Testimonials from children, schools and musicians
Testimonials from Children
“Music has taken me many places. I have made friends that I never would have made without playing music. The band environment at school is a great place to hang out even when we aren’t playing because we have the same interests. I have a lot of fun practicing, even though I probably drive my neighbors crazy. I have a lot of fun playing concerts and in talent shows. It is great to get together with friends and plan and practice for a show. I am glad music came into my life.“
- Morgan, 12 years old
I play the alto saxophone. I have made a lot of new friends through being in the band. One of my friends ends up being a close neighbor I didn’t know I had. I got into playing the alto saxophone because I like the sound and I enjoy playing it. I like learning new tunes and patterns. I look ahead to improving my skills and being a better player.
- Kendall, 11 years old
My name is Eli Barnes and I am 11 years old. I’ve been playing music since I was one, when my Uncle got a drum set. My dad though has always helped me with my music. Next year I’ll be playing in the band at Balboa Middle School. I’m going to take percussion. I have more than one feeling about music. I play music when I’m angry, sad, and happy. I love singing, playing guitar, and playing the drums. The reason I love music is it makes me happy no matter what mood I’m in.
- Eli, 11 years old
I’ve been playing music for my whole life. The instruments I play are recorder, piano, and I sing. I’ve been listening to music my whole life. Music makes me feel happy.
- Thatcher, Age 8
I have been involved with music since i was about ten. That’s when I picked up my first instrument, the clarinet. I realized that just wasn’t for me and I decided to go for percussion. I have stayed loyal to percussion since the 5th grade. I am now 15.
Music... There are only so many words that I can use to describe the way that I feel about it. Well, for starters, music is my life. I don’t know of anything I would rather be doing than teaching, listening, and preferably playing music. I hate to steal Direct TV’s lines, but, “if music was a woman, I would marry her.“ There are no words in any dictionary to depict just how awesome music is to me. I am currently involved in the Buena High School Drum line, Marching Band, and Concert Band. I plan to major in music when I go to college. Most of my life is directed around music. There is only one word I can use to describe the importance of learning music at a young age... imperative.
In fact, the younger, the better. If every child in the world was involved in some way with music, the world would be so much better. It would be better because you wouldn’t have the select few celebrities giving their ideas and techniques. There would be most everyone in the world.
Peace Out, Josh
Dear Peace Thru Music ,
Thank you for the guitar. I hope I could learn how to use the guitar. I hope my teacher teaches me how to use the guitar. I hope my dad can learn how to play the guitar too. I really love music, so I appreciate you giving me a guitar. You are a good teacher. Thank you.
Sincerely, Arianna.
“It quite an interesting story about when my life really started. I was your typical trendsetting tenny-bopper who loved Justin Timberlake. Being my pop-loving self, I was watching MTV Wake Up sometime in October of 2002. So, I’m cleaning my room and not really paying attention when suddenly this police siren sounds from my TV. I turned to look and there’s 4 guys adorned with tattoos, piercings, and liberty spikes. They kinda scared me at first, but I started clinging on to the funny lyrics and the truth in them. You know, the rich and famous do complain too much.
These guys had a point! So I soon find out they are Paul, Benji, Billy, and Joel (don’t forget Chris, but he came in later) of Good Charlotte. I was brought up with pretty pink dresses and hair bows. A few months later you could find me in what truly felt right ,band t-shirts and black, lots of black. So, for once I wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
Me and my friends started throwing the idea around about starting a band. We didn’t play anything at the time, but on January 31, 2003 we decided to go for it. That day was my best friend Kiki’s birthday and she got an acoustic guitar. That night we wrote a song (which was quite bad by the way) and started thinking of band names (those were pretty horrid as well). About three weeks later I was the first of the lot to sign up for guitar lessons. I had even gotten the guitar I wanted. The bright blue sparkly Pegasus. Jesse sold me the lessons and guitar at American Music that day, and since then I’ve really been living. I was finally playing music.
