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Guitars not Guns
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Jake
Miller, a Galt High sophomore, loves playing guitar in his free time. The
Guitars not Guns program helped Jake help himself and others. |
By
Valerie McGill
Staff Writer –
In today’s society when our kids and teens
are often tempted to turn to a self-destructive lifestyle, there are many
different kinds of organizations trying to detour those kids away from making
bad choices and point them to a more positive, productive way of life.
Since kids are all different and they will be reached through diverse methods,
it’s good to have a variety of groups trying to connect to kids in their own way.
One unique program, Guitars not Guns (GnG), is aimed at giving kids a creative
outlet, a chance to learn guitar, and an opportunity to be productive.
On Saturday, GnG graduated some very special students,
including Jake Miller from Galt. For the
“I found out about this organization when I needed some
musicians for a project of mine when I lived in the Bay area,” said Donna.
“Several of them were involved with GnG and we had such a positive experience
with them that, when my husband and I moved to
In the program, students are provided with guitars and are
required to practice 30 minutes a day. They have assigned homework and two
stages of lessons. Level one is for beginners and level two is for the more
advanced. It is recommended that students take each level twice. At the end of
completing their eight-week lesson, they are given a guitar.
“The students have a graduation ceremony and receive class
completion certificates,” said Donna. “We also give out special awards called
Guitars not Guns is an organization that is trying to reach
kids from 8 to 18. GnG’s mission statement is to provide guitars and lessons to
foster children, youth at risk, and other deserving children and teens,
regardless of their ability to pay.
People behind the GnG program believe that exposing
children to music and teaching them how to play a guitar gives them an outlet,
which may help divert them from negative behavior and engage their creative
potential.
Ray and Louise Nelson started the idea for the organization
back in 1992. They became foster parents and decided to provide guitars and
lessons to others in the program. Ray had asked friends to donate used guitars
to his effort and encouraged people to volunteer their musical talents.
In 2002, the first official GnG class with two volunteer teachers was held in
“I’m very proud of Jake and the progress he’s made,” said
Mayor Darryl Clare, who was on hand to present Miller his award. “This is a
great activity for the kids to get into. It builds their confidence and gives
them a sense of achievement.”
Miller is a sophomore at
“I’m really proud of him,” said his teacher, Clancy
Ferrill. “He was a real pleasure to have and has come a long way in a short
time. He was a great help with the other students as a junior assistant.”
More and more in today’s world, it seems parents find their
children playing video games or watching television. It’s different for Jake.
“It’s a fabulous program and it’s done wonders for Jake,” said his uncle,
David. “He’s a great kid. Every time I walk into his room, he has his guitar
around his neck.”
At the graduation, there were many inspiring speakers.
Former Lodi Mayor and Chief of Police Larry Hansen, who is currently a city
council member, had some great words of encouragement.
“Nothing happens by accident. We are all here for a
reason,” said Hansen. “We are given opportunities in life, and we have the
ability to direct our lives in a positive way.”
He gave a brief summary of his own life, sharing how his
dad was in prison when Hansen was growing up and his family lived on
assistance. He told of adults in his life that made a lasting impression and a
positive difference.
“I remember struggling to read in second grade, and my
teacher would stay after school almost every day to help me learn and improve
on my reading,” said Hansen. “Tell yourself every day that you can excel at
whatever you put yourself to. Have an attitude of gratitude.”
Jake felt blessed
that his uncle was able to get him into this program. “I had learned a little guitar before I started with GnG,
but I learned a lot more through the program and enjoyed it better,” said Jake.
“I’ve had fun meeting new people and helping out. I’m going to repeat the
course and get even better. I plan on starting a band with some other musicians
during Easter break.”
One parent in the crowd mentioned how this program brought
her shy daughter out of her shell. After the ceremonies, students played their
guitars, impressing the crowd of nearly 150 parents and friends who attended.
“This graduation opened its arms to many others from our communities,” said
Donna. “There was an electric feeling of wonder in the air, a feeling you get
when you know you are at the right place at the exact right time, when you know
you are experiencing something, not just witnessing it. We are sharing
something incredible together, and everyone knew it. You can’t often (if ever)
plan such moments. They just happen.”
Donna said that she was very appreciative of Mayor Clare
being there to present, and that they had talked about finding a place in Galt
and volunteer teachers to teach local students that fall under the program’s
criteria.
If you are interested in finding out more or are interested in donating a guitar or volunteering your musical talent as a teacher, please email: csgogh@yahoo.com