About us
The Club was formed in 1993 by a group of classical guitar enthusiasts in West Sussex (UK). Every year since then, there has been a full programme of events including professional concerts, club evenings and festivals. Two guitar orchestras, made up of club members, have also been formed in recent years, and we always seek new players to join. Our large membership is drawn from all over West Sussex and neighbouring counties.
The aims of the Club are to provide an informal setting where lovers of the classical and Flamenco guitar can meet, play together, improve their technique and performing skills, and exchange musical ideas. The Club aims to nurture and encourage players from complete beginners to all standards, to reach their potential, and to promote the classical guitar in the wider community.
In July 2008, West Sussex Guitar Club became a registered Charity, number 1124762, our stated aims and objectives being: To promote, improve, maintain and develop public education in the art of the classical guitar, by the presentation of public concerts, recitals and educational workshops, and in other such activities
Our family-friendly Club caters for all ages and playing abilities. Club evenings which start at 7pm often begin with an all-join-in orchestra followed by performances by our junior members. After a break for buffet supper, the evening continues with performances by adult members, playing in the ensembles and solos. Playing continues for as long as enthusiasm lasts!
Occasionally, club evenings include a lecture with such topics as guitar-making and the life and works of famous guitar composers. At least once a year we organise meetings with other guitar societies.
To see how active we are, please browse through our newsletters.
You, your family and friends do not need to be guitarists to visit the Club, or to become a member. Any lovers of guitar music are welcome to attend any of our events, and we look forward to meeting you!
Our season runs from September to July, during which we aim to hold up to five professional recitals and around seven club evenings , all of which are open to the public. At Christmas and in July, members of the club also hold a party. Every November, the Club holds its own West Sussex Guitar Festival and every November hosts the Guitar Section of the Chichester Festival for Music, Dance & Speech. For more details about our Club, see under Activities and Diary of Events.
We are proud to have as our Patrons, Gary Ryan and Fabio Zanon, who are world famous classical guitarists. The Club most grateful for the support from our Sponsors, shown below.
Most meetings are held at 7pm on Saturday evenings in the Recital Hall at The Regis School of Music, 46 Sudley Road, Bognor Regis PO21 1ER, where we have a car park. The main hall is of excellent proportions and acoustics, and there are a number of other rooms which can be used for ensembles, orchestras and for individual practice. The Club also houses an extensive collection of audio, video and sheet music in the Library, all of which are available for members to borrow.