Music to me isn’t a hobby, it’s a passion. No matter where it takes me, it’s my future and I know that. It might be producing, management, or in an actually band. Also music acts as a way to vent when I mad, sad, or happy. It acts as a psychiatrist and way of communication. It something to enjoy and be enjoyed. I read a quote in a book once that said music can be a love or it can be a compulsion and must, and if it’s a compulsion go into the business. It’s a compulsion and it is a must.“
- Meg, 14 years old
My name is Tiffany and I am 17 years old. For the past seven years I’ve played the saxophone. I started in the 4th grade at Mound Elementary and continued through middle and high school. I am currently going to be a senior at Ventura High and music has taken me to many places. In 7th grade at Anacapa I went to Florida with the Wind Ensemble, in 8th grade we went to Hawaii. When I went into 9th grade at Ventura I went to San Francisco with the Wind Orchestra, in 10th grade we went to Germany,11th grade we went to Los Vegas, and next year we are going to New York. We went to each of these places to share our music with other children of our age and we even competed in competitions, which was very fun and intense.
In addition to the sax, I also play the drums and have been doing it for about a year and a half. The drums help me to further an understanding with rhythm, which also helps me when I play the saxophone. Learning the saxophone first and then trying to “pick up“ a new instrument definitely helped me. Once you learn one instrument, it is generally easier to learn more.
Music has made a huge difference in my life. I look at it as a kind of release for me. Without music my life would be really boring.
Dear Peace Thru Music,
My first instrument and Mikey’s first instrument was the piano. We got pretty good at it because we took lessons for about 4 years. We decided that it wasn’t fun anymore. So, I started on the clarinet while my brother wasn’t really playing much. After a year or so, I thought that it was too classical for me. I moved to the harmonica for a little while. I started playing the guitar while Mike got really interested in playing drums. We really got interested in music after we saw, The Noise and the Funk and Bobby Rocks performance. I have been playing guitar for two years or more. We have been taking lessons for over a year and a half. When I can play to the songs that I like, it makes me feel like I am a part of it. I love playing music. My brother and I play in the youth “band“ for the kids in our church and it is fun. I am hopefully going to be able to afford a 5 string bass and then learn how to play to songs I like with it. Mike is also saving up for a new hi-hat, crash, ride, and hopefully a new snare. I like punk rock or classical rock and Mike is all for Led Zep. We are really glad that we are able to learn and play at the music school. I hope that you guys are able to make it larger. Also, thanks for helping pull that music recital together for us kids.
Music always makes me feel better when I’m sad or tired. Once I had trouble sleeping and so I asked Mom to put on a lullaby (CROSBY’S) and I fell asleep. I also, like to play music on my keyboard when I’m happy. Playing music always makes me feel good.
- Jessica, Age 6
Hi Tony,
Just wanted to let you know that we found a 1/8th size violin for Jessica. She is totally enjoying her new instrument. Thank you for all your help.
- Sara
Testimonials from Musicians
Over the past two and a half decades, music and my life have been inseparable partners. Music is married with every experience I’ve loved, every experience I’ve hated and every experience in between. I can’t live without music. I’ve tried. I’ve even tried really hard once or twice. Actually, I get really frustrated from time to time because I can get utterly sick of music altogether. Funny really.
There is always a tune in my head. Sometimes it’s a good one. Not always. To manage this problem I keep a decent cache of Flamenco and Acoustic Instrumental and Indian Classical and Western Classical and Brazilian and Jazz / Fusion and such around to help manage my folk-song-soaked psyche. Some have said music is the soundtrack to our lives. My life is more like a movie directed for a really weird symphony. It’s not always amazing, but occasionally, its the most damn beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. I think a lot of folks can relate to this.
I feel very, very strongly that music education is and should remain a vital part of every child’s upbringing. The clinical research to support this assertion is abundant and easy to find, but the emotional background to this argument is more commonly disregarded.
