Volunteer Opportunities In Contra Costa County

Guitars Not Guns, Inc.(GNG) In Contra Costa County has grown immensely and now needs your help more than ever.  It is only an hour a week for you but it could be a life changing experience for your students.

Here's where the Contra Costa County Chapter presently needs your help:

ANTIOCH DELTA BLUES FESTIVAL

GNG has a booth at this yearly event where it raises a significant amount of funds, displays its accomplishments, sells merchandise and raffle tickets and sign up new volunteers. The organizers are big supporters of GNG.  This year the festival is on Sat. Sept. 17, 2011,  We immediately need volunteers to help the festival organizers post posters.  If you can help post them in your area, please contact Frank Giovanni at frank@deltabluesfestival.net  and arrange to get some from him and post them in your neighborhood!  They're awesome!

We also need a few volunteers at the Festival for the GNG Booth on the day of the show.  Please contact Randall Davis at RSDavisesq@gmail.com or Barbara Gorin at guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

GNG CLASSES AT THE EL SOBRANTE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

GNG seeks to conduct classes at the El Sobrante Boys & Girls Club on Tuesdays from 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm, starting September 27, 2011.  We need a few more instructors for this class session.  If you can assist please contact Donald McQueston at donaldmcq@gmail.com

GNG CLASSES AT THE SEENO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB IN PITTSBURG

GNG is looking forward to starting fall classes at the Seeno Boys & Girls Club in Pittsburg, CA by late September.  No times or dates have been set.  If you can assist please contact Jeff Montanez at shajzm@comcast.net.

GNG CLASSES AT STAND! IN DOWNTOWN ANTIOCH

GNG needs a new class coordinator and instructor to help continue GNG classes at STAND! Against Domestic Violence in Downtown Antioch.  If you can assist as the lead instructor for these classes please contact Randall Davis at RSDavisesq@gmail.com, Frank Darling at FNDarling@aol.com or Jeff Montanez at shajzm@comcast.net.

GNG CLASSES AT SALVATION ARMY ON CLAYTON ROAD IN CONCORD

GNG anticipates that it will start classes in September at the Salvation Army Center on Clayton Road in Concord.  Substitute and additional instructors are needed.  If you can assist please contact Randall Davis  at RSDavisesq@gmail.com or Bruce Johnson at BruceWJ@aol.com.

We are really busy and the need for GNG has never been greater.  We thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

GNG At The Delta Blues Festival

This year The Delta Blues Festival will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 and is dedicated to the memory of the late Johnny Nitro, a fine local musician and a supporter of the Festival and Guitars Not Guns.

The Festival founded by the late Dave Williamson, is held each fall in Waldie Plaza in the historic Rivertown district of Antioch, CA. It is an outdoor, family friendly event. There is no alcohol permitted and admission is free.

Guitars Not Guns' Contra Costa County Chapter operates a promotional booth at the event to which kids and adults can come and play guitar. GNG-CCC will also raffle a guitar signed by the artists appearing at the Festival.

This year's line-up:

We hope to see you there!

Makin' Music Magazine Discusses GNG

This article appears in the July/August edition of Makin' Music Magazine:

Guitars Not Guns Program an Inspiration for Youth

By Kelly Peters

Ray and Louise Nelson see the guitar as an instrument, not just for producing music, but for inciting social change. They are the founders of Guitars Not Guns, a California-based nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of struggling children through music.

