Guitars not Guns

One of life’s lessons I’m routinely reminded of is the importance of consistently putting forth my best effort, regardless of the activity. As a child I remember mundanely raking leaves and hearing my mom say, “Do your best, you never know who’s watching.” It’s a character trait we possess as a band and a quality that has helped us become successful in other areas of our lives as well.

Remedy recently had the opportunity to play at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City, GA on July 10th, as the opening act for the World Classic Rockers at the venue. Unbeknownst to us, among the many spectators watching that evening were Ray and Louise Nelson, founders of the Guitars not Guns Foundation, and GnG’s Marketing Director, Victoria Blair. Following the performance, the band received an incredibly kind e-mail from Ray, complimenting our performance and thanking us for being a part of an evening he truly enjoyed. Contained within the signature of his e-mail was a reference to a website entitled www.guitarsnotguns.org.

Ever curious, I promptly clicked the link and began trolling through the various pages on the website. What I discovered was truly inspiring. Established in 2000, Guitars not Guns provides underprivileged youth in the community with guitars and lessons, in an effort to help them discover the positive influence of music and the impact it can have on their lives. In addition to teaching kids how to play guitar, instructors emphasize ancillary life skills such as discipline, hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Consequently, it provides them with an enjoyable hobby and keeps them constructively occupied, instead of potentially falling prey to destructive influences like drugs, gangs or alcohol.

It was a great surprise then, when we received a second e-mail from Victoria Blair, GnG’s Marketing Director, asking us if we would like to participate in the upcoming graduation ceremony for GnG’s current students. After learning more about the organization and how GnG serves the community, each member of the band agreed to participate without hesitation. Originally asked to perform a few songs and speak to the students about our experiences with music, we’re hoping to have enough time before the event to practice a few songs with the kids so they can play with us at the ceremony.

As it turns out, all that practice, effort and hard work leading up to the concert at the Fred was beneficial on a number of levels. And if there’s one message I’ll be trying to advocate while speaking with the students, it will be for them to always put forth their best effort, regardless of the activity.

You never know who’s watching!