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Lancaster Sunday News article,
May 20, 2001. WAYNE THOMPSON PENS TUNES, TOME ON THE GUITAR.
Wayne Thompson, 34 of Lancaster hopes to strike a chord with his
new book, Guitar Shop. A full-time guitar instructor at [local music store] in Lancaster, Thompson wrote his first instructional
book for the guitar, which he hopes will be published nationally soon. Thompson, who has played the guitar for 24 years, said
the book will be a valuable teaching tool, since much of the inspiration for the book came from the more than 25 pupils
he tutors. "The book was written through trial and error with the help of my students," Thompson said, "It's
very user friendly and comes with a CD that walks you through each lesson. There are also a number of play-a-long jams at
the end of the CD - very hip." Thompson said the book is for the beginning through intermediate guitar player, and is
printed locally by Brenneman Printing, Olde Homestead Lane. It is currently available at The Guitar Shop or on line.
| Saucey
Published: FLY MAGAZINE October 1999
Story: Cynthia Hummel
Photo: Press Photo |
| When Wayne Thompson
got tired of the acoustic guitar scene where he had been performing for years, he telephoned a few old friends. A few
calls later, he had a band.Thompson's friends are all veterans of the local music scene. Drummer Tommy Leanza formerly
performed with Rupadupa and other bands. Keyboardist Jim Trostle had played at Strawberry Hill. Bassist Bob Frey came from
the band South Street, while Elizabeth Kelly also worked locally. Since Frey's schedule would not allow him to be
at every show, a second bass player, Mike Bitts, also joined the band. And both bassists may appear together at some shows.
"It's a really funky kind of bizarre mix," Thompson says of the band's music.Steely
Dan was a major influence on the band. Other influences range from Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Joan Osborn, and TLC.
The band plays cover tunes for now. Originals could be in their future. With Thompson serving as lead singer and guitarist,
the band began practicing in February. By September, the band had its first performances at McFly's and The Lancaster
Dispensing Company. These shows were not only the band's first shows, but also marked the first occasions that Trostle
and his former student, Thompson, played together in a band?something they had talked about for years. The
Lancaster-based band would like to put out a CD someday, explains the lead singer, but for now, they are working on perfecting
their act. "Right now, we just want to get through these first couple of jobs," says Thompson just days before
their first gig as Saucey. |
The Sonic Tonic
featured in The Fly Magazine
Instructor's Bio
Wayne Thompson
started playing guitar when he was 9. He studied with Geraldine Swink, an international classical guitar performer and a graduate
of the Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music. He later studied Rock and Blues guitar with James Trostle, a Berklee graduate for
7 years. His study with Trostle also included contemporary Jazz theory. He began his fulltime career in music at age 22. He has played with local and regional acts such as Plan B, Thompson & Fling, Dee Evans, Thompson & Company, Saucey, Steve H
Project, The Groovebusters and a new incarnation of Plan B with Mark Showers. Currently he plays with The Sonic Tonic featuring
Sara Kat. He has nearly 3000 paying jobs to his credit all over Pa, Maryland and New Jersey. He has worked the local theater
circuit and played in productions of “Grease”, “Smokey Joe’s Café”, “Evita”
and “Alice in Wonderland”. As a songwriter he has been successful working with local advertising agencies selling
jingles and more recently scoring soundtracks for 81st Street Productions.
 Letters of Recommendation
1) Garden Spot School District I have had
the pleasure of knowing Wayne Thompson for approximately five years. He has been a private teacher of both my son and myself.
I have always found Wayne to be extremely professional, organized, and responsible. Wayne was also instrumental in helping
me institute a guitar program at my place of employment, Garden Spot High School. Wayne
volunteered his time to give a guitar master class to the music students and the staff at Garden Spot Middle and Senior High
Schools. His enthusiasm and knowledge of subject matter would be an asset to any guitar program. (Signed) Ena Marie Banks Guitar Instructor/Choral Director Garden
Spot High School 354-1550 ena_banks@elanco.k12.pa.us
2) Conestoga Valley School District Elizabeth Carney 2/23/05 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great pleasure that I recommend Wayne Thompson for guitar instruction. Wayne is a conscientious,
caring music educator with many years of experience. He is able to give excellent guitar instruction to learners of all ages. I first met Wayne when we were
both employed with [local music store] in Lancaster. Wayne was very personable, and both colleagues and students had great
respect for him. He was always very professional and dependable. When I decided to incorporate guitar instruction into the music curriculum
at my high school, I arranged to take private lessons from Wayne. It was then that I realized his ability as a music educator.
