Four young children from Altadena got quite a rude awakening in the dead of night when a firefighter came banging on their door, ordering them to evacuate immediately. With only their pajamas on, they hurriedly left their home, leaving behind everything they owned, including the youngest child’s beloved violin. When they reached the evacuation shelter, the little violinist’s main concern was the safety of her precious instrument.
In January, the catastrophic Eaton fire wreaked havoc in Los Angeles, claiming lives, homes, and possessions in its path. Students at Altadena Arts Magnet and Eliot Arts Magnet not only lost their residences but also their school and the treasured musical instruments stored in the band room. The loss of these instruments was like losing a part of themselves for many of these children, making it incredibly heartwarming when Guitar Center and Sony stepped in to provide new instruments for them.
Music has always been a source of solace and strength for those affected by tragedies like the Eaton fire. Myka Miller, the executive director of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, leads the charge in providing disaster relief efforts, believing in the healing power of music. With over 1,000 applications received, they have already distributed 450 instruments to students, with Altadena music students benefiting from about $200,000 worth of instruments. The impact of music goes beyond just playing notes; it offers stability, healing, and opportunities for children facing immense hardships.
