Guitar-program students learn to jam

Ector ninth-grader Josh Cakl can pick, finger and jam his way through practically any song.

From rock to emo to classical to metal, the 15-year-old pretty much plays it all.

And he has the Ector Junior High guitar program to thank for his musical repertoire and skills.

Josh, who's been in the program for two years, said he enjoys playing the electric guitar, collaborating with classmates and learning about 10 new songs a week.

"You can be yourself," Josh said. "It's just awesome."

Stacey Nash, who co-directs the Ector guitar program with Jose Campos, said the goal of the program is to give students a musical foundation to allow them to build onto their skills.

"I don't want to limit them in what they can play," Nash said.

The program at Ector Junior High has about 200 students this school year. Campos said he expects about 120 seventh-graders and about 105 eighth-graders for the 2008-'09 school year.

Campos, who also teaches the program at Odessa High, said he has about 15 students currently in the guitar program at that school.

Ector students take classes from either Nash or Campos during school hours to learn techniques, notes, chords and other sections of music.

Then after school, students practice and jam with friends.

Campos' mother, Elena Campos, started the Ector Junior High guitar and mariachi program in 1998, Jose Campos said.

Nash said her students learn fundamental skills so they can pick up a book of music and play all kinds of chords, techniques and choruses through the various styles like metal, picking and finger.

And in the process, she said, students build their confidence.

"Now, they're wanting to go out and take on the world," Nash said. "For me, that's the most rewarding thing - to see kids blossom."

Many students said the program has allowed them to excel as musicians.

Eighth-grader Alan Alvarado said his two years in the program have helped him learn new things every day.

"I just love playing the guitar," he said, adding that it's been a hobby of his since he was 5.

Each year, the students have chances to participate in concerts and performances to showcase their skills.

For Josh, he said he hopes to become a professional guitar player someday, and the program makes him a stronger musician.

Plus, it's just fun, he said. 

"You get to stay after school and jam out," Josh said. "What's better than that?"