TONY BARNES HAS SEEN the power of music firsthand. As a teacher at Oxnard's Curren Elementary School he witnessed a miracle of sorts when a sixth-grader with selective mutism who had never spoken to an adult outside his own family before finally opened up.
"I brought my guitar and gave him my attention," Barnes explained quite simply.
Music turned Barnes around, too. "I came from a pretty horrific background. My brother was in juvenile hall and I was almost there, too." He credits his own fifth-grade teacher with starting the musical spark which changed his life and has led him on a singular mission to make sure every child has the experience of playing an instrument.
Barnes founded a non-profit group called Peace Thru Music to do just that. Since 2002 he has visited area schools and community groups donating instruments and spreading the joys of music with an infectious enthusiasm which also rubs off on the adults he encounters.
"There are any number of kids who have never held an instrument," explained Peace Thru Music Executive Director Heather Mackinga. The group's goal is to provide instruments to children who have demonstrated need and eventually establish a fund to pay for lessons.
BUT IT'S MORE THAN JUST THAT, Barnes said. "Kids need places to go. They need accomplishment." The group's core mission is to teach conflict resolution along with musical skills. While out visiting schools with his guitar, Barnes often can be heard leading the chant, "Pick on strings, not living things."
It all resonates with the students, Mackinga says. "Tony has an amazing ability to connect to the kids and get their attention."
Barnes laments the back-burner status music has been relegated to in the lower grades. His group was instrumental in jumpstarting the Bronco Band at Will Rogers Elementary, the only one in any of Ventura's elementary schools.
Peace Thru Music is struggling a bit with funding, Barnes said, as are most non-profits these days. They recently received a boost when MTV gave the group a plug and assisted in providing instruments. Because of that, Mark Burnett Productions of "Survivor" fame asked Peace Thru Music to be involved in an upcoming musical reality show, "Jingles," Mackinga said. The group is also hoping to publish, as a fundraiser, a book with short stories from famous musicians.
IN THE MEAN TIME, Barnes is only too happy to partner with other kid-friendly organizations who also need a boost. Peace Thru Music has helped with open microphone nights at Ventura's new City Corps, a civic works project for at-risk kids. The two groups are currently holding a used musical instrument drive. (Bring donations to the City Corps office at 77 N. California St., between 1 and 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.) And the group is lining up talent to play before Kevin Costner's band Modern West takes the stage this Saturday in Downtown Ventura.
"We're all like musical instruments in a band when we work together," Barnes explained.
For more information about Peace Thru Music, go to www.peacethrumusic.org. For information about City Corps, which is looking for volunteer youth leaders ages 18 to 24, call 653-2351
It's a shame music programs are not as popular in the schools. When I was a kid we had a separate music, art and gym teacher in elementary school. That would be unusual now. Now wonder other countries are beating us. Music is a building block for other skills, including math.
Peace thru Music and Ventura City Corps have collaborated for a "CONCERT ON THE CURB" event this Saturday, 7/26, in downtown Ventura at 77 N.California Street from 12 to 7. The Instrument Drive will continue along with a BBQ and Free Live Concert with 6 local bands. Raffle tickets will also be available for a chance to win a guitar signed by Kevin Costner. Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West, will provide a free concert on the main stage at the corner of Main/California Street around 7:30 (ish). Everyone is welcome! Bring your chairs, and enjoy a day filled with music, food, and fun. Come prepared to dance in the street!
I forgot to mention that the first 50 people who drop off an instrument at City Corps will receive a coupon good for a free Dominos Pizza. In addition, they will receive a tax receipt AND a very good feeling in the heart knowing that their donation will bring music into the life of a child.
I bot raffle tickets...never did hear any
numbers called, what's up with that?
Donna- The tickets for the raffle were drawn at 7:30 from the City Corps/Peace Thru Music stage on upper California Street. There were three signed guitars that were given away to three winners. We thought we were going to be able to draw the tickets from the main stage but at the 11th hour main event organizers, Sara Masterson and Tim Hoctor, told us that the drawing from the main stage wouldn't be allowed. Many people were disappointed and that was really the only unfortunate event that day. It was a wonderful day and we really appreciate everyone who supported Peace Thru Music and City Corps non-profit youth organizations by purchasing a raffle ticket. We hope the winners enjoy their new guitars.