Our Past Featured Organizations

Their mission is straightforward: provide guitars and lessons to foster children, at risk youth and other deserving children in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. The results to date are far reaching: Guitars not Guns has now helped over 1000 children and teens. Founders Ray and Louise Nelson knew from raising foster children themselves that playing a musical instrument could help teens and children with their confidence and self-esteem, as well as laying the foundation for richer and more positive lives. They started small, gathering unused instruments for foster children from friends in their San Jose area, obtained tax-exempt status, and conducted the first classes with two volunteer teachers. Not satisfied with materials available, they created GnG's own curriculum and lessons.

An activity doing this much good would not remain local; they now operate in eleven states, while headquarters has shifted from San Jose to the Atlanta, Georgia area. Ray designed and built a car and a motorcycle, each styled in the image of a guitar, which he drives at events publicizing and promoting Guitars not Guns. While he is rightly recognized for his efforts in creating and growing this organization, Ray is quick to credit Gibson Guitars and other sponsors who generously support the cause.

Guitars not Guns seeks volunteers for important roles: starting new state affiliates or county chapters, teachers, assistant teachers, program coordinators, fundraising, and other functions. Although a $100 donation will equip a new student, donations in any amount are appreciated. No students are turned away due to financial hardship.

Muriel Anderson, Founder of Music for Life Alliance, recently made a visit to the All Children's Hospital in St Petersburg, Florida. Along with Ted Wagner from Music Sweet Music and Julie Tatro, Music Therapist at the Hospital.

There was an enjoyable interactive music concert held at the clinic put on by Muriel.

"Those Who Make a Difference Award"

In addition to visiting and performing for the children, Muriel was in Florida to present the "Those who make a Difference Award" and financial support award as well to Ted Wagner and Music Sweet Music. The Music for Life Alliance supports Organizations like Music Sweet Music who support Music Education efforts for children.

Professional saxophone player Ted Wagner was a firsthand witness to the therapeutic power of music when he worked as a music therapy volunteer at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. "Music gives voice to their pain and their fears," Wagner explained during an interview at his Pasadena office, "and allows them to express themselves creatively."

Chicago's King College Preparatory High School Jaguar Band has been selected for an upcoming trip to the Presidential Inaugural and Music Festival.

The King band will be competing January 16-20 at the Heritage Music Festival at George Mason University to march in the Presidential Inaugural parade.

They are in need of instruments. They are raising money, as well, to buy instruments and uniforms so they can look and sound their very best.

If you would like to help, please contact school band director Benjamin Washington at: batwash5@sbcglobal.net, or visit the web site at: http://kingcollegeprep.org/newking/

list of needs;
• Marching Band Cymbals Sabian AA Marching Band Cymbals
• 3-4 Sousasphones any brand: Conn 20K Series Brass BBb Sousaphone
• 1 - Bass Trombone
• 1 - Yamaha YBS52 Baritone Saxophone
• 1 - Gemeinhardt 4PSH Piccolos
• 1 - Tenor Saxophone
• 1 - Alto Saxophone (Unlacquered)
• 2 - Bb Flugelhorn is perfect
• 1 - Musser M65NC (No Carrier) Marching Bells
• 2 - Barrington Model 801 Oboe
• 1 - Fox 240 Artist Bassoon

Guitars in the Classroom inspires, trains and equips teachers to integrate daily music-making and "song-based learning" in general and special classrooms for students of all ages. The work promotes academic engagement and achievement by actively motivating students through singing songs, playing guitar, and participating a range of musical activities that include vocal training, songwriting and expressive movement. Classes are ongoing and free to classroom teachers.

Educators who train with GITC typically provide free daily music making for as many as 1600 students in a region.

GITC's Chicago area program has started in the historical Pilsen district where GITC is working with an innovative and distinguished child development organization called El Valor, under the guidance of Vincent Allacco, to train 70 early childhood educators in music integration, many whom are native Spanish speakers and whose students are acquiring English as a second language.

The Old Town School of Folk Music teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities.

As we began our 50th year in 2007, enrollment in Old Town School tuition programs averages close to 6,000 students per week, 2,700 of them children. The Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park facilities hold hundreds of classes and workshops in music, dance and art for adults, children and teens seven days per week, 48 weeks per year. Early childhood and middle school music programs thrive in three suburban branches as well as in several community outreach programs throughout the city.

Young and old, beginners and advanced players, people from various cultures and traditions come together to create music and learn from each other.

Teaching playing skills--- and making opportunities for students to enjoy making music with others--- the Jones Family Music School in Lombard, IL has been helping people improve their lives by making their own music for over 40 years.

West Suburban Chicago's first folk music school, JFMS offers classes and private lessons in banjo, fiddle, mandolin, lap and hammered dulcimer, and autoharp--- based on the teaching principles of the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

As one student put it: "Thank you for inviting me into your home as part of your musical family!"

Success Through the Arts Foundation is dedicated to using the arts as a catalyst to the education of students who have been traditionally underserved by the public schools, underrepresented in higher education, and deprived of opportunities that could enable them to realize rich and productive lives.

Their Mission is to create an environment where students of all ages could learn to appreciate and produce music and art. The lessons learned through the program could enable them to realize rich and productive lives, and benefit from the arts as a means of building self-esteem, self-discipline, and social adjustment.

Music director Fernando B. Pullum is dedicated to STTAF's purpose. He desired more for his students than what their LA neighborhood offered them. In order to expose them to more of the world, he organized a band trip to Vail Colorado that has continued each year since its inception in 1996. Pullium's impact on his music students is astounding: 100% of them graduate high school and many go on to four-year degrees. Pullium truly desires to go above and beyond for his music students.

The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) is an educational program designed to empower people with disabilities. Employing drums and percussion, the program teaches and enhances basic life skills such as: maintaining focus, using memory, taking turns, developing leadership, using numbers, using prepositional concepts, following instructions, and modeling.


The Rhythmic Arts Project enhances existing therapeutic modalities by integrating drums and percussion into proven methods of healing and teaching. The application varies depending on the population served, yet remains simple and basic in its presentation.

TRAP is a collaborative effort. Together, therapists, health care workers and aids, percussionists and drummers as well as the students endeavor to achieve a unique way to wellness, physically and mentally. Teaching occurs in an environment that is fun and not threatening so participants develop improved confidence and a more positive self-image.

(Muriel at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville announcing the award to the Sheldon Arts Foundation)

With headquarters at the Sheldon Concert hall in St. Louis, Missouri. The Sheldon Arts Foundation and the Music for Lifelong Achievement remains dedicated to making the joy of music accessible to every child. To accomplish that goal, they seek the donation of used musical instruments from individuals and new instruments from manufacturers and distributors. MFLA then refurbishes the instruments if necessary, and provides them free of charge to school and community music programs serving disadvantaged young people.

(Presentation of the Award to Dale Benz representing the Sheldon Arts Foundation and the Music for Lifelong Achievment at the Ryman.)

For more Arts and Music news, go to the Sheldon Concert Hall website.