I’ll put it bluntly. Without music, I’d probably be dead. Plain and simple. If a well off son-of-a-’rock star’ with so many advantages can so easily make this statement, I beg anyone who opposes music education (especially in public school systems) to seriously reconsider their arguments. Music is the language of the heart and is as old as any form of communication known to man. To cease to pass on its secrets is to betray the very fabric of humanity. It has broken my heart to witness publicly funded music education’s steady decline within the boarders of the ’greatest country on Earth’ in the 21st century.
Peace Thru Music is a strong organization dedicated to supporting musical education in schools and advocating awareness about how our systems are failing us. I am proud to call myself a supporter.
- Crosby Loggins (Winner of MTV's 2008 Rock The Cradle Contest)
There is no doubt in my mind as to the profound influence music can have in a young persons life. As a young person growing up in a small rural mountain town music gave me self-esteem and allowed me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. It gave me a dream to strive after and gave my life purpose. It helped me focus and taught me about learning in general.
Music is extremely powerful. It is the great catalyst in the sojourn of understanding who we are.
- Doug Jackson (guitarist)--AMBROSIA --- KEEP THE MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS!!!
Dear Peace Thru Music,
Hi, I’m guitarist - A. Ray Fuller “The Weeper“
God is truly amazing!
The creative energy, goals, and timing of Peace Thru Music Foundation’s tireless efforts, are a much needed and a tremendous asset in the encouragement and development of Southern California’s disadvantaged and Socially-economically challenged youth.
I, as a musician, recording artist, and music producer and also, through my own Building Simba organization, will support this wonderful organization’s intent to offer after school music programs, seminars, concerts, instruments, literature and workshops that will raise social awareness and consciousness to Communities about modern cultural issues and through their outreach programs, present some viable options with many of the same gifts of music performance and appreciation that rescued me from the slums of Chicago’s South Side, as a fatherless child of a teenaged mom in the 60’s.
- A. Ray Fuller
Peace Thru Music,
Ever since I can remember, I would get my mom’s pots and pans and wooden spoons out of the kitchen and bring them into our living room where my dad had his jazz records playing. I would set them up right in front of one of the speakers and pretend to play the drums like the music. I don’t remember how it sounded to anyone else, but to me, it sounded just like Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck’s drummer).
At the age of nine, my parents thought I had too much energy for my own good, and my concentration level was getting very short. I was driving everyone crazy! So my parents had my IQ tested; which came out fine by the way.
They also had me tested for Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), combine the two and it would be Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Well I had AD/HD and was placed on Ritalin. I had to stay focused on something, and try to control the energy I had bottled up inside me. This was a tough period in my life. I didn’t know how to act. I wanted to breakout and run, and run, and run, until I ran out of energy, but I was told to control myself and calm down. I had so many distractions that kept me from doing homework, doing chores, etc., anything that required sticking with something for a period of time, was a problem for me. I had to place myself in an area where nothing would distract me just to get my homework done. Even being in the same room with a florescent light ringing in my ear would be outrageous. And boy the energy I had to burn! My parents decided that I should expel some of that energy, and decided that I should get involved in something to get me running. Sports worked, but still had a massive amount of energy after practice or the game. So, after looking at all kinds of different options, WE chose the drums. We wanted to do it the right way, starting with drum lessons to see if I was truly interested in the drums. I started taking drum lessons from a guy named Dan Lane; a truly great drummer! I was enjoying the lessons, but I couldn’t practice, so my parents bought a used snare drum. I practiced on that for a couple of months, but I wanted the whole drum set. My parents again, found a used drum set and from then on, I was “off to the races!“ I practiced every day. I loved to play the drums. I wanted to play the drums and carry on a conversation at the same time. That was a goal of mine. My grades started coming back, although it was still a struggle to concentrate. I know that my passion for the drums kept me focused on learning, as did my parents complete patience with me during practice (and my school career).
