Community Engagement through Music

The mission of the South Bay Guitar Society (SBGS) is to promote enjoyment of classical guitar music throughout the Santa Clara Valley.

Run by an all-volunteer board, for nearly 40 years the Cupertino-based non-profit has connected virtuoso guitarists from around the world with our local community via recitals, classes, and lectures held in libraries, schools, hospitals, and senior homes.

To bring guitar music to more communities in the South Bay, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, in 2024 the SBGS board asked for funding to help expand its local community engagement program.

Our grant funded twice-monthly virtual open mic performances as well as weekly Zoom guitar technique classes. The classes included fretboard knowledge, tone production and rhythm, and also offered structured exercises performed as a group. The grant funds paid artist and teaching fees for the guitar professionals engaged to host these events and classes.

Most of these events were provided at no cost to audience members, thereby achieving SBGS’s goal is to entertain, educate and bring the joy of music to everyone in the community regardless of age, culture, abilities and economic means.