Congratulations Oregon!

The first graduating class of the Guitars not Guns Music Program in the State of Oregon graduated nine students on August 24, 2015, at the Neighbors for Kids Facility on the Central Coast, Lincoln County. The eight week beginner and intermediate classes were taught by Richard Salazar, founder and president of the Oregon Pacific Northwest volunteer program. Also volunteering time to teach students and provide mentorship were John Smigel and Steve Ruhnke.

Utilizing the proven Guitars not Guns class curriculum material, some youth who had never before held a guitar were encouraged to work on beginner basics and chords, have fun and talk “music”. For the final performance, the class chose to perform and sing the popular “Long Live Rock and Roll” by Daughtry.  Additionally, the class performed the Beatles song “Yellow Submarine”, always a great tune for all ages to participate in!

New classes scheduled for the fall.

Salazar says, “We would love to hear from musicians and non-musicians alike who want to volunteer a little time and make a big difference in the lives of youth by engaging them in creating music.” Salazar hopes to create chapters throughout Oregon and Washington State and add to the rapidly growing national nonprofit chapters of Guitars Not Guns.

Interested parties can reach out at richard.salazar@guitarsnotguns.org or call 831-212-2614.