I took lessons for a couple of years, until Dan told me that at this point I could teach myself if I was up for it. And I was. I would listen to songs and see if I could play with them on the first try. I soon started anticipating beats and rhythms before they came up in the song. I was so into music and how it was put together that I wanted to learn music theory and what was behind the music itself. But at this point, I didn’t have a formalized theoretical background, but would soon get that training in high school band.
My family was also into music. My mom had a great voice. My sister played the guitar and also had a great voice. My brother was getting into the guitar as well and also had a great voice. My dad, well, he just had a GREAT VOICE! He could blast a song out so everyone could hear him. We all seemed to have a musical talent inside us. We all loved to sing and would always sing all the songs at church on Sunday. We were all in church choirs at one time or another. Loved it.
High school brought me a more formal knowledge of music. The sections of an orchestra, how to come in and lay out of a piece, and use accents. Everything one should know when playing your part in a 20, 30, 40 piece orchestra. I was in the band for all four years of high school and loved it. Played sports too, but loved to play the drums everyday.
I continued playing out of high school and into college; playing in jazz bands, and different groups here and there. My friends were also playing instruments right along with me which helped me stay in touch with them as we grew up and started playing together. Playing in a band was so much fun. Practicing, playing out, play in as well (recording) were experiences that I’ll never forget. The technology, the variables of music, the range of things you can do with music; completely fun. And that’s where I am today.
That was the start of my musical history that has lasted almost thirty years (so far). My children are now interested in music. And giving them formal lessons, watching them grow musically, and just all around with music is the greatest thing I to me. Hopefully when my kids are a bit older, we can jam together just like in high school and after. Music will be in my family forever. It’s what kept me going through life, and it should be introduced in everyone’s life. Music is educational, fun, peaceful, and develops and expands a young (and not so young) mind to lengths you cannot imagine. Show me someone who can play an instrument; and I’ll show you a note worthy soul.
Thank you for your time,
- Jaime Montgomery
I was extremely lucky to be brought up in the NYC area and was treated from an early age to music par excellence! I watched Leonard Berstein conduct the NY Philharmonic, at Lincoln Center. I saw La Boheme at the Metropolitan Opera and the Nutcracker danced by the NY Ballet and much, much more. I also studied piano and classical music in school, K-12.
Music is a language that we can all understand. It is not a cliche when we hear that “music is a universal language,“ it is simply true. When I listen to music, I close my eyes and beautiful landscapes appear. Women are crying, men are laughing, and children are playing. As a former art teacher, my world would merely be shades of gray without music and art. They are what makes the world alive and vibrant.
I am learning at age 53 to play the Djembe, an African drum. I have heard a great deal of drumming and while it feels so visceral, it is at the same time spiritual. It brings peace and harmony to my heart and body. I am going to learn how to do that for myself.
I believe that everyone should learn for a lifetime and music is one of my passions I love to learn about!
- Juliette Ashmoon, Ventura, CA.
Dear Peace Thru Music,
I was made aware of Peace Thru Music by Tony and Lori G. Two people who truly care and are on a mission to change lives. I feel that children are the core of our future and can remind the world how to continue to love unconditionally. For children - music is such a powerful outlet. It provides an endless opportunity for discovery and expression.
I am a singer/songwriter/pianist and music makes my world go round. I’ve been doing it since age five and it awakens my heart every day. I love your website and your mission.
Whatever I can do to help ’the mission’, let me know..........
With Love and much more-
- Franki Love * FRANKILOVE.COM
My name is Roy Corona. I’ve been infatuated with music since I was young enough to remember. I begged my dad for a guitar when I was in the 7th grade. He finally gave in and bought me one from kid down the street. It was crappy imitation Fender Strat with a Crate amp for $75 bucks, but I loved it. I took lessons for about a year and got frustrated with all those scales. I wanted to start playing Zeppelin and Hendrix right away. I stored my axe for about another year until one day I saw a guy named Slash (guns and roses-velvet revolver) play on a video. Soon enough I started to play again and years later I still do. I actually met Slash and Velvet Revolver last weekend at a show. They’re all super cool dudes and down to earth. They signed my shirt and album and told me they’re heading off to Europe for the tour there. I also got Duff to sign my Peacethrumusic shirt that Tony gave me. I love music and what it does to your soul.
