Guitars not Guns

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Stewart
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 03:05 PM

More youth music programs in the US
El Sistema in USA

and Seattle Music Partners
I just offered them a donation of a second violin I don't use anymore -
Better than collecting dust in a closet

Any programs in your areas?

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Joe_F
Date: 24 Dec 12 - 02:59 PM

Ready -- aim -- sing! -- Tom Lehrer

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: GUEST,Futwick
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 10:16 PM

As my mother says, without music this world would be hell--ask anyone who survived Pol Pot. The Founding Fathers of this country stated what the highest human goals are--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Without the arts those three are non-existent. That's why we have museums, concerts, radio, recordings, books, etc. These are how we spend our leisure time. There are those who think leisure time is a waste but these are usually people who have more leisure time than anyone else because they make their fortunes on the sweat of others.

Even if you're just going to watch an open mic somewhere, you want to see the participants engaging in the arts not somebody working an adding machine and filling in columns with numbers. And the person working the adding machine doesn't regard it as leisure--it's work. And you just can't do it all the time. You need to recharge the batteries and revitalize the spirit--that's what the arts do.

Music can give those trapped in gang life a way out if they want it. Most trapped in gang life are not people who were born with a sense of entitlement to the American Dream. They grew up knowing it was not meant for them. So they view crime as a shortcut to material success. They don't care to play by the rules because those rules are stacked against them. They accept that and make their own rules. But music levels the playing field. It is a true meritocracy. Want success in music? Earn it. Nobody cares what race you are or gender or your education level. They just have to like your music. There's no affirmative action in the arts. You either have what it takes or you don't and you can't kill somebody and take their talent. You have to develop whatever talent you have and use it.

The lucky ones realize that the real reward is simply enjoying oneself playing music.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Stewart
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 12:05 PM

John, that's a good point.

Even A Few Years Of Music Training Benefits The Brain

"The importance of music education is something to consider, given that election season is in full swing. According to a recent White House report, more than 300,000 education jobs have been lost since the "end" of the recession in 2009 – 7,000 were lost last month alone. As schools lose funding, arts and extracurricular programs are often first on the chopping block, meaning less music education for the nation's youth. Given the scientific evidence supporting the importance of music both neurologically and educationally, the loss of music education seems particularly painful. Perhaps as we head to the polls this season, we should give even more thought as to how our choices of elected officials might affect the education system in this country and the brains of the children who are its future."

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: John P
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 10:06 AM

Somewhat tangentially, studies have shown that kids who learn music at a young age become better at computers and math than kids who learn computers and math at a young age. Why isn't this information being used by parents and legislators to demand arts education?

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 09:31 AM

"the Brits may come back and take us over again!"

No, I think we learned our lesson after taking over the rest of the world - and having to give it back.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 09:28 AM

Midchuck, that really does sum up why so many of us Brits think that Americans are either sick or completely insane (or probably both).

But we needed the guns to get out from under British rule. If we give them up, the Brits may come back and take us over again!

(I meant that as a sort of dumb joke. But I bet you could find several million Americans who would offer it as a serious argument. And every one of them has a vote!)

P.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:33 AM

Midchuck, that really does sum up why so many of us Brits think that Americans are either sick or completely insane (or probably both).

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: GUEST,Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 08:07 AM

What you are forgetting is that a really bad person might load his guitar with high explosives or even a small thermo nuclear device.

Its not guns that kill people. Its guitars used in a clandestine manner. As Woody Guthrie said - this machine kills fascists. It was warning that we all ignore at our peril.

Some of my best friends are fascists. Why should they be intimidated in this manner? Just because a person goose steps and wears jackboots, it shouldn't put them at the mercy of irresposible guitar wielding maniacs.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: banjoman
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 07:47 AM

I was shocked to see a representative of NRA advocating more guns.
The only way to stop massacres like the one last week is to prevent anyone getting access to guns.The right to bear arms as the US constitution says was formed in a totally different era and has little meaning today other than a prolification of the sort of events the world has witnessed recently.
Then again some may say that its not my business as I am in the UK. At least our policemen dont carry guns as part of their normal working practice.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 07:26 AM

Some folks believe in both - lots of both.

P.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Stanron
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 06:33 AM

Best of luck to the Guitars not Guns lot but keep in mind the fact that on the guitar forums new guitar purchases are frequently celebrated with phrases like

"Pulled the trigger today!".

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 06:13 AM

Stewart, that sounds amazing. In the UK, too, arts funfing is being slashed but I know of some private/charitable initiatives (mrsleveller is involved ina couple through the Workers Educational Association) that are having a great success - especially amongst children with learning disabilities.

All it takes is more of the 'can do' mentality mentioned in another thread.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: SylviaN
Date: 23 Dec 12 - 05:55 AM

Wow, we learn every day about amazing,inspiring people out there. Unfortunately, they don't make it onto the news!!!!

As we know, Cuts to money spent on the arts and music is happening in the UK and in many other countries. We know the social and health, mental and physical, benefits they bring. We need to do more shouting about them.

I don't know how to start a campaign, but we need to find out how to get this on the front page.

Parliament here in the UK have their own choir - anyone know if their MP is a member. That could be a start?

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all, full of music and laughter.

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 03:16 PM

Perhaps The NRA could morph int the NGA.(National Guitar Association)
They could demand that at least one guitar be available in every home. They could demand that teachers carry guitars or have them available in all schools. They could demand that student backpacks have a waterproof compartment for song and music sheets. They could demand that students be taught love and tolerance along with music.
We can only dream....................

Subject: RE: Guitars not Guns
From: Brian May
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 02:43 PM

What a great idea!

Best of luck with it. Something constructive in this time of introspection.

Shame the NRA want MORE guns rather than a different way.

Subject: Guitars Not Guns
From: Stewart
Date: 22 Dec 12 - 01:16 PM

Listening to NPR Weekend Edition this Saturday morning I was intrigued by an interview with Marin Alsop , music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the principal conductor of the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra: "Brazil's inherent societal belief that music improves quality of life, contributes to improved social behavior, and is an important vehicle to establish a peaceful society filled with tolerance and respect is a philosophy I once thought existed only in my utopian dreams." She mentioned Dr. Jose Abreu, "the man responsible for establishing the El Sistema movement of music education in Venezuela almost 40 years ago. The program, which launched the career of superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has reached more than 2 million Venezuelan children, transforming lives and creating a safe haven for many of these youngsters from lives of crime and poverty."

Here in the U.S. in our drive for economic austerity, some of the first programs to be cut in public schools are in the arts and musicr, while in Venezuela, Brazil and other Latin American countries youth music programs are being used to combat poverty, violence and other social problems.

In view of the tragic killings in Newtown Connecticut last week we need to seriously rethink our approach to gun violence. Many approaches are necessary and music could be one of them. In Baltimore Marin Alsop mentioned such a program: "We started with 30 kids four years ago, and today nearly 600 kids from four schools are participating. My dream is to reach every child. They are amazing children — tomorrow's leaders — and they, along with my amazing new life in Brazil, give me hope that my utopian dream of a passionate and positive society may one day come true." Another program that is starting across the country is "Guitars Not Guns" - "The goal of Guitars Not Guns is to help prevent violence in schools and on the streets by providing foster kids and at-risk youth with focus and self-actualization. We aim to empower them with the most fundamental tool to succeed."

This is something to think about.

Cheers, S. in Seattle