A local effort to bolster music programs in elementary schools throughout the county has taken on a new tone in the last couple of years.
The San Diego Music Awards Foundation, run by local magazine Slamm, has been supporting the programs since 1991.
El Cajon-based Taylor Guitars became a more direct part of the effort last year, when the company began working with the foundation to bring guitars and guitar instruction to the classrooms.
The entire focus of SDMA’s program changed from buying less expensive instruments such as flutes, clarinets and violins. The program was renamed “Taylor Guitars for Schools.” According to the SDMA Web site, guitar instruction is particularly rare in schools across the country.
Last week, four schools received sets of 16-24 “Baby Taylor” guitars. The schools were Chula Vista Middle School, Andrew Jackson Elementary School in San Diego, Boulder Oaks Elementary School in Alpine and Capri Elementary School in Encinitas.
At each presentation, San Diego musicians performed. For instance, local acoustic duo Berkley/Hart played at Andrew Jackson on Oct. 3.
According to Andy Robinson, a Taylor spokesman, the company had been donating money to the local music foundation, but decided to step up their involvement last year.
John D’Agostino, the company’s vice president of public relations, had pointed out that guitars were somewhat neglected in many music curriculums, Robinson said.
D’Agostino suggested Taylor become more involved, he said.
Since then, the company has been either providing the guitars to the music foundation at a reduced cost, or donating the guitars outright, Robinson said.
So far, more than 200 guitars have been donated in 2001.
“Baby Taylors” are generally priced at $350 to $425 each. Robinson did not want to say how much the company actually spent on the project, saying that it would be difficult to calculate staff time and other expenses.
The guitars donated last week were funded by the music foundation’s proceeds from last year’s San Diego Music Awards ceremony.
The donation was timed to precede this year’s event, which takes place Oct. 9 at Humphrey’s by the Bay. The fund-raising showcase shows began Sept. 29.
