You can also see a CNN video about CNN Hero, Brad Blauser’s efforts with Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids.
All profits from the sale of this CD will go towards the Wheelchair for Iraqi Kids
as well as the
San Jose Family Shelter.
LONGAY CONSERVATORY OF GUITAR DOCUMENT / UPDATED : DECEMEBER 13, 2010
About this CDThis story started over a year ago when Ben, one of Mr. Longay’s students, together with his mother where deeply moved by scenes presented in a CNN special about the struggle many Iraqi families face who have children whose mobility is restricted. The special highlighted the efforts of an organization, Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids, which provides wheelchairs for the children of these families. The wheelchairs are shipped free of charge by USAID and the Denton Program and distributed by the US troops. In addition to directly impacting these families lives, the organization provides a pivotal connection between our troops and the Iraqi people. General David Petraeus has given this organization accolades for their contributions in helping to show the Iraqi people the compassion of the American people and helping to raise the moral of the troops. The Sunday following the CNN special Ben began performing in front of a local bakery in his neighborhood to raise money for the organization. No sooner had he opened his guitar case when he discovered that a donor had dropped in a check for $2,100! 
Spurred by the success of his first day, Ben continues to demonstrate compassion in the true Suzuki spirit, by offering music to help raise funds and awareness for children in Iraq. To date Ben has surpassed his goal of $10,000 by raising over $17,000! He is not done in his ambitious effort for supporting this cause. Ben’s mom, Helen, sent us these insightful thoughts, “It’s very difficult for children to understand war but easy for them to know how sad life would be if you couldn't walk or run or kick a ball around. I like the fact that this charity gives a tangible gift to a child in need.” Ben’s inspired actions were enough to compel us to produce this recording of some of our favorite classics and holiday music and to donate the profits from the sale of the CD to the Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids organization as well as a local organization, San Jose Family Shelter, dedicated to supporting children and families in need.
| The ensemble has just completed the recording and it is now available at the Longay Conservatory, details are available from our website. The members of the ensemble ranges in age from 11-15 with the majority of them beginning their studies at age 3. These students have worked hard to create this collection and are excited about the outcome. The tremendous dedication of the students with the support of their parents have made this spirited and heartfelt project possible. Remember that part of what makes the Suzuki approach so successful is the immersion of children in a musically rich environment. From the point of view of parents and teachers, this CD is especially valuable since it demonstrates children deeply engaged in their music making while personifying the principle of children helping children — a great and rare opportunity to teach our children about commitment to the arts as well as the value of compassion in action. 
The CD makes a great gift for your family and friends while, at the same time, demonstrates the musical realization of what we know to be the inherent potential of all children. The cost for the CD is $15 and can be purchased from our web-site. We are all aware that not all children share the same advantages to which we have grown accustomed. Economic hardship, war, disease and abuse remains a daily reality for many children and families throughout the world. Somehow the distractions of our life prevent us from taking substantive action on our compassionate impulses. Your purchase will demonstrate your support of the cause of “children helping children” as you bring this beautiful guitar music of these wonderful young players into your families’ Holiday celebration. It is my sincere hope that this project and future projects realize Dr. Suzuki’s ideal of the noble heart. Please join us in helping to celebrate the amazing accomplishment of these wonderful young people. —Frank Longay (December, 2009) UPDATE : Of the 300 ordered CDs we still have about 50 left. |
You can also see a CNN video about CNN Hero, Brad Blauser’s efforts with Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids.
All profits from the sale of this CD will go towards the Wheelchair for Iraqi Kids
as well as the
San Jose Family Shelter.
© 2009 Frank Longay
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