The Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble (CCCGE) was founded in 1997 by Ensemble Director and VanderCook College of Music faculty member Dr. Julie Goldberg. Along with regular performances at VanderCook, the ensemble has appeared at venues and festivals throughout the Chicago area and Midwest, including the Mid-American Guitar Ensemble Festivals, Elmhurst Art Museum, Hines Veterans Hospital, the Chicago Classical Guitar Society, and Saint Xavier and North Park Universities.
CCGE is also active in outreach concerts with school guitar programs, performing with and alongside ensembles from Lincolnway High School, Union Ridge Middle School, Adlai Stevenson High School, Acero- Soto High School, Merit School of Music, and others.
The ensemble consists of guitarists from all walks of life. Most have professions outside of music; some are full-time students, and a few are professional musicians and teachers. All share a love for the instrument and enjoy the challenges and rewards of working together in an ensemble.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining CCCGE, contact Dr. Julie Goldberg at: jgoldberg@vandercook.edu.
CCCGE is supported in part by VanderCook College of Music and is proud to be part of the VanderCook Outreach Program.
Current CCGE Members
Ken Babiez, Bradford Beard, Philip Bell, Naomi Ceder, Tristan Crockett, Linda Ehlers, Tianyang
Fang, Brian Gaudino, Fernando Herrera, Al Jackson, Tom Kirke, Elsa Madrigal, Ian Maysmith,
Fred Moszur, Lucas Panagos, Thomas Purk, Isaac Seavello, Steve Shonder, Tony Swantek,
SergiyYegorov, David Trace
Dr. Julie Goldberg, Director
“Playing in the ensemble is enjoyable and challenging. My skills have grown, and the entire ensemble is getting better and better.”
— Gil Herman, CCGE Member
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful event. The Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble Side-by-Side Concert was a great opportunity for our students to connect with other musicians in the community.”
— Jennifer Rooney, Union Ridge Middle School
“I've been in the ensemble for over 20 years now, and It's a wonderful experience.”
— Ken Babiez, CCGE Member
“The performance today was fantastic. It's great that you take the time to do what you do.”
— P.C., CCGE Audience Member
