Members of the Multi-String Guitar Ensemble will perform at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Grimes Community Church. Pictured, front row, from left, are Matthew Grasso and Aya Ueda; back row, from left, are Samuel Ritchie, Roberto Avena and Eric Rasmussen. Ritchie, an Arbuckle native, joined the ensemble about a year ago. Courtesy photo

GRIMES, CA (MPG) - Arbuckle native Samuel Ritchie began playing piano at age 4, learned guitar from his grandfather and spent his teenage years exploring rock and heavy metal music. Now, he is preparing to share his appreciation for classical guitar with the community where he grew up.

Ritchie will perform with the Multi-String Guitar Ensemble at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Grimes Community Church. The concert will feature classical compositions, original works and arrangements of movie and video game themes.

The five-member ensemble includes Ritchie, Matthew Grasso, Aya Ueda, Roberto Avena and Eric Rasmussen. Grasso and Ueda were among Ritchie's instructors at Yuba College, where he developed an interest in classical guitar.

"When I was first going to Yuba College, I was, like, into more, like, rock music and metal music and learning how to play that," Ritchie said.

His musical interests began changing after hearing classical compositions and watching Grasso perform.

"I saw my professor perform live, and I kind of just was starstruck at his ability to do what he does," Ritchie said.

Inspired by his instructor's technique, Ritchie began studying classical guitar more seriously. About a year ago, he joined the ensemble as its newest member.

Ritchie's musical education began long before college. His grandmother, Charlette Lauppe, recalled that he started piano at age 4 before his grandfather introduced him to the ukulele and guitar.

In sixth grade at Johnson Junior High School, Ritchie joined the band hoping to learn the trumpet. After struggling with the instrument, his instructor suggested the flute.

"I could finally get a note out within 15 minutes of trying. And I was like, this is for me," he said.

Ritchie continued playing flute and piccolo while attending Faith Christian School in Yuba City. At Yuba College, he expanded his abilities to percussion, performing with the college's symphonic band.

His involvement in the college's music program also led to a tutoring position after Grasso recommended him for the opportunity.

Although Ritchie enjoys performing, he said he hopes to pursue a career in sound production and recording, working with microphones, monitors and other technical aspects of music.

"I think being in the background for me is just better," he said.

The Multi-String Guitar Ensemble features three seven-string guitars and two six-string guitars, including an instrument with an alternative tuning. Members also explore other variations, including 11-string soprano guitars and 14-string lute guitars.

"They're all the same instrument, right? But they're also drastically different," Ritchie said.

The ensemble has performed at churches and other venues in the Sacramento area and plans to develop additional material for future performances.

For Lauppe, bringing the musicians to Grimes offers local residents an opportunity to enjoy classical music without traveling outside Colusa County.

She recalled attending Tri-County Concerts performances with family members in Yuba City and Marysville, experiences that helped establish her family's appreciation for music.

Lauppe said the church will provide refreshments, allowing the musicians to meet Ritchie's family, friends and other community members following the performance.

The concert will take place in the fellowship hall at Grimes Community Church, 350 Main St. Donations are welcome to help offset the musicians' travel and performance expenses.