap Guitar Society. He added that the Seattle Classic Guitar Society's orchestra has about 100 members and he thinks the Kitsap Guitar Orchestra could have just as many players over time.

“The guitar is so popular. There’s just so much interest,” he said.

The Kitsap Guitar Orchestra rehearses every Thursday evening and new players are welcome.

For more information about the Kitsap Guitar Society or Kitsap Guitar Orchestra, e-mail info@kitsapguitarsociety.org.

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