USM receives a special guitar

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss' School of Music now has a handmade guitar that was made in Spain in the 1970's.

Professor of guitar, Dr. Nicholas Ciraldo said, "This is an instrument that is extremely rare and it sounds wonderful."

Southern Miss alum, Sharon Varnado donated the guitar to the university.

One student each year will be able to play the guitar during their special performances.

"Every time they have the opportunity to advance to a better instrument, it helps them develop their talent more. It's inspiring to them. It makes me very happy to know that this guitar will do that for generations of students here at USM,” said Varnado.

Ciraldo performed several Spanish songs to the audience to let them hear and appreciate the quality of the instrument.

"It's a beautiful instrument. It's really wonderful to look at. The woods that the builder used are very rare and really sort of aesthetically pleasing. But, it also sounds really great. It's a pleasure to play," said Ciraldo.

One lucky student will soon be playing this guitar and showing the world his or her's skills.