This organization provides youth with one-on-one guitar lessons, once a week, over an eight-week period. Most of the children, who range in age from eight to 18, are part of the foster care system or are “at risk” based on environmental factors.
“All the kids come from families where there is domestic violence, drugs, incarceration, even murder, and these kids will come to every Guitars Not Guns session. That says something, not only about Guitars Not Guns, but about the kids. It’s working,” says Juli Rositas, an intervention services manager for STAND, an agency for families free of violence that frequently collaborates with Guitars Not Guns.
While inspiring children to pursue music is the focus, instilling a sense of responsibility in them is also at the core of the program. Students are taught each week by volunteers, who act both as guitar instructors and life mentors. By teaching these children to appreciate a possession and value a skill, Guitars Not Guns hopes to extend these lessons into the future for the children, says Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Fundraising Barbara Gorin.
“It’s about giving kids something positive to do instead of something destructive to do,” she says. “Instilling confidence, giving them encouragement, and something fun to do.”
Rositas recalls one instance when a grandmother stayed to listen to her grandson’s lesson, and by the end, was brought to tears, saying, “I have never seen my grandson in 11 years focus on anything. He’s completely transformed. The only time that kid has peace is when he’s playing that guitar.”
The program began as a result of the Nelsons’ own experiences with the foster care system. In 1992, they decided to become foster parents. Wanting to introduce the children to the joy of live music, Ray provided them with donated, used guitars. Thus, Guitars Not Guns was born. Though the organization began in California, chapters now exist throughout the US and Canada.
The organization prides itself in never turning away a child from participation. The students, or their guardians, may simply sign up. The organization is entirely nonprofit, so its operation is completely dependent on donations. Guitars Not Guns collects both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as accessories, like guitar picks and strings. Cash donations are also welcomed.
Guitars Not Guns also raises funds through celebrity endorsements. For example, Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, autographed a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul that was auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going directly to the organization. The group is currently auctioning an acoustic electric Yamaha autographed by Sammy Hagar. Through this type of support, Guitars Not Guns looks to a hopeful future.

GNG Receives "Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition"

Sacramento GNG Publicized In Sacramento Press

On June 21, 2011, the Sacramento Press published the following article:

Sacramento has a new outlet for kids and teens who need a way to boost their self-esteem and gain confidence. The Guitars Not Guns music program has opened a Sacramento chapter and is searching for youth to participate and volunteer teachers.

Guitars Not Guns is an organization that aims to keep at-risk teens from making poor choices that could get them into serious trouble. They do this by enrolling children and teens in guitar lessons taught mostly by community volunteers.

“We want to help teach kids how to play the guitar so they can use it as a creative outlet instead of being involved in self-destructive activities such as gangs, alcohol and drugs,” said Barbara Donabedian, president of the Sacramento chapter. “The kids will gain a sense of accomplishment, responsibility and also confidence from the program. We want to stop youth violence and keep guns out of reach of kids while promoting gun safety.”

The organization is still trying to raise the funds to cover its expenses, but local classes will begin shortly.

“Classes will begin as soon as we finish obtaining the funds to purchase the guitars and to print the lesson books,” said Brittany Snelgrove, Guitar’s Not Guns local vice president. “We have many places to hold the classes that are free.”

Children in between the ages of 8 and 18 are welcome to take classes. Because the organization is still in its preliminary phase of development, parents who would like to enroll their children or teens who wish to enroll themselves can contact the Sacramento chapter directly through the Guitars Not Guns website, through the Facebook page, or by e-mailing gngsacramento@yahoo.com.

Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is still in need of teachers. There are many ways to help out and volunteer with the organization.

“To be a teacher, you only need to know how to play the guitar,” Donabedian said. “There is no real age restriction or teaching experience needed. People can volunteer to be more than a teacher. They can help with everything from fundraising to PR or even help teachers with lessons.”

In order to spread the word about their cause, Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is reaching out to many venues and local businesses.

“We are looking to go to Second Saturday this summer with a booth to pass out fliers and try to raise donations,” Snelgrove said. “I’m also looking at getting in contact with Ace of Spades to see if they would be interested in getting bands to sign guitars that we purchase. Then we want to auction or raffle them off with all proceeds going to GnG. We are also willing to help promote with any of the sponsors that want to donate or partner with us.”

The Sacramento chapter of Guitars not Guns encompasses the entire greater Sacramento region. The next closest chapter is in San Francisco.

