SPECIAL
[ RICHIE NOBREGA JR. WINS CCLI’S VERITAS GUITAR GIVEAWAY | Paul Herman ]
THE HYMN “AMAZING GRACE” JUST GOT A LITTLE [For Alex]
MORE AMAZING. • “His tone is great and his technical skill is
CCLI and Veritas Guitars recently partnered • “His arrangement was amazing…” ~ Michael
flawless” ~ Doyle Dykes
together to sponsor the Veritas Guitar Giveaway
Hodge
contest. Guitarists were invited to submit a • “What I liked about Alex was his touch on the
YouTube video of their own arrangement of instrument. He made things that I know are
the public domain hymn, “Amazing Grace,” hard to play seem effortless. Beautiful job!” ~
to the online contest page, and CCLI’s online Dave Cleveland
audience voted for their favorite video. From
over 70 contestants and thousands of votes, [For Richie]
two clear leaders emerged, Alex Pylypiv from • “Musically developed…” ~ Michael Hodge
Parma, Ohio, and Richie Nobrega Jr from • “Finesse
and
authenticity
in
his
Nyack, New York. Below are their YouTube arrangement… even though he was using a
video entries. looper, you could see everything he did, and
it was brilliant.” ~ Doyle Dykes
CCLI then added a 2nd round tie-breaker: a • “I loved Richie’s approach and style. His
blue-ribbon panel of elite guitarists to pick the tone and touch were just brilliant.” ~ Dave
winner. The panel consisted of Doug Doppler, Cleveland
Michael Hodge, Dave Cleveland, Doyle Dykes
and Phil Keaggy.
photo by Julien Jarry
And here’s Phil Keaggy’s summary: “Both
completely the competition after I saw [Alex’s] video …
The judges were extremely impressed with different styles. I like them both for very different [His] playing is so intricate, yet smooth and
both finalists, but (in a split vote) the panel reasons. I love the acoustic approach and the emotional. I hope maybe one day we can meet
declared Richie Nobrega Jr. the winner of the cleanliness of Alex. Richie’s guitar playing and and play together”.
custom CCLI-inspired Veritas guitar, valued at techniques are exciting and adventurous! I $4,500 retail. really don’t have a favorite because I like them Here are some of the judge’s comments: both equally the same. Your other panelists
guitarists
are
excellent,
with
must make the choice of who gets the guitar”.
“Richie did an amazing job with his arrangement
and definitely deserves this guitar. But I would
“Both guys are great players.” -Doyle Dykes
“They are both uh-mazing…” -Doug Doppler
Alex also shared some thoughts with us:
Upon
hearing
that
he
won,
here
is
love to thank everyone who watched my video
and voted, encouraged me, and showed
Richie’s reaction:
support through this whole process. What an
“No way! I literally can’t believe this! I am awesome opportunity! I’m very grateful that I
beyond stoked! Thank you guys so much for got to be part of this contest.”
this amazing opportunity that has proven to be
even more rewarding than just winning a Veritas We’re also pleased to report that following the
Guitar! I feel so humbled and honored to win the contest, Alex Pylypiv has contacted Casey
guitar, have some of the greatest guitarists in Marvin, owner/founder of Veritas, and has
the world watch and comment about my video, ordered his own custom Veritas guitar.
and even be featured in Worship Musician
30
magazine. This is so wild! Amazing, indeed.
The funny thing is that I almost didn’t enter Paul Herman
CCLI Content Creator
April 2018
WorshipMusician.com