On March 25, 2009, the Chapman Guitar Quartet won two 1st Place awards (Best Quartet and Best Duo) at the University of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition.

Under the direction of Jeffrey Cogan, Director of Guitar Studies, the Chapman Guitar Quartet includes Henry Allen, Daniel de Arakal, Patrick Shiroishi, and Joe Zamudio.  The Quartet performed Three Preludes by George Gershwin, Graffiti by Norbert Leclercq, Entr'act (Sevillanas) by Georges Bizet and In My Life by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.  In My Life was arranged by Jeff Cogan, which was created for the quartet during December 2008.

The Chapman Guitar Duo (Daniel de Arakal and Patrick Shiroishi) performed an Alman by Orlando Gibbons, My Lord Chamberlin, His Galliard by John Dowland and Circus Music by Carlo Domeniconi.

During the festival, the Chapman Guitar Quartet also participated in an Advanced Guitar Masterclass with members of The Romeros (Los Romeros), "the Royal Family of the Guitar." Primarily coached by Pepe Romero, The Romeros coached our students in a 40-minute class, performing a transcription of the famous Pavan, Op. 50 by Gabriel Faure.  Pepe Romero offered high compliments to the Chapman quartet, and he had many insightful comments for improvement. Also participating in the masterclass were our neighbors from Servite High School (in Anaheim) and their instructor, Gregg Goodhart.

Congratulations to Jeff Cogan and the Chapman Guitar Quartet!