Good luck with this program man and keep jamming.
- Roy C
Dear Peace Thru Music,
I started playing guitar at thirteen and added bass at sixteen. By the time I was nineteen, I was playing in a garage band with David Cassidy, just before he started the Partridge Family show. Later, I played in pit-orchestras for musicals such as: “Kiss Me Kate,“ “Anything Goes,“ “Company,“ “God-spell,“ and many others. I played in jazz, fusion, and blues groups in Italy for ten years.
Since returning to California in 1992, I’ve been playing in casual bands and even played a job at the Ronald Reagan Library. While music has never been my main occupation, it has still provided me with great adventures, fun times, challenges, and the opportunity to meet a lot of great people.
- Michael Hill, Musician
Dear Peace Thru Music,
I’d say that music is the friend that’s always been there. No matter what my mood, music has been an integral part of my life; you might say it’s the soundtrack to my story. Times that I’ve cried through my tears along with my favorite song that felt as if I’d written it myself. Funk music that’s moved me to participate in a little impromptu dance fever session with friends, leaving us rolling on the floor laughing.
Voice is my main instrument and it’s one I’ve been working with all my life. I get such satisfaction from singing; it’s a gift I give myself everyday. The fact that I can entertain others with my music is such a bonus. To stir things inside the hearts of others the way I have been stirred, to me, makes me a success.
Music is the common thread that connects us all. I have learned that in every genre of music, there is talent, skill and value and the expression of the heart through music and art is healthy and vital to the development of community. Music can move people, help them feel emotions, and in today’s world, we could use more of that.
Rachel
Dear Peace Thru Music,
Music affects all of our lives. Music is what love sounds like. I truly believe it is one of the many ways God speaks to us each day. All we need do is listen...
Music has shown me that anything is possible, if it is approached with great love. I have sung into a hairbrush since I was a teenager. It wasn’t until I was 38 years old that I actually used a microphone for the first time. I was blessed to be in the company of great musicians and had my first public appearance within three months of rehearsing with my first band.
I was terrified the first time I went in front of an audience. I just closed my eyes and sang with everything that was in me. The response was overwhelming. Total strangers came and hugged me in-between sets. Somehow I had managed to touch a certain place in people’s hearts when I performed. At least they made me feel that way. I consider it an incredible blessing. One that I cherish with all my heart.
Two years ago, I went into my first studio and co-wrote my first original song. A few months later, my partner and I landed a small movie deal. From that, I now receive (small) BMI checks and I have my own publishing company through BMI as well. Every time someone hands me a dollar to sing....I can’t help but giggle like a schoolgirl. What an incredible feeling to be paid for something you love so much.
Three cover bands and four years have gone by since my first performance. I recently had the honor of being presented with the “Independent Female Vocalist of the Year“ award at the 14th annual Los Angeles Music Awards two months ago in Hollywood.
From that I was approached by a music scout and I am in the process of negotiating a deal to write music for an upcoming Virtual Video Gaming experience. The blessings just keep on coming!
The moral to this story is...never give up on your passion. No matter how old you are (I’m 42 now...), no matter how much resistance you are met with (and believe me...I’ve met with a lot...). I am so in love with what I do, no one can touch it. No one can EVER take this away from me. It is an unending source of pure joy. Music has shown me that I do not need anything. I already have everything. Surely this is what the Angels must feel when they touch the face of God.
Wendy Lee McDonough
Camarillo, CA
Hey Tony,
I’ve played for kids and I’ve played (a lot) for senior citizens... I can tell you that in the end, we are all children. Music is one of the first things to move us, and one of the last of our senses left intact when the rest are all shutting down.
