The
Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor
(BGCLAH) provides a variety of options for children of the community to learn and have fun. One way is through music education, where kids from surrounding schools come together to form bands and learn to play some of their favorite songs.
BGCLAH Music Program Coordinator Christine Mattera says its staff of expert musicians provide a safe learning environment that fosters creativity and helps the youth achieve their full potential. She believes the program's detailed lessons in reading and writing music helps each child find ways to express themselves musically and learn real-world performance skills. [REWRITE]
"What [BGCLAH] provides is crucial in these communities where there is almost an absence of such artistic programs and outlets," she says.
The Foundation recently delivered a complete acoustic drum set plus 8 electric guitars to the Wilmington location. Christine says she is excited to expand the music program by setting up the drum set and a couple guitars at its Harbor City location.
"This site is a new addition to BGCLAH and has never had a running music program," she says. "These instruments will allow us to emulate the one-on-one lessons offered at our other locations and establish a music program for those students."
It's one thing to practice your favorite songs and have fun with school classmates but it's another to perform for family and friends; especially in front of crowds for special occasions. And yet, Christine says her music students don't shy away from the challenge.
"Our kids perform multiple times throughout the year [and] we host recitals frequently within each clubhouse," she says. "Also they perform at community events, such as the local Art Walks and holiday parades."
On behalf of the BGCLAH organization and its music students, thank you to the Guitar Center Music Foundation for all of the amazing instruments. [EDIT]
