Letter to Val
Hi Val,
How are you? We siblings - Rosanna, Alex, and Andrew would like to say hello and let you know that we are still practicing our guitars!!!
We realized that playing the guitar was very fun and we continue to rock out to Jumbalaya almost every night before bedtime. Rosanna picks up the guitar and starts plucking or strumming, and Andrew starts singing the first few lines (with help from Rosanna, of course, because his 8-year old brain can't quite remember ALL the lyrics. But did you know that he was in SF Boys Chorus before? He has a lovely singing voice; he just gets shy sometimes), and by the time we get to the chrous, Alex joins in and we become a rowdy bunch. Then our mom tells us to go to sleep, but we can tell that she likes our playing. Our three-man/woman band is coming along!
We've also decided to keep messing around with the guitar. Alex has already found out how to play simple songs by plucking only one string but holding down different frets. Andrew has been trying to play different scales that he learns for piano class on the guitar strings by a similar method. All three of us were musically involved (Rosanna - piano and trumpet, Alex - piano and clarinet, Andrew - piano and singing) before guitar, but now that we're learning the guitar, it's fun to discover new things that feel we can connect back to what we've learned before.
Other things: Andrew really likes the melody of the songs 21 Guns. Alex apparently listens to rock music as a result of the influence from his Guns N Roses-loving friends. And Rosanna will dress up as folk singer Joan Baez and bring her guitar to school as a prop for a final project presentation, although she may or may not play anything on the guitar... we will see.
We are happy with what you've taught us on the guitar, Val, and we are still playing. Thanks for sharing it with us!
- Rosanna, Alexander, Andrew Chiu |
Future Rockers are now in our classroom (sample) San Francisco
One of the
oldest GNG county chapters, San Francisco will be expanding their program in
partnership with the San Francisco Boys’ and Girls’ Club, teaching at several
locations throughout the city. We are
hoping to begin these sessions sometime in the spring, so any interested
students or volunteer teachers and assistants should contact Val Steinberg (val@guitarsnotguns.org) for more
information.
Our chapter in the Excelsior District currently has 15
students enrolled; half of the students are in the advanced class studying
electric guitar with lead teacher and chapter vice president, Carter
Townsend. Carter’s students wowed
everyone at the last recital with their version of “Teenage Dirtbag”. The intermediate class was led by Tim Hall
and played a rousing rendition of “Stand By Me” which was sung by several
students.
Please join us October 25, 2009 at the Golden Gate Park (more)
Jake surprised the gathering by performing native songs from
his homeland, and Tim brought several musicians along to entertain after the
recital performance. Finally, our own
assistants, Zack, Nick and Dillon, displayed their talents on the strings for
the crowd. It was determined that the
next recital should include a “teachers’ concert” at the end!
Families and friends attended the recital, and we all
partied afterward with yummy refreshments brought by everyone to share. Teachers and other volunteers were
recognized and thanked by president, Val Steinberg, and presented with a
variety of CD’s. Special thanks to
all our teachers, volunteers, students and facility providers:
Val Steinberg President
|
TIM HALL, INSTRUCTOR
|
ZACH GOODMAN ASSISTANT |
JAKE CALVO INSTRUCTOR
|
NICK CORSON & DILLON DEMO
ASSISTANTS
|
Teachers – Carter Townsend, Tim Hall, Jake Calvo
Assistants – Zack Goodman, Nick Corson, Dillon Demo -
Students – Ellande, Ivania, Joanne, Jeannette, Jill, Rosalinda -
Sarah, Brandon, Reyonce, Rosalinda, Karina, Alex, Sharon and Lucas Facilities – Excelsior Youth Club, Tamahl Fleming, Director
…and of course, parents, guardians and other family members
and friends who support our students and our program….and a very special thanks
to the staff at the Excelsior Youth Club for the continued use of their
facilities and staff assistance.
We also would like to acknowledge our sister program, Music
in Schools Today, where many of our students learn about our program. We’re all looking forward to the Spring,
2009 sessions starting in a few months.
Your donations are gratefully accepted….money, musical
instruments, jewelry, artwork, or any items that could be sold or auctioned off
at a fundraising event are greatly appreciated.
Special thanks for generous corporate support form
Farallone Pacific Insurance Services (www.fp-ins.com)
serving all your business and individual insurance needs, and specializing in
non-profit organizations.
Check back periodically for updates on gigs, concerts and
shows featuring our talented teachers, volunteers and students. Please note that some venues are
inappropriate for children under the age of twenty-one. Upcoming shows include:
LIVE MUSIC |
Come see us.
(www.groovestreetband.com)
GnG's President Val Steinberg plays in this band.
|
Carter Townsend |
Carter plays with the band intermittently when his
travels aren’t carting him off to some exotic beach where the sun and surf
beckon. Check back
periodically…..we’ll let you know when he’s playing! |
Check out the T-shirts. All sizes available
Do you have a Guitar Power - T-shirt ?
Order yours |