Just watch a toddler bounce happily up and down to just about any music played... such total joy! Then imagine a room full of wheelchairs and old folks, some of whom are barely cognizant of their surroundings. Not a lot of joy there.
I play some 100 shows a year for a non-profit called The Young at Heart Project. I have seen amazing examples of folks who seemed almost comatose suddenly coming to life and singing along with some old familiar song. I have seen staff members in total astonishment, run from the room to get co-workers to come witness these small day-to-day miracles.
We were all toddlers once, and most of us will be old folks one day. There is a link that remains: music is that magic, and it never loses its power to move us... perhaps it even keeps us young. I can think of no finer gift to young or old, than to enrich their lives with music.
The Peace Through Music program brings that gift to young people, and it is a possession they will treasure for a lifetime... believe me, I’ve seen it!
Chuck McCabe
www.chuck-mccabe.com
Testimonials From Schools
“The Board of Education has accepted your donation of 50 recorders for the students at Sheridan Way Elementary School. The Board and the Administration would like to thank you for this generous donation. Your thoughtfulness and support are recognized and appreciated.“
“The Board of Education has accepted your donation of a new trumpet and case for student use at De Anza Middle School. The Board and the Administration would like to thank you for this donation.“
“The Board of Education has accepted your donation of a Turbo Sunlite electric guitar for the Music Department at Anacapa Middle School. The Board and the Administration would like to thank you for this generous donation. Your thoughtfulness and support are recognized and appreciated.“
- Dr. Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, Superintendent, Ventura Unified School District
I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you and Peace Thru Music.
- W. Richard Cadman, Principal, Santa Paula Elementary School District
“We all want to extend our thanks to Peace Thru Music for being a part of our Booster Fundraising Car Wash on March 13th. This was our first such fundraising event, and due to the overwhelming support and donations made by Peace Thru Music, we were able to raise over $1,000.00. The Don Lace autographed guitar was a welcomed donation, which caught the eye of many guitar enthusiasts, and helped get our donations off on the right track. This was truly our most active auction item.
Once again, thank you for all the support given. Without your support, this fundraiser would not have been the success that it was.
- David B. Bacon, ACHS Band Boosters Member and Parent
Dear Peace Thru Music,
I wanted to thank you for your generous donations of time and resources at Will Rogers School.
This past spring, I taught music to each of our four third-grade classes during an end-of-the-day enrichment time we call “color group rotations“. I spoke with Tony Barnes about possibly teaching a music lesson to the classes. Tony agreed to come in and teach a songwriting lesson to each of the four groups. After the first week, Tony volunteered to do some follow-up lessons with the classes. He returned for several weeks, teaching about the principles of rhyme scheme, developing songs with each group, encouraging kids to be passionate about music, and providing constant positive feedback. The kids looked forward to each week’s lesson with Tony. They loved his positive message, enthusiastic personality, and of course, the wacky songs they co-wrote with him.
Peace Thru Music also contributed to our after school band program. In addition to a generous donation of reeds and a conductor’s baton, Tony sat in on some of our rehearsals and reminded the students how lucky they are to be in “The Bronco Band.“ At our Spring concert, Tony presented a brand new trombone to one of our fourth graders! This student proudly wore his Peace Thru Music shirt to school the next day. I’m sure he will continue to pursue excellence in music.
I look forward to a future collaboration between Will Rogers School and your organization. Thanks again for all your commitment to helping kids in Ventura.
Sincerely,
Paul Browne
Teacher
Will Rogers Elementary School
Dear Tony Barnes,
This is Erick Sandoval from Will Rogers Elementary School. I am a member of the Bronco Band which is under the direction of Mr. Browne. Thank you for the trombone. I was shocked when you called my name at the concert. I am now in the 5th grade and I am going to join the Bronco Band again this year. I really enjoy playing the trombone and hope to keep playing it for a long time. Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Erick Sandoval