SDMA Recipients / Music in Schools

While the San Diego Music Awards are indeed a wonderful celebration of the county’s musical community, there is also a larger purpose at hand; keeping music a vital part of the area’s local schools. The SDMA’s are organized by The San Diego Music Foundation who created The Guitars for Schools program, in partnership with San Diego County based, Taylor Guitars. Funds raised go to support the program, according to the Foundation, “as a way to augment existing programs and to offset the loss of arts instruction due to budget cuts. The guitars familiarity and popularity among young people makes it an excellent tool for getting them interested in music, and in performing arts in general.” Since the SDMA’s began, over 70,000 K-12 students in 83 schools have benefitted. 68 schools are currently part of the program, from San Ysidro to San Onofre. It’s just one of the reasons so many artists are happy to support the SDMA’s. It should be noted that everyone involved, from the event organizers to the showcase promoters, to the poster designer and the musicians themselves, volunteers their time and talents.

“There’s no better charity than that!” said Ashley E Norton of Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth (Best Country or Americana Artist). “I believe that as professional musicians, it’s our duty to pass music onto younger generations. And with music being the first thing to be cut from school systems, this is the way to keep it going. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

Bassist Sppike Mike Muellenberg of The Spice Pistols (Best Indie/Alternative Album, Spice Train) concurs. “The guitars for schools’ program is a huge part of our motivation for being involved with the SDMA’s,” he said. “I got my first entry into the music culture through school music programs, so the fact that an organization like the SDMA’s is continuing introducing children to music, warms our hearts.”

Guitarist Deven Berryhill of The Tourmaliners considers “this an awesome opportunity for San Diego musicians and music fans to help our up-and-coming young musicians. The SDMA’s in conjunction with Taylor have provided guitars for kids for many years. The Tourmaliners are proud to partner in helping