The Parks and Community Services Department and Guitars Not Guns (GNG), graduated its first 2012 beginner's class at the G.H.W.R. Youth Center on Wednesday, June 20th.
The graduation ceremony featured a performance by GNG students, including La Bamba. Students were presented with a certificate for completing the class and their very own acoustic guitar. The event was also a potluck as friends and family brought dishes to share as they watched these kids become musicians. A few of the members of Ritchie Valens' family were in attendance and presented the donation of an electric guitar to the program. After the ceremony, local musicians "Smooth Groove" performed a variety of songs for the audience to enjoy.
The students who graduated were:
Desmond Aguilera, Adrian Anaya, Alex Anaya, Jonatan Cordova, Aaron Fernandez, Alfredo Montero, Sebastian Ruiz, Jose Joel Vasquez, Jason Zamora, and Jonathan Zamora, along with advanced beginners, Dylan Anderson and Tehana Owens.
Guitars Not Guns is an all-volunteer run organization. If you would like to learn more about Guitars Not Guns, or are interested in participating or volunteering, feel free to call 768-3294, or email eugene.bragado@cityofwatsonville.org