Call For GNG Volunteer Instructors For Richmond/El Sobrante

GNG needs a few volunteer assistant instructors for upcoming classes scheduled for the El Sobrante/Richmond area.  Please contact Allan Moskowitz at amoskowitz@sbcglobal.net for more information and to advise him whether you are able to assist.

Alameda Doof-a-Palooza Winner And Vinnie's Bar CCC Fundraiser

THANK YOU for stopping by the Guitars Not Guns booth at Doof-a-Palooza.

Many of you purchased raffle tickets - thank you for supporting our program!!! We have attached a photo of our lucky raffle winner - Jim - who had promised himself that he would learn to play guitar the day before he won the raffle - way to go Jim!!

Now that summer is here, the Contra Costa chapter of Guitars Not Guns is holding a fundraiser July 3rd in Concord.

We would love for anyone 21+ to join us for an afternoon/evening of great music! Here are the specifics:

When: July 3, 2011 (4pm to 11pm)

Where: Vinnie's Bar & Grill (2045 Mt. Diablo Bl., Concord, CA)

Cost: $10 per person

Thank you again for all of your support!

Guitars Not Guns

Alameda County

"Providing guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children"

Guitars Not Guns, Inc. is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

www.guitarsnotguns.org

July 3, 2011 Fundraiser

For Immediate Release
June 8, 2011

ON SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011

TRIBUTE BANDS BENEFIT CONCERT FOR GUITARS NOT GUNS

All Proceeds will Benefit Guitars Not Guns, a 501 (c) 3 Children’s Music Charity

Date: July 3rd, 2011
Place: Vinnie’ Bar & Grill
2043 Mt. Diablo
Concord, CA
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Cost: $10.00 per person

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, is a benefit concert for Guitars Not Guns. The bands to perform are Danny Jones Band - classic covers; Points North - Rush Tribute; Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Tribute; Stung - Police Tribute; and Tres Hombres XXX - ZZ Top Tribute band.

We will have a guitar autographed by the bands and have raffle ticket donations, with proceeds to Guitars Not Guns. You can have a chance to take home a special guitar, in support of Guitars Not Guns! Thank you to Guitar Center for donating this wonderful guitar!

Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children, ages 8 to 18, in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools. Help us support a good cause by spreading the word of this awesome benefit show!

For more information on this event contact:

Barbara Gorin
VP, Fundraising, Guitarsnotguns.org
Cell: 925-785-8342
guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com

Laura Fielding 925-963-4928
Magik Wand Productions
Email me at magikwandproductions@yahoo.com.

To find out more about Guitars Not Guns, please visit: http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/ for details and www.guitarsnotguns.org

Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
www guitarsnotguns.org - Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids - guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com

Winner of Slash Guitar!

Congratulations and Thank you!
to Mike Finley of Tehachapi California for bidding highest on the Slash Autographed Guitar benefiting Guitars Not Guns

Thanks again for this opportunity. I have wanted a signed guitar for years, and just never found one I was willing to spend the money for. I will cherish this for years to come. The fact that it benefits a good cause makes it all the more special.  Mike Finley

SLO County Probation Dept. Thanks GNG!

The following article was posted on May 18th, 2011, in the New Times - Volume 25, Issue 42 -

Thanks for the guitars

chief probation officer, San Luis Obispo County

JIM SALIO

On behalf of the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department, I would like to thank Deputy Sheriff Dale Anderson and the local chapter of Guitars Not Guns for their generous donation of six acoustic guitars to the County Juvenile Hall.

Since 1992, Guitars Not Guns has been providing guitars to minors at risk for delinquency all over the United States and Canada. The guitars will be used in the Juvenile Hall Guitar Program, a program in which Juvenile Hall staff members provide basic guitar lessons to detained minors. It is hoped that by providing a positive recreational outlet for minors, they will be less likely to reoffend and return to the Juvenile Hall.

I'd also like to thank Juvenile Services Officers Darby Lambrecht and Jeremy Griego, as well as Mental Health therapist Jim Pearce for their efforts in starting the Juvenile Hall Guitar Program.

