MONTEREY COUNTY — For the second consecutive year, the Monterey County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns brought the power of music into the hands of local students, donating nearly 250 Gibson electric guitars and amplifiers to 16 school districts.
The giveaway, which took place April 18 at the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) in Salinas, included major support for South Monterey County schools. Districts receiving guitars included Bradley Union (15), Chualar Union (30), Gonzales Unified (12), Greenfield Union (6), King City Union (14), Mission Union (15), San Antonio Union (10), San Ardo Union (10), Soledad Unified (8) and South Monterey County Joint Union High School District (5).
The effort built on last year’s large-scale distribution of 350 Keith Urban Yamaha guitars and cases, further strengthening a regional commitment to music education as a creative alternative to violence.
“This incredibly generous donation is not only a gift to our schools, but an investment in our students’ creativity and well-being,” said Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud to partner again with Guitars Not Guns and support music education opportunities, especially in our underserved communities.”
Funded in part by the Monterey County Gives! campaign — a collaborative effort of the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation — the nonprofit raised more than $40,000 to support this year’s donation. The guitars were purchased through Gibson Guitars with logistical support from Monterey Music Store.
Steve Vagnini, director and co-founder of the Monterey County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns, worked closely with MCOE staff to identify schools most in need of instruments. The donation was part of Vagnini’s ongoing “Big Idea” initiative, which aims to place guitars in every school lacking access to music programs.
Since its founding in 2010, the local chapter has served approximately 3,500 students, offering free guitars and lessons to at-risk youth. Many alumni have gone on to perform in local bands and continue their musical growth.
“In a time when schools are navigating limited resources and increased student needs, this partnership highlights how collaboration among schools and community groups are essential, and offers a powerful reminder of the role music can play in healing, connection and growth,” according to MCOE.
