By Jessica Baron | Executive Director
Dear Supporter,
This quick report shares some exciting news. After three years of running the guitar clubs for at-risk youth, it is clear that many of the students we support through this work need help envisioning their future careers. Just one in four will attend a four-year college. The rest want to find jobs and hopefully take courses at their local community colleges. But what can an 18 year old find in the way of a good job these days? If you said to yourself, "I have no idea," this is where a lot of the youth are landing. Fast food positions help buy groceries and bus fare. But that is not a long term plan. Unless they go into a family trade, the path forward is rough.
GITC has started to address the need of youth at risk for workforce development. On April 7 and 8th, our students will take a deep tour of guitar manufacturing at the Taylor Guitar factory in El Cajon, CA. We'll have photos and a report to share afterwards! Taylor Guitars hires locally and we hope the tour opens students eyes. In addition, we are beginning to teach them guitar care and maintenance. Those skills can lead to real work in music stores preparing or repairing guitars!
Please enjoy the panel I led at the recent NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. NAMM is the National Association of Music Merchants trade organization. The show is private and brings together manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of musical products from around the world, along with music educators and music nonprofits. Great things happen at every show. https://youtu.be/_L2ePvhiQuw
We pulled together this panel of experts to open pathways and doors to career possibilities related to music and guitar- beyond performance. We believe that trades jobs are a great way for students to do meaningful work in music without having to be a "rock star." Honestly, the world needs more makers, designers, communicators, recording engineers, road techs, tour managers, production, lighting and sound techs, organizers, promoters, agents, managers, content writers, and for all that incredible gear, metal workers, string makers, wood procerers, wind and brass repairers. and at every plant, shipping experts. This doesn't even begin to touch music education or recreational music instruction as additional career pathways. The possibilities have barely been explore. For every 1 rock star, there are probably 40 different professionals who make their careers and daily work possible. Who will fill these roles in the future?
In this video, you'll hear from Arin C. who runs the GRAMMY Foundation's education programs, famed luthier William E. who runs the Robert-Venn School of Lutherie, and 3 brilliant experts in high school work force development for music.
Thank you for continuing to support this project. You gave us roots. Please keep donating to help us sprout wings!
With so much appreciation for your charity,
Jess
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