Sammy Hagar Autographs Guitar to Benefit Guitars Not Guns

Sammy and the Wabos performed their annual Cabo Wabo Cinco De Mayo show at Harrahs South Shore Room in Lake Tahoe on May 6 - 7, 2011. This beautiful Yamaha acoustic electric guitar and a Strat pick guard were both signed by the Red Rocker prior to the May 7 show.

Thanks to Barbara Gorin --GNG's VP of Fundraising & PR--for her perseverance in connecting with Sammy's management for these autographs.  Of course, Thank you Sammy, Carter and Paul!  A special thank you to Robert Brown for donating this pristine Yamaha FG -411- CE guitar!

The autographed guitar and the autographed Strat pick guard are
to be auctioned seperately on Ebay in July - the date to be determined.
Check back on this blog soon. To be notified by email  click here.

I attended the Saturday night show and it was awesome.  Sammy, along with The Wabos - Mona, Vic, and David "Bro" - put on a great show and party! We were treated to a couple surprise performances too: Michael Anthony stepped in on bass for the first several songs - which included a few Van Halen, Montrose and Chickenfoot favorites. Sammy's son Aaron rocked the vocals on Rock Candy while Sammy worked the onstage crowd.  The slide show above is from the Saturday, May 7 show.

Bruce J.
GNG Volunteer  and huge "Redhead" Sammy fan

Guitars Not Guns Charity Ebay Auction - Begins April 21

Gibson Epiphone Les Paul
autographed by Rock & Roll Guitar Hero:
SLASH

signed back stage at HP Pavilion, San Jose, California - February 2011
100% of the proceeds will benefit Guitars not Guns non-profit music program!

Ebay Auction Ends: May 1, 2011
Click Here for Link to Auction

Photo gallery link

Slash (Saul Hudson, born July 23, 1965) is a British American musician and songwriter. He is the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he performed and recorded from 1985 to 1996. He later formed Slash's Snakepit and co-founded Velvet Revolver with his former bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, and his debut solo album, Slash, was released in April 2010. He has been on tour with touring vocalist Myles Kennedy to promote the album since its release. A second solo album is due in 2012. Slash has received critical recognition as a guitarist. In August 2009, Time Magazine ranked him #2 on its list of the "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-Time". He was also ranked #21 on Gigwise's list of the "50 Greatest Guitarists Ever". Slash is a playable character in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Beating Slash in a one-on-one competition, unlocks him as a playable character. Beating him in this challenge leads to the player and Slash playing the master track of "Welcome to the Jungle" as an encore song. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

Slash Fans and Rock Memorabilia Collectors -
Don't miss out on this piece of Rock and Roll History!
$99 Opening Bid and No Reserve! 
Click Here for Link to Auction

AUTOGRAPH AUTHENTICATION:
"COA" Certificate of Authenticity issued by Guitars Not Guns.org Vice President of Public Relations.
Photos of Slash signing the guitar.

BONUSES:"COA" also signed by Slash!

Plus a MONO M80 hybrid case featuring the patented Headlock™ inside. Perfect for protecting the angled headstock of the Les Paul during backwards falls. The world needs music. Go Play.™.

Click Here
for these Guitars Not Guns Ebay Auctions starting April 21, 2011:

Autographed pick guard & Strat style guitar
by Neo-Classical Metal Extraordinaire:
Yngwie Malmsteen
Yngwie Malmsteen, Alkatrazz, Steeler

Autographed pick guards and memorabilia by:
George Benson
George Benson, and numerous music stars projects!
Johnny Lang
Johnny Lang Band
Steve Vai
Frank Zappa, Public Image Ltd., Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake
Ed Robertson & Kevin Hearn
Bare Naked Ladies
Ronnie Montrose
Montrose, Gamma, Edgar Winter, Van Morrison
Nuno Bettencourt
Extreme , and numerous music stars projects!
Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra
Night Ranger, Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Remember - Your winning bid will support GNG's non-profit Music Program for Deserving Kids!