He was familiar with an extensive repertoire of guitar music that included many different genres. He was able to demonstrate
musical concepts in a variety of different ways. His gift and passion for teaching was demonstrated at every lesson. Wayne is the consummate professional.
His positive attitude and caring demeanor are very refreshing. His students greatly benefit from his instruction. Sincerely, [signed] Elizabeth Carney Music Teacher Conestoga Valley High School 2110 Horseshoe Road Lancaster Pa 17601 (717) 397-5231
3) Manheim Township Middle School Nov. 2nd,
2004 To Whom it
May Concern, Wayne Thompson
has been my guitar teacher/guru/friend since 1997. During this time I've gone from being a rudimentary guitar player (at
best) to becoming a competent guitarist. I credit Wayne for creating the learning environment that has helped me grow and
thrive as a guitarist. Creating
this environment, this special creative chemistry is not easy, and I should know. As a 7th grade teacher in the Manheim
Township School District I'm forever looking for ways to inspire students and "hit them where they live." Wayne's
wide-ranging musical tastes and ability to play in a variety of musical styles helps him find each student's sweet spot
and thus pursue their own musical niche. He is able to create a highly individualized and exciting plan for students of all
ages, ability levels and genders. Over the
years I've recommended Wayne's services to numerous students and even their parents. Many are still taking lessons
from Wayne, years later. I know he's doing something right. Finally, let me unequivocally state my strong recommendation for Wayne Thompson.
He is an exceptional musician but, more importantly, an exceptional teacher. If you have any questions or need more information,
I will be happy to talk to you. Sincerely, (signed) Frederick C. Sisk Manheim Township School District
Landis Valley Project 717-560-3111 Fred_Sisk@mtwp.net
4) Manheim Township Educational Foundation September 27, 2004 To
Whom it May Concern, Wayne
Thompson is a fine musician with whom I had the pleasure of coordinating an enrichment class a few summers ago for the Envisions
Summer Enrichment Program. Wayne was organized and flexible as he and I developed a format for a one-week beginning guitar
workshop for students aged approximately 10-13. I
stopped in to observe the class during one of the sessions and noticed that each student was enjoying the music instruction,
was apparently making good progress and was developing a very nice rapport with Wayne. The students were wishing that
the workshop had been longer. Wayne had a relaxed manner to which the students responded very positively. The following
summer, I was disappointed when Wayne's schedule did not allow him to offer this workshop again for the Envisions program.
I wish him well in his future endeavors. Sincerely, (Signed) Julie
Merrill Executive Director (717) 3331776 Manheim
Township Educational Foundation
5) Neffsville Mennonite Church
11/03/04
Greetings:
Wayne Thompson taught a group of eight students guitar as part of Neffsville Mennonite Church’s Created
to Praise summer day camp. The group met everyday for 45 minutes. While the students ranged in age and ability,
they were uniform in their appreciation of the guitar class and of Mr. Thompson’s teaching. Without exception,
each of them loved their time with him and looked forward to it daily. Darlene Hein Music Director Neffsville Mennonite Church darlene@neffmc.org
6) School District of Lancaster Lincoln Middle School L.I.F.E. After School/Summer Program “Learning
Is For Everyone” January 19, 2005
Lillian Alicea Site Coordinator Lincoln
Middle School 1001 Lehigh Avenue Lancaster Pa. 17602 (717) 333-1976 To Whom It May Concern: Wayne Thompson has worked for me in the L.I.F.E. After-School Program at Lincoln Middle School from 10/8/04 - 12/3/04.
Mr. Thompson has done wonderful work teaching the L.I.F.E. After-School Guitar Club. Mr. Thompson is accurate and attentive
to details and genuinely cares about our students. We at Lincoln Middle School L.I.F.E. After-school program wish, Mr. Thompson
continued success in his chosen field. Sincerely, Lillian Alicea
Site Coordinator
Lincoln Middle School
(Copies of letters are available upon request.)
Guitar Lessons and Instruction in Lancaster Pa.
The Guitar Shop Business # (717)4680795 Studio # (717)3915848 Copyright secured 2004-2005 The Guitar Shop
All rights reserved. Reproduction/distribution
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