I was just asked by my grandson (inherited-my youngest married a lady with a 13 year old)to make a jazz guitar presentation at a unique program in Fayette County Schools. A young teacher started a program teaching youngsters guitar as an elective. He got a local businessman and music store to donate 10 SH Epiphones and 4 nylon string guitars and 10 small amplifiers. They meet twice a week and have guests...bluegrass players, rock, blues, classical, etc. They had their Christmas program a week ago on a week-end night, so I couldn't go.

What a neat idea! It's a program which qualifies as an elective. I just agreed to fund a 2nd program. I'll buy a PA and mikes, 6 SG Epiphones, 6 Squire Strats, 3 nylon string and 3 steel string acoustics with preamps, two Squire basses, 1 small bass amp, music stands, cords, picks, instrument bags, guitar stands, etc. I will maintain/replace equipment as necessary. I'll also provide a small recording set-up so the group can produce a recording as one of the last projects of the semester.

The program I fund will be a little different. With a 2.5 grade average or better, based on financial need, I'll supply an instrument and amp via a work-equity program to the top student each semester. I'll take a look at the cost of setting up a promising young player with a professional quality rig and let them work it out at my company. In the process, I'll let the one student per semester get exposure to sound score work and help set up equipment for some of my jobs.

I just ordered the instruments and will meet with the teacher this week-end. I'll also take an active roll in scheduling guests. At the end of the semester, we'll have a dinner at a restaurant I work (food will be good-the music (me) will suck).hopefully, some of the kids will be able to "sit in".

I'm really cranked. The guitar was my way out of a terrible, abusive childhood, and, if I can do the same for even one kid, the effort will be worthwhile.

Long-term, I'm going to think about creating a music program based in my warehouse. We'll take referrals from the disadvantaged community (my warehouse is right in the middle of that area)and keep the program open 7 days a week for area participants to hang-out. There will be strict participation rules (must stay in school, maintain munimum grade averages...no legal problems, etc.) We'll have a permanent bandstand, well equipped, scheduled lessons, etc. We'll also have a work-equity program for deserving kids to obtain the instrument they need. This program will involve drums, guitar, bass and keyboard.

There was a long-standing disadvantaged youth
program here in Lexington that had to be disbanded several years ago after the founder and 30 year director was convicted of the sexual abuse of many young participants over the years.

I'll meet with city officials early in January to start the process.

I can't think of a better legacy as I consider partial retirement in several years.

I'm really cranked!


Russ

P.S. UD-I'll be asking for advice from the resident "pro" in this area-YOU!