Big Benevolent Bash at SLO Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 24.

This article just in from the Mustang Daily by David Liebig:

Music students rock out for at-risk youths

The Modern Music Academy (MMA) is putting on its second annual Big Benevolent Bash at SLO Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 24.

The concert will showcase many of MMA’s most talented students and raise money for Guitars Not Guns, a national nonprofit organization that gives guitars and music lessons to at-risk youths. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the organization.

Last year’s Big Benevolent Bash raised approximately $1,600 for the Arroyo Grande chapter of Guitars Not Guns, which provides a guitar, gig bag and lesson materials for each youth they instruct.

Student adviser and co-founder of San Luis Obispo’s MMA chapter Jessie Clarke said she wants the venue to be even more packed this year.

“Everyone we’re putting up there on stage we’re excited about,” Clarke said.

The event is an opportunity for MMA students to showcase skills they have learned during the 30-week program as well as their final test before graduating with an Academy of Contemporary Music Diploma.

“This is kind of an exam for them,” Clarke said. “It makes up one of the modules of their diploma.”

Performers will be videotaped and graded based on showmanship, music excellence and songwriting.

Although the concert functions as an educational and charity event, it will be an exciting night, Clarke said.

“It’s not going to feel like a fundraiser,” she said. “It’s going to feel like a show.”

Approximately 20 musicians will play a mix of original and cover songs. Some of the performers are as young as 14 or 15 years old.

Cuesta College student Bentley Murdock is in MMA’s Artist Development Program and will perform two original songs at the event.

“We know this is our crowning moment,” Murdock said. “We’re pitching our music to people who’ve never heard it before.”

The Artist Development Program is the more advanced of the academy’s two courses — the other is the Professional Music Foundation Program. The curriculum for these courses comes from the Academy of Contemporary Music in London (ACM).

“It’s one of the most prestigious music schools in the world,” Murdock said.

No other school in America is allowed to use ACM’s programs, Clarke said.

Diplomas from ACM are industry qualifications, which are not considered accredited in the U.S. However, MMA students receive technical training for a career in the music business.

By the time they graduate, students have developed an online presence, created a press kit and recorded original songs to promote themselves as artists.

“They have a really good way of helping people solidify what they want to become,” Murdock said.

Despite the fact that some schools have canceled music programs for budget reasons, creative outlets are needed to teach kids about themselves and inspire, he said.

Barbara Gorin, the Guitars Not Guns vice president of fundraising and public relations, said the organization provides guitar lessons to kids who would not have a creative outlet otherwise.

“Their mother could be a drug addict in rehab; their father could be locked up in jail,” Gorin said. “We’re giving kids an alternative to destructive behavior.”

The beneficiary of the Big Benevolent Bash offers an eight-week program for foster care, at-risk and needy kids, ranging from ages eight to 18. They are given a guitar to practice basic techniques with a volunteer instructor for an hour each week. If they complete the program, they are allowed to keep the guitar.

“It’s a happy time — that one hour a week,” Gorin said. “It gives them a sense of accomplishment. They leave the class having learned chords, having learned songs.”

Exceptional students are also considered for a sponsored education at MMA.

The MMA is currently accepting applications for its 2011-2012 programs.

“We know how powerful music is,” Clarke said. “Getting stuck into music can be such a productive thing.”

Tickets for the Big Benevolent Bash are $6 and can be purchased at Boo Boo Records, Ticketweb.com or at the door. All ages are welcome and doors open at 7 p.m.

Photos From The GNG Benefit At 924 Gilman

Guitar Player Magazine's Article On GNG's Slash signed Guitar Auction

Go to guitarplayer.com to see the full article.

