Guitars Not Guns Program Provides Inspiration for Youth

San Jose, CA — With the purpose of providing guitar lessons to children and teenagers who are exposed to social or family violence, or for those who have a passion or interest in music, Guitars Not Guns (GNG) renders the dreams into reality of many people, regardless of their social status or lack of money.

Since 1992, when this non-profit organization began, Ray and Louise Nelson, who are adoptive parents, decided to offer an experience of change to all the youngsters with an interest in music. Ray began his search for unused guitars, and gave them to kids who lived in foster care.

Thus, this deed, at the service of the community, began to find places across the street, and started echoing around the schools and streets, aiming at ending violence, and at introducing the fascinating world of music to these kids who face several problems. This musical program has separated these kids from drugs, alcohol, crime, and gangs.

"Music became my inspiration because my father is a bass player, and he brought me to this organization so that I could learn to play guitar", said Hernán Cortéz, a student and San Jose resident, who has been going to GNG for three years.

There, the young talented Cortéz learned to play guitar in four months, thanks to his volunteer teachers, Nick, Ray and Richy Salazar. In no time he was already teaching himself 9 and 10 year-olds from the Foster Care Program. "This is therapy through music. It is better for these kids to grab a guitar, and not a gun," said Cortéz.

By listening to Cortéz playing his classic rock guitar, or his vibrant flamenco guitar, we can observe the transformation from a young semblance to a wise pair of eyes, more mature, remembering his short past, but with an innate memory that is moving, and that persuades the listening ears of his unwary audience.

"Two of my friends died very young, one at an accident and my other friend was killed. That's why I write this melody in honor of Ray and Jonathan, and it says, 'Why did they leave so soon? I miss them so much…'" sang Cortéz.

Alma Ríos, Cortéz's mother, said, "Music has helped my son to calm down, to control his character. Now he helps many kids. That's why parents must be involved with their children's activities, to bring them away from violence. Music and art can channel their energy."

Cortéz's father, José Luis Yebra, said that the volunteer teachers at GNG teach at top level, they cultivate the youngsters and they receive a well earned free guitar because of their efforts and dedication.

Cortéz is invited to Watsonville every Feb. 3rd to play his guitar at a massive festival, in honor of Ricardo Valenzuela (Ritchie Valens), alongside actors, musicians and famous personalities from the Bay Area.

"One day, one kid said hello to me, and said I was his hero. That made me very happy because I want to set an example to the community, to help kids and teenagers in anyway, to keep them away from violence," said Cortéz.

Talented Cortéz, who took the last name after his late uncle, as a great conqueror that wants to reach college, and continue his passion for music, makes the following recommendation to young people, "practice sports, music, be yourselves and do not imitate anybody."

Hernán Cortéz also teaches young people. If you need more information, call (408) 506-4358.

GNG is a national organization, and can be found at different cities around the Bay Area.