Walk into a rehearsal with Guitarnivore—Merit’s competitive classical guitar quartet—and you’ll find an ensemble that takes remarkable ownership of its music. Guided by coach Bob Sherman, the students have built a rehearsal culture where ideas circulate freely, decisions are shared, and each musician plays an active role in shaping the group’s sound.
A Collaborative Creative Process
One of the most striking things about watching Guitarnivore rehearse is how easily ideas and feedback flow between the students. At one point, the quartet paused to untangle a tricky passage. Instead of waiting for directions, the students began isolating lines and identifying which musical ideas needed to align. Their process looked less like students following instructions and more like four mature musicians collectively engineering a solution.
When Mr. Sherman does provide feedback, he approaches it as a collaborator. He mirrors the way the students communicate with each other: by asking questions and providing thoughtful suggestions. When he asks, “Do you want more of a crescendo at measure 65?”, it truly is a question, allowing the students the agency to make musical decisions together.
The students’ calm, thoughtful, and respectful interactions are clearly influenced by their coach’s energy. The trust between them comes through in both the rehearsal’s atmosphere and the music they make together.
A Blend of Experience and New Energy
Part of what makes this ensemble so special is the mix of backgrounds within it. With Eddy and Raffaella bringing years of experience in Merit’s guitar program and Ethan and Cameron adding fresh perspectives as newer Conservatory students, the quartet is well-balanced and dynamic. The seasoned players model musical maturity, while the newer members infuse the group with curiosity and momentum. The result is a quartet that listens deeply, supports one another, and grows together.
As Cameron shared, “It’s really nice to be part of a group that takes on more challenging music. It’s a great opportunity to play with talented people in all these different places, and I’m so grateful for it.”
Growing Through Performance
This year, Guitarnivore has performed at several competitions and events, each one strengthening them as an ensemble. “Our most recent competition, the Barnett Competition here at Merit, was my favorite,” says Cameron. “It was one of our best runs, and it just felt great to have such a solid performance.”
Raffaella recalled another standout experience: “We played at Stars of Tomorrow in Highland Park, and it was so fun! We got to hear other young musicians and talk to them afterward, which we don’t usually get to do at competitions. It was great to see what people our age are playing, not just on guitar but piano, strings, trombone, flute—everything.”
Each competition this year has given Guitarnivore a new lens on their playing—whether it’s the satisfaction of a polished performance or the inspiration of hearing peers from across the region. These moments outside the rehearsal room deepen their connection and broaden their musical world.
Preparing for the Gala Stage
Guitarnivore may not be the loudest ensemble in the building, but their presence is unmistakable. The way they rehearse—curious, focused, and fully engaged with one another—translates directly into performances that resonate with clarity and purpose.
As they prepare for the Gala on May 14, their quiet confidence speaks volumes. Beyond mastering the notes, these young musicians are learning how to lead, how to listen, and how to create something larger than themselves. We can’t wait to see them shine on stage!
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