AUCTION: GIBSON EPIPHONE LES PAUL AUTOGRAPHED BY SLASH

GUITARS NOT GUNS CHARITY EBAY AUCTION - Begins April 21, 2011 - ends May 1, 2011

GIBSON EPIPHONE LES PAUL AUTOGRAPHED BY GUITAR HERO: SLASH
Signed back stage at HP Pavilion, San Jose, California - February 3, 2011
Signed 3 DAYS BEFORE SLASH APPEARED AT THE SUPER BOWL 
DURING HALFTIME playing with the Black Eyed Peas on February 6, 2011!

COA, photos and video of Slash signing, and new Mono M80 hybrid case included. 

Check out video of Slash signing guitar at:  http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/

$99 Opening Bid and No Reserve.

Slash is the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He later formed Slash's Snakepit and is co-founder of Velvet Revolver. Slash has received critical recognition as a guitarist. Time Magazine ranked him #2 on its list of the "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-Time.”  Slash is a playable character in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Slash Fans and Rock Memorabilia Collectors - Don't miss out on this piece of Rock and Roll History and an opportunity to help a non-profit children's music charity!

Other EBay auctions beginning April 21, 2011, to benefit Guitars Not Guns, include autographed guitar memorabilia from Yngwie Malmsteen, George Benson, Johnny Lang, Steve Vai, Ed Robertson & Kevin Hearn, Ronnie Montrose, Nuno Bettencourt, Brad Gillis, and Joel Hoekstra.

100% of the auction proceeds will benefit Guitars not Guns non-profit music program.

Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools.

Check here for details and auction links.

www.guitarsnotguns.org

Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
www guitarsnotguns.org  - Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids  -  guitarsnotguns@aol.com

A Passion For Playing

Published by msnbc Santa Maria, CA:

A passion for playing

By Times Staff
Santa Maria Times
updated 3/29/2011 5:47:11 AM ET

A passion for playing and some help from a youth music program has taken Joe Parra from guitar student to teacher and transformed his life.

The 19-year-old senior at Lopez High School, an alternative school in Arroyo Grande, cultivated his love of the guitar through Guitars not Guns, a South San Luis Obispo County music program for high-risk and underprivileged youth.

He has been involved with the nonprofit group's South County chapter since around the time the chapter started in 2006.

Guitars not Guns focuses on youth ages 8 to 18 who are in foster care, at-risk or financially in need, according to Dale Andersen, the president of the local chapter and a sheriff's deputy who is a school resource officer at a number of South San Luis Obispo County campuses.
"We want to give them a positive alternative to drugs and violence," Andersen said. "They need confidence, self-esteem and discipline in their lives," he added.

Parra said that before he began taking classes with the nonprofit group, he had limited knowledge of the guitar.

"I did some chords, but I didn't know the names and stuff," he said.

Parra said Guitars not Guns helped him refine his skills and fill in the gaps in his music knowledge.

"It was really simple with the class," he added.

Parra went on to attend the Modern Music Academy, a guitar school in San Luis Obispo. He said finding his love for the guitar through Guitars not Guns has taken him from common childhood career goals like being a firefighter to a desire to pursue music.

"It's probably changed a lot about me," Parra said. "Now I just want to play music and that's all."

Parra teaches an advanced guitar class with the program and hopes to major in music in college and eventually become a professional guitar player.

"Professional performance would be my ultimate goal," he said.

Andersen praised Parra for rising above difficult life circumstances to find success.

"He grabs onto the guitar to keep his wits about him, and that guy is phenomenal now," Andersen said.

Andersen said he started the South County chapter of Guitars not Guns after stumbling into information on the program while searching online for guitar music as he was learning to play the instrument.

Through his job as a school resource officer, Andersen recruits candidates for the guitar classes, which are held at the Exploration Station in Grover Beach and taught by volunteer instructors.

Guitars not Guns provides each student with a guitar, gig bag and lesson book for the eight-week stretch of once-weekly classes.

At the end of the eight-week program, graduates are able to keep the guitar and other items given to them and are invited to move on to a more advanced class.

Students who successfully complete the level 2 class become candidates for a scholarship to the Modern Music Academy in San Luis Obispo. Andersen said that so far, Guitars not Guns has been able to send every student to the academy who wanted to go and was qualified to attend.
Modern Music Academy supplies half the tuition for students from Guitars not Guns, and Guitars not Guns provides the other half.

Other help comes from Lightning Joe's Guitar Heaven in Arroyo Grande, which supplies Guitars not Guns with guitars and bags at cost and donates additional supplies such as picks and strings.
Guitars not Guns also receives financial support from area community groups.

Joe Daoust, owner of Lightning Joe's, said he was approached by Guitars not Guns and agreed to provide the group with the "deepest discount I could" on guitars, which he would set up to his high standards before giving to participants.

"It's hopeful," Daoust said of the program, noting that the store is eager to do anything it can to help it.

"This was just another way to reach one part of the community that might never walk in here," he said.

Classes are held about three times a year, Andersen said, and typically involve about eight to 12 students each. The different-level classes take place simultaneously at the Exploration Station, in different rooms.

On a recent weekday morning, Andersen gathered with Parra and two Guitars not Guns students to talk about the program. Andersen offered encouragement along with good-natured teasing to Makenna Mitchell and Sendi Manzano as the girls took turns practicing with a guitar.
Then Parra took the guitar and effortlessly played a Spanish-style tune, his long hair hanging in his face as it spilled out of his sweatshirt hood. Next, he launched into a song by the band Sublime. He recently started teaching a level 3 class for advanced students.

Mitchell, a 17-year-old junior at nearby Mesa View Community School in Arroyo Grande, said Andersen introduced her to the program at school one day. Her father wanted her to get take up an extracurricular activity anyway, she said.

"A lot of people in my family play guitar," she added.

Mitchell has finished the level 1 class and plans to move on to the next one.

"It was fun," she said. "There was a lot of little kids, though. I was like the oldest one."

Playing guitar was difficult at first, Mitchell said, but "once I started learning songs, it started getting easier."

Manzano, a 16-year-old junior at Mesa View Community School, said she had acquired a guitar before she started lessons but didn't know how to play it. She had always been more interested in sports than music. However, a teacher recommended she try Andersen's guitar program, and she did.

She has completed the level 2 class, which she might take again for more experience.

Manzano said she practices her guitar playing when she finds the time.

"Lately, I've been busy. But when I'm not doing anything, sometimes I grab it," she added.
The next class session starts April 14. For more information, call Andersen at 305-7185.

March 29, 2011

Richmond Confidential Giving Back Giving Guitars Richmond Resident Jay Kirkland, Guitars Not Guns Volunteer instructor, and guitar player.

Thank you for your support! 2011 will be better than ever!

I am very excited that we have our own blog site and soon, our own affiliate website - guitarsnotgunsca.org - we have so much to share and so many wonderful sponsors to show off and help promote their awesome products!! I am still learning my way around how to update and use this blog, with the help of our other awesome volunteers, Randy Davis, Bruce Johnson and Kathy Stevenson, we hope to keep everyone up to date on all the awesome things we have planned for 2011!



MARCH 11, 2011 - Our latest event was a success! Guitars Not Guns volunteer instructor and member of the punk band The Blanks, Russ Wood, arranged a benefit concert with VIOLATION, THE BLANKS, THE CAPS, RATS ON WHEELS, NITE SHADES! The event was held at 924 Gilman Street = Berkeley, CA, - these awesome bands and great support helped raise over $440.00!



Pictured here is Izzy, the winner of our Guitar raffle! An awesome donated SG Epiphone, all the bands signed!

Thank you Russ Wood and all the bands! I didn't realize that this is where GREEN DAY got their start! Hey, Green Day, if you're out there, check out Guitars Not Guns - we bring music to deserving kids! Thank you!!!

Welcome To The New Guitars Not Guns, California, Website

Please mark this site.  Guitars Not Guns, California, is under construction but will be up and running very soon!!!!